How to Have a Luxury Mykonos Holiday When on a Budget
As one of the most popular destinations in the Greek islands, Mykonos is known for its stunning beaches, white washed houses with blue shutters and exciting nightlife. Hence, whether you’re on a fun family trip or a romantic vacation, Mykonos has something to offer to everyone. It is an island packed with rich culture and history, picturesque architecture and 360-degree views of clear skies and the cobalt blue waters of the Mediterranean.
However, it is also true that, as a cosmopolitan island and a popular vacation spot for the rich and famous, Mykonos is one of the most expensive tourist destinations in Greece. Hence, travelling to Mykonos on a budget can be difficult, but not impossible. You can enjoy the golden sandy beaches, soak up the sun and dance the night away in one of the numerous beach bars - all on a budget with these useful tips.
If you're heading to Athens, don't forget to check out the best places to eat in Athens!
Book a Luxury Villa
There are numerous private luxury villas on the island of Mykonos. While booking a private villa may seem to be more expensive compared to hotels and resorts, they are actually a cheaper option. If you are vacationing on a tight budget, then book your villa at least 2 to 3 months before you plan on travelling. If you book your villa well in advance, chances are that you will find a package deal which will cost you less.
Overall, Mykonos luxury villas can be very affordable, especially if you plan on staying for a week or more. This is because these villas come with a number of amenities such as fully equipped kitchens. Therefore, you can choose to cook your own meals with groceries bought from local roadside vendors. This is a cheaper option compared to dining out or ordering from room service daily, especially if you are a large group.
Moreover, if you are a group of friends you can also equally share the costs of the villa and groceries or if you’d rather not have to worry about around doing your own shopping, you should look for villas who have a team to do it for you. Additionally, many villas in Mykonos offer transfer services as a part of your package. You can easily book a transfer service for your arrival or departure without having to pay extra. However, this depends on your package, location and the villa.
Plan Your Holiday During the Off-season
This is one of the best tips for visiting Mykonos on a budget. If possible, you should book your holiday during the off-season. This is because prices during peak tourist season double and the beaches/popular spots also become overcrowded.
April, May and October are some of the best months to visit this island as the weather is not too hot like it is in peak season (July to early September). You are also likely to find better deals on ferries, yacht cruises, luxury private villas, etc. as not many people like to visit the island during these months.
Go on Less Excursions
During your budget vacation, try not to book too many excursions or sightseeing tours as these can be considerably expensive. If you book a beachside Mykonos villa, you can simply choose to relax by the pool or lounge in your private balcony. While daytime cruises, island hopping and other such activities sound fun and exciting, they can take up a major chunk of your budget. Focus on spending quality time with your partner or family doing activities which are not expensive.
For example, you can explore the chic island town of Chora with its whitewashed cubic houses and coloured doors, narrow streets which form a labyrinth and beautiful churches. There is no shortage of stunning sites you can visit with family or friends which are also free or less costly– these include the Mykonos Folk Museum, the scenic windmills, Paraportiani church, etc.
You’ll also want to make sure you that you check out some of the top Mykonos restaurants!
Book Your Ferry Tickets Early
Inter-island ferries in Greece are the preferred choice of locals and luxury travellers alike. This is because not only are they an exciting option, but also offer unmatched convenience. However, a ferry ride can be quite expensive. If you book your ferry tickets early or at least two months in advance, you can potentially save up to 25 percent of the total cost of your ticket. Another tip for a budget friendly ferry trip is to take overnight ferries – not only are they half the normal price, but you can also save yourself a night in terms of accommodation.
With these tips, you can have a luxury holiday on one of the most popular island destinations on a budget.
A huge thanks to Emily Roberts for writing such a detailed, thorough, and entertaining article. Did you find this useful in planning your vacation? Have you been to Mykonos before? If yes, what did you think? Do you have any other tips to add, or one here that you found particularly important? Any and all comments are welcome and, as always, I respond to each one individually!
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The following was contributed to my site by fellow travel writer Emily Roberts