Author: M Mykonos Villas

Even in the heart of the winter, Mykonos is a place like no other in Greece. This includes the mild weather, the amazing natural beauties, the legendary historical sites, the festivities that surround the New Year celebrations and the restless vibe that lies within the beautiful island’s DNA, even during its quietest moments.

The weather

There is a popular Greek song, saying that “it’s never cold in Greece, it has never been”; which is more than partly true. The average temperature in January —traditionally the coldest month of the year— is 11 °C! In December 2022 and December 2023 temperatures rose up to 27 degrees (!), leading to many people enjoying swims in the sea. Eventually it will get much colder but snowing is extremely rare and, if it does happen, it will surely make the headlines! There might be some rain, but judging from the dryness of the landscape, precipitation is not abundant. Typically, grey skies last for a very few days and the sun shines again, creating opportunities for outdoor activities. The only possible freezing factor is the occasional strong northern winds, which, fortunately, do not last very long.

The fun

Many believe that from the end of October until late March, the nightlife in Mykonos comes to a complete standstill. However, Greeks love celebrating life in every way. During the high season, their job is to bring joy to the massive crowds of guests visiting the island for fun. In the winter, they are having fun among their own community in bars, restaurants, and tavernas with live music. If you happen to pass by, they will welcome you warmly, and soon you will be surrounded by openhearted locals singing, drinking, dancing, and offering you the authentic Greek “kefi” (having fun) experience.

The food

Mykonos is home to some of the best restaurants and tavernas in Greece, serving a range from classic Greek dishes to the most upscale cuisine. Normally, the exclusive, high-end restaurants are closed during the off-season, but you can still enjoy the mouthwatering Greek recipes at a few tavernas in Chora and in Ano Mera. There, you will be treated to exceptional menu selections, such as savory local cheeses, winter salads, homemade sausages, and delicious soups. You will also find the most traditional and emblematic dishes, such as moussaka (made with ground beef, eggplant and potatoes), spanakopita (pastry filled with spinach, herbs and feta cheese), and cabbage-dolma (filled with minced meat and rice). As for dessert, don’t miss the baklava, made from filo pastry, honey, and nuts. During January, savor the famous Vasilopita, a special cake made in every bakery and household, with a coin, called “Flouri”, secretly hidden inside it. On
New Year’s Eve the head of the family cuts the cake, after blessing it with the sign of the Cross, and offers a piece to each member of the family and guest. The lucky one who finds the Flouri is expected to have a very fortunate year!

Getting there

Mykonos is equipped with an international airport, but during the winter, most flights are connected to Athens, the Greek capital. There are also ferries that operate daily between the port of Rafina (near Athens) and Mykonos, with the exception of some days during the winter when the fierce winds don’t allow any kind of sailing.

Perhaps you believe you’ve already heard everything about the beauty and lifestyle of Mykonos. With the constant buzz and numerous publications each year highlighting its unique coastline and vibrant nightlife, people often consider themselves authentic connoisseurs of this Cycladic diamond that draws thousands of visitors annually. Nevertheless, there are still many facts about Mykonos that even its most frequent visitors might overlook. Here are a few!

1. From 500 BC to 320 BC, Mykonos was part of the Athenian prefecture, and as such, it paid taxes to Athens, the capital of Greece.

2. During the ancient Peloponnesian War, the Athenians faced such bad consequences that they decided to “purify” the sacred island of Delos. Consequently, it was forbidden for individuals to be born or buried there.

3. Around 1900 Mykonos was one of the most popular hangouts for pirates.

4. Back in the 1950s, fishing was officially taught in a school in the Little Venice neighborhood.

5. “Unless you have seen the houses in Mykonos, you can’t pretend to be an architect”. This quote belongs to the legendary French architect Le Corbusier who was in love with the narrow alleys and small whitewashed houses of Chora, the island’s capital.

What he might not have known is that, once upon a time, the houses on the island were painted blue, yellow, and even pink! This changed overnight due to the cholera plague, when it was decided by the authorities that they had to be covered with lime, the strongest disinfectant at the time. So, the next morning they were all painted white! Another reason for painting houses white across the Aegean is that this color helps houses stay cooler during the summer heat.

6. Speaking of Mykonian residences, the only colors that are allowed for the doors and windows of the island’s houses are blue, green and red. This tradition dates back to a time when colors were used to signify the owners’ professions: blue for sailors, green for farmers, and red for all others.

7. Back in the ‘30s, Mykonos was a poor, sparsely populated island. It gained attention from artists and rich Europeans due to the excavations carried out by French archaeologists on the neighboring island of Delos.

8. Among the international movies that were filmed in Mykonos are The Bourne Identity (2002), Summer Lovers (1982), Shirley Valentine (1989), Greed (2019), The Greek Tycoon (1978) and Island of Death (1976).

9. Donkeys are a common sight in Mykonos, as in ancient times these sweet animals served asfaithful work companions. Most families owned a donkey, often using it as their primary means of transportation!

How many of these fun facts did you know?

It’s mid-October and huge cruise ships from distant destinations keep arriving at the port of Mykonos. The weather is summerish, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures rising at an average of 26-28 (even 30) degrees Celsius. Great opportunity to explore the stunning sandy beaches that get extremely crowded during the high season. At this time of the year, it is wise to go for a shorter swim —since the air is fresher now— and spend the rest of the time touring this spectacular island that never loses its upbeat and explosive energy.

Among the thousand attractions one can enjoy in Mykonos, three are the ones that will make you want to come back every year: its amazing coastline, its rocking nightlife, and the great food!

There are hundreds of restaurants on the island to cater for even the most extreme culinary requirements of travelers. From exclusive restaurants serving the latest trends of the international cuisine, to small family-run seaside tavernas serving fresh fish or the famous Greek tradition of souvlaki “centers” offering this extravagantly delicious lunch or dinner in hand, Mykonos is a home of top gastronomy.

Walking through the picturesque cobblestone streets of Mykonos Town, the air is filled with the tickling smells of freshly baked bread, local herbs and food baking in the locals’ houses. Let yourself indulge in this mouthwatering experience and before leaving Mykonos, make sure that you have tasted the best local delicacies, such as:

Louza: made from fine pork filet, it is a type of sausage and a great appetizer to accompany ouzo, raki, or wine.

Kopanisti cheese is one of the 3 types of cheeses made in Mykonos, It is a spicy goat milk cheese with a rich texture, usually used as a snack, spread on bread or rusk with extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and tomato

Xinotiro: its name means sour cheese and it will remind you both of Greek feta and Kopanisti. The fact that it is left in the sun to dry for long makes Xinotiro perfect for pasta dishes.

Onion pie (Kremidopita). Made with sweet onions, local aromatics, the local cheese Trivolia (soft, white cheese), and extra virgin olive oil, it is a top delicacy.

Kalathaki is a mouthwatering sweet almond cake present in almost every Mykonos tradition, like weddings and christenings.

Especially during the summer don’t miss the opportunity to join some of the many tasting tours, like wine tastings at traditional farms, sailing cruises with local food tasting, cooking classes, theme tastings with Greek ancient varieties, fish or BBQ picnics on the beach, and many more food and culture tours!