8. Go party in Mykonos
Experience the most frenetic nightlife east of Ibiza at
Mykonos, the party capital of the Greek summer.
Mykonos has become the most popular, the most high-profile and the most expensive of the Cyclades. Boosted by direct air links with Europe, it sees several million tourists a year pass through, producing some spectacular August overcrowding on the island’s 85 square kilometres.
The sophisticated nightlife is hectic, amply stimulated by Mýkonos’s former reputation as the gay resort of the Mediterranean, although today gay tourists are well in the minority. While everywhere on the island is at least gay-friendly, gay tourists prefer to congregate in Mýkonos Town itself or the beaches of Super Paradise and Eliá.
The locals take it all in their stride, ever conscious of the important revenue generated by their laissez-faire attitude. When they first opened up to the hippy tourists who began appearing on Mýkonos in the 1960s, they assumed their eccentric visitors were sharing cigarettes due to lack of funds.
Since then, a lot of the innocence has evaporated, and you shouldn’t come for scenery, solitude or tradition, but Mýkonos offers lovely and lively beaches and a party lifestyle second to none.
Discover a more authentic side to Mykonos on a unique half-day island tour.
Where to stay in Mykonos:
- Matogianni Hotel
Living proof that it’s possible to stay in Mýkonos Town without mortgaging your home, this is a comfortable hotel with classically minimalist decor and as peaceful as can be in the buzz of the backstreets.
- Sugar Blue
Providing a terrace, Sugar Blue is located between Mykonos Town and Tourlos, a 5-minute driving distance from Mykonos Town, stores and restaurants. Complimentary WiFi is featured.