Mykonos 101
Mykonos Island... The perfect combo of beaches, partying and amazing food
Accommodation
I want to emphasize that the location of where you stay in Mykonos is really important given the issues around logistics on the island (which I will elaborate on). During my stay in Mykonos, I split my time between Mykonos Town and a 5 star resort that was secluded from everything. One key thing is if you stay in Mykonos town, it becomes closed off to pedestrians at a certain point, so get ready to carry your luggage down the narrow streets full of pedestrians.
We stayed at the Fresh Boutique Hotel,which had the perfect location in town, right next to top food places like Avra and Interni and nightlife locations like Void and Scandinavian Bar. Mykonos town has quaint streets and beautiful décor, along with some great shopping. The second half of our stay in Mykonos was at the Anax Resort and Spa, secluded on the cliff side and has only been open for 2 years now, which is no surprise by the décor, service and top-notch amenities throughout the resort.
Transportation
Transportation in Mykonos is an absolute disaster. Yes I read online that there are only 30 taxis, but no one gave me advice on the best way to get around. If you are not drinking, I would recommend getting an ATV, which allows you the freedom to get wherever you want whenever you want. I caution you though, people are crazy in Mykonos and definitely be smart about driving on one – it can be dangerous. Make sure you get at least 150cc, otherwise you’ll be crawling up the hills.
We rented an ATV our first day after waiting 30 minutes at the Taxi stand with no sign of a taxi. Getting a taxi in a short period of time is all luck in my opinion, and if you have reservations anywhere, it’s not worth risking and ruining your trip standing by a taxi stand the entire time. Mykonos also has this sneaky system of “private transfers,” (aka expensive taxi) and they linger outside the clubs/restaurants – they are definitely a last resort and can be a saving grace to get home so you’re not stranded outside the club at night (buyer beware they are pricey). Mentally prepare yourself and plan accordingly for transportation in Mykonos.
Food & Beach Bars
Dinner at Interni is no joke
I ate my way through Greece, and I recommend that you do too. The food is fresh and amazing, and if you love seafood and Greek salads, then you’re in the right spot. If you want to go to some of the best food places in Mykonos, I highly encourage that you make reservation. Like many other European cultures, lunch doesn’t happen until around 4pm and dinner isn’t until 10pm and likewise clubs thereafter. Most of the beach lounges have restaurants attached to them, where you can have beds reserved to lay out and then go eat at the restaurant and return to soaking up the sun. I didn’t have one bad meal in Greece, so I'll highlight below some of my favorite places in Mykonos.
Alemagou: I missed Iza Goulart and Alessandra Ambrosio here but one day. This is a hippie, chic day beach club and food spot. This part of the island can get windy, so check the weather before you go. The food is good and the location is hidden which is rad, but make reservations.
Alemagou during the day
Interni: This restaurant is in Mykonos town and has the coolest vibes inside – all white décor with overarching bougainvilleas. Cocktails are over 15 euro each, but they are crafty and yummy. Don’t be surprised if by midnight you have 60 year olds turning up and grabbing you to dance. Overpriced spot, but you’re paying for ambiance and a good time and it’s absolutely worth it.
Nammos calm before the storm
Nammos: Nammos is definitely one of the “sceniest” places I have ever been, with everyone rolling in on their yachts and ordering more magnum bottles of rose than I’ve ever seen. This is a beach club and a restaurant. Note that there are politics related to where your beach lounges are, and it’ll cost you whopping 60 euro per beach bed, but the water is calm and clear for you to see right down to the bottom. 1pm it’ll be nice and quiet and by around 4 o’clock the yacht moms will be commandeering the tables dancing on them and having champagne showers. You might spot a VS model or pro athlete here, and I feel like Nammos is a place that shouldn’t be missed if you go to Mykonos. The 5 star restaurant attached has fresh seafood and prime time people watching. Make reservations for beds and the restaurant.
Sea Satin: Sea Satin, which is located in Mykonos Town, looked like a nice candlelit seafood dinner place when I arrived at 10pm, but after about 1 hour of being there for dinner, people were dancing on the tables the waiters were giving free shots. The food was excellent (expensive of course), but you pick out your dinner – fish, shrimp etc. and they cook it fresh family style. Don’t order King Crab Legs – they are frozen from Alaska.
Scorpios: Another “sceney” and expensive place with lots of older, yet very attractive and wealthy, people eating, drinking and dancing. Scorpios is a beach lounge in the day and then turns into a dinner and club/lounge (that closes at 1am!) at night. The setting is absolutely STUNNING and the food is quite amazing. This place is massive and has a hippie, bohemian vibe to it, almost like Coachella. Get the hummus- you won’t be disappointed.
Scorpios dinner at sunset
Spilia: Spilia is a tucked away, romantic and tiny restaurant built in to the cliff side near Agia Anna. This place is not sceney and not turning up quite like the other places I’ve talked about so far. The views are amazing and so is the food. They are known for their Uni, so if this is your thing then you should definitely order it. We also ordered the sun dried octopus which you can see is fresh when you walk up and it was to die for. Spilia is a must do if you are in Mykonos.
Looking for late night food? Try Souvlaki Story in Mykonos Town or one of the many crepe places to satisfy your sweet tooth.
There are several great beach bars and restaurants in Mykonos (Avra, Panormos, Solymar, Kalua etc.), and while expensive, they are fun and have good food. I didn’t highlight all spots out there to go to, but these are just some of my favorites. And if you still have enough energy after day partying then head to Cavo Paradiso, Scandanavian Bar, Carpice, Void, Paradise club, or one of the many more places to watch a Mykonos sunrise.
Mykonos Town sunset