When you decide to make the Greek Islands your holiday destination, (and who wouldn’t?), the next decision you have to make is WHICH Greek island/s to go to. There are SOOO many to choose from!
Why we chose Mykonos
This was a dilemma we faced the first time we travelled to the Greek Islands, and a dilemma when planning our latest trip last September. Consider what type of holiday you are after, and what sort of things you want to see and do. For us, we wanted to experience local culture, see any historically significant sites, as well as relax on gorgeous beaches.
Island Hopping Vs Day tripping
We were a little restricted in time on our first trip, so decided to contain our island hopping to the Cyclades Island group. I do recommend island hopping as opposed to day tripping or cruising. There is something so delightful about wandering through alleyways and getting lost without worrying about getting back to the ship in time. Plus, the crowds disappear after the ships leave and it is much more pleasant to explore then. It is important to note that not all of the islands have direct flights, a lot of them you will need to fly via Athens. Ferries, therefore, are a good option, but limit you to islands that are fairly close together.
Our decision for our first trip to the Greek Islands was to first fly into Santorini – a very expensive must for first timers, then ferry to Paros and ferry to Mykonos. On our second trip we flew into Naxos, then ferried to Santorini and finally flew to Corfu in the Ionian islands cluster. For now, let us explore Mykonos!
Where to Stay in Mykonos with kids
The decision to go to Mykonos was not made lightly, I was travelling with another long-time friend, but also with my just-teenage daughter. I had heard Mykonos is the party island and all sorts of wild goings on happen there. We did our research and decided to stay in what was referred to as a more family friendly part of the island – Ornos Beach. Maybe it is because we travelled in September and the islands start to wind down at the end of their summer, or maybe Ornos really is a family friendly part of the island, but we found it to be perfect!
We were staying a short walk away from this beach at Casa Bianca. Far enough away in case the partying got a bit rowdy. On our first afternoon in Mykonos, I spent a lazy afternoon by the pool with a book. I am a fairly quiet person until you get to know me. I guess I am a bit of an introvert. I love travelling with friends that are a little more extroverted than me, that way you get to meet lots of new people. My friend I travelled with on this trip, is outgoing and will strike up conversations with anyone. I am so envious of her ability to do this and decided on that first afternoon in Mykonos to take a leaf out of her book, step way out of my comfort zone, and be brave enough to greet a stranger.
As I was lounging by the pool, two men walked past and looked in my direction. I took a deep breath, raised my arm, waved to them and called out “Hi!” They gingerly waved back and headed into reception. That was awkward. Not long after, they appeared by the pool. One of the men approached me and asked, “Do we know you?” “No, sorry, I was just saying hello.” I then turned beetroot red and swore that is the last time I try and be more outgoing.
Turns out all the guests at an upcoming wedding were staying at our accommodation and they thought I must have been one of them.
No, I’m just a random stranger.
Things to do in Mykonos
Ferry trip to Delos
We decided to do a day trip to nearby Delos, said to be the birthplace of Apollo. This was a spur of the moment decision, and I am so glad we did it. A short scenic ferry ride dropped us there and we were free to roam around on the ancient site and visit the onsite museum before catching the ferry back. The replica lions guard the lake where Apollo was said to be born, with the original lions now in the museum. Inside the museum are lots of original ancient Greek artifacts, with so much to see also in the open air. Highly recommend you include this in your itinerary if you are in the area. Delos might not be as amazing as Delphi, but it’s pretty close.
Shirley Valentine filming location
The one thing I really wanted to see while on Mykonos was the cafe and beach where the movie, Shirley Valentine was filmed. I get so excited leading up to a trip. I will read everything I can get my hands on about a destination, I watch documentaries, YouTube videos and even watch movies filmed in the location I am going to. Is that sad? I say no! It is research!
When Shirley escapes her boring life and runs away to Greece, she gets a job in a cafe and rediscovers her love of life and herself. The cafe in real life is called Hippie Fish and is located on Agios Ioannis beach, south-west of the island. What an amazing afternoon we spent there! A few hours on the beach, then up to the restaurant for dinner. The wait staff were wonderful and apologized for slow service (I actually thought it was just fine), as they had two weddings on at the restaurant that afternoon. To compensate they kept bringing us complimentary wines – yes please! You guessed it, one of the weddings was the one all the guests at our accommodation were attending. In walked my two men and I’m pretty sure they thought I was stalking them.
Explore the main town of Chora
A visit to Mykonos would not be complete without a spot of shopping, right?? The main town of Mykonos, or Chora, really is visually stunning with Cycladic pathways between white-washed buildings accented with that Greek Island blue trim (sigh). With the famous Mykonos windmills overlooking the town, it is a photographer’s dream. I had my first Aperol Spritz on the waterfront at a place nick-named ‘Little Venice’ because of the water lapping at your heels. Pretty damn expensive drink, but it was an experience.
I’m going to get a little reflective here, if I may. As beautiful as Mykonos is, I honestly believe it is the people you share the experience with that truly make it memorable. I have been to some stunning destinations in my life but haven’t enjoyed them half as much as trips shared with good friends. Choose wisely who you travel with. When I say good friends, I include my children and my now husband, they are pretty amazing humans, and I would definitely choose their company. My friend on this trip is a long-time friend…..I’m talking around 40 years. We had never travelled together before, but I knew we would be compatible travelers. She is the yin to my yang. The extrovert to my introvert. The seasoned traveler to my fledgling traveler and all-round beautiful person. I really got to know and appreciate her on this trip. You can’t share a room with someone for a month without getting to know them pretty well . Making new friends is great, (and thanks to her we made a few!) but the old ones are gold!
From Mykonos we headed back to the mainland. See my post on Athens for some ideas when planning an itinerary to the Greek capital.
