…white, washed architecture with blue shutters & doors to match the azure blue sky & sea, sunshine, beaches, Aegean Sea, warm temperatures, delicious food, great wines, sunsets… its definitely one of my favorite spots!
I’ve loved Greece from my first visit to Athens and love it more every time I go…especially after this trip. We did 10 days in the Cyclade Islands …called that from the ancient Greek word meaning ‘to circle’ or ‘surround’ because the islands encircle Delos, the birthplace of god Apollo…4 1/2 on Mykonos and 5 1/2 on Santorini.
What did I love most about Mykonos? The beaches, Mykonos Town for its restaurants & shopping, cocktails & sunsets, and the laid back fun atmosphere. Many say Mykonos is the party islands … not why we went so don’t let this deter you. We went mid-May and it was perfect… before the packed high season of late June through Aug. The weather was in the mid-70s with blue skies & sunshine every day.
“Must GOs”… here’s my favorite list from the island…
The Beaches
Mykonos has a beach for everyone…family, party, ‘be seen’, gay… there’s one for you. In mid-May, everyone was getting ready for the season so we checked them all out. I recommend renting an ATV (or scooter if you’re brave) to check out the island & all the beaches have to offer. Then pick your favorite to hang out for a full day … that’s what we did. And our favorite… 
- Psarou Beach & Nammos “restaurant by the sea”… this is the place to see & be seen, voted #1 restaurant in the Mediterranean last year, as it was off-season we easily got great chairs, fabulous service and enjoyed a delicious lunch at the restaurant. The day wasn’t cheap but it was worth the splurge! Check out their cool website… make sure you pick up a pack of their matches (being in marketing I appreciated them)… this place is so well done!
Cocktails & Sunset
Little Venice is the place for this. With a stunning view of the Windmills on your left and the ‘hanging buildings’ on your right (thus the name Little Venice), you’ll enjoy the sun setting in between. Our favorite spot is Scarpa. They have FABULOUS cocktails full of fresh fruit!
The Dining
Greek cuisine… it & Italian are the best! Ripe fresh vegetables, olives, olive oil, fish, feta, tzatziki w/ fried courgettes, baklava…yum!! :) Our restaurants of choice…
- Acqua – on everyone’s list as a must-go, in Little Venice so perfect spot on the water, reservations suggested +30 22890 26083
- Nikos Tavern – just off the waterfront, this traditional Greek Taverna is great! 22890 24320
- Avra – in town set under a beautiful canopy of grapevines, romantic spot with great food
- 2 spots we didn’t make it to but are supposed to be great…Sea Satin Market below the Windmills and Philippi in town (supposed to be the most romantic restaurant in town)
The Shopping
Walking the streets of Hora, aka Mykonos Town, in the late afternoon/evening is a treat in itself and there is plenty of shopping to be done. For some reason, I always treat myself to lots of jewelry in Greece (and pick up Christmas presents for friends & family!).
- a fish called Marina – (9 Georgouli Street) Marina, the sweetest ‘ya ya’ (grandmother in Greek), has fantastic jewelry for great prices
- fetish – cool store with great interior design and I got a beautiful ring here, www.fetishjewlry.gr
We stayed at a great family-run hotel, Vencia Boutique Hotel, I found on line perched just above Hora a quick walk into town (which I think is a must for the Island, you can then ATV or Scooter to the beaches). The staff was so nice; the rooms are simple, clean with great patios offering views of town & sea; infinity pool is perfect for sun, swimming & cocktail at the bar. We even got to see a “Big Fat Greek Wedding” Saturday night at the hotel!
One excursion we must do next time is the boat trip out to Delos (2 miles from Mykonos), considered by ancient Greeks to be one of the holiest sanctuaries as its the birthplace of Apollo.
To see more great photos of Mykonos visit the gallery. Also, see the post on Santorini.