A veritable one-stop-shop for an immersive experience of Greek island life, travellers to Mykonos can discover ancient UNESCO World-Heritage-listed ruins on nearby Delos, hit the dance floor at iconic beach clubs, stroll cobbled streets in whitewashed villages, enjoy traditional Greek hospitality in local tavernas and sail the turquoise Aegean Sea – all from a single island location – eliminating the packing, unpacking and transfers associated with typical island-hopping holidays.
From lively, labyrinth-like Mykonos Town to beautiful beaches and secluded bays, Mykonos may be one island, but it offers endless ways to play…and stay. And with 14 luxury boutique hotels spread across four of the island’s most idyllic locations – Elia Beach, Ornos Beach, Platis Gialos, Agrari Beach, and Mykonos Town – the properties of the Myconian Collection offer the perfect base from which to sample it all.
For travellers seeking tranquility
While for some half the fun of visiting Mykonos in summer is the party vibe, celebrity spotting and watching the super yachts circling the island, for others, peak season doesn’t deliver the tranquil holiday vibe they have in mind. Co-owner of the Myconian Collection Group, Vangelis Daktylides advises these travellers to visit during May and October when tourists are scarce and you’ll feel like you have the island to yourself. Whilst some restaurants may not be open at either end of the summer season, hotel restaurants such as Efisia, Baos, Kinjo and Cabbanes will be dishing up the same fresh produce which has made them famous from sun up to sun down – so you won’t miss out!
STAY: Elia Beach is the perfect place to stay for those who prefer laidback to lively, with its golden sands and chilled-out vibe. Hotel options include: Myconian Avaton, Myconian Imperial and the Royal Myconian.
INSIDE TIP: Horse riding on hidden Fokos Beach – no sunbeds or umbrellas in sight – is an unforgettable experience.
For travellers craving culture
Mykonos hosts a raft of fascinating events ad festivals throughout the tourist season, including the Harvest Festival in mid-September which attracts crowds of local villagers bearing food, wine and freshly baked bread to its Agricultural Museum, as well as live musicians playing bagpipes and the traditional ntoumpaki – and guests are welcome to dine and dance along. During October, the island hosts a series of chirosfagia – celebrations of the pig – where the Folklore Association of Women of Mykonos serve traditional delicacies and perform songs which have been handed down from one generation to the next.
STAY: The newly opened Myconian Deos is just minutes away from the middle of town, with great transport connections, making it the perfect spot to stay for those keen to explore the cultural attractions both in and outside of town.
INSIDE TIP: Visit Rizes Farmstead in the hills of Ano Mera for a truly traditional experience, including cooking classes, workshops and visiting farm animals. Check out the oldest bakery on the island, Veneti, along the way.
For history buffs
Travellers who prefer their ancient history without the crowds will find plenty to explore beyond the Pantheon and Acropolis in Delos, Mykonos’ island neighbour. “Delos is one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, and is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek gods Artemis and Apollo. Ferries depart regularly from the harbour in Mykonos Town. Guests of the Myconian Collection hotels wanting to visit Delos in supreme style can charter a private yacht and enjoy champagne and canapes on the way to discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins – and the home of the Greek Gods of Artemis and Apollo. ancient home of Artemis and Apollo,” said Vangelis Daktylides.
On Mykonos itself, there are also several historic sites to explore. Ftelia, just 15 minutes from Elia Beach, offers a compact set of ruins of an ancient Neolithic settlement, the nearby Paleokastro Monastery boasts a spectacular altar and huge granite slab revered as an ancient symbol of worship. Visitors can stroll Byzantine fortifications, visit the small museum and sample traditional local fare at a nearby taverna. Easily accessible from Mykonos Town, Kastro Panigiraki is a fort-like stone complex beneath swaying trees, Thule Tomb dates back to the 2nd century BC and invites visitors to see the original stone structure which was once the tomb of an unidentified wealthy Myconian, and the 15th century Church of the Panagia Paraportiani is one of the island’s most photographed icons.
