Category: Blog

Few people know much about Mykonos’s irresistible winter lifestyle. Around November, the vibrant, glittering, and explosive holiday season comes to an end, giving way to a quieter, slower, yet equally seductive way of life. This transition is seen in the warmly lit, white-washed houses of Chora, the cozy cafés, and the colorful fishing boats resting in the old harbor.

The time between the official end of summer and Christmas is short, and locals spend their days preparing for the festivities. Eating in Mykonos during the winter is a distinct experience, reflecting the island’s natural beauty and the calm, peaceful charm of indoor living. It is the perfect time to savor traditional Greek dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients, many of which are deeply rooted in the island’s agricultural history and culture.

The cuisine of Mykonos is heavily influenced by the sea, the land, and the unique conditions of island life, featuring fresh vegetables, dairy, meat, and fish. In winter, the menu shifts to heartier, warming dishes that incorporate preserved foods, locally grown vegetables, and aromatic flavors. Seasonal ingredients shine during this time, thanks to the island’s mild Mediterranean climate, which allows for the cultivation of fruits like oranges, lemons, and mandarins. These, along with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves, are often used to season stews, roasts, and other comforting dishes.

Among the variety of local delicacies, don’t miss these highlights:

• Kopanisti – A famous Mykonian spicy, soft, creamy cheese made from sheep’s milk, ideally paired with bread, olives, and meats. It’s especially popular in winter, served at festive gatherings or as an accompaniment to roasts.
• Louza – An iconic winter specialty, this cured pork is seasoned with salt, pepper, and spices, then thinly sliced and served as part of an appetizer.
• Revithada – A delicious chickpea stew simmered with onions, garlic, olive oil, lemon, and herbs, enjoyed especially during the cooler months.
• Kavourmas – Mykonos’s version of this spiced pork sausage is made with cuts like pork belly or shoulder and seasoned with garlic, fennel seeds, and cinnamon.

When Christmas arrives, it becomes a deeply familial affair, centered around the warmth of the hearth, cherished customs, and a selection of unique desserts:

• Melomakarona – Honey-soaked, oval-shaped cookies infused with orange, cinnamon, and nuts, then sprinkled with chopped walnuts. These treats are loved throughout Greece and served to guests during Christmas.
• Kourabiedes – Butter cookies dusted with powdered sugar. Made with butter, flour, and sugar, they’re often flavored with almonds or rosewater and are a Christmas staple.
• Christopsomo (or “Christ’s bread”) – A beautifully braided loaf adorned with symbolic carvings. Made with a rich, sweet dough that includes olive oil, sugar, nuts, and cinnamon, it graces the family’s table during the Christmas Eve meal.

Whether you’re indulging in a hearty winter stew, savoring the island’s iconic cheeses and cured meats, or enjoying the festive sweetness of traditional Christmas desserts, winter in Mykonos offers a culinary journey that is as authentic as it is unforgettable!

Make no mistake: there is a growing crowd of demanding travelers who vote for September and October as the hottest months for a holiday in Mykonos! Some say it’s the sunny, warm weather that usually prolongs the summerish sense until mid-autumn. Others insist that the true beauty of Mykonos is revealed only after the August frenzy is over. And they are both right.

Climate-wise there is no doubt that Greece is one of the most blessed countries in south-eastern Europe. With temperatures usually encouraging swimming and outdoor living until early November, the real winter season doesn’t last more than 4 months – with long intervals of sunny days that call for beautiful walks along the beaches and mouthwatering lunches in picturesque fish taverns. This means that September and October are indeed perfect periods of the year to spend a late but great summer holiday!

Like a few more islands of the Aegean archipelago, Mykonos has also the privilege of being relatively close to Athens, either by plane (35-40 minutes) or by ferry (3,5-4 hours) from the ports of Piraeus or Rafina, with daily itineraries throughout the year. And unlike other popular tourist destinations that close most of their hospitality facilities at the end of September, Mykonos stays open and vivid until much later, with its usually rocking atmosphere giving its place to more sophisticated, eclectic vibes that make it irresistible to the real travel connoisseurs. Moreover, things get a lot easier during the late summer days. No need to worry about finding a first-row sunbed at its stunningly beautiful sandy beaches, or a front table at fancy restaurants. No road traffic or queuing for a sunset cocktail in the legendary Little Venice bars or waiting in line to visit the emblematic Byzantine monasteries. Nevertheless, Mykonos is still alive, offering the real one-of-a-kind dolce vita experience that keeps its guests happy from morning till dawn the next day!

Furthermore, as a late summer guest you are given some exceptional opportunities, like going on an exclusive private cruise to the nearby sacred Island of Delos, shopping at your own pace or mingling with the locals who will be delighted to tell you stories about how Mykonos had become a paradise for royals and Hollywood stars since the ’50s.

But what will really take your breath away is Mykonos’ landscape under the autumn light, its beaches forming a magnificent coastline, with the deep blue sea glittering under the morning sunshine and the sky changing a thousand colors before sundown. With its soft, quiet beauty revealed, it gives its visitors the chance to discover the “unplugged” side of this unparalleled Aegean gem that knows how to keeps its promises all year round!

Luxury brands and designer labels, jeweler’s boutiques, handmade accessories, art galleries, delicatessens, and a high-end open-air shopping space at Psarrou Beach, about 5 km from Mykonos town: when on the island, unleash your shopaholic instincts and indulge in the spectacular shopping experience it offers!

The center of most shopping activities is Matoyianni, a long, narrow, paved street in Chora, the town of Mykonos, where shops are almost connected to each other. They usually don’t open before noon, but they stay open until midnight. Some may close during the day when tourists are relaxing at the beach and reopen in the afternoon. The vibrant variety of shops is like a fascinating collage: legendary designers’ boutiques next to bakeries, local food product stores, and little whitewashed shops where old ladies sell handmade leather sandals and other souvenirs.

Beyond luxury clothing and accessories, Mykonos is also the perfect place to shop for unique art pieces and jewelry, as there are many art galleries that offer avant-garde collections by famous Greek and international artists. Most of these galleries have their headquarters in Athens or other cosmopolitan cities like London, Rome, and New York.

Regarding jewelry, Greece has a long tradition of goldsmithing, making it difficult to choose among the wide range of handmade collections — from modern designs to those inspired by mythology and ancient history. Jewelry shops are easy to find in Mykonos, with almost one on every corner of the main road, Matoyianni!

If you prefer shopping in the privacy of your villa or yacht, the merchants in Mykonos are experts at catering to their discerning clientele with discretion and style. You can also hire a private stylist to help you curate your wish list while exploring the best shops, posh boutiques, and art centers.

Before leaving the island, ensure you’ve added some souvenirs to your precious collection, found in shops across the island, plus a few delicacies to take home, like local cheeses, olives, cold cuts, and wines that will keep you company back home!