Mykonos

One would be hard-pressed to find an area in Mykonos that didn’t have some stunning elements. These eight are especially appealing:

Agios Lazaros

Agios Lazaros is teeming with luxurious villas. Among the most glorious, with its Cliffside views of the Aegean sea, is Villa Selena. With ample room for 18 guests, Villa Selena is one of the top luxury villas Mykonos has to offer. It is easily accessible to Mykonos town, Psarou Beach, and the Mykonos Airport. The small beach on Agios Lazaros is without crowds or loud noises and the optimal spot for relaxing with a good book, apart from the gorgeous infinity pool at the villa.

Ano Mera

Ano Mera is the second-largest settlement on the island next to Mykonos town. It is well worth visiting for its main square lined with cafes and tavernas. It's lovely Tourliani Monastery dates back to the 16th century. For a terrific view of the village and monastery, head to the Paleokastro nunnery located on a hill just on the outskirts of Ano Mera.

Chora (Mykonos Town)

Whitewashed houses ablaze with the sun against an azure sky, quaint churches, colorful windows, and balconies that smell of bougainvillea are the trademarks of Mykonos’ capital, Chora, also known as Mykonos Town or Hora. The main street is lined with boutiques, restaurants, and bars. The maze of streets gets some visitors lost, but they eventually find their way back to the waterfront.

Houlakia

Located on the north side of the island, Houlakia has a wild beauty befitting of the smooth pebbles that line its shores. This sheltered gem is hidden away from the main drag but is still easily accessible. Its beautiful scenery remains untouched by humans, making it an ideal place to snap some gorgeous photos. Located in this pristine area overlooking the sea is the utterly breathtaking Best Mykonos Villa. Up to 27 guests can create unforgettable holiday memories here. This property is truly majestic.

Kalafatis

Water sports enthusiasts love Kalafatis beach. There is a hut on the beach where you can get anything for the water: from snorkel gear to diving equipment. There is also a windsurf center, where you can rent a board by the hour if you didn’t bring your own, and a water sports center for jet skiing. When you want to be near the best beach for water activities, you might wish to stay at the spacious and lovely Villa Candace. Chock full of all the amenities, Villa Candace, with its 13 bedrooms can accommodate 26 guests for the ultimate merry-making vacation.

Ornos

Ornos is one of Mykonos’ most visited beaches. Half a dozen delicious seafood restaurants are right beside the water, with a few more in the immediate vicinity. Ornos overlooks a sheltered bay where the water is calm and shallow. It’s the perfect area to relax after a day of sightseeing and shopping and the ideal place to call home base while in Mykonos. Villa Aegeas is that ideal place with its magnificent views of the Aegean Sea, the Old and New harbors, and Mykonos town. This exquisite villa has room for 15 guests and has a large pool and terrace to enjoy the awe-inspiring views.

Paradise Beach

There are two popular beach bars at Paradise beach: Paradise Club and Cavo Paradiso. Both venues attract big-name international DJs who party with the crowds until dawn.

Platis Gialos

Platis Gialos is the best area on the island for an eclectic mix of restaurants and a more sedate nightlife. It’s only about a two-mile drive to Mykonos town. Something for everyone can be had in Platis Gialos: families love it for the calm waters and white sand while the young and trendy head for the hip beach bars. Head to the beach for water sports such as kayaking, standup paddle boarding, wakeboarding, and flyboarding.

Travelers come to Greece for the food, and Mykonos is no exception. Luckily, there are many fine restaurants on the island, but a few stand above and beyond. LVH suggests these six:

Alemagou

This perfectly chic-yet-relaxed beachfront restaurant is the island’s best-kept secret, especially for those who enjoy sipping spirits under the warm Grecian sun from dusk until dawn. This intimate boho haven is laid-back yet eclectic, totally relaxed yet elegant, both remote and cosmopolitan, rough yet refined. The menu revisits traditional, Mediterranean well-loved Greek recipes producing simple but intriguing new dishes.The cocktails selection also offers new combinations of favorite ingredients.

