Top 3 alternatives to Mykonos for those who love or hate the famous isle

A GREEK’S GUIDE TO GREECE

Mykonos. The famous windy island. Undeniably beautiful and filled with opportunities for amazing experiences. This is not a post about Mykonos, though.

This is a post for those of you who have visited Mykonos, liked it and wish to discover more Greek islands with a similar look and feel. This post is also for those of you who have visited Mykonos and thought that that you would prefer a version of it with less glitz and glamour. Lastly, this is a post for those of you who have not visited Mykonos because it is too expensive, too mainstream, too celebrity focused, too crowded, too… much; but, you would still like to get a taste.

In this blog post, you will find my three best alternatives to Mykonos. However, before we start, I need to make one thing clear. The islands listed below are by no means lesser versions of Mykonos. Mykonos is unique and so are these little gems, each with their own distinct character. However, the three islands listed below, share similarities with the famous windy island. Interestingly, each one resembles Mykonos in different ways than the others. So, whatever Mykonian trait it is you are trying to find or avoid, you are in the right place. Let’s begin.

TOP 3 ALTERNATIVES TO MYKONOS

Ask any Greek and they will say that Paros is Mykonos from 15 years ago.

Paros has more similarities to Mykonos than any other island. That is why it is the strongest contender amongst the alternatives to Mykonos with many people calling it ‘next Mykonos’ (as much as I hate using these sort of titles, sometimes they help get the point across). However, it still manages to maintain that authentic Greek island feel and lifestyle, in a modern way.

PAROS VS MYKONOS: LANDSCAPE & ARCHITECTURE

Quintessential Cycladic beauty.

Sun-drenched, wind-swept rocky hills where only herbs, bougainvillea and olive trees grow. White cubic houses with blue shutters nestled within labyrinths of cobbled alleys. The breathtaking background of the nautical blue of the Aegean Sea. A match made in heaven or, rather, the Cyclades. Mykonos and Paros share the same Cycladic DNA.

Both Mykonos and Paros also have their capital towns on the water’s edge, unlike other Cycladic islands such as Santorini, Folegandros, Astypalaia or Amorgos where towns are built in the image of eagles’ nests rather than human settlements. With life unfolding next to the seaside, it is not unusual for the charming sugar cube buildings to be gently sprayed by waves, whether that is in Mykonos’ little Venice or the charming port of Naousa in Paros.

PAROS VS MYKONOS: BEACHES & BEACH BARS

A beach bum’s favourite.

Both Mykonos and Paros feature plenty of long sandy beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The water is crystal clear; majestic, electric blue at depth and playful, inviting turquoise in the shallows. Furthermore, both islands are blessed, and cursed, by Aeolus, the ancient Greek god of winds; many beaches are ideal for wind surfing and other extreme water sports.

If you are in the mood for a beach party, Paros is your best bet after queen Mykonos. However, if it is €100-per-sun-lounger kind of place you are after, Paros will disappoint you. Even though there are plenty of beach bars on the island, you will have a hard time finding a place to spend someone’s minimum wage on lunch.

PAROS VS MYKONOS: RESTAURANTS, NIGHTLIFE, SHOPPING & ACCOMMODATION

Fun for the young and the young at heart.

Paros offers a very good selection of dining venues, from traditional Greek tavernas and souvlaki joints to fine seafood and sophisticated Mediterranean restaurants. However, you will have trouble finding sushi and wagyu beef! For drinks, there are plenty of good looking cocktail bars as well as cute places for brunch, coffee and gelato.

What about dancing bars and clubs? Well, the approach to nightlife in Paros is more old-fashioned fun with summer hits and 80’s classics than world renowned DJ parties and private yacht extravaganzas. For that reason, nightlife in Paros is youthful, relaxed, affordable and inclusive. While you dance the night away in Paros, you will not be sprayed with champagne! Maybe with beer from a university student having too much fun!

Similarly, there are a few cute boutiques with artisanal products and tasteful summer fashion; no luxury fashion brands.

Regarding accommodation, Paros offers some upscale hotels, luxury villas but, there are affordable options too. You will still be able to avoid paying a month’s rent for a one-night stay in a suite with a view, though you can easily splurge if you wish to.

PAROS VS MYKONOS: VALUE FOR MONEY & JET SET VIBES

This is where Mykonos and Paros part ways. At least, for now.

Paros will enable you to part with a large amount of your hard earned money. There are places that will make you feel like you are in Mykonos, Ibiza or London for that matter. Some will be worth it and some don’t; this is quite a subjective matter most of the times, anyway.

