Beyond the glittering myth of Mykonos lies something far more captivating: a Greek island of quiet grace and unguarded beauty, where whitewashed walls catch the Aegean light just as they have for centuries, and stretches of ivory sand give way to ruins that predate the crowds by millennia. Lizy Manola, the discerning voice behind Assouline's celebrated title Mykonos Muse, knows this island as a living, breathing place. Here, she peels back the layers to reveal the Mykonos that belongs to those who take the time to find it.
At Assouline, the culture of a place is never defined by geography alone, but by the rituals that give it life, what we taste, where we gather, what we see, and how we feel when we return. For decades, this philosophy has shaped our Travel Series Collection, inviting readers to discover destinations through the eyes of those who know them most intimately. In this ongoing Culture Lounge series, we turn to the voices behind our books to reveal the personal landscapes that continue to inspire them.
My first memory of Mykonos is:
Arriving by boat in 1978. The ships were too large to dock at the pier, and because the sea was stormy, the tenders struggled to bring us ashore. When I finally set foot in the harbor, I was ecstatic. The island was unlike anything I had ever seen: whitewashed churches and houses, old fishermen sitting outside cafes, painters, and locals walking everywhere. I even remember donkeys parading through the streets with baskets overflowing with vegetables and flowers. Everywhere I looked, there was beauty.
When I want a dose of culture in Mykonos, I visit:
The island of Delos, a tiny neighboring island just 20 minutes by boat from Mykonos port. One of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in Greece, this sacred island holds a port, temples, a theater, and ancient houses, all illuminated by what locals call the "Apollonian light" -- a radiance that lends a singular energy to both Delos and Mykonos alike.
The one place every visitor must see:
Panagia Paraportiani, a church set right by the sea in Kastro, the oldest quarter of Chora. Built in the late 16th century, it is a structural marvel: five small churches integrated into one, with the Church of the Virgin Mary crowning the whole in a sweep of white.
Some of my favorite beaches are:
Agios Sostis, for its raw beauty and blissful lack of umbrellas, and Kalo Livadi, for those who prefer the ease of beach service and all-day dining.
The meal I can't leave Mykonos without:
Lunch at Kiki's Tavern in Agios Sostis. It is incredibly authentic, just a grill, no electricity, and flavors that stay with you long after you've left.
My favorite hotel in Mykonos is:
The Belvedere Hotel, set right in the heart of Mykonos Town.
My favorite restaurants in Mykonos are:
Katrin for a timeless, classic experience, and Scorpios for an all-day beach bar atmosphere that captures the island's more spirited side.
If you're visiting Mykonos for the first time, be sure to stop by:
Kato Mili, the island's iconic windmills.
Two of my favorite museums in Mykonos are:
The Archaeological Museum and the Rarity Gallery.
I like to go shopping in:
The narrow, winding streets at the heart of town, or Nammos Village when I'm looking for luxury brands specifically.
I feel at home in Mykonos when:
I walk through the whitewashed alleys, pausing at charming little shops, suspended between deep blue sky and turquoise sea.
Mykonos in three words:
Cosmopolitan, hospitable, beautiful.