You must wonder what Mykonos in winter is like. This stunning destination in Greece is a popular summer hot spot, but it’s rarely considered outside of the season. Is it worth coming here in winter? If you’re eager to visit it during the colder months, here are things to expect when you get there.
Yes, Visiting Mykonos in Winter Is Worth It – Here’s Why
The island is safe during the entire year, but how fun is it when the summer season ends? We hear stories about it being a lovely destination 365 days a year, but the locals (and most visitors) know that the peak of the party experience is always between May and September.
If you decide to come here during the colder months, you aren’t just another tourist looking for a wild beach vacation and partying. You want to appreciate some of the oldest Greek attractions. Despite not having beach bars, clubs, and high-end restaurants at the ready, you can still organize a great Mykonos holiday, book a luxurious Mykonos villa and enjoy your time here.
The Pros – You’ll Avoid Crowds and High Prices
If you plan to visit Mykonos during winter, the good news is that you’ll be lucky in avoiding crowds, lines to certain Mykonos attractions, and expensive meals in famous restaurants. In-season prices sometimes get so high that they can spoil a holiday. While it’s one of Greece’s most expensive islands, off-season prices won’t be a big shock to your wallet. Feel free to plan your itinerary and things to do on a rainy day without worrying about money.
The Cons – It Could Be Tough to Reach the Island in Winter
Planning a trip to a high-end holiday destination in December may prove somewhat tricky. Most Greek islands are summertime destinations and don’t accommodate many tourists year-round, and this one’s no exception. Summer months offer numerous ferry and airplane lines, while you have fewer options for getting there in wintertime. Still, it’s possible if you’re willing to make an effort or, better yet – rent a private jet.
There may be some clouds over Mykonos town, Chora, but there will still be lovely sea views
How to Travel Here if You Want to Visit in Winter
Going here during wintertime can be difficult, but not impossible. The best way to travel is by ferry or airplane. Ferry trips from mainland Greece take around four to five hours, an excellent way to relax at sea and enjoy the breeze. By airplane, you can reach the Mykonos Airport (JMK) from Athens (ATH) in just under one hour.
There Are Direct Flights Only from Athens
Despite numerous flights being available during the summer, once the season is over, only one destination offers direct flights to Mykonos – Athens. The capital is directly linked to this island year-round, but this route isn’t so busy when the summer ends. Most flights from ATH to JMK are scheduled for early mornings.
Travel by Ferry From Athens’ Port Rafina
Athens has three ferry terminals – Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio. Rafina is the only port that operates during winter. Obviously, locals may wish to travel to the mainland during winter, and vice versa, so completely cutting off the island would make no sense. Despite that, the traffic is significantly reduced during colder months.
You can fly to the Mykonian airport only from Athens in wintertime
Walk Around the Main Town, Also Known as Chora
There may not be much to do here around wintertime, but you can get to know Mykonos town – Chora – without worrying about large crowds or feeling like you’re in just another tourist spot. When Chora is stripped of its tourist-friendly mask, it’s just another beautiful town in Greece. This will make you love and appreciate its beauty even more. This town has many hidden places to discover, but we suggest you start by visiting the classic spots one shouldn’t miss when in Mykonos:
- Visit the famous windmills and Little Venice,
- Check out the Paraportiani Church,
- Tour the Archaeological and Maritime Museums,
- Observe art at the Mykonos galleries – Rarity and Kapopoulos Fine Arts Galleries,
- Go to the Folklore Museum,
- Bring your cocktails and watch the sunset from one of the seaside locations.
Eat at a Classic Taverna if You Find One Open
You may not find the best and most attractive Greek restaurants open off-season, but people still have to eat somewhere. You will likely find that some local tavernas are open, and what better thing to do on a Greek island than to eat traditional Greek dishes? If you can’t find any tavernas open in Chora, you can drive to one of these locations, which serve authentic Greek food:
- Limnios Taverna – Rated as one of the best restaurants in Agios Stefanos, this dining spot isn’t within walking distance from the main town, but if you rent a car, you can get there in under 20 minutes. It’s 7,2 kilometers (3,5 miles) from Chora, on the seaside.
- Tasos Taverna – This restaurant opened in 1962 and has been serving fresh fish and exciting dishes since. It’s just 8 kilometers (4,9 miles) from Chora – you can be there in under 20 minutes.
- Kazarma Restaurant – This waterfront, all-day restaurant, serves incredible seafood and even nicer lamb. It’s located in the Old Port, right by the seaside, near Panagia Paraportiani.
While You Can’t Visit Santorini and Delos in Winter, You Can Rent a Car and Drive Around
There are many benefits to renting a car when you come to Mykonos. It gives you the freedom to explore the area at your own pace, see all of the hidden spots and best beaches, and explore the charming villages in the heart of the island. You may not see Santorini or Delos this time, but when you come back, you’ll know all about Mykonian charms.
You might meet some fun and charming people and even learn basic Greek words. This will be an authentic and enjoyable experience for someone who enjoys Greek culture, historical places, and beautiful natural landscapes.
Take a Trip to the Ano Mera Village and Its Monasteries
With a car, you can easily get around the island and leave the comfort of Chora. For example, one of the most interesting locations we can recommend is Ano Mera on the island’s northwest side. Ano Mera is a charming little village with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and a beautiful church. The drive there is about 20 minutes from Chora.
The monasteries there are some of the most stunning sights in Mykonos, even if you’re not religious. Panagia Tourliani is one of the oldest Mykonian churches, with many beautiful paintings and frescoes, and the Paleokastro Monastery is a historically significant site that overlooks the Aegean Sea. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Ano Mera, so you can easily find somewhere to stop for a bite. If you’re looking for a more active day out, you can experience hiking in Mykonos – in the hills near the village.
You’ll see a lot more if you rent a car and go down the island’s roads
When Visiting the Most Famous of All Islands in Greece, Stay in One of Mykonos Luxury Villas
You don’t have to worry about finding a fancy resort to stay in when you can simply book one of many amazing Mykonos villas for rental with The Ace VIP. Our rental agency offers the top-rated listings on the island. Our luxury villas in Mykonos are available for booking 365 days a year and can accommodate any sort of group, from singles and couples to large friend and family groups.
Besides renting private villas in Mykonos, you can also rent yachts and cars with us and book Mykonos concierge services for anything you need. Our concierge VIP services in Mykonos are especially helpful on colder days as you’ll be able to get a private chef and throw private parties. Contact us today and ensure that, whenever you visit, you have an amazing time.
Text Us!