How to Spend a Perfect Day in Mykonos
There's more to this hedonistic Cycladic isle than just its bohemian beach clubs, see-and-be-seen restaurants, and bronzed, beautiful people—we're talking winding white streets, historic windmills, and hole-in-the-wall boutiques that have been in the same family for generations. Here's how Jetsetter tastemaker Aggie Lal spent a perfect day in Mykonos, one of the most beautiful getaways in Greece.
Myconian Ambassador
The broad, gold-sand swath of Platis Gialos on Mykonos’s southern coast is one of the island’s most beloved beaches. You can tell by how many luxury hangouts (Nammos Village and San Giorgio Mykonos among them) vie for space near its waters. Opened in 1992, the Relais & Chateau Myconian Ambassador hotel stakes its claim on a rocky outcrop with perfect views of the beach and the sea—and continues to be one of the area’s most sought-after stays. The whitewashed, cube-like structure hides 70 bedrooms kitted out in Thassos marble, tropical hardwood furniture, and Grecian blue-and-white color palettes brightened by abstract art. (The best have their own plunge pool facing the Aegean.) The restaurant, Efisia, is also legendary—the perfect spot to dig into locally sourced fish and meat after lazy days spent on a lounger by the oversize pool.
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Platis Gialos Beach
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel (the egg and smoothie menus are popular), it’s time to hit the beach. Lucky for you, Platis Gialos is just a three-minute walk from the Ambassador. The sands are lined with cafés and beach clubs, and boats are available for hire for trips to Rhenia and Delos Islands.
Familia Omertá di Cucina
All that sun and water is sure to work up an appetite. A 10-minute bus from the beach drops you in Old Town, whose narrow streets laid with stones teem with travelers window-shopping and walking off the ouzo between meals. For lunch, set your sights on Familia, an outdoor restaurant off Goumenio Square whose seats and tables are shaded by a pergola covered in pink bougainvillea and lamps that hang by rope. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but we suggest beginning with the bread and dip and a typical Greek salad followed by their specialty—shrimp giouvetsi—with a refreshing Aperol Spritz.
Hibiscus
It’s easy to lose track of time wandering around Mykonos. Where you shop is up to you, but it’s worth making your way over to Hibiscus, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it storefront advertising crepes and homemade ice cream. Their baklava is especially good and a perfect excuse to rest your feet and refuel before continuing the day.
Semeli the Bar
Has happy hour snuck up on you? From Hibiscus, it’s just a two-minute walk towards the sea to Semeli, in Little Venice. The bar turns up the heat (and the music, and the prices) come nightfall, but in the afternoon, it’s as charming as can be. This is when the island’s beautiful people claim their spots on built-in white sofas and enjoy cocktails with incomparable views of the sea. If you’d prefer to wait until late afternoon to make an appearance, though, be warned: because the sunset views here are so spectacular, space fills up lightning-fast. Make a reservation far in advance to avoid disappointment.
Nammos Village
As the day ages, it’s time to start making your way back towards home, but not before a little more retail therapy. Myconian Ambassador is super-close to Nammos Village—THE place to browse and splurge on glamorous fashions from the likes of Balenciaga, Louboutin, Gucci, Dior, Vuitton, and Greek labels including Kessaris and Aesthet.
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180˚ Sunset Bar
By now, the sun must be nearing the horizon, so it’s time to take in one of those famous Mykonos sunsets. As its name suggests, 180˚ is arguably the best place to watch the sun slip below the waves. You might want to ditch the heels before climbing the steps of Castle Panigirakis, a crumbing fortress high above town, for panoramic views of Mykonos, the marina below, and the nearby islands of Delos and Rinei. Live music creates the perfect atmosphere for drinks and snacks including meat and cheese platters. (Just don’t fill up too much before dinner!)
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Scorpios
As soon as the sun sets, Mykonos transforms. Its laidback island charm is traded for high-energy nightlife, which takes over nearly every beach club and bar. Scorpios is a sexy-sophisticated take on bohemian luxury—a place to see and be seen—and one of the best chances you’ll get to rub shoulders with celebrities while you chow down on local, organic, Mediterranean flavors like whole sea bass, lobster spaghetti, and olive oil-coated heritage tomatoes. Don’t worry about how late your reservation is, either—DJs spin well into the night.
Dress Like Aggie: What to Wear When You’re There
Want more?
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