Category: Blog

There is a reason you don’t often meet locals in the fancy clubs of Mykonos that keep the dancing beat of the Island sky-high throughout the summer nights: islanders, like most Greeks living far from big cities, have their own distinctive and spectacular way of getting together and partying until dawn.

Dating back to ancient times, this beautiful tradition is called panigiri—a festive occasion originally held in honor of mythical gods and goddesses to win their favor. In recent years, the religious context of this grand feast usually follows the name day of a prominent saint of the Orthodox Church.

Yet, a panigiri is not just about demonstrating faith. Much more than that, it is an unparalleled tradition that brings together people who live in rough and remote areas, offering them a chance to organize festive events where they share food and wine, and dance until sunrise. These celebrations are open not only to residents of the broader area, but also to passing travelers. Strangers are welcome at any local panigiri, whether it’s dedicated to religious events or celebrates something else—like successful harvests.

In every case, the panigiri is an ideal time to reconnect with cultural roots and strengthen community bonds. The festivities usually start early in the evening, supported by traditional musicians playing local instruments, like bagpipes in Mykonos. Depending on the importance of the panigiri, popular performers take the microphone to sing and invite guests to dance alongside professional local dancers dressed in traditional clothes. Don’t worry if you have never learned the steps; just join in and soon you will be having the time of your life, dancing in a circle of friendly, smiling faces. Greeks are true hospitality masters! As for the food, nearly every panigiri has its own special dishes, though enormous quantities of grilled meat are always a staple.

In Mykonos, such unique festivals are held in Ano Mera, the Island’s main village, just a 20-minute drive from Chora (Mykonos Town). Try not to miss the panigiri of Saint Marina on July 17, or the week-long celebrations for the Virgin Mary on August 15. But the most picturesque panigiri in Mykonos is the celebration of Our Lady or Virgin Mary Church, held every summer on June 11, on the small island of Tragonisi, which is only a 30-minute boat ride from Kalafatis beach. As there is no pier on the islet, boats must be tied side by side to the rocks. From there, it takes another 30 minutes to walk—or rather, climb—along a difficult trail leading to the church. The festivities begin right after the religious service, when only male visitors are asked to sit on a nearby rock and celebrate by sharing homemade food and wine in a spiritual, deeply bonding experience.

You have most probably heard of the Greek holiday destinations’ “cliché”: Athens for the monumental, totally breathtaking Acropolis, Santorini for the stunning volcanic view, Patmos for the monasterial ambiance, Crete for its renowned cuisine and, last but not at all least, Mykonos for its rocking nightlife, celebrity visitors and luxury lifestyle. And while they all have in common the same amazing coastlines with gold-sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, high level accommodation and excellent food, Mykonos has something truly unique and unexpected to offer: two closely neighbouring islands—Delos and Rhenia—each one being a small but wonderful Aegean gem with extraordinary characteristics.

Delos Island is a world-famous archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that, according to mythology, was the birthplace of ancient god Apollo and goddess Artemis. While in its time it was a major religious and commercial center, today it’s an uninhabited historical site—essentially an open-air museum—full of precious ruins that include temples and markets, houses with mosaics and the emblematic Terrace of the Lions. In Delos there is also an Archaeological Museum displaying impressive findings from the excavations that started in the ’50s. The experience of walking around this sacred Cycladic spot with the strong wind blowing and the view of maybe the most spectacular sunset of the Aegean is unparallel even for tourist “veterans”!

To visit Delos you can charter a yacht or helicopter, preferably with an experienced guide on board to tell you its most magical stories. The flight will last a very few minutes, while the sailing trip is about half an hour long, depending on the kind of boat and the weather. Organized tours are also popular, offering drinks and meals onboard, as well as snorkeling, diving adventures, and water sports upon request.

Even closer to Mykonos is the also uninhabited, historical, 14 km² long Rhenia island, ready to offer an authentic Robinson Crusoe experience to its visitors. Scattered around its rural landscape are a few chapels and farmhouses revealing a farming past, when the boats reaching the small harbor Kasari used to carry livestock sent by the municipality of Mykonos to support the former residents. There are also a few humble cafes and tavernas serving coffee and local food to those seeking a quiet, peaceful site, surrounded by beautiful beaches with turquoise crystal-clear waters.

Also reached by private helicopter rides or yacht cruises, Rhenia’s historical past is deeply connected with that of Delos. While both islands come in full contrast to their famous neighbor, the three of them form a most spectacular exclusive trio, made for the most demanding travelers!

Among the countless tourism medals Mykonos has earned since the 1950s, the island has also become one of the top Instagram-worthy destinations in the world. And that hardly needs explanation—deep blue sea and skies, famous landmarks, explosive nightlife, and the celebrities that flood its alleys and beaches every summer are more than enough for picture-perfect content shared across the social media platforms.

To be honest, what we usually see posted is the classic: photos in front of the iconic windmills, their wings spinning with the help of the strong Cycladic “meltemia” (northern winds); videos of the narrow alleys in the world-famous Little Venice neighborhood, right in front of legendary bars frequented by Hollywood stars and athletes; snapshots at the old port with the island’s famous pelican—though not the legendary Petros, but one of his anonymous successors, still strolling around restaurant tables in search of a piece of fish or some bread; and of course, videos from iconic beaches like Panormos, Elia, or Psarrou, with their luxurious sunbeds and emblematic beach bars where the party never ends.

That’s the typical “don’t-miss list” of Mykonos. But it’s not all.

Every corner of the island hides magical, Instagram-worthy scenery—like the historical Armenistis Lighthouse, one of the most impressive and romantic spots on the island. Or Ano Mera, Mykonos’ main village, with its charming bakeries and cafés, and local wineries where you can taste the region’s wine, ouzo, and tsipouro. From there, it’s worth visiting the large Byzantine monasteries—and later, when you return to Mykonos Town (Chora), get lost in its quieter alleys to capture the magic of the small, white-washed houses and some really unique beauties, like the miniature churches built into their basements.

Or hop on a boat to the neighboring sacred island of Delos, and take extraordinary selfies next to its rare archaeological treasures that can only be found here. There, you’ll also stand in awe watching the breathtaking sunset that’s rightly considered one of the most beautiful in the Aegean Sea. For the more adventurous, rent a sailing yacht or motorboat to discover Mykonos’ most secluded beaches—and bring your underwater camera to capture the magical colors of the deep as you snorkel.

So, next time you plan your trip to Mykonos, along with your tickets and packing list, create also a list of lesser-known, “Instagrammable” spots that will not only help you create some of your best memories, but will also impress your followers and make them fall in love with this one-of-a-kind destination.