Mykonos is a lively island with a charming and hugely entertaining character. Local people have had 40 years to get a grip on tourism and have not lost their Greek identity in doing so.
The Greek island is small and hilly but there is an exceptional amount of fine beautiful beaches and a great cosmopolitan atmosphere. The island has packed main beaches and jostling street scenes lined with stylish bars, restaurants and shops. There is a quieter pulse in the old town if you want a break from the partying. There are quieter resorts to be found in Aghios, Ioannis, Glastros or Tourlos. For a fun and fulfilling holiday, Mykonos is your place.
Things to do
The main attraction to the island is the varied beaches along the coastline. Many Mykonos hotels are found along the attractive bays to the south west or Mykonos Town and the sandy beaches to the south east. Lively resorts such as Plati Yialos offer watersports like windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing and scuba diving.
You can explore the island on horseback with a choice of paths and trails, past the beautiful countryside, windmills and chapels or enjoy the coastal scenery. There are exciting off road jeep safaris available to discover remote villages and beaches. Also there is a fascinating Archaeological Museum or the monastery at Ano Mera to explore. In Mykonos, there is plenty to do.
Shopping
Mykonos Greece has an amazing range of shops mostly gathered in the narrow whitewashed streets of the capital. You can choose from souvenir shops, high label designer clothes and shoe shops. There are art galleries and many fine jewelry stores offering designs inspired by the Greek jewels of ancient times.
Some say that the souvenirs are overpriced targeting the cruise ship day trippers. On the other hand there are serious shops here selling really good quality merchandise. If you are into your shoes, then Mykonos is well known for its house designed sandals in many colours and styles. Mykonos is a location for high quality Shoppingwhere the shops stay open until well after 1am.
Nightlife
Mykonos is one of the most colourful, fashionable, sophisticated and upbeat of the Greek islands. In the evening, the island becomes populated with young males and females, gay and straight, parading in their elegant high fashion in their perfect figures for the night. It’s not a place where you’ll see raucous drunkard behaviour as Mykonos is way too ‘cool’ and sophisticated. There is a lively selection of clubs, dancing, live music, restaurants, cafes, bars and seaside taverns. Whether you want to glam up or grunge up, there is somewhere for you.
The Caprice bar seems to be partying all day and night and, with its bohemian decor and lively music it attracts many Greek and foreign young people. Adjacent to the Caprice are the Semeli, Galleraki, Scappa and Veranda bars. All have a lively atmosphere but have more terraced seating space. Mind you in high season, get their early to grab your seat!
Eating out
In Mykonos town you will find most of the eateries and restaurants. At the end of Enoplon Dynameon Street leading up to Laka there are various souvlaki shops and creperies where you can eat well for a few Euros. These small, cheaper places to eat continue down to Metropoleos Street, leading towards the seafront and Little Venice. For more substantial food this street also has some good old taverns like Kostas and Giavroukos which are still very reasonable.
Directly under the windmills, facing the blue Aegean is Alefkandra Restaurant which is one of the oldest in the town, established in 1964 and still very popular selling a variety of Greek and Italian dishes at very reasonable prices.