Mykonos, Greece
Photo Album & Scene Articles
 

September 2002

Global-Scene -
Mykonos, Greece

Brad Laney & Ted Widen

Mykonos

What distinguishes Mykonos from most of the other islands in the Aegean Sea is its beaches. Mykonos has more of the best beaches than any of the other islands. All beaches can be reached by car or moto since Mykonos' road network radiates from central Hora to almost to every corner of the island. Small boats that operate during the summer months are another great way to access to the southern beaches and hook up with Europeans vacationers. The other reason people come here is to party like nobody's business. The best time to come for the wild action is high season: mid-July to mid-August, but there's tons of action here from mid-June until the end of September.

Nightlife
Most people nap from sunset until 11 p.m., when the town wakes up, and people crowd the restaurants. Nightlife doesn't get going till about 1 a.m. and carries on till the sun comes up, so pace yourself and take naps. Actually, when coming from the states, stay on your normal time schedule - with the time change, your body clock will be just fine! Start out at Interni, an open-air, South Beach-style bar with lots of great looking people. Another great bar is Aiydn, where you can dance inside and cool off on the outdoor patio. By 2 a.m. groove over to Space, the biggest hot spot in Mykonos where local and guest DJs keep the energy high until breakfast.

Beaches
Paradise and Super Paradise should be your first stops. Weekends get crazy as Europeans storm into town. The music is loud, the drinks are strong, and the skin is brown. If you've had enough of the rowdiness, or met someone you want to pluck from the mix, Panormos is an out-of-the-way, quiet local's beach with great views and better food.

Getting around
Renting scooters is a must if you want to truly experience Mykonos. Scooters are in abundance on the island and are the main mode of transportation. They can be rented within walking distance of most hotels and range from $10-$30 per day.

Hotels
We recommend staying in Mykonos Town. There are plenty of good hotels and costs range from $100-200 during the high season. If you stay in the center of town, you will be within walking distance of some of the best nightlife on the island. Great restaurants, clubs and shopping are also in abundance But bring ear plugs if you don't want to hear the scooters wizzing by all day and night - or whenever you get around to sleeping in Mykonos. Hotel Belvedere is one of the hottest hotels on Mykonos (Price range: $250-500). Friendly staff, nice rooms and the hippest pool in town make this our top pick. Whether you want to fall asleep poolside on queen-sized futons, sit in the pool-side bar listening to downbeat club tunes, or take a quick stroll into town, this hotel will have what you want. Just down the hill from Belvedere is Semeli, another great choice for in-town accommodations.

It takes about two days to get to and from Mykonos from Chicago, and you can have a great time if you can spend a few days on the island - many people can't take much more.

Mykonos, Greece