Scene Adventures on two Wheels

Discover cycle routes, free from cars and speeding drivers, which will bring you closer to the lesser-known farming side of the island. You will cycle along sun-kissed trails on the outskirts of Ano Mera, past fields and farmhouses, and rest by picturesque churches.

The easiest rides take you to the beach of Fokos, and the most demanding to Lia Βeach. No matter which route you’ll take, you’ll end up at the Vioma vineyards with a generous meal of local produce and wines from their cellar.

Your guide will be Dimitra, the winery owner’s daughter, who has left city life to return to her ancestral home and turn her passion for cycling into a profession. Fluent in English, French, Spanish and Turkish, Dimitra will satisfy your curiosity about everything you see along the way. Excursions are planned according to the physical fitness of each group (up to 17 participants).

Yummy Pedals: Maou, Ano Mera, Tel. (+30) 6972.299.282

Gallop on the beach

Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or just an incurable romantic, horse riding on the quiet northeastern part of the island is a unique experience. You start your ride at Ano Mera, the center of farming life on Mykonos, and continue along the shores of the water reservoir, which is an excellent spot for birdwatching.

After approximately 3k you arrive at the golden, quiet beach of Fokos. From early morning until sunset, this relatively secluded beach offers great opportunities for snapshots that will bring back memories of the taste of salty Mykonian air. The round trip takes 2 hours (3 hours if you include a stop for a swim and a bite to eat); also available are tailor-made experiences, such as a romantic picnic on the beach with a proper photo session.

Your guides will be Fanis Rouvas, a professional horse rider for 30 years, and his experienced colleagues.

Horseland, Ano Mera , Tel. (+30) 6945.778.962

Underwater Explorations

The beauty of Mykonos is not only terrestrial, as an underwater exploration will immediately reveal. The clear turquoise waters, with their mild temperatures (24oC in summer) and exceptional visibility (up to 50m), the absence of strong currents and the high quality of the services on offer from diving centers, all guarantee a perfect scuba diving experience.

The most popular diving spots are the Lia reef, which is home to multi-colored nudibranchs, and Aghia Anna, which is frequented by schools of barracudas. On a boat dive, you can explore the spectacular cavern systems of Tragonisi or the rocks on Kalafakiona Reef, which are encrusted with fragments of ancient pottery.

Another highlight is the wreck of the ANNA II, a 62m cargo vessel that sunk off Lia Beach in 1995. There are three PADI-accredited diving centers on Mykonos.

Godive Mykonos, Lia, Tel. (+30) 6946.957.732 

Mykonos Diving Center, Paradise Beach, Tel. (+30) 2289.024.808

W-Diving, Kalafatis Beach, Tel. (+30) 6945.243.928

Paddlers on the wild side

Spectacular rocks that rise dramatically out of the sea, deserted sandy coves and only wildlife to occasionally break the unearthly silence: believe it or not, you are still in Mykonos – only exploring it by kayak. You don’t need to be an experienced paddler to enjoy the 6-10k courses. The duration depends on your own ability; the destination on the weather.

With a north wind, the starting point is Panormos. You’ll have to wear a helmet to go reef riding around Aghios Sostis – where the highlight is a shady sea-cave. With a south or west wind, you start from the beach at Korfos. You’ll paddle past the windmills and Little Venice, and discover the islet of Baos.

All trips include snorkeling, a picnic on the beach and photo-ops. Trips are supervised by British Canoe Union Certified guides, who know Mykonos rock by rock.

Mykonos Kayak Tours & Trails, Aghios Sostis, Tel. (+30) 6942.434.242

Mystical Energy Flows

There’s probably something in the air – be it the aura of ancient energy or those mystical Delos vibes – that draws yoga enthusiasts to hedonistic, cosmopolitan Mykonos. There are many classes available, including lovers’ yoga, aerial yoga (where you’ll find yourself hanging suspended from the eucalyptus trees in the gardens of Panigirakis Castle) and even sunset saxo yoga by the windmills, accompanied by live saxophone music. Choose what suits you best, pick a location and rejuvenate body and spirit, guided by experienced yoga instructors.

Yoga Mykonos, Mykonos Theoxenia Boutique Hotel, Chora, Tel.: (+30) 694.645.6006 

Sunset Yoga, Panigirakis castle, Chora, Tel.: (+30) 699.360.1424 

If you prefer to salute the sun on the beach of your choice, call on Varvara Solomonidou’s Athens Trainers, active on Mykonos for the last 19 summers. Tel. (+30) 6950.614.115

Meltemi Riders Paradise

Board riders love Mykonos for its crystal waters, beautiful beaches, and of course… the meltemi, the strong summer wind that powers windsurfers and kitesurfers, and transforms the sea into an acrobatic stage.

The most popular beaches for surfing are where the two surf schools are located. The kitesurfing school at Korfos Beach operates from spring to fall and attracts large numbers of kitesurfers because of the continuous steady winds (averaging 18-40 knots). Kalafatis Beach features a windsurfing school. Pro kitesurfers can take on the waves at Ftelia Beach, and windsurfers can also try Lia Beach, but they must bring their gear with them.

Kite Mykonos, Korfos, Ornos , Tel. (+30) 6937.238.080 

Windsurfing Mykonos Pezi Huber, Kalafatis Beach, Tel. (+30) 2289.072.345