Walter Ponce
On my last trip to Greece I had the chance to stay at the Koukoumi Hotel, the 1st and only vegan hotel in Greece. Koukoumi in Myconian dialect means sheltered from the wind, a cozy place for snuggling.
Situated on a hillside near Ano Mera, in close proximity to Kalafatis, Kalo Livadi and other top southern coast beaches, the 4-star Koukoumi Hotel is a project of the Kontiza family of Mykonos. The property has been designed in traditional Myconian architectural style and boasts 14 “boho chic” suites, a restaurant featuring ethnic, Mediterranean and Greek-inspired vegan and raw cuisine, a swimming pool, spa and fitness center, and its own fruit and vegetable garden.
Respecting the principles of Authenticity, Simplicity and Balance we offer an impeccable standard of service, while allowing the guest to lie back, relax and enjoy a healthy and harmonious accommodation.
The rooms
The 14 boho chic suites are designed based on the Mykonian traditional architecture and have special decorative elements that give them a special identity. All furniture, fabrics, mattresses (special order from Coco-mat), and pillows have been carefully selected so that they come from natural materials and do not include anything of animal origin. The design of the Koukoumi Hotel is inspired by the ideals of beauty, aesthetics, and hospitality and promotes a healthy lifestyle based on compassion and respect, not only for animals and nature but also for ourselves.
The restaurant
So what’s on the menu? Smoked gazpacho, ravioli, melon poke bowls, meat-free burgers, peanut butter and black forest pastries are just some of the inventive, healthy options.
The Mediterranean restaurant also offers a no-quibbles flexible menus for guests with specific dietary requirements (from keto to antioxidant), as well as detox programmes and outside catering services.
In the kitchen, vegan chef Angeliki Charami (known from “Crudo”) will present her handmade creations. The kitchen of the restaurant is characterized as ethnic,
Mediterranean, with the aroma of Greece. The menu includes exclusively vegan recipes. At the breakfast buffet, everything is handmade (bread, cakes, cookies, etc.), while at meals we will find Greek dishes, salads, soups, fresh pasta, vegan burgers, and pizza, poke bowls and desserts. The raw materials are of excellent quality and minimal processing. At the same time, you can taste juices, vegan smoothies, and cocktails at the pool bar.
According to the hotel’s founders, Koukoumi was created “to be a peaceful sanctuary for the sophisticated traveler. In this setting we tried to bring a breath of fresh air in hospitality, to show a more intimate side of the island and promote a new life philosophy. We can enjoy life without harming animals, the environment, or ourselves.”
A very recommendable hotel if you want to relax and have healthy food. The vibes of this hotel are next level.
Website: https://www.koukoumihotel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koukoumi_hotel_mykonos/?hl=en
About Ano Mera and the Quiet Side of Mykonos
Most visitors to Mykonos stay around Mykonos Town (Chora) or the busy beaches of the south-west coast. Ano Mera, in the centre-east of the island, offers a very different picture. It is the island’s main inland village, with a relaxed square surrounded by tavernas and the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, a 16th-century monastery with a beautiful carved wooden iconostasis and a distinctive bell tower.
Staying in this part of Mykonos means you are further from the nightlife, but closer to some of the calmer beaches and to the more traditional side of island life.
Beaches Nearby
The south and east coasts close to Ano Mera have some of the best beaches on the island:
- Kalafatis: A long sandy beach popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers, with a more laid-back feel than the party beaches.
- Kalo Livadi: A wide bay with fine sand and clear water, with beach clubs and quieter stretches.
- Elia: One of the longest beaches on Mykonos, with a mix of organised areas and open sand.
- Agia Anna: A small, sheltered beach next to Kalafatis, good on windy days.
- Fokos and Agios Sostis: Further north, these are more remote, natural beaches with little or no development.
Mykonos is famous for its strong summer wind, the meltemi, which blows mostly from the north. On windy days, beaches on the south coast are usually more sheltered.
Vegan Food and Greek Cuisine
A vegan hotel makes more sense in Greece than many people expect. Greek cooking has a long tradition of plant-based dishes, partly because of the fasting periods of the Greek Orthodox Church, when meat, dairy and often fish are avoided. Many classic recipes are naturally vegan, for example:
- Fava: A creamy purée of yellow split peas, often topped with onions and capers.
- Gemista: Tomatoes and peppers stuffed with herbed rice.
- Briam: Roasted mixed vegetables baked with olive oil.
- Dolmades: Vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.
- Gigantes: Large white beans baked in tomato sauce.
- Horta: Boiled wild greens with olive oil and lemon.
These dishes, together with good olive oil, fresh vegetables and herbs, make Greece a very comfortable destination for vegans and vegetarians.
How to Get to Mykonos
- By plane: Mykonos has its own airport, with domestic flights from Athens and seasonal direct flights from many European cities.
- By ferry: Ferries leave from the Athens ports of Piraeus and Rafina. High-speed ferries are quicker, while conventional ferries are cheaper and more stable in rough seas.
- Getting around: Ano Mera is inland, so renting a car, quad or scooter is the most practical option. Taxis on the island are limited in peak season, so it is wise to arrange transfers in advance.
Best Time to Visit
The tourist season on Mykonos runs roughly from May to October. June and September offer warm sea temperatures with fewer crowds, while July and August are the busiest and most expensive months. Many hotels and restaurants on the island close in winter, so check opening dates before planning a trip outside the main season.
Who Is This Kind of Hotel For?
A small vegan boutique hotel in the countryside suits travellers who want:
- A quiet base away from the nightlife of Mykonos Town.
- Healthy, plant-based food without having to search for it.
- Wellness facilities like a spa, pool and fitness area.
- Easy access to the calmer beaches of the south and east coasts.
FAQ
Is Koukoumi really fully vegan? The hotel presents itself as the first vegan hotel in Greece, with vegan food and furnishings free of animal-derived materials.
Where is the hotel located? On a hillside near Ano Mera, close to Kalafatis and Kalo Livadi beaches.
Do I need a car? It is highly recommended, as the hotel is outside the main town.
When is the best time to visit Mykonos? June and September are good choices for warm weather and fewer crowds.
Can non-vegans enjoy it? Yes. The menu includes familiar dishes like burgers, pasta and pizza, all in plant-based versions.
