Mykonos enthralls with its stylish and cosmopolitan character that appeals to those used to a lavish, royal-like lifestyle. No wonder VIPs and A-lists choose the Island of the Winds for their summer escapades and vacations. Part of the Mykonos appeal is the fact that you can be pampered in several different ways. Private helicopter rides, personalised cruises with your private catamaran or yacht, VIP dinner reservations to elite Michelin-star restaurants, exclusive invitations to closed-doors parties that will take you to the early morning hours, your personal masseur or therapist coming to your luxury villa to deliver spa-like treatments, are some of the things you can spoil yourself with. 

You can start building on your Mykonos holiday memories by strolling the narrow, cobbled streets of the picturesque Mykonos Town and enjoying a refreshing glass of wine at Little Venice – perhaps the most idyllic neighbourhood in Mykonos. The colourful, 18^th-century Venetian-style buildings with the charming wooden, bougainvillea-filled balconies that line the beachfront have now turned into elegant bars and cafes and are a spectacle on their own. The views are utterly breath-taking as well, with the Aegean Sea spreading below your feet and the Windmills dominating the coastline. The ethereal beauty and romantic atmosphere of this region make it a beloved hangout for painters and artists who find their inspiration here.

Outside The Chora (the way locals call Mykonos Town), some equally chic destinations worth checking out are:

Super Paradise Beach

Photo by João Matos on Unsplash

An aptly named shore that rivals Paradise Beach in open-air parties, renowned DJ events, and sunbathing with less than the bare minimum. The homonymous beach bar is home to some of the wildest parties on the island, where champagne is used to shower with, and everybody swings to the beat of the music that fills the air from dawn to sunrise. While here, do look for the infamous, LGBTQ-friendly Jackie O’ Beach Club, whose drag shows and delicious cocktails combine with exceptional bay and pool views beautifully.

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Little Venice Mykonos Greece

Ano Mera

A scenic village that houses a spectacular, almost fully restored 16^th-century Monastery that is referred to as Panagia Tourliani. The marble fountain and the statuesque bell town are visited by thousands of tourists daily. Inside the iconic monastery, you will find a valuable collection of Byzantine relics surrounded by the finest marble of the Cyclades. Ano Mera is also home to the ruins of a Byzantine castle and the Monastery of Paleokastro, an even older monastery than Panagia Tourliani.

Panormos Beach

Occupying the shores of the quaint Panormos Bay, white-sand Panormos Beach is an ideal spot for peaceful and relaxing beach experiences. Sitting on the northern side of the island, the beach is protected from the strong Meltemi winds by the homonymous bay and cove. Compared to the other beaches, Panormos Beach is not as developed or easy to reach. Nevertheless, it is a serene, quiet dot that attracts people in search of exploring a more laid-back side of Mykonos. Do take your time to savour delicious seafood dishes at the local shaded taverna or take a nice stroll through the surrounding countryside.

Panagia Paraportiani

The Mykonos landscape, just like most of the Cycladic islands, is distinguished with blue-domed, whitewashed churches and historic religious sites. One of the most photographed ones is the seaside church of Panagia Paraportiani, located at the entrance to the region called Kastro – a famous Mykonos Town neighbourhood. Its unusual construction and history have contributed to its popularity. Back in the 14^th century, there used to be a total of five small chapels built one on top of each other, giving shape to Panagia Paraportiani. This is why we notice different architectural styles and a rare asymmetrical shape.

Kato Mili

One of the most famous Mykonos landmarks is the Mykonos Windmills. Dating back to the 16^th century, when Mykonos was a popular trade hub among merchants heading to or from Italy and the East, the straw-and-wood capped windmills dominate the coastline and are part of the Mykonos landscape. Following the Venetian architectural style of the majority of Mykonos constructions, these important and well-preserved relics have now been converted into either private residences or museums. Seven of the 16 remaining windmills are located at a Kato Mili hill in Mykonos Town, providing heart-stopping panoramas of the sea and the glorious Mediterranean sky.

Faros Armenistis

The landmark lighthouse of Faros Armenistis has given its name to an area nearby Agios Stefanos region – a hypnotising village with seaside bars and rustic tavernas. Faros Armenistis was constructed in the late 1800s on a riveted headland with sweeping vistas of neighbouring Tinos island and the shimmering sea. Many luxury villas in Mykonos and celeb holiday residences are built here, many of which are overlooking the impressive Prophet Elias Church, the surrounding mountainous parkland, and/or the isolated shores of Agios Sostis.

Other Mykonos destinations worth exploring are family-friendly Elia Beach (the longest, shore on the island) and Platis Gialos Beach (lying on a beautiful semi-crescent like bay), as well as Delos and Rhenia islands.