Mykonos

Touted as a top party destination, Mykonos is one of the most lively and popular Greek Islands, though no less scenic and historic than others. This “Island of the Winds” is one of the Cyclades, just southeast of Athens, and is relatively small at 85.5 square km. The best running on Mykonos is along the coast of the main town. We’ve also identified some some scenic coastal and interior roads for running.

Coastal Mykonos Town: One of the best running options in Mykonos is also the most convenient — just make your way to the coast and head either north or south across Mykonos Town. It’s a fun route to explore a bit of town, all the while enjoying unobstructed water views. One nice option is to start from the north end and make the Windmills of Kato Milli your destination — about 3 km. Begin near the Mykonos Port ferry/bus station and city parking area. Runners can head north for a short distance on the cobblestone path along the peninsula before turning back and bearing right near the bus station. Just hug the coast, keeping the ocean to your right. There is a stone paved walkway wrapping south to the Polikandrioti road. The narrow Polikandrioti road is open to traffic, so pay attention. Runners can also drop down to the sandy beach to allow themselves more room. Where the beach ends, take your first RIGHT down the alleyway, then turn LEFT to stay along the water. Runners can add distance with a jaunt up and down the jetties, or simply carry straight west around the bend towards the Paraportiani Orthodox Church. From here, make your way south on side streets and waterfront paths to reach the windmills. Including the jetties, the route is about 6 km round trip. Note that this west-facing waterfront run is especially stunning at sunset. MAP.

Other Mykonos Roads. Here are some other recommended roads for running:

• From Mykons Port, Heading North. Very nice coastal road alternating along or above the water, for 4 km to just past the San Marco Luxury Hotel. Just follow the main road. Note: Hilly, no shoulder/sidewalk.  ROUTE MAP
  
• Profitis Ilias Loop. A challenging scenic gravel road runs the loop around the hill on the eastern end of the island. Great views, rugged terrain. Full loop is 9 km, nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain, including a 1.5 km VERY STEEP hill at km 6. ROUTE MAP
• Petinos Beach to Paradise Beach. Pretty running on fairly quiet coastal road/path in southern Mykonos. It’s about 4 k. one-way, with great views. Follow the unnamed main road/path, with a couple of very short connections across private land. ROUTE MAP