Panormos holidays

Holidays to Panormos show you a side to Mykonos that offers more peace and quiet than glitz and glam.

Mykonos, but make it authentic

Think of Panormos like moussaka – humble, packed full of local flavours and traditionally Greek. This petite village, which is not to be confused with the Cretan town of the same name, sits in a sheltered inlet on the north side of Mykonos. And while it’s less than a 20-minute drive from the posh boutiques and glitzy bars in the island’s famous Italian-inspired neighbourhood – Little Venice – it feels a world away from all the tourist hotspots.

From tanning spots to tavernas

This place doesn’t really have a town centre – that’s how off the beaten track it is. There are only a couple of tavernas here, and they’ve been lucky enough to nab a spot overlooking Panormos Beach. So, you can spend a day stretched out on sandy shores and flip-flop over for the likes of watermelon salad and grilled octopus when hunger calls. Nab a table under one of the rustic rattan pergolas, and you can dine al fresco while the sun sets.

A base for island exploring

When you’ve spent enough time working on your tan, you’ve got lots of sightseeing opportunities. Armenistis Lighthouse is only a 15-minute drive from Panormos, and you’ll get panoramic views over the Aegean Sea if you trek to the top. Delos Island, one of the smallest islands in the Cyclades, is also just a 30-minute ferry away from Mykonos Town. Hikes are on the cards if you plan on packing your walking shoes, too.