However, you can easily choose to be sensible -whatever that word means to you. There are plenty of beautiful places that will provide you with unique memories without having to get a second mortgage when you return home. In many of them, you will even be pleasantly surprised when the bill arrives. For that reason, you will still find more Greek than foreign summer visitors. Families, couples, university students, young professionals. Big spenders and not so much.

We found quite a nice mix of people enjoying all the best that this beautiful island has to offer, and we loved Paros for it… Tell only your best friends.

THE VERDICT:
Paros as one of the best alternatives to Mykonos:
A no-brainer, though you will have to bring your own caviar.

Check out the travel guide – Paros: Planning your trip to the most ‘marblellous’ Greek isle

Most people would say that it is absurd to compare Mykonos and Koufonisia.

It’s like comparing Paris to a small village in the French countryside no one has ever heard of. And they are right, that is what I am doing. Because if you want to go to Paris, you should go to Paris. And if you want to go to Mykonos, go to Mykonos. Why would you even consider Koufonisia?

KOUFONISIA VS MYKONOS: LANDSCAPE & ARCHITECTURE

If you liked Mykonos town but don’t care about the buzz and glamour, go to Koufonisia.

The unparalleled Cycladic architecture and landscape is a common denominator for Mykonos and Koufonisia. Sugar cube houses, little colourful caiques, a charming port, whitewashed windmills, cute chapels, the austere rocky landscape, the crystal clear water in the most perfect shades of blue. These are amongst the many things that make Cyclades a unique destination worldwide. This is what you will get in Koufonisia.

Nevertheless, Ano Koufonisi is small. Google map it. Its capital town (only town really) is about 1/20 of Mykonos town (totally made up number but, trust me, it is small). And that is what most people love about Ano Koufonisi. In Kato Koufonisi, there are barely any buildings or infrastructure, and that is what most people love about it as well.

KOUFONISIA VS MYKONOS: BEACHES & BEACH BARS

If you prefer swimming in the sea than lounging by a swanky pool, go to Koufonisia.

Some of the best beaches in Greece can be found in Mykonos. The same goes for Koufonisia. Crystal clear turquoise water, soft white sand, charming coves. Beach hopping is actually a thing in Ano Koufonisi. Starting from town, you can walk from one perfect beach to the next and end up in some of the most spectacular, swimmable beaches ever. In Kato Koufonisi, escape the world and dare to skinny-dip!

Nevertheless, there are no beach bars in Koufonisia. This is a towel-on-sand kind of place! There are a few restaurants on the beach with maybe a grand total of five sun loungers. No loud music, no parties, no champagne, not even umbrellas!

KOUFONISIA VS MYKONOS: RESTAURANTS, NIGHTLIFE, SHOPPING & ACCOMMODATION

If you are happy with the simple pleasures in life, go to Koufonisia.

Ano Koufonisi is a small island which has been in the radar of Greek and a few in the know foreign travellers for less than a decade. However, locals caught on pretty quickly and the amount and quality of dining and drinking venues is pretty impressive. While you won’t find anything remotely resembling Nobu, you will be able to have scrumptious Greek and Mediterranean cuisine in many a beautiful setting as well as good quality street food, brunch and cocktails. One or two bars staying open until late is the only nightlife you will get in Koufonisia; sometimes that is all you need!

Furthermore, I guess it will come as no surprise that shopping is limited mostly to tasteful beach necessities, and, some actual necessities.

Regarding accommodation, the supply is trying to catch up with demand. The majority of hotels are small and Greek owned; the more luxurious options are select villa rentals; no design-led suites with plunge pools here.

KOUFONISIA VS MYKONOS: VALUE FOR MONEY & JET SET VIBES

Worlds apart, only an 1.5h away by speedboat.

In Koufonisia, you will feel that you are in Greece -a feeling that, more often than not, Mykonos does not evoke. Those of you who have been to the mainland or any of the lesser known islands, hopefully know what that means. For those of you who haven’t, let me explain: You will be able to enjoy some of the better things in life, scrumptious food, a beautiful beach, a great view, a fine glass of wine (or five!) without necessarily having to spend a ton of money to do so.

For that reason, you will find more Greek than foreign summer visitors in Koufonisia. Nevertheless, everyone will feel at ease here, and that is the keyword, ease… You can choose to dress up or dress down, but you will eventually succumb to that carefree island rhythm!

If your priceless moments always seem to come with a high price tag, go to Koufonisia. You will be surprised... And you will change those boat tickets, again and again.

