Tag: Kalafatis

The powdery white Mykonos beaches few tourists ever see

Share

Snow on the Mykonos Town beach

The snow on Agia Agia beach at the Mykonos Town harbour had at least one of the island’s resident geese in a flap. This photo by Argiris Chatzis has gone viral on social media.

 

Snow on Psarou beach on Mykonos

People who have danced on the sand at the world-famous Nammos beach club would probably never have imagined that Psarou beach could look like this in winter. The photo was shared on social media by Mykonos Live TV.

 

Snow on Kalafatis beach on Mykonos

Snow covers Kalafatis beach while ominous stormclouds lurk above the two hills at Divounia that Mykonos locals have nicknamed “Aphrodite’s Breasts.”  Ηλίας Παναγάκος shared this image to the Meteo GR weather group page on Facebook.

 

Snowy strands: Mykonos is renowned for its dozens of beautiful beaches, but few tourists have ever seen them transform overnight from gorgeous golden sands to fluffy white powder.  That’s what happened this week when a winter weather system that meteorologists named Elpis swept across Greece’s Aegean islands, leaving a layer of crisp white snow in its wake.

On Sunday January 23, Mykonos residents awoke to find their homes, yards and vehicles under a blanket of snow — the heaviest snowfall the island has received in nearly 40 years.

While parts of the island got just a light dusting of the white stuff, some areas attracted deeper accumulations — and some no snow at all. That resulted in the striking sight of patches of vibrant green winter vegetation — another feature most Mykonos tourists never get to see during the dry, barren months of summer — surrounded by wide expanses of snow-topped fields and hills.

On the other side of the Atlantic, we awoke to snowfalls, too (a normal January sight here in Canada), but were taken aback to find our social media pages filled with stunning pictures and videos showing Mykonos with snow-covered landscapes and moody winter stormclouds looming overhead — just like here!

The famous Mykonos beaches looked amazing, though rather than showing off their usual tones of golden brown, they appeared just as white as the island’s iconic sugar-cube buildings.

Below, we have re-posted some of the social media photos, to show you how striking the beaches looked in their white winter coats.

We’re sure the images will astound people who have spent summer holidays partying , sunbathing and swimming at these beaches, but never imagined how drastically different they might appear in winter. The photos might even come as a complete shock to many people around the world who mistakenly believe Mykonos weather is similar to the Caribbean’s, since they’ve only seen pictures and videos showing the island in summer, with beaches, palm trees and swimsuit-clad tourists basking in the sunshine.

— Ornos beach —

 

Ornos beach area of Mykonos after a snowfall

The Ornos beach area is seen in a photo that was widely shared on social media formats and credited to Dimitris Paterakis

 

@katerina_brb Instagram photo of snow on Ornos beach on Mykonos

Ornos beach and hillside view from an Instagram photo by @katerina_brb

 

Snow on Ornos beach on Mykonos

Snow on Ornos beach on Mykonos

Above, two ground-level views from the southern end of Ornos beach as snow continued to fall. The images were both shared on Facebook by Kostantis restaurant, one of the beach tavernas at Ornos.

 

Snow at Ornos beach on Mykonos

Another  photo by Kostantis restaurant, this time showing  Ornos from the northern end of the beach

 

— Super Paradise beach —

 

Snowfall at JackieO Beach Club and Super Paradise beach on Mykonos

Views of snowy Super Paradise beach and the JackieO Beach Club, seen in images shared in the club’s Instagram stories

 

— Kalo Livadi beach —

 

snow on Kalo Livadi beach Mykonos

With this layer of snow giving it a different look, Kalo Livadi beach might be unrecognizable to people who have been to Solymar Beach Restaurant or Lohan Beach House in summer months. The photo was shared on Instagram by Island Mykonos Suites.

 

— Agios Stefanos beach —

 

Snow on Agios Stefanos beach on Mykonos

Agios Stefanos beach next to the Mykonos New Port is seen in an image, credited to O. Kyrantoni, shared on the Delos Tours Instagram page

 

Snow on Agios Stefanos beach on Mykonos

A ground-level view of Agios Stefanos beach from the opposite direction to the image posted above. This picture was shared on Facebook by Olga Pavlidi.

