Author: M Mykonos Villas

Mykonos for all!

Mykonos for all!

Posted on | by M Mykonos Villas

From extravagant luxury to family picknicks, Mykonos is a magical holiday destination where visitors feel that all their wishes can come true. Some are looking for a paradise to enjoy endless swimming or snorkeling, with the sun’s rays penetrating the azure blue waters to reveal this rich and most beautiful seabed of the Mediterranean. Others get there only to be part of the amazing atmosphere and rocking energy of the never-ending party that takes turns in spectacular beach bars, notorious clubs; even in the streets with the music always loud and the people dancing as if there will not be any tomorrow.

There are also those who will visit this beautiful island to indulge in the mystic experience of its old, emblematic Byzantine monasteries or just taste the traditional local delicacies that can be found in the small taverns of the mainland. Moreover, while grownups will relax on luxurious sunbeds with private service, their children can try the most exciting water sports under the supervision of well-trained professionals. That is why everyone can have the time of their lives in Mykonos, no matter where they come from or where they go.

Mykonos was ‘found’ in 1873 by the archaeologists of the French archaeological school who had just started the excavations in the nearby sacred Delos Island. Looking for a neighboring spot where they could rest and find shelter, food, and fresh water to endure the fatigue and the heat that made their work very difficult, they set foot in Mykonos. Only 2 miles away, it was a beautiful island with unique sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, and with few inhabitants who were mostly fishermen.

In the following years Mykonos was discovered by the Athenian bourgeoisie and became paradise for international celebrities. Gradually, the friendly islanders learned to welcome and accommodate the growing crowds of travelers sailing in, in a way that had nothing to envy from similar legendary holiday destinations such as Ibiza, St. Tropez, or Monaco. Ever since, hotels, resorts and beautiful private villas with full amenities keep attracting Mykonos’ lovers who know how to recognize the authenticity and true charm of this unique Aegean rock that is reborn every year, turning holidays into a magical experience for all!

Season opening in Mykonos

Yachting, shopping, club-hopping: season opening in Mykonos!

Posted on | by M Mykonos Villas

There are two types of people who can’t wait to arrange their tickets and accommodations for a trip to Mykonos. The first group consists of classic summer visitors who eagerly seek to experience the intensity and high energy of this remarkable island. Shining like a glittering jewel in the middle of the Aegean Sea, Mykonos Island is renowned for its incredible landscapes, golden sandy beaches, vibrant party scene, and the opportunity to witness the most beautiful sunset on the planet from the sacred nearby island of Delos — a magical place known for its unique antiquities and a glorious legacy rooted in Greek mythology.

Every summer, world celebrities flock to Mykonos, craving the chance to dance until dawn in notorious beach bars, savor their coffee or drinks in elegant bars with breathtaking views of the legendary windmills, or dine in exquisite restaurants offering the most exciting delicacies from around the world. Among them are some of the most famous people on the globe, ranging from tycoons and technology gurus to Hollywood stars, royals, footballers, and racing pilots. Many of them arrive on the island via private jets or yachts, typically between early July and mid-September. Mykonos always stands ready to welcome them, providing top-notch services and ensuring they have the time of their lives for the duration of their stay.

The other group of Mykonos enthusiasts are the ‘season-openers,’ who arrive between May and June, knowing that this is the best time to experience the island’s true magic. Spring provides the perfect opportunity to feel like you have the island to yourself. You can choose to visit different, almost deserted beaches each day and enjoy water sports facilities at your own pace. Alternatively, you may opt for an almost private guided tour to explore the imposing Byzantine monasteries on the mainland or the ancient monuments of Delos.

During this time of year, the weather is generally mild, the sea is calm, and the temperatures are warm enough for swimming or enjoying outdoor dining in the evenings. However, do not think that the season-opening means missing out on the island’s usual explosive energy that keeps it alive day and night throughout the summer. Yachting, shopping, and club-hopping are activities that never wane while you are in the Cyclades!

As the first visitors of the new season, you will be warmly welcomed by the locals, who will offer great deals for private yachting and fishing tours. If you’re lucky enough, they may even invite you to join them for a glass of the strong, spicy tsipouro drink, while sharing fascinating stories about how Mykonos became a legendary destination in the Aegean.

Easter in Mykonos

Easterscape in Mykonos

Posted on | by M Mykonos Villas

Most travelers believe that there is no better time to visit the Greek islands than in the summertime. This is mostly true as the sea is incredibly blue and the sun shines every day, and the beautiful, golden beaches get full of happy people who spend long hours sunbathing, swimming, or dancing at some of the funkiest beach-bars of the Mediterranean, having the time of their lives. Yes, there are no better summer holidays than those spent on an amazing Greek island like Mykonos!

Except if you plan to visit Greece during Easter. With the “real” summer usually starting about a month later (the exact dates vary, as the orthodox Easter is a mobile feast), the sea will already be incredibly blue, and the sun will be shining every day, and the beautiful, golden beaches will be opening to welcome the first dedicated swimmers. It may be a little bit chilly after sundown, and there is no way to totally exclude the possibility of some light rain — but normally the weather will be great and the surrounding nature will dazzle you with its rich flora, that will eventually surrender to the summer dryness.

Most of all, Greek Easter is a one-week mystery tour around the march of Jesus through His tortures, crucifixion, and resurrection. To be precise, Greek Orthodox Easter is the most important celebration in the church’s calendar. The festivities start 40 days before Easter Sunday, on the first Saturday after Clean Monday. Priests from Panagia Tourliani Monastery in Ano Mera, in the island’s mainland, carry a holy icon from the Monastery on a 8km walk to Chora, the main town of Mykonos. Children accompany the ritual holding wreaths made from palm leaves. Five weeks later, on Lazarus Saturday, the icon is carried back to Ano Mera and on that day the local bakeries throughout Mykonos prepare prepare lazarakia, a dough model representing Lazarus who raised from the grave, with his eyes made from gillyflowers, sugar and raisins. They also bake the lambrokouloures, a sweet local bread adorned with red eggs, that symbolize the blood of Christ. As the Holy Week continues, the bakeries produce more special bread, as food is a very important part of the celebrations.

On Good Friday —which is usually and oddly a rather cloudy day— Mykonos turns solemn, as women beautifully decorate the grave of Jesus with flowers. Late in the evening, this “epitaph” is carried through the villages with worshippers following and chanting, holding lit candles. On the night of Holy Saturday the mood radically changes and locals gather outside the churches just before midnight to celebrate the resurrection of Christ in an unforgettable ceremony. Then, people return to their homes carrying candles to enjoy a traditional meal, featuring a soup called mageiritsa made from vegetables and the boiled parts of a lamb. The night usually ends with a big, long party!

Easter Sunday is an extraordinary display of the Greek hospitality, as family members feast and celebrate with their loved ones. A lamb is roasted on a spit over a barbecue, together with a variety of amazing delicacies including salads, kopanisti spicy cheese, potatoes and Mykonian sausages, together with the famous red eggs.

Blending the traditional with the contemporary, the Greek Easter on the islands is a most exciting experience that will grant you an unforgettable stay!