Just Back From Mykonos: A New Chapter for the Mythic Island

Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley is just back from scouting in Mykonos, Greece. Get her take on why now is the time to reconsider the island—plus, where to stay, shop, explore and more in Athens and beyond.

The surrealist Greek artist Alekos Fassianos owned a home on the island of Mykonos. When flying over the island in his later years, he used to exclaim that the development creeping across it was like the scourge of an acne breakout on a beautiful face. He has since died, but his widow continues to go, and she lights up speaking about how special the island remains. "It is not all about clubbing," she said, when she learned that I was headed there. "There is a side that is so calm and cultured still. You can find it easily early in the morning or in the off-season or in the lesser-known tavernas." This is a refrain that often follows mention of the island: It is still heaven if you know where to look.

Named after the grandson of Apollo, Mykonos is a Cycladic island that has long attracted pirates and sailors. It became a favorite haunt of the jet-set in the 1960s, and in more recent years, partiers and cruise ships. But island officials and new tourism investors are working to change that with a hope to transform the island away from high quantity tourists to higher quality ones. "We would like to end the comparisons to party islands like Ibiza and instead become more like St. Barths, which is known for its sophisticated island experience," explained one regular. In July 2025, the island began charging cruise ship passengers 20 euros to disembark during high season, and apparently, it has already helped to reduce the crowds and raise funds for environmental management. This summer saw the opening of two seriously spectacular resort properties, Fouquet's and the Four Seasons—indicators of a changing market. (To help you make the most of a trip to Mykonos, our Mykonos hotel matchmaker will be published soon along with reviews of the island's best properties.)

One of the highlights of this trip was visiting the studio of cult clothing and housewares designer Themis Zouganeli. The stylish designer divides her time between Mykonos and Athens. Get her tips for where to stay, eat, shop, explore and more in Greece's capital city here—plus, why the islands inspire her work.