It is true that when I announced to my colleagues that I am going to visit Mykonos twice this summer (with different parties…long story) and especially during ultra-high season (mid-August that is) some of them considered me crazy. The fact is that some people adore Mykonos, some of them despise it and some of them can’t understand the hype. Personally I like this island a lot, despite the “overdose” (I’ve been there a total 5 times) but there are some aspects of the island that I like and some that I don’t. But let’s (try) to introduce Mykonos to you (in case you have missed out).
Mykonos is one of the many islands that Greece has, located in the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. Mykonos was a popular destination as early as the 60s where the jet-setters of the time used to go on holidays. Nowadays Mykonos is a destination for almost every kind of person: singles, couples, families, clubbers, nudists, jet-setters, has-beens and wannabes. I believe that this mingling of people exists only in Mykonos 
Life is a Beach (well a lot of beaches…)
Kalo Livadi
Mykonos has beautiful beaches with golden sand and turquoise waters. Well to be exact, Greece has even more beautiful beaches, with more peculiar landscape, but no one can deny that Mykonos lacks of beaches!! My favorite by far, since my first visit there some ten years ago is Kalo Livadi. My second favorite is Elia beach. In July and August especially during the weekend those beaches are fully packed! If you are an early bird thought, you can find a perfect spot: that means first row sunbeds!! That is first row from the sea…
Ornos
Ornos is another beautiful beach. Its much smaller than Kalo Livadi or Elia, but it has a homely feeling. The beach has some picturesque restaurants and it is beautiful in the afternoon (that was the only time of the day I’ve been there). Agrari is also a quite beach. Maybe people are intimidated by the steep road that leads to the beach or the fact that it is not sandy, but has tiny pebbles (trust me, when it is windy, you’d prefer the pebbles!!). The beach is located “next door” to Elia, but there is no road connecting those two, apart from a footpath. Last, but not least, the northern (and windiest) side of Mykonos has a couple of nice and pure beaches such as Panormos and Agios Sostis. The latter is probably the only beach without a beach bar and sunbeds. CAUTION: DO NOT visit on a windy day!!!
Super Paradise
Paradise and Super Paradise beach are popular among young party people. All I have to say is: been there, done that. Paradise beach is also home to Cavo Paradiso, a renowned club, host to many famous DJs. Personally I’m not into house or trance or whatever music, but I have to admit, that the club is located at such a beautiful spot to see the sunrise.
Down Town
Town Of Mykonos
The town of Mykonos is truly a chaos full of small stone-paved streets, bustling with life, full of bars, restaurants and a lot of shops. It is the place to see and to be seen…some kind of “runway”, as we call such places in Greece. I just love to walk through all these streets, looking at shops, having a drink, or maybe a sweet crepe (I got hungry now)! The landmark of Mykonos are the windmills, located at the top of a hill by the sea. It’s a very nice and windy location, just next to Little Venice, the place where most of the bars and clubs are. Caprice is a favorite…you have to visit it. If you are lucky enough and the wind isn’t so strong you can sit outside by the sea.
Food Anyone?
After a loooong day of sunbathing you’ve probably starved. Chances are that you might have snacked at the beach bars. TIP: Sol y Mar at Kalo Livadi has excellent club sandwich. If you are a fan of Italian food you have to visit Bandanna at Kalafatis beach (it is located at your right hand side before reaching the beach). Whether you have pasta or pizza, you must have the calzone pizza with chocolate as dessert!!! Bandanna has yummy yummy food, but it’s a bit pricey if you a re on a budget. Konstantis tavern at Ornos is another favorite, not only for its food, but also for the location and surroundings. Here the cuisine has more variety as you can have fish, meat or even traditional Greek dishes.
the post wouldn’t be complete without a true island cat!!
When going out (well it should be about midnight now), you might still fell hungry…well I suggest you visit the Swiss café. It isn’t much difficult to locate that! It’s at Matoyianni street, after the Kessaris shop on the road on your left (it’s the second café I think). You might sit outside by the pavement or inside (its super cute there)! Savoury and sweet crepes are equally good.
Essential Addresses
Kalo Livadi, Mykonos
Kalafatis, Mykonos
Went to Mykonos in 2005 because I like the film Shirley Valentine. It was nice but I wouldn’t say it was my favourite. I prefer Amorgos, Serifos, Sifnos and Ios. Keep travelling, keep writing…
I visited Mykonos this last September and visited a shop and saw the most amazing paintings and now I could kick myself for not bringing one home. It’s hard to describe the style, but they were painted in the most beautiful bright colors, were very quirky and unique. The one that sticks out in my mind the most was a view of a harbor and of a bunch of the quaint buildings at night time and the colors are so vivid and bright.. Anyone know who the artist is or if it’s a local artist? Any of this sound familiar to any of you Mykonos veterans?
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