Mykonos holidays

Aside from sun, sea and shaking your stuff, Mykonos is a rewarding destination for history buffs. The island’s most instantly recognisable emblems are its windmills, which have rolled in the breeze since the 16th century. Byzantine churches and the centuries-old Armenistis Lighthouse still stand.

The archaeological site on nearby Delos island, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, reveals the mysticism of ancient Greece, while Neolithic settlements at Ftelia provide a portal to the past. The combination of ancient ruins, sandy beaches and sizzling nightlife brings tourists flocking for holidays in Mykonos.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

Cheap Mykonos holidays are easy to find in low season but expect shuttered businesses and chilly seas between late September and March. Rainfall increases from October and skies are overcast. Winter temperatures hover around 13C.

When to go for the best of both

April to mid-June and mid-September through October are shoulder season, with temperatures in the mid-20s. Nightlife quietens down but shoulder season is your best chance to sunbathe on uncrowded beaches and bag a holiday for less. Cultural festivals bring added enrichment, such as Easter’s midnight masses (though you’ll want to avoid this time if you’re looking for a bargain break) and September’s grape-squishing Harvest Festival.

For souvenir shopping and relaxing with cocktails, head to Mykonos Town’s most romantic neighbourhood: Little Venice. Stacked along the waterfront of Little Venice, you’ll find 18th-century merchant houses, now transformed into harbour boutiques and tavernas.

If you’re staying for a meal, reserve well ahead – Little Venice’s sunset vistas are popular. As well as sparkling views of the Aegean Sea, you’ll see the island’s famous windmills and the landmark Paraportiani Church. White-washed Panagia Paraportiani is a fusion of four different chapels built in the 15th century.

Delos

One of Greece’s most important historical sites lies 30 minutes by boat from the Old Port of Mykonos. According to myth, the island of Delos is the birthplace of ancient Greek deities Apollo and Artemis. The Cyclades even derive their name from their position encircling this isle of legend.

The archaeological site, with its mosaics, columns and Naxos stone lions, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. It’s an easy day trip between May and October (with less frequent connections in low season). Bring sun protection.

Paradise Beach

Crystalline waters and soft golden sands entice crowds of beach-lovers to this heavenly spot. Mykonos’ best-known stretch of sand has sun-loungers and beach umbrellas galore, but most of its sunscreen-splashed devotees come for the beach bars.

After dark, beach nightclubs fill the air with trance and EDM, courtesy of big-name DJs. But don’t limit your beach bum lifestyle to Paradise: there’s also popular Ornos, party cove Paraga, long sandy Elia Beach, windsurfing and watersports hub Kalafatis, and Super Paradise Beach, which is popular with the LGBTQ+ crowd.

Ano Mera

Need a break from nightlife? Ano Mera’s traditional stone houses and low-key tavernas offer a glimpse of Greek village life, and it’s an easy 30-minute bus ride from Mykonos Town.

Explore the monastery Panagia Tourliani, hike to ruined Gyzi Castle on the hill above town, then settle in for gyros or grilled octopus at a taverna in Ano Mera’s main square.

Armenistis Lighthouse

A fully functioning lighthouse dating to 1891, Armenistis Lighthouse offers spectacular views of the Aegean Sea as well as insight into Mykonos’ maritime history. Built a few years after the tragic sinking of the British Volta steamship, this 19m-tall construction is now a romantic photo op on a hillside that’s spangled with wildflowers in spring. Go at sunset for the dreamiest photos.

Other family-friendly options lie further east like Platis Gialos Beach, with its ultramarine water and sugar-soft sand, and quieter Kalafatis Beach, close to dozens of self-catering suites and hotels with pools.

For travellers on a budget

Mykonos isn’t the cheapest of the Cycladic islands, so it can be challenging for budget travellers. The biggest range of budget hotels can be found in and around Mykonos Town (Chora), which has everything from backpacker hostels to one-star and two-star hotels for very reasonable rates, all within easy reach of sandy beaches, nightclubs and the famous windmills.

For camping, head south to Paraga Beach. There are often cheap Mykonos hotel deals further east, too; try Ftelia Beach.

For food and drink

Throw a shell and you’ll hit a beachside restaurant serving Mykonian cuisine, such as fresh lobster and mackerel, grilled meats, tangy Greek salads and sweet desserts like halva and syrup-soaked pastries.

Gastronomes spending their holiday in Mykonos will appreciate the choice on offer in and around Mykonos Town, and it’s only a bus ride to hearty village cuisine in nearby Ano Mera. Plus, there are plenty of options to have a nightcap somewhere lively... provided you aren’t too full of gyros.

For nightlife

Night owls should look for accommodation within easy reach of Paradise Beach, so there isn’t far to drag your dance-weary feet after a night of partying at its famous beach clubs. Resorts near Paradise Beach don’t come cheap: studios and hotel rooms start at around £150 per night. There are shuttle buses back to Mykonos Town, which has plenty of cheaper digs and a hopping night scene all of its own.

For culture

Staying in Mykonos Town places you in prime position to experience the island’s culture and history, and neighbourhoods like Little Venice are awash in old-world atmosphere. From here, you can hop aboard a boat to the mythic Delos Island, birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, tour the Archaeological Museum, and board a bus to Ano Mera village and its nearby castle and monastery.

There’s a grand buffet of accommodation to choose from in and around Mykonos Town, from bare-bones hotels and self-catering apartments to family-friendly hotels and resorts with all the trimmings (huge pools, gourmet restaurants, childcare and more).