Guide to Mykonos

Set amongst the idyllic charter routes of the Cyclades Islands, Mykonos rose to international prominence during the 1960s, when bohemian travellers, artists and free spirits discovered its whitewashed charm and laid-back lifestyle. What began as a discreet creative retreat gradually evolved into the glamorous, high-energy summer capital it is today.

Yet Mykonos’ identity stretches far beyond its modern party reputation. Inhabited since antiquity, the island has been shaped by successive civilisations including the Carians, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. Its proximity to the sacred island of Delos, one of the most important religious and commercial centres of the ancient Aegean, positioned Mykonos within historic maritime trade routes, embedding seafaring and commerce into its cultural fabric. 

For all of the glamour and glitter that a Mykonos yacht charter vacation flaunts, it offers just as much natural beauty and traditional Greek scenery. The vibrant heart of the island is a place to escape, indulge and revel in the stylish bars and fantastic restaurants, whilst the more traditional villages that occupy the north offer a quieter, more secluded ambience.

Little Venice remains one of Mykonos’ most photographed corners, its waterfront lined with chic bars and restaurants overlooking the Aegean. Above it stand the island’s iconic Cycladic windmills, a popular site for those exploring the region on Mediterranean yacht charters. Nearby, the main town of Chora unfolds around a crescent-shaped harbour, where fishing boats bob beside luxury tenders and superyachts throughout the summer season. 

A short cruise away, Rhenia and Delos provide a striking contrast to Mykonos’ social energy. Uninhabited and accessible primarily by yacht, Rhenia offers serene anchorages and crystalline waters, while Delos presents an extraordinary open-air museum of temples, mosaics and ancient ruins, a reminder of the region’s profound historical significance.

Home to a number of cultural events, including a small film festival, Mykonos is also a perfect stop off for a summer weekend of hedonism or a relaxing escape later in the year as part of a wider East Mediterranean yacht charter itinerary.

If you are interested in a yachting vacation in the waters of Mykonos and the surrounding Greek Islands, view all luxury yacht charters in Greece.