When it comes to Mykonos, ‘cosmopolitan destination’ takes on a whole new meaning. Since the swinging ’60s, when it first caught the eye of the international glitterati, the Island of the Winds has been splashed across glossy magazines and hounded by paparazzi. Fast forward to today, and it’s a playground of helipads, ultra-luxe experiences, designer pop-ups, and Michelin-worthy gastronomy.
But don’t let the champagne showers and celebrity sightings fool you. While Mykonos has evolved from its bohemian roots to a hotspot for the rich and famous, its Cycladic charm remains untouched. Beyond the all-day beach parties and flashy displays of wealth lies an authentic Greek island waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re here for the VIP treatment or seeking out hidden gems, Mykonos delivers. It’s a place where you can rub shoulders with A-listers at sunset cocktail bars, then wander through whitewashed alleys to find a family-run taverna serving generations-old recipes. In Mykonos, the glitz of the present and the allure of the past create a captivating mix that keeps jet-setters, culture vultures, and sun-seekers coming back year after year.
Why September is the Secret Sweet Spot in Mykonos
As summer’s last hurrah fades, Mykonos unveils its true colors. The A-listers have jetted off, the meltemi winds have calmed, and cruise ships are few and far between. The White Queen of the Cyclades takes a deep breath, settling into a more relaxed rhythm that savvy travelers have long cherished.
Picture this: sun-drenched days that feel like an extension of summer, world-class beaches sans the crowds, and balmy evenings perfect for strolling through uncrowded, lantern-lit alleys. It’s Mykonos at its most authentic, a far cry from the frenetic party scene of high season.
But don’t think for a second that the island’s legendary energy has dimmed. The Mykonos Running Festival, now in its sophomore year (September 22-24), is quickly becoming the hottest ticket in town. It’s not just a race; it’s a three-day extravaganza of sports, culture, and pure Mykonian flair. Think Kids’ Athletics programs, holistic retreats, beachside concerts, and a food festival showcasing the island’s culinary prowess. There’s even a cultural tour that’ll have you discovering ancient sites and charming churches between your surf-and-turf adventures.
For those seeking the island’s soul, September serves up authentic Greek experiences on a silver platter. Follow the locals to traditional ‘panigýria’ (religious festivals) – September 14th at Marathi, 17th at Agia Sofia, and 26th at Diakofti. Here’s where you’ll witness age-old customs, feast on homemade delicacies prepared by village families, and dance to the intoxicating rhythms of tsabouna pipes and toumbaki drums.
In September, Mykonos offers the best of both worlds: a taste of its famous cosmopolitan flair, minus the frenzy, plus a generous helping of Greek island authenticity. It’s a perfect blend that’ll leave you wondering why you ever considered coming in August.
What to Do
While endless parties and wild revelry may accompany every mention of Mykonos, the island has so much more to offer than just thumping beats and exquisite cocktails. Chora itself, like many settlements, maintains its traditional Cycladic architecture, and this is the best time to observe it on leisurely strolls. Passing by iconic spots, heavily photographed and inextricably linked with Mykonos’s image, is a must: Little Venice, with its beautiful old sea captains’ houses distinguished by their colorful balconies, shutters, and wooden terraces built on the edge of the Aegean, offers one of the most picturesque and idyllic settings in the Greek islands. It’s magical at sunset and ideal for enjoying a cocktail in the early evening hours. Packed with bars, it rivals the Gialos area with legendary hangouts like Jackie O’ Town Bar and Astra.
A stop at the famous seven windmills is essential. While they no longer grind grain, they remain an iconic Mykonos landmark. From the small hill southeast of Chora where they’re located, you’ll gaze with them at the enchanting view of the surrounding islands. Nearby, in the Kastro neighborhood, Panagia Paraportiani, an original complex of five churches – four small churches at the base with a fifth on the dome – is not only one of the most characteristic images of Cycladic temples but also an admirable architectural monument. Equally impressive is the architectural identity of the island’s patron saint, Panagia Tourliani, and the historic 15th-century monastery, located in the picturesque village of Ano Mera, just 5 miles from Chora. Whether you visit the monastery or not, it’s worth passing through the village, strolling its beautiful alleys, stopping at the kopanisti workshop where you’ll be initiated into the secrets of the most famous Mykonian cheese, and tasting local flavors in the traditional cafes and tavernas of the square, renowned for their local meats. Local sausages, louza, marathokeftedes, pies like onion pie and sweet melopita, mostra, and Mykonian rafioli are, after all, the most characteristic flavors of Mykonos cuisine, worth trying.
The fine dining gastronomic scene of Mykonos is a unique experience in itself, enriched this year with dazzling new arrivals and openings that have caused a sensation. The famous seafood restaurant from Mikrolimano, Papaioannou, chose the Agios Stefanos area to establish itself for the first time in an island destination, innovating for Mykonos by including meat-based dishes on its menu. An institution for the island, Katrin remains faithful to its excellent Greek-French cuisine, but this year in a new location at 23 Hotel. The success of the second year for chef Sotiris Kontizas’s fusion cuisine at Nolan restaurant is steady, as is the farm-to-table experience of Phoebus, with its fresh, local ingredients cultivated following sustainability principles. For Japanese flavors and top-notch sushi, Kiku has been the destination for over a decade, while unrepentant meat lovers need only head to Agios Ioannis and the unique setting of Beefbar Mykonos or to Ornos for Kuzina. Focused on traditional cuisine from various regions of Greece, Maranto on Agia Anna beach is a newly arrived taverna that leaves the best impressions with its well-cooked classic specialties, while the already established Maereio in Chora and Kiki in Agios Sostis complete the picture of favorite local recipes, with excellent casseroles, meats, and fresh fish.
