Mykonos

Mykonos is a popular destination in the Cyclades group of Greek islands, famous for its whitewashed windmills, busy nightlife, and sandy beaches. It's about 150 km from Athens. You can get here via a 2.5-hour high-speed ferry or a 40-minute flight. Fähre Athen–Mykonos: 2,5–3,5 Std.

Mykonos mixes ancient Aegean tradition with modern Mediterranean luxury. Its iconic Kato Mili windmills have stood above the harbor since the 16th century. Today they look out over a busy playground of designer boutiques, upscale restaurants, and beach clubs that draw crowds from around the world. But under the glittering surface, you'll still find the island's quiet soul. Pelicans waddle through whitewashed alleys, fishermen mend nets at the old port, and tiny chapels sit under a brilliant blue sky.

People have traveled to the "Island of the Winds" for thousands of years. Sitting near the center of the Cyclades made it an important trading post in antiquity. It sits right next to the sacred island of Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. This proximity gave Mykonos an ancient religious importance that you can still feel today. The modern rush started in the 1960s. That's when Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, and other elite travelers fell in love with its open spirit.

Now, the island fits almost any travel style. The south coast beaches are packed with energy. Places like Psarou and Nammos offer high-end beach club comfort, while Super Paradise keeps its legendary party reputation. If you head north, you'll find quiet, windswept coves where the only sound is the meltemi breeze. The local food scene is excellent too, mixing Cycladic staples like kopanisti cheese with global culinary trends. You don't have to stay out until dawn to enjoy it, watching the sunrise from a quiet church is just as memorable.

On Mykonos, every stone path leads to the sea, and every sunset brings a new story.