Category: Blog

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!

In case you are one of the more than half a million travelers who chose every year Mykonos for their summer holidays, you surely need some insider information to avoid the clichés about what this amazing island has to offer. Well, you can’t exactly call the spectacular sandy beaches with crystal aquamarine waters, extraordinary dining, or rocking nightlife clichés. However, as Mykonos has hidden secrets that even some of its true connoisseurs tend to overlook, we have listed below a few tips that might help you get to know the island better.

Locals, for instance, know that tourism in Mykonos started back in the 1920s, which explains their long history of hospitality. The story began when archaeologists used the island as a base to explore the sacred island of Delos. Located 6 nautical miles from Mykonos, Delos, with its amazing archaeological site, still doesn’t offer any accommodation to this day, making Mykonos its enduring base camp.

So, a basic tip while in Mykonos is to treat yourself to a private sailing or motor yachting trip and an all-day guided tour around this ancient, reminiscent paradise. On the way back, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular sunsets in the Aegean.

Most of the island’s full-time residents live in Mykonos Town, also known as Chora. With most of it closed to cars, its picturesque alleys, filled with bars, cafes, restaurants, and shopping boutiques, are a must-visit. You should also keep your eyes and ears open, as many interesting activities take place in some of Chora’s houses, such as private cooking lessons by local chefs who will teach you their most mouthwatering recipes made with local ingredients.

Regarding beach life, amidst the many bustling beaches where the party often lasts until dawn, consider trying Kalafatis. It’s a relatively secluded spot about 7 miles east of Mykonos town, in a part of the island that, while not completely dry, offers some greenery as well. In addition to its azure waters, Kalafatis is also popular among windsurfers.

By visiting the village of Ano Mera, located about 4 miles from Chora, you will experience a more traditional and authentic Greek way of life. There, you will find small cafes and tavernas serving local food and the famous tsipouro, a spicy, high-alcohol drink that must be handled with extra care! Sightseeing in Ano Mera should also include a visit to the Panagia Tourliani Monastery and the Monastery of Paleokastro.

To cut a long story short, Mykonos is a special, multifaceted island that holds new surprises for every visitor, no matter how many times they return. Just visit it with an open mind, and you’ll find them!