Travel Escapes

Things To Do While Visiting Mykonos

Visiting the Mediterranean is a perfect holiday destination in which you can unwind and soak up the sun and the pristine waters that the sea provides. One of the most popular destinations are the islands off the coast of Greece of which there are over 2000. Most are uninhabited, and others are not for the holidaymakers among you, but those that offer a host of activities, sights and things to do so you don’t simply while away your time on the beach. With mykonos vacation rentals and other accommodation available on other islands, you can visit some of the most popular islands at an affordable and luxurious level. I mentioned Mykonos as it is the island we will focus our attention on for this article.

Things To Do While Visiting Mykonos

A popular party destination it has a whole host of other facets to offer a visitor to the island. Beautiful beaches, cultural activities and exotic food, you will not be short of things to get up to. Let’s look at some things to do in more detail.

Check out the windmills of Chora:

The windmills are one of the most recognisable landmarks on the island and they are quite a popular place to visit among tourists. The mills were once used to refine grain, but with the progress of technology there uses have changed. Those which survive are now either homes or museums.

The most popular sight to visit among the mills are the ones which face the sea. They provide a great backdrop for sunset. It is the perfect location to relax and take a stroll.

Wander around little Venice:

This little neighbourhood got its name due to its proximity to the sea and its resemblance to the real Venice. It is best to visit here in the evening and search for the perfect spot to enjoy an evening drink and meal. Most of the houses have been converted into bars and restaurants all with their own unique Greek spin. Find a nice spot and you can catch another amazing Mediterranean sunset.

Learn about Greek history:

The island of Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most important historical sites in Greece. This requires a boat trip from Mykonos old harbour, but it is not one you will regret.  According to mythology it was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and thus contains many artefacts related to them and other gods/elements of Greek mythology.  Splurge and do a guided tour of the island so you gain a better understanding of its history and importance. This the best way to understand Greek history especially if you do not have time to visit sites on the mainland or in Athens itself. A perfect get away from your getaway.

Relax on the many beaches of Mykonos:

Taking time to relax on the beach is a must in Mykonos and you will not be short of options either.

Paradise beach offers a little extra for those wanting to strip down to their birthday suits as it is the islands original nude beach. It has plenty of food, drink and accommodation options for those in the vicinity or you can take a day trip if you are further from the area.

Psarou Beach is geared more towards families and honeymooners who are keen to avoid the nudity and party scene of Paradise beach. Take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the beautiful waters on offer. Windsurfing along with a few other water sports activities are also quite popular in the area.

With a lot more, beaches and inlets for you to discover you can spend your entire stay at a different beach depending on the length of time you have on the island. Be sure to take in a few and see what each has to offer you and the party you travel with.

Try the local cuisine or attempt to make your own:

Mykonos offers an array of food and drink tours, some of which allow you to try your hand at cooking your own. For the foodies among you, trying out some of the tours and cooking classes are a must do. You will find traditional cooking schools, wine tasting tours, bakeries and a whole host of other options for you to fill yourself throughout the day while gaining some cultural experience.

Some dishes will be native to the island itself giving you a unique experience that cannot be found off the island. Maybe you can cook home with some skills to impress your friends and family.

Get off the island and onto the water:

Mykonos has multiple beaches that offer windsurfing lessons and the island attracts many people from around the world due to its winds and the surf that it provides. The beaches of Meyáli, Ámmos and Kalafátis are some of the most popular locations.

Being an island there are quite a few other activities to get up to including fishing, diving, snorkelling and jet-skiing, with beach areas also hosting sand volleyball. One of the most popular locations to dive is an area known as Paradise House Reef. You can also snorkel if you are not licensed to dive.

As you can see you won’t be short of activities to get up to on the island. Do a little research and plan your days, otherwise, you will miss out on some activities that you would otherwise enjoy. There will be plenty of sun in the day to enjoy most of the islands facets.