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The Best of Mykonos: Your Guide to the Island

From the most breathtaking views to the top quality crepes, this is the essential to-do list for your stay on the island.

By Nicole MakPublished 7 years ago 5 min read
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Mykonos is one of the stars of the Cyclades of Greece - and it doesn't take long to fall in love with it. Photo by me.  

The most beautiful thing about Mykonos is that from the moment that you first step foot on the island, you have complete control over how your adventure here plays out. Are you on #TeamNoSleep or are you here to unplug and recharge? Whatever you're looking for, you came to the right island.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the best of what Mykonos has to offer, but here are some of my personal favorite spots that have made me fall irreversibly in love with it.

The Best View

Endless photo opportunities at the 180° Sunset Bar. Photo by me.

180° Sunset Bar absolutely lives up to its name. Lounge on bean bags, have a classy cocktail, and enjoy the view from above. You may not think that you're planning a trip to Mykonos anytime soon, but check out their website and you might find yourself planning one.

The Best Baklava

The baklava at Maria's is probably up there with the best in the world. Photo by me.

I'm passionate about this category and have thoroughly enjoyed the research that has gone into it. Maria's Traditional Restaurant has the best baklava on the island (honestly, the best I've had anywhere in the world, and I consider myself a baklava connoisseur). Baked by Maria herself, the honey:filo ratio is a little higher than your typical baklava. I won't order baklava anywhere else on the island after having it here -- it just wouldn't be right.

Maria's is a quiet, secluded spot off of the main path into town, with outdoor seating. The owner is extremely nice, and there are usually adorable stray kittens hanging around (always a perk to me, personally). Just a little past Hotel Leto on your way into town, follow the candle-lit path to baklava paradise.

The Best Beach

My Paraga perch. Photo by Brittany S.

This is a three-way tie, depending on what you're looking for.

Lia is quaint, quiet, and very chic. A+ for swimming quality. Liasti and Lia are the beach bars, and both are just a short walk to the water. Liasti is a great open-air spot for coffee or a cocktail on their pristine white couches and beanbags (which I frequently tested and approved for comfort). They offer free WiFi and have gorgeous decor. Liasti also makes perfect caipirinhas (not a "Best Of" category of its own until further research is completed), and I recommend their octopus.

Paraga (sometimes spelled Paranga) is another beautiful beach, its horizon speckled with sailboats and yachts. Skip the pretentious beach bars for low-key beaches and beach-restaurants like Sushiaki, where the beach chairs are comfortable, the first row of beach chairs to the water doesn't cost you extra euros, and there's a taverna and restaurant nearby for great fish. Swimmers beware, depending on where you are, you may find a rocky cove (Exhibit A: photo above).

View from Hotel Anastasia, overlooking Anna Beach. Photo by me.

Anna Beach wins in the "Best Atmosphere" category for the postcard-perfect beach, fun music, and Hotel Anastasia next door. The Hotel Village looks like a little traditional Greek village, with great photo opps and hot pink flowers abound. Complete with a restaurant on the water, a little beach bar with great daiquiris right on the beach, and cabanas to lounge in close by. What more could you ask for?

The Best (Party) Bar

Sunrise over the Skandinavian: Don't let the tranquility fool you. Photo credit: a much younger me.

The Skandinavian Bar & Disco will always win this category for me. Established in 1978, the bar itself is iconic to Mykonos. The bartenders and staff are some of the most welcoming, kind-hearted, and hilarious people that you will meet on the island (dare I say anywhere). Whenever anyone has visited me in Mykonos, this is a mandatory stop. All of my memories here over the years have made this place much more than just a bar to me. To me, it is an inseparable piece of Mykonos that embodies what the island represents to many people: carefree fun, great music, friendship, and dancing the night away.

Never a dull moment at the Skandinavian.

The best part about the Skandinavian is that it has three parts: two bars on ground level, and a disco upstairs. Grab a table in the street for prime people-watching as the night progresses.

The Best (Chill) Bar

Whatever you do, don't miss exploring Little Venice at sunset. Photo by me.

Veranda, located in Little Venice, wins Best Chill Bar for its cozy atmosphere, balcony views of the windmills and the water, and the fact that you may catch live music. Little Venice in itself is an incredibly picturesque, postcard-perfect area to have dinner or drinks (especially at sunset).

The Best Music Venue

I'll be telling my grandchildren about Tiesto 2011. Photo by me.

I can't write about Mykonos and not mention Cavo Paradiso. Imagine seeing your favorite DJ play until sunrise in an open-air venue overlooking the Aegean Sea. Established in 1993, Cavo is still going strong with its incredibly unique location, well-designed space, and consistently impressive line-ups. Aside from the artists that it draws, you can meet the most interesting people from all over the world just waiting in the line to go inside. I'm still in touch with people I met here years ago, and it makes me so happy that good music, beautiful views, and a love for Mykonos brought us together.

The Best Crepe

Bougazi is a tradition, and calories don't apply to traditions. Snapchat by me.

An incredibly important category. So important, it has two winners.

For the walk-and-talk crepe, Bougazi wins. They have perfected the delicate science of knowing the key amount of contents to fill a crepe so that it's portable, but isn't docked any points in the deliciousness column (credit is due to Anna and Chloe for diligent crepe analysis). Plus, Bougazi has free WiFi, if you're off the grid without it. Seating is limited outside, but take your creation to the pier or to browse the shops' street displays.

For the sit-and-enjoy crepe, Gelarte wins for crepe quality and their overall creativity as an establishment (see below).

The Best Gelato

You already know I took this photo.

Gelarte, just around the corner from Little Venice, wins Best Gelato. They don't stop there, though -- would you like your gelato served on a waffle? Totally acceptable. Gelarte has outdoor seating and a cute color scheme (if you're like me and that matters to you). And, if you were wondering, Kinder Bueno gets my vote for best flavor.

The Best Traditional Dinner

It's perfectly normal if food dominates your island bucket list. Photo by me.

If you're looking for the traditional taverna dinner with the classic Greek dishes, my favorite in town is Eva's Garden. Tables in the rooftop garden are the best.

If you would prefer a taverna in a less touristy area, Ano Mera Square also has great restaurants with a low-key vibe.

Go!

Mykonos awaits. Photo by me.

Mykonos means something different to everyone. Although over the years what it means to me has changed, this island will forever have a piece of my heart. Whether you're coming here to dance all night, to eat, to relax, or to enjoy a little of all of the above, Mykonos has everything that you could want and more.

Your adventure is waiting, and Mykonos is ready for you.

europetravel lists
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About the Creator

Nicole Mak

Nicole aspires to be the Carrie Bradshaw of the Midwest, minus the cigarettes and swap the Cosmo with a caramel macchiato. She writes about the millennial experience of love and dating, and travel.

Follow Nicole on Twitter: @snicmak

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