Mykonos holidays

If you only try one local delicacy on your Mykonos holiday, make sure it’s kopanisti, the sought-after island cheese. Spicy, peppery, and moreish, this flavourful cheese is made from a mixture of sheep, cow, and goat’s milk, and enjoys protected status. Try it with a glass of Assyrtiko, the citrusy white wine from Santorini. When it comes to appetisers, don’t miss out on louza, a delicious cured pork produced on the island. Made from tender pork loin, louza is prepared in brine, dried, and coated in allspice and black pepper. Locals have it alongside a shot of ouzo, the famous Greek firewater. For an authentic dessert look no further than Melopita, a sweet treat available in bakeries all over Mykonos. Crispy pastry is filled with a mouth-watering mixture of honey, cinnamon, and tirovolia cheese – you’ll be coming back for seconds.

At Platis Gialos Beach, you’re welcomed with transparent water, soft sand, and brightly coloured cocktails. Just 5km from Mykonos Town, this crescent-shaped gem comes with shaded sunbeds and a couple of beach bars. It’s an idyllic place to top up the tan. For a family-friendly beach with a chilled-out atmosphere, make a day of it at Ornos Beach, a haven of soft sand and shallow, turquoise water. The whitewashed buildings lining the beach give Ornos an upmarket feel, and you’ll find plenty of spots for midday refreshments. Agios Stefanos Beach is a small but perfectly formed bay, with bleach-blonde sand and alluring aquamarine water. A few km north of Mykonos Town, the beach never gets overcrowded, and you’ll find tavernas nearby offering up local fare at sensible prices.

Little Venice: Part of Mykonos Town, Little Venice is one of those can’t-miss places on any holiday to the island. This colourful neighbourhood of cafes and restaurants sits just 1 metre above the ocean – the perfect place to sit and watch the sunset with a drink or two.

Iconic windmills: Nearby, you’ll discover another iconic Mykonos sight – the 7 windmills. Built in the 16th century to mill grain, the windmills are now a symbol of Mykonos Island. Perched on a hill above the harbour, they’re the first thing you see when arriving by boat.

Matogianni Street: The heart of Mykonos Town, Matogianni Street is a maze of perfectly paved streets and whitewashed buildings. Filled with boutiques, streetside cafes, and designer stores, this is the only place you need for a bit of retail therapy. At night, the area comes alive with buzzy bars and traditional music.

Paradise Beach: For an unbeatable party on the sand, make a beeline for Paradise Beach. This Mykonos hotspot welcomes crowds of thousands in the summer months, ready to dance the night away at Paradise Beach Club. Starting at 4pm, the action doesn’t end until the small hours.

Cavo Paradiso: Set on a cliff overlooking the Aegean, Cavo Paradiso features the biggest names in electronic music. With a 3000-person capacity, it’s the largest venue on the island – one for serious partygoers. Arrive in summer for the full moon parties, when fireworks light up the sky.

Bar hopping: If you fancy a bit of bar hopping, there’s nowhere better than Mykonos Town. From Skandanavian Bar to Queen of Mykonos, you’ll find tons of top places for a night on the tiles. Start the evening at Little Venice for chilled out vibes and classic cocktails.