If you’ve been planning a Greek vacation, you must’ve heard about common winds that blow around Greek islands. Mykonos is one of the windiest islands in Greece, which is important to know before coming here, so you can adjust to the circumstances easily. But why is Mykonos so windy? What is it that affects the Cyclades so much that their most reputable island is known as The Island of the Winds? Find all about this in the text below.
If You Want to Travel to This Beautiful Island in Greece, You Should Get Familiar With the Winds
When planning a vacation, you should always get familiar with everything about the place you will visit. When it comes to Mykonos, you probably already know about all the extravagant parties in beach clubs and gorgeous sandy beaches – it’s no surprise that this place is considered a heaven on Earth for all travel enthusiasts. However, not all tourists know about the weather.
People think – it’s the Mediterranean, what else to expect except a boiling hot Greek summer? Well, when you come to Mykonos, you’re in for a bit of a surprise – this party capital of the world is often windy during high season. We’ll get into the details in this article, so if you’re visiting Mykonos any time soon, be sure to keep reading.
Why Is Mykonos So Windy? The Answer Lies in the Meltemi Winds
But why is Mykonos windy? The answer is Meltemi, a dry northern wind that blows over the Aegean during summer, mainly in July and August (the high season on Mykonos). It is created by the differences in atmospheric pressure between north Africa and the Balkans. Meltemi starts blowing north from the sea and speeds up before it reaches the islands in the Aegean, Cyclades included. It is said that it even gains in speed as it blows between the many islands in the sea.
Meltemi – The Wind That Affects a Lot of Greek Destinations in the Aegean
Meltemi winds blow around many Greek islands, but it’s particularly strong on Mykonos – the so-called Island of the Winds. However, it reaches its full potential on Andros and Tinos, but most people know it as a wind on Mykonos simply because it is a more popular destination.
You might think that strong winds are a terrible thing for a place that lives on tourism, but you’d be wrong. In fact, Meltemi brings a lot of benefits to Mykonos. Thanks to it, the island is spared the occasional heatwave that affects Europe. It lowers the temperature and clears the air, providing excellent visibility – perfect for taking photos on one of the most instagrammable places on the planet.
When Does Meltemi Occur in Greece?
Meltemi can blow anytime from May to October. We’ve mentioned that the wind in the Cyclades is usually most potent in July and August, sometimes lasting for days. On the other hand, you might accidentally pick the period to travel here when there’s not even the slightest blow in days – you never know. If we’re talking about the time, Meltemi occurs during the day and is usually the strongest in the afternoon and early evening. That’s why it is wise to pack a light jacket to wear when you travel to Mykonos.
How Strong Are These Winds?
Believe it or not, Meltemi can reach the speed of 100 km per hour, which puts it between 7 and 8 on the Beaufort scale. That is quite a lot, but it doesn’t blow this strongly all the time – on most days, Meltemi is just a pleasant breeze that will make your time on the beach even better than you thought it could be. Still, when it reaches its full potential, it isn’t as fun.
Can Meltemi Cause You Problems During Your Vacation?
Is this weather condition a potential issue or just possibly an unpleasant experience during your vacation? Don’t worry – Meltemi rarely causes issues for tourists. The worst-case scenario is that you won’t be able to swim as much as you’d like – imagine battling the waves caused by fast wind. It’s probably not the best idea ever, right? So, if it gets too windy in the Cyclades during your stay, you should consider some other activities.
Things to Do in Mykonos, Greece, on a Very Windy Day
Lucky for the tourists, there are many things they can do that can’t be interrupted by the strong wind, so they don’t have to stay trapped in their Mykonos villas. You don’t even have to skip the beach – simply adjust your plan. Instead of swimming or relaxing in the sun, windy Mykonos weather calls for some action – why not try windsurfing? Head to the beaches on the south coast – Kalafatis Beach, for example.
If you’re not so keen on this idea, you still might be able to enjoy a nice swim in the sea. All it takes is the right spot for that, so be sure to pick more sheltered beaches such as Psarou, Platis Gialos, Agia Anna, or Agios Ioannis. Also, exploring Chora, Mykonos town, is another excellent solution for the windy weather – there are many things to do in Mykonos that can’t be affected by Meltemi.
Meltemi Is a Part of an Authentic Mykonos Experience, Just Like Luxury Accommodation
Don’t overthink the weather conditions – trust us, whatever the weather is like, you will have a fantastic vacation. If you add a luxury Mykonos villa to the mix, there’s no way you won’t have fun – check out what we can offer you and choose one of the most beautiful private villas in Mykonos.
The Ace Vip also has a car rental service, so our clients can get around Mykonos effortlessly in luxury vehicles. Speaking of rentals, we also have a fine selection of yachts for rent – why not treat yourself to a memorable cruise around Mykonos? That’s a vacation in Greece you will never forget!
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