CYCLADES

Mykonos

Size: 15km across by 12km max
Martian Risk: It depends what you mean by Martians - see text

Let us grasp the nettle: Mykonos is not Hidden Greece. But, then, nor are parts of Crete, Santorini, Samos etc. Mykonos is a special case: its stunningly picturesque village of narrow streets is world famous and attracts cruise liners by the blue-rinse fleet; the nearby staggeringly huge (there’s nothing else on the island) archaeological site of Delos brings rather smaller ships of erudite classical buffs; the wonderful sandy beaches appeal to a wider market but, perhaps because it is not a cheap island, the mass market operators hardly feature it, so that Martians in our sense of the word are fairly few and far between.

Try to climb up the hill behind the picturesque village (with your hand-held GPS if you like) and use the panorama of the intricate alleyways to orientate yourself. Talking of which, it doesn’t matter these days what orientation you or anyone displays on Mykonos – anything goes but, that said, it’s easy to spend a week here and be unaware of the orientation of those circulating on the island unless you are on a people-watching holiday. And if you are, you won’t need the GPS.

Mykonos is blessed with some of the best beaches in Greece. All along the south and east coasts are long swathes of lovely sand; on the beaches nearest the town there is considerable development but the further east you go the more pristine the land becomes. Almost every beach has its taverna (or three) and most are served by bus. Many cater for the absent-minded who consistently forget their swimsuits.

Most people seem to choose hotels in town, presumably because the restaurants and night life are on the spot; but there are hotels on quiet bays and on bays with night-life to the small hours, so take your pick from the descriptions we offer. The standard of accommodation runs from luxury to simple – but on this island transfers to/from port or airport are exceptionally included

Activities

Probably better not to ask, but basically (as the old army phrase has it) “if it moves, f*** it; if it doesn’t, paint it white.”  For something completely different, be sure to make a day visit to stunning Delos or perhaps northwards to Tinos, as thoroughly Greek as Mykonos isn’t.

Plus points

The visitors.

Minus points

The visitors.

Getting there

There are direct charters from Gatwick and Manchester on Fridays and scheduled services three days a week from Gatwick. Alternatively, you can fly any day on scheduled services from Heathrow to Athens and on to Mykonos by domestic "connecting" flight. The fast ferries from Piraeus (and Rafina) can sometimes permit a faster overall journey than using a domestic flight.

Mykonos: the water-front

Mykonos: Super Paradise beach

Mykonos: not unknown for its night life

Mykonos: away from them all - lunch on Fokas beach

Mykonos: the village by day

Mykonos: As the old army saying goes: If it moves, f*** it; if it doesn’t, paint it white.

Myklonos: Paradise beach