Summer is not right around the corner, and we are preparing ourselves to live the winter season among ski, slopes and snowman. However for all the travelers who plan their upcoming vacations in search of warmer weather, the European isles could be the perfect choice for you because they are one of the most popular destinations, offering culture, delicious food, plenty of beautiful beaches and an overall respite from daily life. But with more than 1.400 islands, choosing which ones to visit, can be a daunting task. Two of the most popular are the neighboring Santorini and Mykonos islands in an area known as the Cyclades.
This cluster sitting southeast of mainland Greece, draws the most amount of visitors between the months of April and October, but the weather is warmest from June to August and cools down again in October. These two islands are the perfect pair because geographically they are compatible and accessible via a high-speed ferry that takes approximately two hours. Both beautiful in their own right, they offer two very similar experiences yet are very different in many ways, so I’ve placed them side-by-side and broken them down by category to help travelers decide which one best fits your travel wants.
Beach
Mykonos
Its beaches are some of the most picturesque in Greece featuring clear blue water to swim in, pristine sand and plenty of models. Celebrities and beautiful people from all over the world visit it for its wild beach scene that’s much like Ibiza, but on a smaller scale. Each beach has its own vibe and they are somewhat close together, which makes beach-hopping via scooter or open-air Jeep fairly easy and fun. You’ll be hard pressed to find many visitors without a cocktail in hand during the day; and dancing on rentable cabanas and lounge chairs is typical behavior.
Mykonos is a seasonal island that opens in April and closes in October, so visiting in the beginning of the season and toward the end guarantees less crowds and loud music but may not guarantee temps high enough for a swim. Ornos is one of the most beautiful beaches, offering plenty of fabulous lounge furniture, including white couches in the sand, and a variety of upscale restaurants to choose from for a mid-day snack. Elia beach is quieter than Ornos but it is the largest beach of Mykonos as well as the official unofficial nudist and gay-friendly of the island.
Santorini
This island offers a beach experience apart from the norm. With black sand and red-sand cliffside areas formed from volcanic rock, its beaches are quite different from the typical white sand beaches you’d find in other places. Take in the island’s eye-popping views by exploring the various options via car or ATV, but plan ahead and consult a map because the roads are somewhat confusing and the beaches are very spread out. Depending on what part of the island you stay in, some are 45 minutes to one-hour away, but they are all worth the trip.
Red Beach in particular is a must-see with its deep auburn color, but you can only reach it by foot or by boat. If you decide to go by foot, it’s an adventure getting there that requires a short climb. Some people label it a hike, and for extra caution they bring sneakers for sturdier footing and then change into flip-flops once they reach the sand, but if you tread carefully that’s not exactly necessary. There is also the option of seeing the beach by boat, but access is only available by swimming to shore. This beach offers many photo opportunities but no food or drink options. Instead, bring a picnic lunch or grab a sandwich and a buy some local beer from the cart at the top of the hill before your descent.
Dining
Mykonos
Having a bad meal in Greece in virtually impossible, and Mykonos is no exception. The food here is light, fresh and very seafood-focused, and there are plenty of options to choose from whether it’s an upscale dining establishment in Mykonos Town (also known as Chora by the locals) or casual beachside café you are looking for. Remember to make reservations well in advance, especially in the peak season, as most places are very small and fill up fast.
Santorini
The fare in Santorini is some of the best in the world whether you decide on a fine dining option or a typical Greek taverna during your stay. Add in breathtaking views, friendly, efficient service anywhere you go and meals fit for king no matter which restaurant you choose.
Activities
Mykonos
The island is world-renowned for its beaches, parties and nightlife, including some of the best-dressed people in the world from the most elite social circles. So it’s no surprise that another popular activity on the island is shopping in Mykonos Town, where plenty of high-end options can be found, including Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci, among others.
Santorini
Being a beach bum is just one option on Santorini. The island is also known for its wineries as well as its rich history and ruins. Akrotiri, an indoor archeological site featuring one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean, is an entire city slowly but surely being unearthed. It’s approximately five minutes down the road from Red Beach so it makes sense to visit both in the same day. For wine tasting, Santo Wines has arguably the best view of the island’s famous sunset, and Domaine Sigalas has won many prestigious awards which is evident in the quality of their wine sampled at their indoor/outdoor tasting room.
Nightlife
Mykonos
The lively beachside restaurants and bars that host daytime parties keep the celebrations going long after the sun goes down, blasting music into the wee hours of the morning. Mykonos Town, a labyrinth of quaint small streets and alleys, also comes alive at night with a slew of small bars and clubs within the town. But don’t drink too many Mythos beers or you might not find your way home.
Santorini
There are only a handful of bars on the island, mostly in the capital of Thira, and clubs are nonexistent. Because Santorini is not generally known to be a clubbing destination, most of the villages are fairly quiet after midnight. Instead, try visiting a restaurant with live music for low-key but authentic entertainment.
Where to Stay
Kivotos Mykonos
Kivotos is one of the top boutique hotels on Mykonos. The whitewashed set of buildings tumbles down a slope in Ornos Bay, with views that stretch from the beach and the bay out to sea. The family-run hotel prides itself on its unique style, which combines modern luxury with Mykonian architecture and, in between it all, a display of around 2,000 antiques. All spaces were designed by the family members running the hotel.
At Kivotos Mykonos there are 43 rooms and each of them is completely different, featuring various elements like marble-topped desks, upholstered seating, Baccarat chandeliers, Murano lighting, commissioned artwork and, of course, one-of-a-kind antiques. The Signature Suite has balcony with a beautiful view of the bay and an Instagram-ready, glass-encased plunge pool. There’s also a three-floor private villa with its own pool and beach, plus private access to the hotel’s spa.
La Meduse and Le Pirate are the 2 restaurants of Kivotos Mykonos. La Meduse Gourmet Restaurant serves Mediterranean and international dishes with views of the Aegean Sea. Le Pirate Poolside Restaurant offers à la carte Mediterranean and Greek dinning with views over Ornos Bay. At there are 2 outdoor swimming pools, a private beach protected from the wind and boasts white sand and sparkling blue water and last but not least the spa offers further relaxation with holistic therapies, massages, skin and body rituals, facials, treatments by the sea, relax lounges, a steam room and post-treatment showers.
Kivotos Santorini
Set on the highest point of the caldera in Imerovigli, Kivotos Santorini offers luxury accommodation with panoramic views of the volcano. Kivotos Santorini can be easily recognized thanks to its ebony color reminding of the island’s iconic volcano. The uniquely designed suites and villas at Kivotos Santorini promote greek craftsmanship combined with minimalist codes of design and architecture.
Unique five star elements are offered in the 5 Suites and 2 Villas of this property. Like indoor or outdoor pools and Jacuzzi, a Hammam, en-suite treatment rooms and much more. All in combination with the hotel’s gourmet restaurant and skybar, which enhance your accommodation experience. All suites and villas of Kivotos Santorini are flooded with the finest touches, luxurious conveniences as well as first-class amenities, creating a charming and elegant atmosphere that exudes superior style and craftmanship.
Kivotos Santorini has a sister property in Mykonos. In both properties the Michopoulos family offers first-class facilities and services to provide a complete experience and a genuine sense of hospitality. To complete the luxury experience, Kivotos offers tailor-made experience-packages between the two islands, Mykonos and Santorini, onboard the hotel’s private yacht, Prince de Neufchatel.
