Europe & Britain | Destination Guides

5 big reasons to visit Mykonos in summer

Recently updated on October 6th, 2022 at 03:31 pm

The most photogenic Greek island in a very crowded field. Mykonos is cosmopolitan and slick on the one hand, yet rugged and historical on the other. Peppered with windmills, skirted by long stretches of sandy coastline, and often filled with A-listers, everybody should want to visit Mykonos this summer. Here are some of the reasons why…

The Food

Visit Mykonos

Greek food is delicious with its grilled meats, light salads and thick moussakas. Aegean food, however, raises the bar. Picture pepper-flavoured cheese – kopanisti – the island’s pride – or perhaps louzes, which is a spicy type of pork. The sweet menu might catch your eye, too, with amigdalota (small cakes of almond and rosewater) or honey pie often accompanied by tinkling glasses of Ouzo or Tsipouro.

The History

Visit Mykonos

Formed, according to legend at least, by the bodies of giants slain by Hercules, Mykonos follows the conventional Mediterranean cycle of history. This includes being part of Greek, Roman, Venetian and Turkish dominions, which has fortunately furnished the island with a series of notable landmarks. These include its trademark 16th century windmills and the picturesque waterside of Mikri Venetia – its Little Venice.

The Beaches

Visit Mykonos

No visit to Mykonos could possibly be considered complete without a trip to Kalafatis beach which, though small, is perfectly formed and offers plenty of sunbathing opportunities. Most of Mykonos’ typical golden-sand shores are situated on the south coast but it’s good to know that each has its own particular type of visitor. Remember, therefore, that Agrari is for peaceful swims, Korfos is perfect for sports-enthusiasts, while families tend to prefer Platis Gialos.

The Churches and Monasteries 

Visit Mykonos

One of the most photographed sites on the island, the Church of Paraportiani (meaning ‘wooden door’) was built in a playful jumble of styles (including Byzantine and the vernacular) and contains five smaller churches. Other intriguing sites include Ano Mera’s cloister (with its marble and water spigot), the Monastery of Paleokastro (lined with dozens of hallowed Byzantine icons) and finally Panagia Tourliani, which possesses a Florentine wood-carved chancel screen of the first order.

The Lighthouse Views

Visit Mykonos

Not particularly old, the Armenistis Lighthouse is included here more for the perfection of its vantage point than its own virtues. Presenting many of the finest photo opportunities on the island, most boats arrive or depart Mykonos via its shoreline, with the tiny island of Tinos providing a romantic silhouette behind their wakes.

If sun, seafood, history and sailing appeal, why not book a place on the Trafalgar Greek Island Hopper trip, which features the locations mentioned above.

Image Credits: Prawn Starter © iStock/nectarina. Little Venice © iStock/deimagine. Small Boat © iStock/sjhaytov. Little Church © iStock/roxanabalint. The Lighthouse © iStock/vkp-australia.

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