While the island of Mykonos spans just 33 square miles, this is an island that certainly packs a lot of punch per square mile. Mykonos seamlessly combines sandy panoramic beaches, a charming main town (with much-photographed windmills), chic hotels, sophisticated restaurants and an exciting night life that goes well into the wee hours of the evening.
The heart of the island is the bustling main town of Mykonos, often called Chora or Mykonos Town, where winding pebble stone streets lead into pretty squares of Cycladic whitewashed houses, dotted with bougainvillea and pots of geraniums. It’s a joy to explore and get lost in Chora amidst the many tempting boutiques, art galleries, scrumptious restaurants, bars and small churches.
Hit the swanky boutiques in Mykonos town. Shop for designer threads on Matogianni Street or wander through the Little Venice area to pick up quirky gifts and artwork. Sip a cocktail at the stylish waterside bar, Caprice, at sunset where you can enjoy the views and take in the island’s famous windmills and harbor.
Minutes outside of Chora is one of the island’s first established luxury properties, the Cavo Tagoo hotel. Cavo Tagoo gazes out to shining blue sea from its hillside location near Hóra, Mykonos. It's an uber-stylish (and often full) hotel offering spacious rooms often with private plunge pools, chic common spaces and an over-generous buffet breakfast for its guests. The main outdoor infinity pool, the alfresco Tagoo restaurant (which turns into a Japanese spot called Kiku at night) and bustling bar all offer incredible panoramic views of the sea where spotting cruise ships coming and going is a daily occurrence.
This 85-room contemporary chic boutique hotel was built into an impressive natural cliffside and offers a 24-hour shuttle service into and back from town as it's located on a busy road across from the sea. Over half of the hotel features “superior” rooms, suites or villas and are these are certainly worth the extra money. These rooms include full/elevated sea views, DVD players, and private infinity plunge pools. Bathrooms are marble-clad and feature premium Korres products. With its distinct vibe, Cavo Tagoo is best for couples on a romantic holiday or adults who like being a part of “the scene” with the combination of top-notch service.
Taxis are notoriously difficult to find and very expensive on the island of Mykonos. Many of the locals travel by motorbike or ATV quad bikes, which are available for rent almost everywhere on the island. If you choose to rent one of these vehicles, definitely plan to explore one of the many fabulous beaches on the island.
All of the island’s beaches are accessible via ATV and signs all over Mykonos make finding these locales easy to get to. One of the best beaches to visit includes Kalo Livadi which is on the western, less populated side of the island. Have the Cavo Tagoo concierge reserve a front row beach bed for you to kick back and relax in. Indulge in an hour-long massage on the beach and then head up to the Solymar Restaurant & Beach Bar which serves an elevated Mediterranean cuisine in a magnificent setting.
Another locally-favored hot spot to check out is Ftelia beach. Be sure to check out Alemagou Beach Bar for sundowners and to experience their specialty cocktails in an incredible location. If you’re looking to enjoy a day club, Nammos on Psarou beach is one of the most famous beach restaurants in Europe, but if your days on the island are limited, you should leave Nammos out of the mix in favor of the newer Principauté de Mykonos Panormos at Panormos Bay. This is definitely the place to see and be seen. Again, be sure to have the hotel call ahead to reserve a beach bed and a lunch reservation as this is a must on the property. Once you arrive, take in the scene as you pop open a bottle of champagne served alongside a bowl of fresh grapes.
Kiki’s Taverna, which is situated at Agios Sostis Beach, just past Panormos Bay, is a tiny spot that has no sign, no telephone and no electricity (read: bring cash). Don't be fooled: this tiny restaurant has managed to achieve cult-like status. Lines at this famous eatery start early so arrive well before lunchtime to ensure a table. Arrive hungry and give Vassilis your name to guarantee a spot in line. As you wait to be seated, you can take in the view of the beach and sip on free boxed wine or water. The pork chop, straight from the main grill, paired with the assortment of fresh salads are a meal not to be missed!
Another notable meal can be found at Kalita, in Mykonos town, which is located within a small courtyard off of the well-known shopping street of Matogianni. Kalita serves excellent Greek cuisine in a cool, sophisticated setting. If you're looking elsewhere in Chora, try Koursaros, an elevated dining experience serving fresh fish and sushi fusion dished. Another restaurant that you should added to your must-visit list is Remezzo, sitauated at the start of the Chora overlooking the harbor. The restaurant prides itself on serving Greek gastronomy. One of the best items on the menu was a traditional Mousakka dish that was deconstructed and infused with truffle oil. Lastly, an amazing no-frills dining experience was served at Kounelas fish restaurant. Kounelas is a traditional Greek tavern where even the local fisherman come to eat the daily caught specials.
Whether you’re planning to shop all day and party all night, explore the island’s mythological history, or bronze your body at one of its many beaches, the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos will certainly meet and exceed your expectations. Mykonos, which is just 93 miles and 25-minute flight from Athens, is a must-visit to round out an incredible Greek holiday.
