ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE FOR 5 DAYS IN MYKONOS

White traditional houses, authentic greek food, beautiful sandy beaches and a rather exclusive vibe. Do you also associate Mykonos directly with this? As we never went to this popular island, part because I always associated it with rather super expensive places, we wanted to give it a try.

What can I say, you can really organize your holiday the way you want it to be - we loved Mykonos, enjoyed the laid-back vibe at the other side of the island and found super nice photo spots, restaurants and beaches. We decided to not stay on the “popular” side, the west coast, but rather at the other end, next to Lia beach. Only a 25min car ride away from the hustle of the village and exclusive restaurants and hotel complexes, we found paradise. The beach was almost empty, especially the close by one called Tsagari beach.

Our five days in Mykonos were filled with relaxed beach days, driving around with our scooter and just enjoying the relaxing sunny days. As we went in September and during the Covid-19 pandemic, the island was less crowded than usual and prices for accommodations were way lower than normally. However, I am sure that also in “normal” times there are affordable places if you check out the other side of the island.

On of the main reasons we flew into Mykonos was also the airport and great connection to the close by island Tinos. I wrote a full travel guide on the beautiful secret island of Tinos, a truly magical place which is still rather unexplored by tourists. Make sure to check it out and if you can combine Mykonos with Tinos as it is just a short ferry ride away (approx. 40min). Just check the schedule on ferryscanner and book your tickets there directly. This summer a friend of mine is already doing the exact same tour as I influenced her so much with a my stories and pictures - so let’s see if she will be as excited about Tinos as I was and still am :)

Have you ever been to Mykonos and if so what was your favorite place on the island?
What are your summer plans if you already have any?
I look forward to hearing from you!

Lots of love,
Magda
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Tips for your perfect time in Mykonos

Where we stayed

• VLIA MAR MYCONIAN RESIDENCES

  We didn’t want to stay close to the busy “city” of Mykonos so opted for the relaxed accommodation Vlia (website here). As we went in September 2020, the prices were pretty low due to some travel restrictions with COVID-19 and low season. We enjoyed the well equipped kitchen were we made breakfast and some nice oven veggies or simple pasta. As prices for average meals can be pretty high in Mykonos we wanted to cook at home and go for dinner only when the place was really worth it - a good decision! We also loved the proximity of the calm and empty Lia and Tsagari beaches near the accommodation. For us the perfect choice!

Getting around

• Mototrust
  We rented a scooter at Mototrust for the days on the island. We were really satisfied with their service as they picked us up from the airport, offered us a fair price and even drove us to the ferry from their motorshop. We didn’t need a car although we lived on the other side of the island as we always travel light with just a big backpack.

Beaches:

• Tsagari Beach

  If you want to find an empty beach in Mykonos this is your place. There are no fancy beach chairs or food options available, just the calm and clear water and maybe some other people, but never crowded.

• Lia Beach

  Relaxed beach with a nice beach bar and beach chairs available for renting out. Not busy when we went but certainly more guests than at the close by Tsagari beach.

• Psarou Beach

  The only beach we went to at the “crowded” part of Mykonos and we immediately knew why we haven’t checked out more of the beaches on the west side of the island. Full of (expensive) beach chairs and loads of tourists, just not for us. Water is pretty clear though and if you live close by it is certainly worth going.

Photospots

• Monḗ

  We just looked at Google Maps what the highest point close to us was and drove up. We were not disappointed by the breathtaking view over the island. We chose to go here instead of the sunset bar (we went to a really nice one in Tinos though), good choice!

• 180° Sunset Bar
  One of the most popular sunset places in Mykonos. We didn’t go as you needed to make a reservation plus minimal consumption plus be there at a specific time - a bit too much organization for our kind of holiday.

• Sunset above Mykonos town 
  If you are driving to Mykonos from the main road from the east you around sunset time you will see several people sitting and drinking a few steps from the street. There you will have a breathtaking view over Mykonos town including a beautiful sunset.

• Αλευρόμυλοι Μυκόνου (the typical windmills)
  Of course the very popular windmills of Mykonos are a must when traveling to the island. You can just wander around, take a few pictures and then enjoy the beautiful view over little Venice before heading into the village.

Restaurants, Coffee Spots and Bars 

• Nikolas Tavern Mykonos - Seafood Restaurant
  This was our favorite place in Mykonos! We enjoyed delicious authentic greek dinner at this cute family run tavern directly at the beach. The most beautiful thing was the scenery with the chairs in the sand next to the waves. Also the food was great! Make sure to reserve a table as you then also will get the best view directly at the beach.

• Bon Bon Fait Maison Mykonos
  If you know me, then you know that I am almost addicted to ice cream, or maybe I am actually. Anyways, this is why I am super duper picky with ice cream, but this one really did not disappoint!

• Pepper Souvlaki & More
  Nice place if you are craving a snack like a Souvlaki, there are also vegan and vegetarian options available! Not like a fancy dinner restaurant but rather a go to place when you are needing a decent dish in between your meals.

• Mykonos Bakery Trattoria Progress
  After having eaten probably more than every day greek salad and meat free moussaka we really wanted to eat something else, so we checked out this Pizza place. I knoooowww pizza in Greece, that can’t be right! But the pizza was actually really tasty! The Trattoria also had some great take-away options in case you needed a snack for a long beach day.

• Avra Restaurant
  We wanted to come here for dinner as the place was recommended by a friend, but in the end never made it. Next time we are coming back to Mykonos we will for sure check it out!