IRISH holidaymakers head to the Greek islands for all sorts of reasons – and this one ticks all the boxes.
Mykonos is located in the northern part of the Cycladic Islands in the Aegean Sea.
It is first and foremost a party island – with some of the best nightlife in Europe and pints cost around €3.50.
For those looking for a real summer feeling, Paradise Beach Club is a must.
The club is located right on Paradise Beach and entry is free.
Day parties begin at four in the afternoon but can go on until two in the morning.
The club has played host to some of the world’s most famous DJs including Tiesto and Martin Garrix and in 2016 it was voted the 14th best club in the world.
Void Club in Lakka offers the perfect compromise – four floors playing different music.
The club plays everything from pop and rap to house music, techno, and hip hop.
If you thought Paradise Beach offered a long party, be prepared.
Void only opens its doors at midnight, but they stay that way until seven in the morning.
The island is also known for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, and boasts a number of gay nightclubs.
It’s not all nightlife, though. For those who seek out Greece for its peaceful, white sand beaches, Mykonos has got you covered.
Elia Beach on the south side of the island is one of the most popular sunbathing spots, where you can rent a lounge chair for an entire day.
Those feeling really relaxed might enjoy the Westernmost part of the beach, where clothing and swimsuits are optional.
The coastal view and sparkling water at Elia Beach make it the perfect place to sit and sip a cocktail.
The beach is lined with bars and restaurants offering just that.
For a smaller scale sunbathing day, Psauro Beach is just the thing.
The tiny cove is a celebrity haunt. In 2023, George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Christian Bale were spotted in Mykonos.
The Restaurant Elia Beach has been hailed as ”the best cocktail in Mykonos.”
Located right on the beach, the bar offers lounge chair service via a convenient buzzer beside the chairs.
And of course, a trip to Greek islands wouldn’t be complete without seeing white houses and cobblestone streets.
The small towns in Mykonos are perfect for just that.
Matoyianni Street in Mykonos Town is one of the most picturesque spots on the whole island, with cobbled streets, huge flower baskets, and boutique shops.
Take a stroll amongst the dazzling white buildings and stop in for lunch at dinner at one of the Instagram-worthy dining spots.
The vegetarian-friendly Raya restaurant has been deemed by some as ”the best food in Mykonos.”
The island also plays home to Little Venice, ”one of the most romantic places on the island.”
The tiny town is located right on the water, with buildings perched above the sea.
When and if you grow tired of lying on the beach and soaking up the sun, Mykonos offers plenty of adventure for those of all thrill-seeking levels.
The iconic Windmills of Mykonos are one of the most famous historical landmarks on the island, and date back to the 16th Century.
The windmills are the first thing you can see when coming into the harbour of Alefkandra, as they are on a hill high above the island.
Speaking of the harbour, Mykonos island has any number of locally-guided boat tours, including a gorgeous sunset cruise.
For those who haven’t tired of the party lifestyle yet, book a booze cruise – some of them have free drinks included!
Like many Greek islands, Mykonos is accessibly by ferry, which takes roughly two and a half hours. But don’t worry – once you’re in Mykonos, you can easily visit other Greek islands like Ios, Naxos, and Santorini.
The most popular way to get around the island is by bus, with tickets usually costing €2.50.
For all its beauty, my favourite thing about Mykonos is its namesake – according to Greek mythology, the island is named after its first ruler, Mykons, who was the grandson of the sun God Apollo.
With temperatures reaching as high as 28C in summer, it’s a fitting name.
