Mykonos might be seen as the most glamorous island in Greece – think Ibiza meets St Tropez – but that doesn’t mean that a trip to Mykonos needs to break the bank. In fact, it’s incredibly easy to explore the magic of Mykonos and have the holiday of a lifetime, all without breaking your budget. All you need are these 10 simple tricks, to ensure your holiday is perfect:
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CHOOSE YOUR VISIT WISELY
Mykonos is at its most popular from June to September, when the kids are on holiday and the Greek weather at its most scorching. However, this popularity is reflected in the prices with flights, accommodation and even restaurant prices all being hiked. To avoid this price rise, visit Mykonos outside peak season, such as April, May and October. During these months, the weather is still warm, indeed, the weather is actually more pleasant as you’ll be able to participate in activities without needing to rest every hour or so to escape the heat!
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
To truly experience real Mykonos, avoid the often-crowded hotels of the area and instead opt for a holiday rental. These rentals range from luxury apartments and villas in the heart of Mykonos to more traditional cottages. Usually rentals are cheaper than hotels, even in peak seasons, and come with the bonus of having your own privacy. Choose one with a private pool so you can cool off in the scorching afternoons.
RENT A SCOOTER OR CAR
Public transport will take you to the most popular destinations in Mykonos, but to truly escape the beaten path, choose to rent a car or scooter and go exploring yourself. You’ll be able to get to more secluded beaches and towns, meaning you can enjoy the more authentic side of the island.
EXPLORE BY KAYAK
For a memorable experience, spend a day exploring Mykonos on a kayaking tour. You’ll be put into a group with other travelers and an experienced tour guide who will be able to lead you to some of the island’s most hidden gems including coves, bays, and islets. Most tours are suitable for beginners too.
QUIETER BEACHES TO VISIT
True, many of the beaches on Mykonos can become incredibly busy with tourists, making it hard to find a quiet spot to relax and unwind. But, if you know which beaches are more secluded, it’s entirely possible to find a beautiful beach to spend a lazy day on.
Agios Sostis is one of the most relaxed in the area. Located to the north of the island, the beach is largely unspoiled with no beach chairs or umbrellas in sight. The beach is long (with a nudist area at the end) making it easy to find a private spot, but be sure to bring some water and food with you as there are no bars on the beach.
PARTY WITH THE LOCALS
Mykonos is known as a party island, with most of the bigger DJs playing from July to September. If you want to go to these bigger events, be sure to book tickets in advance for the best prices and look for packages that include drinks. Alternatively, you can have a superb night partying with the locals in Ano Mera. Many parties take place right on the beach, with people choosing to sleep under the stars.
AVOID HÓRA IN PEAK TIMES
During the summer months and particularly between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. when large cruise ships are docked, the streets of Hóra become so busy it’s often too hard to walk through. If you want to experience the main town of Mykonos, it’s better to visit in off-peak months or very early or late in the day.
EAT WHERE THE LOCALS EAT
Many of the most tourist-heavy restaurants in Mykonos are the ones that surround the most popular areas, which tend to come with tourist prices. For more authentic Greek cuisine, try to visit restaurants further away from these places such as Madoupas Café. A favorite with locals, the café sells Greek favorites such as moussaka and hummus as well as locally caught fish.
ENJOY THE SIGHTS
The views you can get in Mykonos are priceless, especially when you visit somewhere like the Armenistis Lighthouse, far from the busy towns of Mykonos. Best travelled by car or scooter, once at the top, you’ll benefit from panoramic views of the island. For even more spectacular views, visit at sunset.
MAKE YOUR OWN FOOD
If you decide to stay in a holiday rental, you’ll have the added bonus of being able to prepare food yourself. Restaurants in Mykonos can be notoriously pricey, so save yourself some budget by shopping at one of the local markets so you can make breakfast and lunch yourself, then treat yourself to dinner out at night.
MORE ON GREECE
Have you been to the island? What are your top tips?
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Lorelle says
Stunning Ruth. Another one on my bucket list. X
Ruth says
Thanks Lorelle! This is a great one for a bucket list.
shere says
we are going on a cruise next year (I won it, otherwise I’m not sure I would do it) and will visit some of the Greek islands. So unfortunately for us, it will be crowded 😉
Ruth says
You won it? Oh my, that has to be one of the best prices ever! I know it may be crowded but you may be able to find things to do away from the crowds (they have to exist!).
David says
Amazing place. Have to start making plans to head there.
Ruth says
The sooner the better!
Mary (The World Is A Book) says
We were in Mykonos a few weeks ago during a cruise stop. We were so impressed with it we knew we wanted to return for an extended visit. It was beautiful and such a great place to get lost. Will definitely need this post when we return.
Ruth says
I know, cruise stops leave you wanting more (but hey, it is a great way to see multiple places in a short amount of time). I see why you feel like returning!
Agness of Fit Travelling says
Mykonos seems very charming and magical! How many days would you recommend staying there, Ruth?
Ruth says
Agness, two or three days should work well. The first two days can be used to explore the island and the third days for a day trip (you can take a ferry to another island).
Kay Davies says
Your photos are exquisite, but you lost this old lady at ‘renting a scooter’! I have seen a little of Greece, however, and would like to return. Your hints for those desiring an inexpensive visit to Mykonos are excellent, and, if I ever find myself headed there, I will have to remember your tips.
Meanwhile, what a glorious blog post!
Kay
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
Lolo says
Great tips Ruth! I would totally rent a scooter instead of a car!! I feel like it’s probably more doable than a car! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Alice says
I found this to be a very interesting place to explore. Good travel location.
Irina says
Hey Ruth, good that you mention scooters! They are very popular all over Greece, I always rent a scooter or a quad bike when I’m in Greece (I’ve been on almost 10 islands already), it’s always better than a car and you can feel this saulty air from the sea, just beautiful. I can share a useful resource about scooter rental in Greece, maybe someone will find it usefull- http://www.bikesbooking.com. You can compare prices of all local scooter rentals there. This is not my resource, but I booked with them on Santorini and Crete and it was the best deal, because on arrival you may not find the cheapest company. Have fun and I will be happy to read more about Greek islands! Cheers