 

Snowy Mykonos beach photo shared on Instagram by o_lofos

The view toward Delos and Rhenia islands from Agios Stefanos beach, as seen in an image shared on Facebook by  O Lofos Luxury Boutique Suites

 

— Psarou beach —

 

@kostis_krg Instagram photo of snow at Psarou beach on Mykonos

The snowy slopes surrounding Psarou beach seen in an image shared by @kostis_krg

 

Aerial view of snow at Psarou beach on Mykonos

Another aerial view of the snow-covered hills and beach at Psarou. This image was shared on Instagram by Betty Chanozidou.

 

Snow on Psarou beach Mykonos

Mykonos Live TV captured this image of sunshine sparkling on the turquoise waters at snowy Psarou beach

 

Snow on Psarou beach on Mykonos

 Another Mykonos Live TV view of Psarou

 

Ioannis Revithis photo of Psarou beach on Mykonos

Ioannis Revithis shared this photo of Psarou beach on Facebook

 

snow on Psarou beach Mykonos

Snowy Psarou beach and the surrounding hillsides are shown in an image Mykonos Animal Welfare shared on its Instagram account, along with a message urging island residents to open their hearts and doors for strays and farm animals that might need food, water and shelter during the cold snap that will last several days.

 

— Agrari beach —

 

 snow on Agrari beach on Mykonos

A Mykonos Live TV social media image of snow-laden Agrari

 

snow on Agrari beach on Mykonos

The golden sand of Agrari beach is completely covered by snow in this image shared on social media pages for Mykonos Live TV and Agrari Beach

 

— Paraga beach —

 

Snow on Paraga beach on Mykonos

Snow on Paraga beach on Mykonos

Snow-dusted Paraga beach is seen in two screen captures from a video that Paraga Cafe shared in its Instagram stories

 

— Kalafatis beach —

 

Snow on Kalafatis beach

Skandinavian Bar shared this photo showing a view toward Divounia from the snow-powdered sands of Kalafatis beach

 

snow at Kalafatis beach on Mykonos

A view of Kalafatis from the southern end of the beach. The photo was widely shared on social media and credited to Stacey Papaiannou.

 

— Elia beach —

 

@yioris_gk Instagram photo of snow on Elia beach Mykonos

Sunshine breaks through clouds above Elia beach in an image shared on Instagram by yioris_gk

 

— Agia Anna beach at the Mykonos Town harbour — 

 

Snow on Agia Anna beach at Mykonos Town

This photo of Agia Anna beach in Mykonos Town was shared on social media by Delos Tours and credited to photographer V Delarosa

 

Snowy Agia Anna beach in Mykonos Town

An Agia Anna beach photo shared on the Facebook page for Mykonos Promo

 

Geese pigeons and snow on Agia Anna beach at Mykonos Town

The wing-flapping goose and its companions are joined by a flock of pigeons for this shot, which was shared on social media by Mykonos Animal Welfare. 

New hotels, suites & villas opening on Mykonos in 2021

Share

From cozy studios to spacious designer villas and luxurious hotel suites with private pools, Mykonos offers a vast array of holiday accommodations. Here are the island’s impressive new lodging options for 2021.

 

Some of the new hotels opening on Mykonos for 2021

Top row: Aeonic Suites & Spa (left) and UBUD. Second row: Soleila and Ethereal villas (left) and Bonzoe Homes & Villas. Third row: Noima Luxury Suites (left) and Destino Pacha. Bottom row: Mykonos Euphoria Suites (left), Aloni Sunset Lounge at Kalesma hotel (center), and Habitat All Suite Hotel.

 

Decisions, decisions: Where to stay on Mykonos?

The answer is easy for most of the island’s repeat visitors: They’ve already found their favourite accommodations, and keep returning to familiar surroundings, where management and staff feel like old friends or even family.

But for people travelling to Mykonos for the very first time, it can be a daunting task to choose from the sizeable selection of places to stay.  More than 1,100 properties are available through booking.com alone, and TripAdvisor tallies 770 hotels and 1,030 vacation properties in its listings. Over 300 accommodations can be found on Airbnb, while high-end management agencies, professional concierges and elite travel planners have hundreds of luxury homes and villas bookable through their  exclusive portfolios.

Making a decision gets increasingly difficult each year as dozens of additional accommodation properties enter the market. 

For 2021, visitors can choose from a wide variety of new lodgings that include cozy studios, sumptuously-appointed suites, full-service 5-star hotels, and exquisite private villas.

For nervous travellers seeking accommodations where they can enjoy comfort, space and privacy for their first overseas holiday since the Covid-19 pandemic began, there’s good news: choices are plentiful for luxurious, spacious rooms and personal pleasure amenities like private plunge pools and patios. 

