Mykonos
I simply can’t get enough of this magic place…
Those who haven’t yet visited Mykonos, the whitewashed island in the heart of the Cyclades, should expect an Ibiza-ish vibe – glamour, luxury and plenty of parties for those who want them. With its white stone streets, flowering bougainvillea trees and tucked-away churches, it’s a paradise for anyone looking to unwind in the baking Greek sunshine. That said, it’s also a buzzing tourist spot, so insider advice when planning your trip is essential.
“I’d say there are more great beaches on Mykonos than on any other Greek island,” Here I share my guide to the destination that me and my family ’ve fallen in love with.
Breakfast by the pool
For me, breakfast in Mykonos is something easy and simple – maybe an omelette with fresh tomatoes or feta cheese for the majority of Greeks, You’ll be on the Greek summer schedule, so that means you eat it at 11am or 12pm, ideally in your swimsuit by the pool, easing into the day.
Swim and sunbathe
Beach vibes on this island vary hugely, so find the right spot for you. “You have totally wild scenes at Super Paradise, for example, and then super-chill scenes elsewhere. My favourites are Ornos and Psarou.
Psarou Beach
“Ornos beach is smaller and more calm I ‘d say, but very charming and connected to a great mediterranean restaurant, Kouzina (the greek word that means kitchen) .
Crystal , Clear water at Ornos Beach
Psarou can be crowded but it is amongst the most beautiful on the island. It has the most incredible Aegean blue water.”
Lunch by the sea
“For a big group, nothing is better than lunch at Spilia,” my personal advice. “It’s an incredible restaurant built into a cave on the seafront, in a quiet part of the island. Most of times, the fish is caught from the sea in front of you.”
Another favourite is Kiki’s Tavern. “You can’t reserve and there’s usually a wait, but it’s worth it because it’s maybe the most authentic taverna on the island. The calamari is amazing, and in terms of local produce, you can never go wrong with a Greek salad – ‘horiatiki’. That combo of tomatoes, feta, cucumbers, green pepper, onions and olives… there’s nothing better in the world.”
After lunch, walk down to nearby Agios Sostis beach. “Because you can only reach it by hike, it’s super-secluded – definitely not a disco beach.”
Shop at Nammos Village
Oscar de la Renta’s new pop-up is nestled in Nammos Village, a luxury shopping area scattered with palms and olive trees next to Psarou beach. The boutique is designed by Jeang Kim, Laura’s sister, in a traditional Mykonian space with bare stone walls. Pick up ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes and fashion jewellery from the spring, pre-fall and resort 2018 collections; sunglasses from the Oscar de la Renta x Morgenthal Frederics collaboration and an exclusive capsule collection of tunics, kaftans, palazzo pants, swimwear and towel ponchos – all inspired by Mykonos. All unique and Amazing…!
Visit Delos, an island of Greek legend
If you can bring yourself to set sail from Mykonos, I suggest renting a boat for a trip to Delos, an Unesco world heritage site around half an hour away. “It has some amazing Greek ruins and is considered to have been the birthplace of Apollo.” At one stage this mythology made it so sacred that no mortals were allowed to be born or die on the island.
Enjoy the most Amazing sunset and Drink at Scorpios
I definetely recommend Scorpios as the must place to be on the island . It’s an amazing , huge bar – restaurant by the sea, really atmospheri
Dine al fresco
After lazy days in the heat, Mykonians like their evenings more upbeat. There are so many great restaurants on the island, but personally I love the courtyard at Interni – amazing food and the most charming al fresco setting.
Or if the goal is for your party to be dancing on the tables by the time dinner is over, Sea Satin is your place – delicious seafood and great vibes.
If you’re in a more chilled-out mood, try the smaller, upmarket restaurant Katrin .
Be sure to grab one of the few tables outside on the square for great people-watching. Mykonos attracts people from all over the world, so it feels super-cosmopolitan, but laidback at the same time.
Dance all night
My favourite beach club has to be Alemagou in Ftelia.
The music ramps up as the sun is setting – it’s perfect for dancing on the sand. You can go home from there or carry on for late night dancing at Jackie O’s, the most famous bar in town, which is always playing cheesy pop hits until the early morning. Everyone ends up there.
Sleep in luxury
I have two favourite hotels, which should cater for your needs whether you prefer to be in a quiet spot or at the heart of the action. I like the Belvedere , downtown – it’s right in the centre, so the best spot if you want to walk around in the evening,
If a super-relaxed holiday is what you’re there for, the Santa Marina is an amazing resort with a helipad, private beach – which is a rarity in Mykonos and means you never have to leave. Another reason to stay at this fabulous hotel is that it recently
Unveiled the World’s First Buddha-Bar Beach,
which is located there and it is one of the most high end places of the island.
Buddha-Bar Beach at Santa Marina Resort
Or for more comfort, luxury and privacy I highly recommend some of the most Beautiful villas on the island with breathtaking view and excellent VIP service 24 hours.
I talk about Iris Villa at Fanari
Pasiphae Villa at Paradise,
Phoebe Villa at Ftelia ,
or Aegean Blue Villa at Agios Lazaros for the most amazing Greek Hospitality and splendid Aegean view.
Of course there are so many more incredible villas on the island which I can give recommendations , but I’d currently like to share the ones I really prefer for my accommodations because apart from feeling like home there, I feel so lucky when I meet the owners. They are all wonderful people , so hospitable and friendly that I always be there so happy like visiting my own relatives.
my photos : Themis Iakovakis , Mykonos
From Mykonos ,
Georgia Papadon & team
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