Mykonos is famous for its nightlife, its whitewashed lanes and its crowds. But arriving by catamaran reveals a completely different island - one of quiet southern coves, clear water and the freedom to dip in and out of the buzz on your own terms.
Here is how to make the most of Mykonos on a sailing holiday: where to anchor, when to go ashore, and how to enjoy the icons without the queues.
Anchor off the south coast in the morning
The south-facing beaches - Ornos, Psarou, Paraga, Super Paradise - string along the coast and are best enjoyed early, before the day boats and beach clubs fill up. Anchor off, swim from the back of the catamaran into water that turns every shade of turquoise, and have the cove almost to yourself for a couple of hours.
Your captain picks the anchorage to suit the wind: in the meltemi, the southern bays are the sheltered, comfortable side of the island.
Delos: an island of pure archaeology
A short sail away lies Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. It is uninhabited, so arriving by sea to walk the ancient streets and mosaics is a genuinely special half-day.
Mykonos Town and Little Venice at sunset
Time your evening ashore for sunset. Wander the Chora’s maze of lanes and the iconic windmills, then find a spot in Little Venice where the sea laps the foundations of the old houses and the sky turns pink. Dinner in a backstreet taverna, a cocktail by the water - and then back to your own deck when you’ve had enough.
Nightlife on your own terms
This is the real advantage of seeing Mykonos by boat. You can plunge into the island’s legendary nightlife for one big evening, then sleep peacefully at anchor in a quiet bay - no taxis, no crowds at 3am, no compromise. The next morning you’re swimming in clear water while day-trippers are still arriving.
Where Mykonos fits in a week
Mykonos pairs naturally with its calmer neighbours. Combine it with easy-going Paros and hidden Kythnos for a week that balances icon and escape. See a sample route on our Cyclades itinerary.
