Mykonos has long been attracting A-listers and the jet-set, but what is the secret behind the Greek island's enduring appeal? We take a closer look at how this sun-drenched hotspot has managed to keep hold of its alluring appeal.
Mention Mykonos and visions of scenic cubist architecture tumbling down hillsides, hedonistic beach days and chic nightlife vibes come to mind. And it’s this unusual medley of tradition, beauty and glamour that makes the island a firm favourite among the international superyacht set who return to the magical island every summer.
Ever since the likes of Jackie O, Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly holidayed here in the 1960s, Mykonos has had a reputation as one of the most popular celebrity boltholes in the Mediterranean and, as the rich and the famous continue to seek out its VIP offerings, the island's popularity is only on the up.
From idyllic beaches and stunning scenery to trendy beach clubs, cutting-edge cuisine and a pulsating club scene, find out what makes Mykonos the beating heart of the Cyclades and a must-visit destination when on a Greek yacht charter.
Fringing this jewel of an island are over 20 beautiful beaches, the majority of which boast white sands and shimmering turquoise waters. Whether seeking out party vibes, exclusive facilities or some precious downtime, there is a beach to suit every mood during your yacht charter.
Of the few bays in Mykonos large enough for luxury yachts to anchor in, the well-sheltered Psarou is a firm favourite. Many famous faces are spotted among the golden sands, making this a beach to see and be seen at while unwinding in hip beach club Nammos, feasting on maki rolls from sushi bar Coo, or trying out the latest water toys on board the yacht.
Another A-list hub is Elia, an endless stretch of heavenly sand on the south coast with impeccable sunbed service and room for yachts to anchor. Nearby Super Paradise is a magnet for celebrities and young crowds of revellers looking to indulge in the rampant party scene. Come late-afternoon, festivities begin to rev up and continue into the early hours.
There are some options for escaping the crowds too. Among these are unspoiled Agios Sostis, pristine Mersini, and the horseshoe-shaped Fokos. The two latter beaches are facility-free. Located close to each other in the north of the island, Mersini and Fokos are perfect for some isolated bliss, but anchoring is best avoided on strong Meltemi wind days.
Seducing the jet set, wealthy Athenians and A-listers alike is Mykonos’ burgeoning beach club scene, offering around-the-clock holistic pleasures, five-star service and chic bohemian vibes in abundance.
Since its inception on Psarou beach in 2003, Nammos has been a lavish meeting point for well-heeled travellers. Tender transfers from superyachts docked in the bay to the club can be arranged, and all eyes will be on yacht-goers making the ultimate entrance via the private jetty. There's even a helipad on a nearby clifftop for those arriving by helicopter.
Once ashore, life at Nammos revolves around sipping champagne and smoking extravagant shisha in the bar, lounging in exclusive cabanas and devouring sophisticated dishes in the restaurant. Then, as the sun sets, the party atmosphere kicks in with the hottest DJs taking to the decks.
One of the latest beach clubs to emerge in Mykonos is SantAnna on Paranga Beach. Launched in 2017, the venue’s crowning feature is a huge beachfront pool complete with private VIP ‘islands’. SantAnna also plays host to two organic restaurants, several bars, designer boutiques, beach cabanas, a spa and salon, and electric party nights with live entertainment.
There’s nothing quite like feasting on a delicious meal after a day of soaking up the sun and, fittingly, the island is teaming with high-quality eateries. From traditional Greek restaurants to venues that morph into nightclubs, there is one to satiate every appetite.
Offering a modern take on traditional local dishes, from soutzoukakia and octopus to Myconian honey pie, is upmarket M-Eating in Mykonos Town. Similarly pioneering a new approach to Greek cuisine is chef Lefteris Lazarou at the nearby Michelin-starred White Star. Expect sea urchin salad, soup with cuttlefish ink and mussels with cauliflower mousse.
Also in the capital is long-running celeb haunt Katrin. Dine here for traditional Greek dishes like spinach and feta pie, and zucchini flowers stuffed with minted rice and pine nuts. While, for a late-night dining option that evolves into a full dance lounge at 2am, seek out the secret passageway leading to open-air, garden eatery Interni.
Likewise, Ling Ling from Hakkasan seamlessly transports its high-end clientele from dining to drinking and dancing. Feast on a cutting-edge Cantonese menu before trying out the extensive menu of exotic cocktails accompanied by a soundtrack mixed to perfection by the resident DJ.
Elsewhere, Matsuhisa, Nobu Matsuhisa's fine dining Japanese restaurant, serves up signature dishes, such as black cod with a miso glaze, by the pool of the Belvedere hotel, while Buddha Bar Beach delivers Asian fusion specialties against a live soundtrack of big name DJs in Ournos Bay.
Topping off Mykonos’ hedonistic lifestyle is its electric nightlife. Epic open-air Cavo Paradisco on Paradise Beach is one of the island’s best known nightclubs, attracting thousands of clubbers each year with its line-up of international DJs and unique natural surroundings.
Rub shoulders with jetsetters, VIPs and models on the dancefloor of Super Paradise Club, another venue renowned for its exclusive open-air parties. Or, join the yacht-hoppers and celeb-revellers with a flute of champagne in hand in the terrace cocktail lounge at Astra.
Covering a whole block in Mykonos town, Skandinavian Bar has been leading the island’s nightlife since 1978 with its mix of cocktails, high-octane fun and the hottest music. And, don’t miss new-kid-on-the-block Void, a futuristic multi-level nightclub luring even more top DJs into town.
But if the idea of starting your evening in the early hours is not your scene then don't worry. The ideal scenario for most superyacht guests is to begin with a long, rosé-fuelled late lunch and end the evening after sunset as you clamber onto your tender and enjoy the slumber of your cabin. Mykonos is certainly the place to be hedonistic over lunch.
Mykonos Town, known locally as Hora, is the island's main town and port. Step ashore and discover the a Cycladic maze of whitewashed cubical houses and churches with red or blue doors and domes. Standing out amid this dazzling white is a riot of pink oleander, scarlet hibiscus and trailing green peppers.
At its heart is Little Venice, the charming 18th century district, while the Panagia Paraportiani, one of the best known churches in Greece, can be found in medieval quarter Kastro. You cant miss the iconic Kato Myli ridge of windmills purveying the scene from the hilltop setting. Throughout the summer the outdoor Anemo Theatre, located in a large garden overlooking the town, hosts concerts and performances.
After sleepy afternoons, people return from the beach and the atmosphere ramps up. Shops and boutiques stay open past midnight, restaurants fill up, and the bars and clubs pulsate with the glittering throngs of party-goers.
For more information and help planning a Mykonos yachting vacation, speak to your preferred charter broker.
Alternatively, view all luxury yachts available for charter in Mykonos.
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LUXURY YACHTS AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER IN MYKONOS:
