This Island in Greece Inspires Creativity and Good Times

Mykonos is famous for its nightlife and epic parties. Still, there’s another side of the coin that many remote workers might be missing out on…

Mykonos is a captivating island tucked away in the Cyclades. This beautiful gem is mainly known for its electric summer party atmosphere, crystal clear beaches, lively bars, and a large selection of enormous dance clubs. The party doesn’t miss a beat as it starts the second you land. Whether you arrive from the airport or by boat, the island is bumping and buzzing, particularly during summer.

So sure, Mykonos is a great place to party and have fun, but did you also know it’s a place of ancient traditions, idillic landscapes and perfect spots for creatives and remote workers who seek inspiration and tranquillity?
Since I’m a busy voice-over, songwriter and talent coach as well as a full time traveller and writer, I’m constantly looking for motivational places to enjoy some "me time" for writing and let the inspiration flow. Always looking to find that perfect balance between enjoying discovering new places and re-connecting while also being productive on the go.

Talking about Mykonos though, I have to admit that at the beginning of the trip I wasn’t very optimistic about being able to record on the island, and nor to find many quiet places to write and get the inspiration flowing. I mean, all the research before heading out mentioned the hustle and bustle of the noisy party lifestyle of the island – not really the ideal location for this type of work, right?

I’m happy to say that I was actually wrong, very wrong.

After the first day of the initial shock of how busy and crowded the port was, I decided that I was going to search for a genuine experience of the island. And thanks to the help of some lovely locals, my “party island” weekend turned out to be one of the most authentic, relaxing, and inspiring trips of my life. I’m not saying I didn’t manage to have some crazy party fun, too… but only when I really wanted to ;-)

If you’re like me, then you’re also someone who loves to get creative and work on songwriting and recordings but still wants to have access to some fun.

If this describes you, then keep on reading as Mykonos is a destination you can’t miss. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know. I’ll explain where to stay, how to get around, what some of the top beaches are, and tips that will help you ensure you don’t miss out on the best of what the island has to offer.

Inside my Backpack

As usual, when I travel, I I take my recording kit with me so I can record at any time. I was going to reach Mykonos by ferry from Santorini, and I would ride around the island on a motorbike. I decided to take my Rode NT1 rather than my Neumann TLM 103 microphone. The Rode NT1 is great for the on-the-go voice-over and digital nomads working with recordings. Sturdy, reliable, and not too much of a big deal if you get your stuff stolen (however, I encourage you to purchase a travel insurance to cover also your equipment. This might sound obvious but I witnessed some very unpleasant experiences happening to fellow travellers who only had basic coverage!)
Apart from my Voice-over kit ( mic, interface, studio headphones and cables) and my camera, I also took with me few essential items:
A hoodie. Super useful in the evenings but also when hitting the road by motorbike and to face the wind which Mykonos is also famous for!
Sunglasses and sunscreen. You will definitely need them, you’ll see why once you get there!
A notebook. As a writer I can never do without!
I also recommend advanced booking reservations for any touristy place you want to visit or “popular” experience you want to have, such as beach clubs reservations or popular restaurants.
My trip was however more on the less travelled path, so I hope you enjoy reading this article and get inspired to book your ticket to Mykonos for a more authentic experience of the island.

Where to stay in Mykonos

Now let’s tackle the first big topic, Where’s the best place to stay on Mykonos Island?
It’s never easy finding the perfect spot, and you don’t always get lucky on your first go. But don’t worry, I did all the work, so you don’t have to.

After a long search on websites like booking.com and Airbnb, I stumbled upon the quaint Aether Boutique Hotel, run by some of the most helpful people I’ve ever met, Athena and Athanassios.

The hotel is located in a stunning location just outside the center on top of the hill. It’s a family-run and operated hotel, so you know you’ll be getting all the insider information. I know I did. Athena and Athanassios know the island inside and out. Thanks to them, their suggestions and advice were a game-changer as I got to experience the most authentic Mykonos.

I’m not going to lie to you. Mykonos isn’t super cheap. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive Greek islands and some luxurious hotels can cost up to $1,000 a night or more. However, prices at Aether Boutique are honest compared to most places on the island, and it’s definitely worth the experience.

One of the reasons why I say it’s worth it is because of the quality and care the family provides for their guests. Athena’s breakfast is one you will never forget, especially her divine olive bread and orange jam. Wow, it was amazing! She even shares the family recipe... (I’d love to know if you make it!)

The boutique hotel stands lovely with its beautiful decorations and acute attention to detail. It’s also in a perfect location, making it easy to move across the island and get around town. When booking a room at the hotel, I recommend you ask for room number 6. As a writer and VO artist, I need a quiet room. Room 6 was the quietest of all as it didn’t face any roads.

The atmosphere was peaceful and inspiring. I ended up writing a few articles from there and finishing the lyrics of one of my songs. I even recorded two Voice-Overs on the go, a short documentary and an internal corporate piece.

(Yes, like I said, I record on the go and with excellent quality! Follow me on my page because I’ll be posting and sharing my secret on how I’m taking the VO work into the adventurous spirit of a digital nomad.)

If you really want to make of your stay an unforgettable experience and see for yourself the beauty of the places I’ll share with you in this article, you will of course need some sort of vehicle to move around, as Mykonos presents many hidden and remote gems which you won’t be able to reach by public transports. So, how will you move around?
The short answer to this question – get a motorbike. Not only is it much cheaper than renting a car or paying for taxis, but it’s also the quickest way to get around. The roads on Mykonos island are pretty crowded and very busy, but with a motorbike, you could cruise right through the traffic. This is 100% the best option for getting around the island, hands down.
Please don’t get a car. I can already picture you regretting doing so while stuck in line for hours in Mykonos Town.

So if you’re thinking of renting a motorbike, be sure to:

● Bring your driver’s license with you wherever you go.
● Make sure you have enough fuel (riding up and down the hills really drains the tank, and there aren’t many gas stations) This is super important. It can be a long way before you encounter the next petrol station!
● Be sure not to ride with more than two riders on the motorbike, but you already know that. Ah, obviously wear a helmet.

What Are the Best Beaches on Mykonos?

With your motorbike you’ll be ready to explore the island and get to know both the countryside and the coast with its beautiful beaches.
Of course Mykonos offers a full range of beaches to choose from.
Many beaches are equipped with the best beach clubs on the island, like Kalua and Scorpios. There are beaches for the festive party goers looking for a lively time, but there are also beaches for nature lovers looking to sit back and relax as they read a good book or enjoy writing.
Amongst the many I visited I made a short selection of my favourites, according to my taste and my needs. My top 4 is: Agrari, Loulos, Fokos, and Kalafati. With these beaches, you can’t go wrong. And I’m originally from Sardinia, so believe me when I say that I know what a great beach looks like:-)

Some of my highlights for the beaches of Mykonos island are:

Agrari Beach

This is a beach with a bar and restaurant, right on the shore. If you’ve imagined yourself sitting back with your feet in the sand enjoying a freshly squeezed juice or an ice-cold beer, then this is the spot for you! Agrari beach is laid back and has a chilled atmosphere with good vibes. Even better, there aren’t crazy crowds of tourists or long lines. It’s one of the more affordable beaches on the island. You’re going to love the view of wind-shaped rocks overlooking the sea.

Loulos Beach

Like many of the beaches on Mykonos, Loulos beach is drop-dead beautiful. Make sure to get there early before the crowds (mostly locals), and you may be able to have a small beach cove all to yourself! You’ll need to bring your own water and snacks because there aren’t any facilities on the beach. Be sure to bring your notebook because this is where inspiration strikes. I wrote the lyrics to one of my upcoming songs on this beach! Look how beautiful!

Fokos Beach

If you’re looking for one of the least traveled and mostly untouched beaches, then Fokos beach is the spot for you. This gorgeous beach is an excellent spot for nature lovers looking to catch more of the beach than the party. Here’s a pro tip: check which way the wind is blowing on the island. This beach can be particularly windy, and on a bad day, you could get a face full of sand and find it difficult to swim.

Kalafati Beach

This is an accessible beach to reach, and although it’s served with sunbeds, it’s pretty relaxing and calm. It’s great if you want to experience some water sports like Windsurfing. On the road to the beach, just before the entrance, there’s a lovely place with food and coffee. It’s called Petrino Aquarius, and I honestly had one of my life's best salads in here!

Top Things to Do at Mykonos

I’ve put together a checklist of the top things you gotta do/see during your stay on the island. Some of my highlights include going to the lovely village of Ano, the beautiful monastery of Panagia, church hopping, and more! So read on to find out why!

Visit the Village of Ano and the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani.

This is a highlight you cannot miss if you want to get the authentic vibe of a local village. The town is tiny but has a great atmosphere.
The all-white Monastery of Panagia is located right in front of the main square of the village and traces back to the 16th century. (Keep some cash with you as there is a small entrance fee).
The square, which became pedestrianised in 2001, is surrounded by traditional cafes and taverns. There are several lovely restaurants, most of which are family-run and where you can taste homemade local recipes.

Check out some of the MANY local churches on the island.

When I say “many” churches, I mean MANY. Did you know that there are over 1,200 churches on Mykonos island? That’s almost one church for every family! Athena explained to me that churches and small chapels were constructed around the island facing the sea to aid in sailors' safe voyage and return. How fascinating is that?

Save a day for a trip to Rizes.

This was definitely one of the greatest highlights of my trip. Rizes is a folklore farmstead at the heart of the island. This rustic destination is a journey through time all the way back to the origin of Mykonos. Here you can experience authentic cuisine, attend workshops, get close to animals, and relax. Go to Rizes. You won’t regret it. And take your book or notebook with you as there are plenty of little corners around the farm where you can relax and get inspired.

Enjoy the sunset at 180° bar

Stop by the famous 180° Sunset Bar in Mykonos Town and catch, you guessed it, a magical sunset at the end of the day. You can watch the sun setting on the Aegean Sea while sipping a signature cocktail and listening to live music. This place is a must visit for sunsets chasers and loved by Insta-grammers. It can get very busy and it’s definitely not the quietest spot but I think it’s worth a visit, although pricey. But be sure to book and reserve a spot beforehand!

Where to Eat

While on the island, you’ll no doubt have an appetite for the fantastic food around the island. So get ready to try some of the best food that Greece has to offer. Here are some of my favourites:

Mathios Tavern

Athena recommended this restaurant on the other side of the New Port in Mykonos, and I still thank her for doing so. I loved this great tavern located outside the old town. The food was so delicious that I went there twice in three days! Also, you gotta try their signature lamb!

Odos Araxame

You must at least come here for dinner and try the traditional savory food. This lovely tavern located in the village of Ano Mera is a local favorite; if you stop by, you’ll find out why. Be sure to try the fried seafood and appetizers – the baked feta cheese with honey dressing is not to be missed.

Kikis Tavern

If you want to combine some delicious food as you sunbathe and go for a swim while visiting an antique chapel, then be sure to stop by Agios Sostis beach, where you’ll find this lovely restaurant. The restaurant is very popular and you will surely find a long queue of tourists on their swimsuit waiting for a table. The turnaround is fairly quick though and the host will welcome you with a complementary glass of rosé wine which you can enjoy sipping while waiting, overlooking crystal clear waters and a lovely chapel on your right.
The beach of Agios Sostis is worth a visit too, so it’s two wins in one go!

Top Tips to Get the Most of Mykonos Old Town

Mykonos is an ancient town. Actually, it’s been inhabited for over 3,000 years! It even pops up in ancient Greek Mythology, where Zeus battles the colossal titans. Talk about history. This village has unique architecture, vintage chapels, artisan shops, brand boutiques, and charming views.

Top tips for visiting Mykonos town center:

● Get to the town early in the morning, at 7:30 or 8:00 am at the latest. And be sure to bring your camera to catch some celestial rays beaming over the town center.

● Head over to the famous 16th-century mills first thing in the morning. They get packed fast.

● Stay away from the packed touristy restaurants. They are expensive and don’t come close to some of the more authentic food you’ll find tucked away in the beautiful town.

So there you have it. I hope this will help you have the vacation trip of a lifetime. I know it was for me and I’m sure this gorgeous island will inspire you to get some of your most creative work done.

Learning how to stay productive and creative while on the go has opened up the world for me. I’m excited to share more with you about how you can work from anywhere while living the dream of an artist. So be sure to follow me and check out my future posts!