STAY: Several of the island’s hottest history spots lie around the fringes of Mykonos Town, and the ferry to Delos departs from the harbour below, making this the ideal place to base yourself if history is high on your holiday wishlist. Myconian Naia is an exclusive 18-suite retreat full of objets d’art which will appeal to lovers of history and culture.
INSIDE TIP: For a different kind of history, pop into Matsoukas, the island’s oldest coffee shop for handmade chocolates and traditional biscuits.
For those who love to be at the heart of the action
Renowned for its cascading whitewashed houses, climbing flowers, picturesque alleys and stylish boutique shopping, there is a photo opportunity around every corner in Mykonos Town, which is the ideal place to stay for those who like to be in the thick of it – 24 hours a day.
This is the spot to snap historic churches, hip boutiques, maze-like cobbled streets, famous colourful doorways and wandering cats, before sitting down for an evening of dining and dancing at one of the endless lively eateries and bars. Other highlights include watching the fishing boats come and go at Alefkandra Harbour or strolling along the waterfront of the island’s picturesque Little Venice during a stunning pink sunset.
STAY: Myconian Korali enjoys a prime position on the hills above the harbour and is just minutes from Little Venice and Mykonos Town, while Myconian Kyma occupies the special spot where the founder of the Myconian Collection, George Daktylides, set the very first stone that founded the Myconian Collection. It is also home to George’s Bar which has been attracting a jet-set clientele for decades who enjoy the outstanding hospitality and gorgeous windmill and Little Venice views.
INSIDE TIP: Cine Manto in the middle of town is an unforgettable spot to see a movie on a balmy night. Set under a canopy of trees with the starry sky above, it’s the ideal way to unwind before a night on the town.
For lovers of sun, sand and sea
Along the island’s stunning southern coastline, Elia Beach is a world away from Mykonos’ party beaches and is the island’s longest sandy stretch and popular with all types of travellers, from families to honeymooning couples. Guests of the Myconian Collection can access a pristine, private stretch of sand complete with superlative bar service for snacks and creative cocktails – as well as private watersports instruction.
South from Elia Beach is Platis Gialos, a playground for the chic and cosmopolitan crowd. Visitors can enjoy life like the rich and famous among luxury yachts, fabulous fine dining and perfect people watching. The closest beach to Mykonos Town, Ornos Beach is protected on both sides making it the ideal choice for those who prefer calm seas – and easy access to plenty of waterfront restaurants, while Agrari beach is known to locals as the most beautiful and secluded little bay on the wild side of the island.
STAY: Myconian Utopia Resort; Myconian Avaton Resort; Myconian Villa Collection, Myconian Imperial Resort and Royal Myconian Resort all overlook Elia Beach, whist Myconian Ambassador Hotel is situated at Platos Gialos, making it the perfect pick for those with a penchant for partying. Fancy staying right on the beach? Then choose the new O by Myconian Collection on Ornos Beach.
INSIDE TIP: Agios Sostis is a little known, laidback beach reachable by taxi or rental car along an unmarked road – a great spot to experience a different side of the island’s beach culture.
For lovers of luxury
Fans of the high life will have no shortage of options in Mykonos, especially guests of the Myconian Collection, who can hotel hop to experience the luxe facilities at each property, and have the concierge arrange exclusive experiences ranging from helicopter joyflights above the Cyclades Islands from a private helipad to island-hopping and exploring hidden coves by private yacht, one-on-one guided yoga sessions, sommelier-guided private wine tastings or private boutique shopping tours – with someone on hand to unpack the purchases so you can relax post-retail outing with a well-earned cocktail.
STAY: Myconian Collection’s charter yachts set out from Platis Gialos, which makes Myconian Ambassador the ideal place to stay if your idea of a hedonistic holiday involves plenty of time on the water. Multigenerational families or groups of friends often choose Panoptis Escape or Myconian Villa Collection to create their own deluxe compound combining plenty of privacy with around-the-clock service – and serious style.
INSIDE TIP: Overlooking the Aegean Sea and sparkling pool at the Myconian Ambassador – a Relais & Chateaux hotel – Efisia is one of the top tables on all of Mykonos. Sheltered from the evening breeze in an alcove carved from rough-hewn stone, a candlelit dinner at Efisia is a must for any luxe stay on Mykonos.