Familia Restaurant

Familia is touted as one of the most elegant restaurants in Mykonos. Chefs at the Greek-Mediterranean inspired Meze steak house in Mykonos Town marry local tradition with modern techniques to create unforgettable menu selections. The hospitality is warm and inviting, which, as its name implies, goes the distance to make guests feel like family. For an appetizer, try the feta cheese in pastry with spicy honey. For an entrée, pork medallions in a mustard sauce and pumpkin and dill risotto, are favorites.

Interni

Interni is a bit of a chameleon. Those who dine later in the evening should stick around since the restaurant turns into a popular dance place. Interni forgoes the wooden tables and hanging bougainvillea opting for a more cosmopolitan ambiance. It’s where many affluent people go for nights out. The menu choices are comprehensive, being Mediterranean inspired. Fresh, light starters such as ceviche or an avocado gazpacho start the meal off before choosing from the various meat and fish offerings.

Kiku

This hip Japanese hotspot pairs Japanese and Greek design with superb ocean views making for a chic dining atmosphere. Traditional Japanese dishes are reinvented using a Greek flair and ultra-fresh ingredients. Refined service ensures guests leave feeling pampered. House specials include tuna roll with toro tartare and creamy wasabi sauce and marinated tuna nigiri with fresh truffle.

M-Eating

M-Eating is widely regarded by many to be one of the best restaurants on the island. With its all-white linen service, an outdoor terrace, delicate lighting, and excellent staff, diners feel well looked after. Local ingredients are turned into delicious eye candy, and the wait staff is happy to suggest just the right wine to pair with a meal. Choose from lamb sous vide, slow-cooked veal on eggplant puree, tuna carpaccio with lentils, and scallops on baked apple. Their sweet specialty, Mykonos honey pie, is terrific for sharing.

Spilia Seaside Restaurant

Spilia is a unique dining experience hidden in a secret cave at the seaside edge. Romantic and delectable, diners can ask for a table next to the water for an unrivaled view and watch lobsters being caught right next to them. Vogue magazine recommends the lobster pasta.

Mykonos is an art lover’s paradise. Over the last few years, the island has incurred a reputation of having some of the highest quality art finds in the world. Visitors looking for that unique piece to adorn their homes might want to visit these five galleries:

The Big White Gallery

This gallery is one of the finest on the island. It’s a cultural space devoted to visual artists from Greece and around the world. Art lovers can expect to see paintings, sculptures, etchings, prints, mosaics, and ceramics. Set aside at least a couple of hours to see all the pieces.

Eden Fine Art Gallery

Eden Gallery is a major international gallery representing a well-rounded range of contemporary art. Its Mykonos gallery is three stories which houses the works of more than 26 contemporary artists from around the world. The gallery is a sanctuary of traditional painted white walls, exposed stone-built arches, and a dreamy outdoor garden. A sophisticated oasis to house the contemporary sculptures of David Kracov, Dorit Levinstein, F&G, and others.

HOFA Gallery House of Fine Art Mykonos

HOFA Gallery (House of Fine Art) is the consummate library of contemporary art with works from both established and emerging international artists. Since its inception in 2012, HOFA Gallery has provided private collectors access to some of the most sought-after and collectible contemporary works. Keeping with the times, HOFA Gallery was the first in the world to make its entire collection available using cryptocurrency.

Minima Gallery

Minima Gallery showcases a range of contemporary artworks by both upcoming Greek and foreign artists. Exhibits range from highly colorful abstracts to stunning examples of landscape photography, intending to appeal to a wide range of tastes and interests. The gallery showcases several big names such as Wolfgang Stiller, Pegasus, and Kostis Georgiou. So, as its name suggests, Minima’s gallery space is minimally decorated to emphasize the pieces.

Rarity Gallery

Established in 1994, Rarity Gallery showcases artists’ works at all levels: Emerging, mid-career, and internationally renowned. Since the early 90s, the gallery has hosted more than 80 exhibitions, and curated group shows from contemporary artists who have caused the art world to reconsider what art can look like and what it can achieve. The gallery is divided into six exhibition halls, each following a distinct theme. Artists showcased here include Andy Warhol, Julian Opie, Russell Young, and Ilse Haider.