Here, in the first instalment of a multi-part post, we take a look at 10 of the island’s top new accommodations, providing photos, descriptions and contact information for each property.

The newcomers profiled in this post are:

♦ Destino Pacha Mykonos

♦ The Elaia House

♦ Aeonic Suites & Spa

♦ Soleila Villa

♦ Ethereal Villa

♦ EpicMykonos

♦ Mykonos Earth Suites

♦ Once in Mykonos Luxury Resort

♦ Mykonos Euphoria Suites, and

♦ Kalesma

More new hotels and villas are spotlighted in our post Luxury lodging: More new hotels, which you can find simply by scrolling further down this page.

Please click on the link below to see the profiles on page 2.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Pages: 1 2

Mykonos 2021: Opening dates for bars, beach clubs, restaurants & more

Share

 

Looking for information for the 2022 summer tourist season? See our post Mykonos 2022: Opening dates and new arrivals for the travel season.

 

 Updated on Thursday July 22

 

Mykonos Town on Mykonos island

 

Now open: If you’re a regular Mykonos visitor, this post will show if & when your favourite bars, beach clubs, nightclubs, hotels and restaurants have opened for the 2021 tourist season.

If you’re planning to visit Mykonos for the first time, this post will give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of things to see and do on the island, plus places to stay.

Scroll down this page to see information about daily, weekly and other regular parties and events that take place on the island.

Page 2 of this post contains a list of bars, restaurants, hotels, villas and attractions that opened for the tourist season during late winter, April, and May.

Page 3 shows places that opened during June, as well as parties and events that took place that month.

NOTE: We have moved our listings of July and August parties and events into separate, new posts.

For a list of parties and events that took place during July, see: Mykonos parties, DJ shows and events in July 2021.

A list of parties and events in August, September, October and November can be seen in: Mykonos parties, DJ shows and events during August, September & October 2021. That listing also includes announcements for season closing parties and events on the island.

For detailed information regarding rules for travel to and within Greece this summer, see the Protocols for Arrivals in and Departures from Greece on the official Greek government website.

 

July openings

 

Mykonos Brewing Company taproom

Mykonos Brewing Company is once again welcoming visitors to its taproom to taste its selection of locally-produced craft brews. The taproom is open Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

A room at Nomad Mykonos hotel

Nomad Mykonos officially opened its hideaway of bohemian luxury suites at Kalo Livadi on July 21

 

Velanos Mykonos restaurant on Mykonos

Velanos Mykonos is a brand-new restaurant that has just opened today (Tuesday July 20). It’s situated next to the National Bank near the airport, and is a great spot for breakfast and brunch, as well as sunset cocktails. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m.  until 1 a.m.

 

July 20 2021 grand opening announcement for Drunk Monkey Mykonos

Tuesday July 20 is opening day for Drunk Monkey, a take-away cocktail bar in Mykonos Town returning for its second season of operations

 

Thalami Bar Mykonos

July 26 is opening night for Thalami Bar at Agia Moni Square

 

July 28 2020 opening event for Bordello Mykonos Italian Dinner Show

The Italian Dinner Show event, Bordello Mykonos, will hold its opening party on Wednesday July 28 at Pinky Beach Club

 

the entrance sign for Farma House on Mykonos

Now open at Ftelia beach, Farma House is a cool new open-air concept club where visitors can dine and drink cocktails at sunset, then dance into the late hours as DJs play “the experimental sound of Mykonos.”   It opens at 7 p.m. daily.

 

The Garden of Mykonos

The Garden of Mykonos

July 1 was opening day for The Garden of Mykonos, a relaxing hilltop lounge and bar where guests can enjoy cocktails, appetizers, snacks and desserts with fabulous sea and sunset views and good music

 

Sweat Vacay yoga pilates and cycling classes at The Garden of Mykonos

In early July, Sweat Vacay resumed its group yoga, pilates and cycling exercise classes at The Garden of Mykonos, along with other locations on the island.  Check their website for class schedules, locations and prices.

 

Lio Mykonos cabaret performers

One of the most-anticipated new nightlife venues on Mykonos held its grand opening July 9. The Lío Mykonos cabaret restaurant and nightclub brings the unique Lio Ibiza brand of live music and dance entertainment to an open-air dining and lounge courtyard at 6 Enoplon Dinameon Street in Mykonos Town.

