Mykonos is a high-end, energetic Greek island in the Cyclades, which has vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. If planning a villa holiday in Mykonos, why not choose from one of the many Mykonos villas offered? They offer the privacy you don't get within a hotel complex, are luxurious, and give you many benefits, such as your own private kitchen and a swimming pool.
Mykonos is steeped in both mythological and real history. It was named after its first ruler, Mykonos, who was the grandson of the god Apollo. Mythology says that the island was created from the petrified bodies of the Giants, killed by Heracles, son of Zeus.
Mykonos was settled by Neolithic tribes in the 5th century B.C. By 1000 B.C., the Ionians dominated the island, but it was then taken over by the Romans, becoming part of the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines managed to fortify the island against Ottoman raids.
Venetian rule came next, occurring in stages during the 13th to 14th centuries, and then the Ottomans took control in the 17th century. Mykonos became free of them in 1822 and joined Greece.
Tourism started to take hold in the 1930s, and the island evolved from a traditional fishing community into a destination for the jet set by the 1960s.
This travel guide is a comprehensive source of information about the island, as well as holiday villas in Mykonos. It will also show you how to manage and coordinate the bookings of Mykonos villas.
Why Choose a Villa Holiday in Mykonos?
Choosing Mykonos holiday villas over hotels gives you the privacy you don't get in a hotel. You can do what you want, when you want. You aren't confined to designated meal times or crowded pools. You can eat at whatever time suits you, sit on a secluded terrace to watch the sunset, swim in the middle of the night, and be as social or not as you wish.
Private villas in Mykonos are like a home-away-from-home. They have everything you need, including air conditioning, barbecue areas, and fully-equipped kitchens. You don't even have to cook for yourself, as you have the option of hiring a private chef. He or she will cook traditional dishes as well as cater for special dietary requirements.
Services such as spa treatments are often available, and many villas have a host who will arrange trips for you, tailored to your interests. If you are keen on archaeological sites, take a cruise to Delos. Tour Mykonos on a highlights tour, take a food walking tour in Mykonos Town, a sunset party boat cruise, or visit a winery for a vineyard tour and tasting.
If you are looking for Mykonos villas for large groups, you will find that they are more cost-effective than hotels of the same quality, since you would have to book multiple rooms at a hotel.
If you are looking for private villas in Mykonos, you will find that they have local character combined with high-end amenities. Enjoy the infinity pool, cool down with climate control inside, and watch T.V. with high-end technology.
Private villas in Mykonos, Greece, allow you to experience 'slow-living'. Many have seaside views, so you can relax in beautiful surroundings. This is not to say that you can't enjoy the beach clubs, but you have a choice.
Choosing the Perfect Area for Your Mykonos Villa Holiday
Mykonos is a small island of approximately 35 square miles (90 square km). It is characterised by a terrain of rocky granite, sandy beaches, and barren hills. The highest hill, Prophet Elios Vorniotis, is 1220 feet (372 metres) high and is virtually treeless. There aren't any rivers on the island, and two reservoirs and desalination plants provide water. The island is known for its southern sandy beaches, such as Elia, Psarou, and Platis Gialos, while the north is rugged and rocky. Agriculture is limited because of the stony terrain, so the island relies on imports.
Choosing what part of the island to stay in can be the making or the breaking of your holiday. Mykonos offers the whitewashed labyrinth of Mykonos Town, the party beaches and clubs of the south, the secluded beaches of the North, and some tranquil family beaches.
Mykonos Town, called Chora by the locals, is pedestrian-friendly and is a labyrinth of winding streets. It has iconic landmarks such as the Kato Milli windmills, museums, a wide variety of tavernas and up-market restaurants, an exciting nightlife scene, and good transport links to the rest of the island. By the shore are colourful 18th-century fishing houses. This area is called Little Venice, and here you can sip a cocktail, gazing at the sunset and the bobbing fishing boats.The southern coast is the beach playground of the island, often frequented by the rich and famous. If you want to be part of the jet set, rent a villa in Mykonos with a pool in this area — our beachfront villas in Mykonos are particularly popular here. These beaches are protected from the summer's Meltemi winds, so they are calmer and more pleasant than the northern beaches. The beaches, including Paradise and Super Paradise, offer beach clubs, restaurants, and calm waters. KTEL buses and water buses connect the beaches so you can beach-hop.
The southeastern coast is a hidden gem. It has long sandy beaches such as Agia Anna, authentic tavernas, water sports, and fewer people. However, it is only a 25-minute drive from Mykonos Town. Kalafatis in the southeast is worth exploring for those who want a quieter base away from the main tourist areas.
