48 Hours in Mykonos

by Steve Gempeler

The island is only about 53 square miles and has fewer than 7,000 residents. Passing judgment on these statistics alone, some travelers opt to only spend one day in Mykonos, not realizing the full potential of this destination. However, the beach bum, outdoorsmen, and partier could all easily feel content spending a week here.

What makes Mykonos an even more amazing place to visit above and beyond its breathtaking beaches, intense land/water sports, and sensational nightlife is the peaceful seclusion visitors experience simply venturing off the dirt roads.

Hours 0:00-24:00

Morning

There is only one way to begin the day when staying on any Greek Island and that is an early morning swim in the Mediterranean. Waking a little before nine will almost guarantee your own private beach. For those who are still a little bashful but still want to partake in the authentic European beach experience, this probably would be the best time to go topless.

Afternoon

A quick bus ride from the Contiki hotel into town will in itself offer some of the most breathtaking views of the island’s terrain and the many beaches you will more than likely visit later in your trip. Once in the city (also called Mykonos), there are two must do attractions to complete your visit.

First take an up-close look at the windmills, easily the island’s most distinctive landmark. Afterwards head over to the quaint district of Little Venice for lunch. Dine alongside crashing crystal blue waters at Alefkandra (phone 228-902-2450) sampling seafood brought in daily from the restaurant’s backyard.

On your way back to the bus station, take the time to email your parents and friends to let them know you’re still alive. Besides the obvious internet connection, the Mykonos Cyber Café (located between the bus station & the windmills) also sells blank CD’s enabling you to free up a maxed out memory card.

It is advisable to spend one afternoon in the city, and the rest of your time on the beach!

Evening

If you are looking for a night out on the town, you have come to the right place. Mykonos has a great nightlife and we suggest hitting up Cavo Paradiso club [location – Paradise Beach] which overlooks the Aegean Sea. This beach club is usually packed with good looking twenty-something’s from all over the world.

During the course of the evening try making friends with the mainland Greek vacationers who usually stay up until all hours in the morning. It is not unheard of to be invited onto their yachts for some post-party drinks.

Hours 24:00- 48:00

Morning

The included breakfast at your hotel is not to be missed. Be sure to sample at least a few loukamades, dangerously addicting fried doughnut holes that the Greeks often offer as part of the morning meal.

Relax and let your food settle by sunbathing on the warm beach before delving into a fun-filled, action-packed afternoon.

Afternoon

There are just too many ways to amuse oneself during the afternoon, although the “fun in the sun” option is certainly the way to go. Two of the best beaches on the island are Paradise and Super Paradise beach. Located on the south coast of Mykonos, both beaches can easily be reached via the town bus station for only a few Euro roundtrip. Once there spoil yourself rotten by indulging in a full body massage while tanning on the beach, or for the thrill junkies why not spend a few hours gliding across the waters skiing, tubing, and/or windsurfing (seriously they have it all). Whichever sort of entertainment you chose, the island’s ample variety of activities will virtually accommodate your every need.

Those who are uninterested in the beach scene take an afternoon hike across the rocky terrain of the uninhabited interior of the island (an activity rarely done by the average tourist). Be sure to bring a walking stick and some courage for your trek because there is no telling when you’ll need them in the treacherous landscape and the numerous wild animals you will encounter on your journey.

Evening

For a more laid back environment stop by Uno’s [Matogianni St.] At Uno’s you’ll sit back, while sipping martinis and listening to relaxing Greek music and mingling with other travelers and locals of European descent.

Book your trip to Mykonos now!

Greek Island Hopping – 14 Days
Aegean Classic – 7 Days