 

 

Void club Mykonos opening announcement for July 2021

July 16 is opening night for Void nightclub

 

Toy Room Club Mykonos opening date 2021

Toy Room Club Mykonos now starts its season on Friday July 16 — one day later than the club had previously announced

 

The logo for Sanctus club on Mykonos

Sanctus club also will be holding its opening party on Friday July 16, also one day later than initially scheduled. This season, you’ll find the club in a new location — above Mosaic restaurant at Manto Square.

 

Daily and weekly parties & events

 

Tropicana Mykonos daily beach parties during 2021

Again this summer, Tropicana club at Paradise beach will be holding a party every day, starting at 4.30 p.m.

 

Hippie Fish Mykonos sunset party

Hippie Fish beach club and restaurant at Agios Ioannis beach throws sunset parties every Wednesday and Saturday evening, starting at 4 p.m.

 

Zuma restaurant Mykonos weekend brunch

New this summer at Zuma restaurant — a weekend champagne brunch offering Zuma’s amazing Japanese izakaya along with music from the restaurant’s resident DJ. You’ll find Zuma in the Cavo Tagoo luxury hotel near the Mykonos Old Port.

 

Hippie Fish Mykonos Sunday Greek parties

Every Sunday night there’s a Greek-themed party at Hippie Fish beach club and restaurant at Agios Ioannis beach that promises a smashing good time for all. The “It’s all Greek to me” parties start at 9 p.m.

 

Cosi Bar Mykonos resident DJ for summer 2021

DJ Thodoris Ntontos will be playing at Cosi bar for summer 2021

 

Kalua Mykonos summer 2021 entertainer Shaya

Singer, songwriter & performer Shaya Hansen returns to Kalua for summer 2021. She will be appearing at the club Tuesdays through Sundays starting at 4 p.m.

 

 

 

Alemagou beach club Mykonos events July 2 to 9 2021

Alemagou beach club will present these DJ and music events from July 2 to 9

 

SantAnna Mykonos presents Sven Vath

Just announced: German DJ & electronic music producer Sven Väth will play for the Phos parties at SantAnna beach club on Fridays, from July 16 to August 13. The parties will begin in late afternoon and continue until midnight.

 

DJ and musician Valeron

One of the most popular DJs on Mykonos, Valeron will be making weekly appearances for live shows at Noema restaurant and Scorpios beach club during July. You can catch his show at Noema on Fridays (July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30), and see him at Scorpios on Saturdays (July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31).

 

Please click on the link below to turn to page 2, where you can see which places are already open for the summer 2021 tourist season.

 

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Pages: 1 2 3

What’s new on Mykonos for summer 2016

Share

~ updated on Monday September 5 2016 ~

 

Mykonos Town and harbourfront

Overlooking the Mykonos Town harbourfront from one of my favourite vantage points on a hill behind the Remezzo area of town

 

Boom town: Many of the tourists who visited Mykonos last summer must have been wondering why they didn’t see obvious signs of the economic crisis that has ravaged the country for more than five years.  

Seemingly unscathed by the financial problems that have plagued the rest of Greece, Mykonos was absolutely thriving in 2015, with more than 100 new travel-related businesses opening up on the island last summer alone. The unprecedented renovation and building boom saw the arrival of new hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, galleries and personal services, many of which were aimed at the island’s rapidly growing luxury travel market.

 

 

It would be hard to top 2015’s astounding array of brand-new businesses again this year, but recent announcements about more upcoming new openings suggest the resilient Mykonos economy is poised for even further prosperity and growth.

So far there have been announcements on social media to herald the imminent debut of several new restaurants, retail shops, beach clubs, hotels, bars and nightlife venues, while rumours abound that many more are in the works.

Please click on the link below to read about the new businesses that have opened or been announced so far. I will update this post regularly as I receive more information about the newcomers.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Pages: 1 2

Marvellous winter moments on Mykonos

Share

Mykonos Island “when no one’s watching” from Andreas Bekas on Vimeo.

 

Mention Mykonos, and most people instantly imagine sun-scorched rocky hills; crescent-shaped beaches packed end-to-end with people partying under searing sunshine; throngs of tourists swarming the iconic windmills on the hill near Little Venice; gigantic cruise ships docking at both of the island’s ports; and luxurious private yachts dropping anchor in almost every bay. That’s a fairly accurate image of what the island is like during the peak travel months of July and August.