There is no denying that Mykonos is the Hellenic capital of parting. After sunset, these five venues are sure to get you into the mood to groove:

Astra

Astra is a club and lounge hybrid with its casual vibe in the afternoon, turning into a more upbeat social destination in the evening. Astra is the place to be seen, a place to experience the true Mykonian lifestyle.

Cavo Paradiso

Cavo is one of the most famous beach clubs on the island. Located on Paradise beach, it’s a top contender when it comes to the Mykonos nightlife scene. The club consistently invites the world’s top EDM DJs attracting thousands of partiers every summer. If you want to head over to the open-air venue, it’s best to book a table beforehand.

Paradise Beach Club

Set on the shores of a picturesque beach, this club attracts a multitude of partiers in the peak season. The club is known for having many high-profile EDM DJs on its decks, including Afrojack, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Avicii, TV Rock, Dirty South and Dash Berlin. Serious EDM lovers have to check out this venue.

Scorpios

Scorpios, on Paraga beach, is more of a hedonistic beach club which also doubles as a restaurant. The cocktails are ultra-cold and excellent. As the sun begins to set, a curated lineup of local and international DJs gets the party started. It has been said that nights at Scorpios are absolutely addictive.

Super Paradise Club

The party starts early at Super Paradise Club. From the afternoon into the wee hours of the morning, this club is rocking the beach. Activities aren’t always planned at Super Paradise as it’s known for its spontaneous bashes.

The Greeks are fun-loving people who adore their events and celebrations. It would be fun to investigate these three happenings:

Harvest Festival

The Harvest Festival is held at the Agricultural Museum every year on the second Sunday in September. Villagers bake bread and bring wine and food while musicians play traditional musical instruments so everyone can dance and celebrate the feast of the harvest.

Mykonos Biennale

The Mykonos Biennale is a cult event that beckons artists worldwide to create something new using the telluric energy and hermetic beauty of Mykonos, says Biennale founder Lydia Venieri. It’s a return to the essence of the island with art exhibitions, installations, and performances abound. Artists, musicians, and dance groups spread throughout the monasteries, museums, old houses, the ancient island of Delos, the windmills, and other monumental buildings. The heart of the festival is the Cine Mando host an open-air video film festival.

Mykonos Summer Festival

The Summer Festival is one of the most celebrated cultural events in Mykonos, welcoming thousands of visitors and artists from across the globe. It's one of the most famous festivals in Greece with theatrical performances, open-air concerts, exhibitions and numerous artists from around the world representing their customs.

With so much to do in Mykonos, every minute of a vacation could be filled with a special experience and activity. The four here are sure to make some happy memories:

Private Catamaran/Sailing

Privately touring the impressive coastline and area around Mykonos would be a lovely way to spend the day. Either in a luxury catamaran or sailboat, stop at the Rineia North Beach for a refreshing swim and then on to Chapel Bay, where you can lay on the beach surrounded by untouched nature. If you’re more adventurous, you can explore the island on foot. The third stop is Delos, with plenty of time to swim in the crystal waters, put on a pair of goggles and flippers and see underwater life up close. At Delos, the trip will include a visit to one of the most famous archaeological sites in Greek history: The birthplace of the Ancient God Apollo.

Greek Cuisine Cooking Classes

Greek cuisine is heavenly, and what better way to spend some time than learning the secrets of Greek fare by taking a private cooking class. Learn how to handle filo dough to prepare savory and sweet dishes like feta parcels with honey and sesame or spanakopita! Fledgling chefs can learn how to prepare a main or salad as well as a Greek meze table that includes local cheese, taramosalata, and other tasty bites.

Travel to the Nearby Island of Delos

Disembark on a luxury sailboat to the uninhabited islands of Delos for a guided visit to the UNESCO-listed archaeological site, considered to be the birthplace of Apollo. Savor the good life with an onboard Greek lunch and refreshing cocktails. You can also customize your own itinerary.

Visit the Windmills at Kato Myli

Northern winds especially, called “meltemia,” blow powerfully and nearly constantly in all the Cyclades, including Mykonos. You must check out the windmills at Kato Myli. The 16 windmills still standing have been renovated and preserved, are a magnificent landmark, and some of the most photographed structures on the island.