TRAVEL GUIDE: MYKONOS
Mykonos encompasses everything you look for in a summer destination; crystal-clear water, a town bursting with culture, parties on the beach (and secret undisturbed escapes), culinary delights to please all palettes, picture-perfect sunsets… the list goes on and on. And that’s exactly why I love the island – it has something for everyone. If bass-fueled raves aren’t your thing, you can hop on a quad and spend a day discovering untouched coves and hidden-away restaurants that serve fish they’ve caught that morning.
Being half-Greek, I cannot go through a summer without returning at least once, partly to visit family and partly because summer just isn’t right without diving right into a Greek adventure. This year, my adventure took itself to Mykonos and today I would like to share my top tips for those of you heading over there soon!
Where to stay?
Mykonos boasts accommodation to fit anyones budget. From the cheap and cheerful rooms in the Chora (town) to luxury suites with private jacuzzis, you can find just about anything! When I was there, I was invited to be guest of two hotels which would fall in the mid-range in terms of cost, but ticked all the boxes for my stay:
Mykonos Beach Hotel: Only a two minute ride from the town, this sweet hotel is set beautifully along a rocky hill with undisrupted views of the sunset. In line with the idyllic Mykonian architecture, each blue and white room has its own balcony looking out onto the sea. I fell in love with the hotel’s pristine infinity pool, jacuzzi and bar area, spending almost every evening watching the sun set with my toes in the water.
Cape Mykonos: This recently opened hotel turned out to be just slightly further along from the Mykonos Beach Hotel, and is still only a short distance from the town. The rooms were the size of small apartments, large and elegantly decorated, with balconies overlooking Little Venice. More of a residence than a hotel, you were served breakfast to your room to enjoy when you desired, if you want a bit more space and privacy during your stay, this hotel is where to go!
Kiki’s Taverna: Fancy an adventure? Well Kiki’s, a tiny taverna set on a cliff-edge over looking a deserted bech, has exploded onto the Mykonos restaurant scene through social media! This hidden away treasure serves the best pork chops you have ever tasted. Expect around a one hour wait (yes, it’s somehow gone social-media-mental!) – it’s totally worth it!!
Marechiaro: Imagine pizza straight from Naples, with a view of the Greek sunset – it’s the perfect marriage of the Mediterranea! One of the best pizzerias in town, particularly amongst the many Italians visiting the island.
Fokos Taverna: This taverna was one of my favourites. It’s the only restaurant on the hidden Fokos beach and around 15 minutes drive off the beaten track. Definitely worth the journey when you enjoy fresh octopus and squid, with a vista taken from a postcard. Do make sure you bring enough cash unlike us, who ended up riding like maniacs to the closest ATM 20 minutes away!! #Greekadventure…
Where to beach?
Kalo Livadi, Panormos, Elia and Paradise beaches are the top of my list for water clarity and view. Make sure you rent a quad while you’re there so you can go discovering!
Sights not to miss?
Mykonos windmills: Set on the cliff-edge facing Little Venice, this group of windmills is a sight not to forget. Head there to watch the sunset and then hop over to Little Venice for the most delicious cocktails on the island.
Petro the pelican: Petro has been in Mykonos for as long as I remember. You usually find him hanging out in the restaurants behind the Old Port area. Turns out he is quite photo-genic for a bird 😉
Beach parties: You can’t go to Mykonos without a good old beach party. Usually starting around 4pm, the best beats can be found at Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach and of course the infamous Nammos Beach Club.
I hope my tips and photographs have inspired you to get on and start your very own Greek adventure. Get it right up at the top of your list, as I can assure you, you won’t regret it!