But Mykonos has a completely different look during winter when the island’s 10,000 residents have the beaches and monuments entirely to themselves. The hillsides are verdant with winter flowers and greenery; the quiet beaches are empty of people, lounge chairs and umbrellas; and there’s nary a soul to be seen near the windmills or on the seaside at Little Venice.

 

Spectacular video by Andreas Bekas

In his spectacular time-lapse video Mykonos Island: When no one’s watching, photographer Andreas Bekas captures the Mykonos landscape in moments of peace, quiet, solitude and colour that few tourists ever get to see.

The 2.5-minute video opens with striking sunrise views of the Agios Iakovos chapel near Agios Sostis (which I profiled in a June 10 2013 post), and features scenes including: the five windmills at Alefkandra; the Armenistis lighthouse; the Bonis windmill on the hill above Mykonos Town; vast expanses of green countryside; the blissfully empty beaches at Paraga, Kalfatis and Panormos; the remarkable Paraportiani Church; and a moody view of the Little Venice seafront. The clip concludes with an aerial view of an eerily quiet Mykonos Town and harbourfront at sunset; a star-filled sky above a rustic dovecoat; and tall green grass rustling in wind.

Makes me wish I could take a winter trip to Mykonos!

 

Mykonos food and drink 2013: The island’s most popular beach tavernas and restaurants

Share

 The view from Kiki's taverna at Agios Sostis beach on Mykonos

This view of a calm cove and tranquil beach on Panormos Bay is a major element of the sublime setting and laid-back, relaxed ambience…

 

The tree- and vine-sheltered dining terrace at Kiki's taverna at Agios Sostis beach on Mykonos

… that continue to draw scores of diners to cozy Kiki’s Taverna near Agios Sostis beach on Mykonos. But the taverna’s superb salads and great grilled meat dishes are the main reasons why Kiki’s remains one of the most talked about beach restaurants on the island. Click on the photos to view full-size pictures.

 

~~

[This is the second in a series of reports about the Mykonos restaurant and bar scene this summer. The first highlighted restaurants in and near Mykonos Town that have been generating lots of buzz so far this season. This instalment profiles popular restaurants at a dozen different beach areas on the island.]

 

Best of the beaches: Mykonos is one of the most popular beach destinations in Greece, boasting more than two dozen major beaches plus countless coves and secret swimming spots off the beaten tourist path.

The good news for visitors who work up an appetite while enjoying the sun, sand and sea is that very good restaurants — some of which are considered to be among the best dining spots on the island — can be found on or near at least 16 of those beautiful beaches.

Here’s a look at the restaurants and tavernas at a dozen different beaches that travellers and locals alike have been talking about the most this summer. (I will provide a more comprehensive list of dining establishments at all beach areas in a separate post still to come.)

 

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Pages: 1 2

Top 6 memories of my Mykonos holiday in 2012 — #4: Surf, sand & sun at more than 20 beaches

Share

Paraga beach Mykonos

A view of Paraga beach in the foreground and Psarou beach in the distance at rear right. Not visible in between are Agia Anna and Platis Gialos beaches.

 

20 beaches: Locals tell me there are more than 60 beaches on Mykonos, some of which are situated in remote areas of the island that few tourists ever get to see. In all my visits to Mykonos to date, I have seen less than 30 beaches, which means there are still plenty more for me to discover on future holidays.

Last month, I got to see more than 20 different beaches, and actually spent awhile enjoying 17 of them.  I visited Kapari and Lia for the first time ever, and made return trips to several beaches I had not seen in a few years: Kalafatis, Elia, Super Paradise,  Psarou and Agios Stefanos.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Pages: 1 2

Top 6 memories of my Mykonos holiday in 2012 #6: the striking sea and island scenery

Share

Elia beach Mykonos

Villas cling to a steep mountainside above Elia beach on Mykonos

 

Stark contrasts: On Mykonos, I have always loved the stark contrast between the arid, rocky island and the blue sea and sky that surround it. The rugged brown landscape seems to make the Aegean Sea’s shimmering turquoise water look more vivid and vibrant, especially at beaches, than it does at other Cycladic islands, where it has a pronounced cobalt hue.

This trip I did a lot of walking on Mykonos, as usual, but also saw many parts of the island through the windows of buses and cars.  I never got bored of the scenery, and always found it exhilarating whenever the vehicle rounded a corner and gave us a glimpse of a horseshoe-shaped bay with alluring blue and green water sparkling under the blazing sun.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Pages: 1 2