Over the last years, Mykonos has unfortunately developed into a rather popular destination where some people believe that they need to show off their money. And the Greek people know how to take the money from this crowd. Nevertheless, the island has still some of the most beautiful beaches of the Cycladic islands. Here are some tips for you to make you stay a pleasant one:
Sleep
Stay at the little pension called “Maria Elena”. This is a little hidden treasure between the hotels Belvedere and Rochari, so very well located. Rooms start from 120 € and some have been tastefully renovated. Buy Greek yogurt and fresh fruits to prepare your own healthy breakfast you can enjoy on the lovely terrace overlooking the village and the sparking blue sea. Contact only via “Mykonos Maria Elena” on Facebook. Rochari and Little Rochari are also good choices and include breakfast, pool and super friendly staff.
Getting around
Rent a car long time ahead on an online portal to save loads of money (meinbilligermietwagen.de is the cheapest) and pick up your car upon arrival at the airport. Drive down to the village and secure a parking at Anemos Car Rent across the street from the Belvedere Hotel. Just drive in the parking lot, park the car and have Euro in cash handy. Go to Nikos and bargain for a weekly rate. It is about 10 € a day but wag the cash in front of his eyes and you get a week for 50 €. This attended spot will also allow you to park your car in the centre of the town no matter where your hotel is. As streets are in bad shape and access to some beaches is really steep we would refrain from renting a scooter or quad.
Beaches
I guess everyone has his own favourite beach on Mykonos. Of course, Elia is the most beautiful one and offers everything for a successful day: clothed and clothing optional beach, serviced deck chairs and the still down to earth Elia tavern. Try the Lobster Spaghetti or one of their yummy salads.
For a welcomed change in your cuisine walk over the rocks on the right-hand side facing the sea (10 minutes hike) to Agrari Beach and visit the beach restaurant. It looks like you are in a highway-gas-station-take-away but all the food is homemade and the Moussaka is one of the best on the island. Order a Saganaki and it will be freshly prepared for you. Don't forget to grab a bottle of Rosé before enjoying your food on the Bougainvillea covered terrace.
If you want to be away from everything, no music, no hustle and bustle, then head to Fokos beach. It is one of the last still untouched hideaway beaches. Bring a towel, umbrella, water and fruits to enjoy your beach day. Hungry? Fokos Taverna is one of the best on Mykonos and worth a trip alone. Avoid the beach during heavy north winds.
We have avoided Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach and Jackie´O Beach in the last years as it is nearly impossible to relax on these beaches. Fighting for a deck chair which will cost you up to 50 € a day and bumming music make a beach nap impossible. Instead, head over to Jackie´O Beach at 5 or 6 pm for an aperitif and enjoy the well performed show.
Best Beach restaurant
Solymar beach restaurant offers delicious “Otto Lenghi” style cuisine which will put you in a dilemma “what to choose?” The best way is to share many starters with your friends. The bliss from the sea and the well selected music make you want to stay forever. This is also the place for a good selection of Rosés. After the feast lay down on the super comfy sun beds (30 €) and fade away with you noise cancellation head phones.
Eat
So many options on this spoiled island will make it hard to decide. Upon arrival, we always start with the super traditional Nikos Tavern. Even if the regularly visiting Pelicans have become more of a myth, during your dinner mostly the whole island will pass by. Located on the island circuit this is the best spot to observe who is on the island and find old friends.
Enjoy an excellent cut of beef in the stunning setting of a former open air movie theatre. This has become a good alternative to the nose-up and overpriced Interni restaurant. If vegans are with you they will find an excellent choice of salads or fresh sushi.
One of the last originally kept beach taverns directly set on the beach near Mykonos town. Be sure to make a reservation inside or on the terrace. If not grab a beer from the kiosk across the street and get to know new people in the queue while waiting for your table. Share the starters with your friends and don't forget the Saganaki, the best on the island. Dessert portions are gigantic.
This hard-to-find beautiful little bijou offers only a few tables. Daily changing menu but therefore freshly prepared and delicious make it worth waiting for a table. The staff is extremely friendly.
This little hideaway in the centre of Mykonos town is not easy to find in the labyrinth of small alleys. Once you enter through the gate the lovely garden covered in bougainvillea and old trees will welcome you. This well protected place is excellent on windy days is Mykonos. A must try is the Sesame Feta.
This young restaurant has earned its place amongst one of the best restaurants in Mykonos. The young chef combines traditional Greek cuisine with a fresh and inspirational touch. The beautiful garden restaurant can be windy, so don't forget your pullover. Reservation necessary.
Ling Ling (operated by Hakkasan London), Interni and Matsuhisa in the Belvedere are some of the top Restaurants in town where you will eat the same dishes like in London, Tokyo or New York and sip your Fiji water. It might be something for a special occasion but is this why travel to Mykonos?
Instead try something local…
If you have a car, drive to Ano Mera and eat on the main square at To Steki Tou Proedrou. This authentic little restaurant with real Greek food overlooks the square of Ano Mera where a local band will entertain you with the sounds of bouzouki.
Did you know
There are almost no more fish left in the Mediterranean Sea. The atmosphere created by some restaurants being a fisherman’s BBQ is not accurate. The only fish you will get in Mykonos besides some Tuna in a Sushi-place and some Octopus in a well-kept secret spot, are Grouper, Sea Bass and Dorado. All imported but still tasty.
After dinner
Go to Porta Bar and have a digestive or a cocktail. If you cannot reach the actual bar because the place is full, don't worry and wait outside. The always friendly staff will take your order and bring your drink to you.
After midnight, head down to the harbour to the Jackie´O club. Either dance the night away or just sip a drink outside and adore the stars and the smell of the sea. A new discovery and a welcomed alternative to the popular gay music is the Scarpa bar in Little Venice. This place has wonderful electronic music and fantastic cocktails and is also one of the excellent sundowner spots on Mykonos.
Excursions
Every year we promise to ourselves to visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Delos. In more than 10 years we never made it. Good to know that the ruins will wait for us probably another 1000 years.
Prolong your vacation and take the ferry to one of the close-by islands such as Koufunissi or Amorgos. The prices you pay will decrease dramatically.