The interior offers traditional village life. There is just one significant town here, Ano Mera, which is about 5 miles (8 km) from Mykonos Town. Here, life is centred around the main square, which is full of cafes and tavernas. You can visit the 16th-century Panagia Tourliani monastery, which has an ornate bell tower and an interesting ecclesiastical museum.
When is the Best Time for a Mykonos Villa Holiday?
Shoulder Seasons
This time of year, which is May - early June, and September - October, is probably the best time to rent a Mykonos holiday villa as it's warm, but not too hot. The seas are swimmable, especially in September when they are the warmest. It isn't as crowded nor as expensive as in the summer months.
Summer
If you like hot weather, then July and August are the months to rent a villa in Mykonos with a pool. It is crowded on the south coast beaches, but it is the best time for beach parties and nightlife.
Winter
Winter is very quiet in Mykonos. The resorts close, so the only place where there is life is in Mykonos Town. Temperatures at this time of year are cool, generally between 11 - 14°C (52 - 57F). If you do rent a villa in Mykonos at this time of year, don't expect nightlife, but you will be able to have an insight into local life, with cosy dinners in traditional tavernas.
Essential Planning Tips for Your Mykonos Villa Holiday
- Book early. Book at least 4 months before your trip. If you want to visit in the summer, you are best booking your private villa in Mykonos 12 months before, as they get reserved quickly.
- During the holiday season, there are both domestic and international flights to Mykonos Airport, which is about 2.5 miles (4 km) south of Mykonos Town. In the winter, you can only get there on a direct flight from Athens. An alternative is the ferry from Athens, either from the Piraeus or Rafina port. It takes between 2.5 and 6 hours, depending on the ferry you take.
- Make sure that your Mykonos holiday villa has an EOT licence, which is a permit from the Greek National Tourism Organisation allowing owners to legally rent out their property. Check that there is a host to help you book car rentals, trips, and to make taverna and restaurant reservations, as well as sorting out any problems in the villa.
Curating the Experience: Food, Culture and Activities in Mykonos
Gastronomy
Being an island, fish and seafood are popular and are usually caught on the day you enjoy them. Octopus, squid, spiny lobster, red mullet, and prawns are some of the favourites.
Classic delicacies include broad beans with lard and fennel, fennel meatballs, various types of mushrooms (lardomanites, volute, and manites) in the pan, and gingerbread and onion pie. The macaroons of Mykonos are grilled, taste like chocolate chip cookies, and have a bitter almond aroma. Moussaka can usually be found, as can cheesy pan-fried saganaki. Desserts include baklava, which is made from thin phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and cinnamon, soaked in honey. Loukoumades are bite-sized doughnuts, drizzled with honey and syrup and dusted with cinnamon. Your private chef at your Mykonos villa will be able to cook traditional dishes for you or head out to a taverna.The best place to drink wine produced on the island is on Mykonos itself, as most of it doesn't leave the island. To make their wine, they use varietals such as Agiannitis, Asyrtiko, and Athiri.
Experiences
Take a short boat ride to get to the archaeological site on the nearby island of Delos. Enjoy a sunset cruise, take a walking food tour of Mykonos Town, visit a winery, or take a van ride all over the island. Your host at your Mykonos villa will be able to arrange excursions for you.
For couples and honeymooners, a sunset cruise followed by dinner in Little Venice is hard to beat. And for those who want the ultimate in luxury, our Mykonos Luxe Collection features some of the finest private estates on the island.
Ready to Find Your Dream Mykonos Villa?
Holiday villas in Mykonos provide a magical experience. They allow you to immerse yourself in luxury, privacy, breathtaking scenery, local culture, and gastronomy. Why not browse our collection of Bnbstay Mykonos villas to rent?
FAQ
Is it better to stay in a hotel or a villa in Mykonos? Private villas in Mykonos have the advantage over hotels in that they offer privacy, your own amenities, such as a swimming pool and kitchen, and they are cost-effective, particularly if you rent a Mykonos villa for a large group.
Do I need to hire a car in Mykonos? A car isn't necessary on Mykonos, unless you want to travel around the island. There is, however, a good bus service, taxi service, and water buses along the south coast.
How much does a Mykonos villa cost? Rental prices vary according to the location, the luxury level, and the amenities. The average is £500 per night, with peak prices being over £900 per night. Kalafatis is one of the most expensive areas with prices around £1000. Mykonos Town can be cheaper.
Interested in this island paradise? Plan your Mykonos villa holiday with us. You won't be disappointed. With facilities such as private pools, fully-equipped kitchens, and the option of a private chef, you will have the time of your life. There's a wide choice of Mykonos luxury villas to choose from, whether you want to be close to a party atmosphere or are looking for a quiet retreat.
