Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Mykonos, Greece

Dance ‘til dawn at upmarket beach clubs and sticky discotheques; you’ll never be short of options for a night out in Mykonos. Hedonists should head to the Super Paradise Beach Club, where the dancefloor is open to the skies; it’s usually packed out with writhing revellers. Clifftop super club, Cavo Paradiso, not only has the most scenic location but has been named as one of the best clubs in the world. The dance floor comes with spectacular ocean views, there’s a full-sized pool and international DJs regularly play sets. Past acts have included Carl Cox, Louie Vega, Benny Benassi and David Guetta.

Walk along the seafront in Little Venice and take a seat on the flagstone patio as waves crash over your feet. You’ll be able to spot a row of five stout, white thatched windmills across the glittering waters of the bay. Here, bougainvillea-draped balconies adorn the waterfront houses and it’s easy to see why this area, built around Alefkandra beach, has long attracted artists.

Sip Greek wine while dining on the catch of the day; lobster, octopus, oysters, prawns – the choice is yours. Head to Buddha-Bar Beach, Koursaros or Tsaf for super-fresh seafood. Traditional Mykonos fare, perhaps surprisingly, leans more towards cheese and meat. Sample kopanisti, spreadable cheese with a strong peppery flavour made with sheep’s milk. Melopita sees Mykonos cheese wrapped in thin layers of pastry and baked along with cinnamon and honey. Alternatively, try some louza, similar to prosciutto, which is salted, dried and seasoned with herbs.

Book an extra case in the hold for the way home – Mykonos is a shopper’s paradise. Self-described as a “unique emporium of handmade treasures”, the Bazaar at Scorpio’s beach club is curated by Yucatán-based textile brand Caravana. It sells clothing, jewellery and homeware, all with a distinctly natural aesthetic. Think woven straw bags, fringed cotton dresses and plenty of incense. Be warned, handmade doesn’t come cheap. For more affordable treasures, head to Amnesia where you can stock up on pom-pom fringed beach bags, kaftans and beaded jewellery.

You have to respect a drag queen that dons eight-inch heels in the hot sun and delivers a rip-roaring show. Tolerant Mykonos has long been a favoured LGBTQ destination and, though of course the bars and beaches are open to all, there are a few spots that have truly earned a place in the hearts of gay visitors. Watch the nightly drag shows at JackieO Town Bar at Paraportiani Waterfront, or head to the famed JackieO Beach Club at Super Paradise Bay.

With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s fair to say Mykonos is blessed with good weather year-round. Sun worshippers should aim for July and August, when temperatures reach up to 30C. Though they’re the cooler seasons, autumn and spring see regular temperatures of around 22C, whilst rain is most common in October.

At Panormos Beach, a protected bay on the northeast side of Mykonos, golden sands and turquoise waters make for one of the island’s best beaches. Venture to the furthest end of the beach and you’ll discover the nudist-friendly section. Rent a kayak or kick back in a sunbed at swanky beach club Principote, which has a Mediterranean restaurant. There is an infrequent bus service but most visitors reach the beach by rental car.

The hilltop terrace at 180 Sunset Bar is the place to be as the sun dips over the windmills of Mykonos Town, also known as Chora. Order a smoked salt margarita and sink into a floor cushion as the sky starts to burn. Getting there requires a little hike uphill from the town, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with the panoramic view and buzzing atmosphere. Book ahead if you’re in a group, otherwise arrive early to take your pick of the low-to-the floor tables surrounded by embroidered scatter cushions.