Mykonos

Mykonos is famed for its party image yet there is so much more to discover here. This is where Shirley Valentine was filmed as well as the last few scenes from the Bourne Identity.

Mykonos is often called the 'White Island' and nowhere is this more evident than Mykonos Town with its pure white houses and deep blue shutters; red geraniums in their flower pots add splashes of contrast. Mykonos Town is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and often the revelry lasts long into the night!

Mykonos is much more than a party island and a visit to Ano Mera is recommended. It is close to Mykonos Town, yet worlds apart. Its focal point is a little square surrounded by many family-run tavernas (we recommend a meal here) and a few coffee shops. Also of interest is the Monastery of Tourliani, patron saint of Mykonos, built in the 16th century. It's a small but intensely spiritual place and is open mornings and evenings. There are over 500 churches on Mykonos -some are so small that you would be pushed to squeeze half a dozen people inside!

The most photographed church is Paraportiani, dating from the 15th century. It stands by the main harbour in Mykonos Town and is a complex of five churches; four on the ground level and one on the roof with an exterior stone staircase. It gets its name from the small gate at the ‘side door’ of the mediaeval stone walls encircling the area.

Look out also for the dovecotes – nearly all farmhouses have them. There are several hundred on the island and are now mainly used for decorative purposes.

Mykonos is a paradise for sun worshippers. From the aptly named Paradise and Super Paradise beaches on the south coast to the quieter Kalafatis, Anna and Kalo Livadi beaches on the south east there is a wide choice. Kalo Livadi is our favourite and is easily reached by car, boat or bus (plus a walk from the top of the road). It isn't a ‘party beach’ like Paradise and is good for families.

"Just a note to say a big thank you for arranging the holiday in Greece. We had a great time and we loved the selection of hotels and their locations. You did great job in putting this together and all went ahead smoothly as planned. Thank you again for the lovely holiday!"

G Maheswaran, UK, Sept 2016

"Syros and the Hotel Ploes were magnificent, and the Petasos Beach was splendid. Mykonos was much more sophisticated that I had feared, and was a good way to round off the lovely trip to Syros. Thanks once again to you and Dawn, who as ever was tremendously helpful."

D Marchese, UK, September 2014