THE VERDICT:
Koufonisia as alternatives to Mykonos:
A thinking-way-outside-the-box option. Not for stereotypical fans of Mykonos.

Check out the travel guide – Koufonisia: Beach bumming in the most exotic Greek island

Spetses is probably the island that is simultaneously the best and worst fit for this list.

The spectacular natural and built environment (quite different to that of Mykonos), historical pedigree and proximity to the mainland have enabled prosperity and finesse to feel native to Spetses. The island’s long held reputation as a jet set favourite surpasses that of Mykonos by about a century (yes indeed!). This reputation is maintained to this day. Quietly.

SPETSES VS MYKONOS: LANDSCAPE & ARCHITECTURE

Spetses’ landscape and architecture do not resemble that of Mykonos…

This is not surprising since Spetses is not part of the Cyclades nor is it located close to any Cycladic islands. Nestled close to the mainland, Spetses is a green island. Its pine tree forests are quite famous and dearly protected. Furthermore, its beautiful main town is filled with grand neoclassical manors and captains’ mansions that modestly give away the island’s historical maritime prosperity and tradition.

SPETSES VS MYKONOS: BEACHES & BEACH BARS

Yet another big difference between Mykonos and Spetses…

While there are many beaches in Spetses with crystal clear water, they do lack the wow factor that many of Mykonos’ beaches have. Similarly, even though the majority of beaches in Spetses are organised, beach bars are more down to earth than their Myconian counterparts. Spetses’ beach life does not have the adventure factor of Paros, the exotic feel of Koufonisia or the vibes of decadence and revelry that Mykonos abundantly offers. Compared to Mykonos and plenty of places in Greece, it is considered… average.

However, there are truly remarkable experiences to be had by hiring a sailing boat, rib or even a water taxi and exploring the island’s shores as well as the mainland nearby. Discover isolated coves with turquoise water and tour historic sites such as the ancient theatre of Epidavros and the medieval citadel of Monenvasia. Or pop to neighbouring 5* resorts Porto Heli and Amanzoe and famous Nikki beach club. Spetses’ sister island, Hydra, is also quite close and definitely worth a day trip or a longer stay… You will be truly spoilt for choice.

SPETSES VS MYKONOS: RESTAURANTS, NIGHTLIFE, SHOPPING & ACCOMMODATION

And as for things in common… Or almost in common…

Spetses selection of upscale restaurants is quite impressive, though it is presented in an understated way. It is also mostly focused on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Nevertheless, affordable options are not that hard to find, if that is what you are after. As far as nightlife is concerned, a few select Athenian venues do feature seaside outposts which can get pretty lively during the weekends. Even so, Spetses is by no means a party island.

Spetses do not lack its fair share of elegant boutiques for summer fashion. There is also an impressive amount of high-end nautical paraphernalia; the island is a sailors’ favourite after all.

Similarly, there are definitely more upscale accommodation options than economical ones. Either way, you will likely stay in a unique historical building of varying degrees of grandeur; book early as demand often overtakes supply.

SPETSES VS MYKONOS: VALUE FOR MONEY & JET SET VIBES

The island of Spetses does not look like Mykonos, yet the sense of old world glamour that it evokes will be appreciated by many Mykonos fans and even more non-fans.

That old world glamour does, however, come at a premium. While not always the case, and definitely not as much as Mykonos, prices do reflect the fact that Spetses is used to hosting big spenders -or at least bigger spenders than the average Greek island.

Nevertheless, one can visit Spetses in a fairly modest budget; one of the many reasons why I haven’t met anyone visiting Spetses and not loving the island. It is one of my own personal favourites, as well.

Like Mykonos, this is a place truly worth visiting. Spetses is a unique island, steeped in history as well as natural beauty, complemented by its charming architecture and friendly locals who are filled with pride for their island. An all time classic.

THE VERDICT:
The most and least likely option for alternatives to Mykonos,
Spetses is where the old world meets the new.

Check out the travel guide – Spetses: the Greek island of legends

FINAL THOUGHTS

So, what do you think? Looking forward to exploring a bit more of Greece? Or is Mykonos’ charm simply incomparable? If you think that there are no true alternatives to Mykonos, you may be able to enjoy the windy island and discover a few more beautiful corners of the Aegean Sea with these 5 spectacular itineraries to easily do on your own, starting or ending in Mykonos. Either way, see you in Greece!

Looking for a travel guide for Mykonos? All my recent visits to the island were quite short so I’d recommend checking out the Greek National Tourism Organisation website.