Another unique experience offered by the cosmopolitan island is its dreamy beaches, considered by many to be the best in the Cyclades. Crystal clear, pristine, cool waters, beautiful sandy shores, luxurious facilities, but also isolation for those who seek it – Mykonos’s coastline proves that the options are endless. The party may never stop at Super Paradise, but the beach itself is a wonderful combination of golden sand and turquoise waters. Paradise and Paraga follow in similar frenzied rhythms. At the celebrities’ favorite Psarou, with its impeccable, luxurious beach bars, you’ll swim in emerald waters, while Kalo Livadi and Elia, among the most extensive beaches on the island, are no less cosmopolitan. The sandy Panormos and Agios Sostis maintain a lower profile, the latter so isolated and serene that it seems like a piece of another island. In the same low-profile style, you’ll avoid the crowds at Fokos, Kapari, Lia, and Agrari, all with crystal-clear, transparent, invigorating waters.
Finally, if time allows, make a stop at the interesting museums in Chora, which summer crowds usually pass by – the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, with findings from the islet of Rineia, the Aegean Maritime Museum, with models of vessels from prehistory to modern times, and the “Lena’s House,” a representative sample of a Mykonian urban residence from the late 19th century, appropriately furnished, which functions as an annex of the Folklore Museum.
Where to Stay
Even if you’re not a celebrity, you’ll certainly feel like one at the dazzling Mykonos Blu by Grecotel, where Cycladic bliss meets impeccable aesthetics, Aegean tones, and the exclusive atmosphere of Mykonos’ most cosmopolitan beach. Psarou is a world unto itself, with gleaming yachts and ultra-chic crowds on one side, crystal-clear turquoise waters and golden sand on the other, creating a captivating backdrop overlooked by this five-star hotel.
Its inspired architecture, faithful to the Cycladic motif, integrates Mykonos Blu seamlessly into the Mykonian landscape. Though spectacular, it exudes humility before the vastness of the Aegean and sky, between which it seems to float ethereally. The breathtaking view, from both the open, sun-drenched spaces and the exclusive villas and suites, from the cave-like, all-white central pool or the 20 private ones, takes your breath away and magnetizes your gaze every time.
Sculpted white volumes, smooth surfaces, stone, blue details that add vibrancy, and natural materials characterize the three categories of accommodations: Bungalows and apartments of 29-70 sq.m., in open-plan or two-level layouts, scattered through manicured gardens where palm trees add an exotic touch and intensify the cosmopolitan atmosphere. Private pools or outdoor heated jacuzzis impress with their understated yet luxurious aesthetics, and the sense of intimacy evoked by decorative details like the all-white knitted bed throws.
The suites are equipped with private balconies and shaded terraces, exclusive gardens, outdoor jacuzzis or large pools, and share the common feature of stunning sea views from their privileged position in the resort. Special mention goes to the largest, the Luna Blu Suite, a romantic nest for two with its own garden and indoor private pool, allowing you to relax with your better half while enjoying unobstructed views of the sea. The Euphoria Suite, accommodating up to 6 people, offers three balconies overlooking the entire Psarou beach. The spacious villas, with bespoke decor, all with private pools and a precious sense of privacy, rank among the most beautiful in-resort villas in all of Mykonos. Some come with exclusive butler services, separate check-in, private chef, and in-villa spa services, even a personal shopping assistant. The Royal Blu Mansion, with views from every point, three terraces and corresponding outdoor jacuzzis, as well as a shaded pool, will tempt you to host your own unforgettable Mykonian party for your guests.
Between the wonderful communal pool and the sandy celebrity runway of Psarou, amidst refreshing dips in Mykonos’ star beach and relaxation on luxurious chaise longues overlooking superyachts, the balance of body and mind, rejuvenation from parties and endless nights, self-pampering becomes a reality in the zen space of the Elixir Wellness Center, which seems to emit that unique Mykonian energy. Professional therapists will recommend the right massage for you – even available for pregnant women or children – beauty treatments and cures to renew your skin, care packages that meet your needs, always inspired by ancient Greek philosophy of balance and wellness, and using top cosmetic brands recognized for the effectiveness of their ingredients, such as marocMaroc, Dr Barbara Sturm and Ariadne Athens.
For nights when you don’t want to part with your luxurious private refuge, there’s the option of a candlelit dinner on demand in the comfort of your villa, as formal, romantic, or casual as you desire, with exclusive service throughout. Personalized dinners for you and your company, served against the backdrop of the sunset, by the pool or on the deck, become unforgettable experiences.
Even those who refuse to leave the beach and sun will surely be tempted by the tantalizing aromas of fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes at L’Archipel brasserie, whose refined, idyllic setting on the central pool terrace epitomizes summer al fresco dining. For the rest, light snacks, sushi, and refreshing drinks are served all day on the beach, which begins and ends in the most delicious way at Aegean Poets: in the morning with homemade bougatsa, fresh fruits, healthy nuts, and international flavors like eggs benedict, royal or florentine, and in the evening with Mediterranean dishes in a rich buffet. For your first drink, bars are available at every level of the hotel – on the terrace, by the pool, on the beach.
For whatever follows, trust Mykonos, the ultimate queen of entertainment.
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