THE OTHER SIDE OF MYKONOS

These 2 weeks off passed really quickly! I guess that this is a sign that the days were full of happy moments! Although I wouldn’t say no to a few more, I prefer to keep some days for an autumn trip! So, if you follow me on facebook or on instagram you would know that I visited Mykonos, once more! I have my reasons to revisit this island 🙂 One of them is to discover more and more places and show them to you!

First of all, I would like to clear out that whatever you may have heard about Mykonos lately are untrue. I have read many Greek articles about the fakeness of the island that are completely silly. Yes, Mykonos is an expensive destination. But only if you choose it to be. I f you want to find quietness you will find it. If you want not to be seen, you can do it. We are used in being introduced only to Psarou beach and to celebrities. Yes, Psarou is a high class destination. But you don’t have to go. Instead, you can go to Kapari beach. Did you know it? No? See? Me neither. I asked and I’ve been told about it. I spent in the island 2 weeks during August, the most touristic season of the year. I expected not to be able to walk around! The reality was by far different! I did walk comfortably, I did find easily table to have a drink and I did find quiet beaches. Now, if I wanted to drink my coffee in an organized beach I knew that I would pay 4,50 euros. Otherwise, I had a coffee from the bakery or from a local coffee shop for 2 euros.

I think I talked too much, so let’s go and see the beauties of Mykonos! Mid-august and the ‘island of the winds’ had no wind at all for 2 days! Yay! Finally I could visit two of the best beaches, where if it is windy it is not highly recommended to go. The first day we went to Panormos. Absolutely beautiful! A part of it is organized with sunbeds (actually huge pillows at the sand) but the bigger part is free. So, you choose!

The next ‘wind-free’ day we went to Agios Sostis. Love at first sight! ‘The best beach of Mykonos’ we said loudly with my friend E. who is fan of more isolated beaches. We got some breakfast from the bakery and we stayed there until the sun went down. Magical! I don’t know what happens in Agios Swstis, the vibes are so positive and kind of hippie! Oh! After the sea, you should eat at the famous little tavern next to the church. They don’t use power as everything is made on charcoals. Also, they don’t accept reservations, so you may need to wait. Unfortunately, we learnt all these afterwards by the locals. See why is it so important to talk with the locals? So, if you go, please email me if it was worth it!

Since my friend E. always prefers isolated and quiet beaches, we have been told about one in Platis Yalos. I won’t tell you exactly where it is, as firstly, we want the beach to remain as secret as possible and secondly, the feelings of discovering something by your own are unique! And I have already given you a hint!

A pretty beach is Lia, but be prepared for family situations! Little kids screaming etc!

Now! It is time for food! Well, for perfect Italian cuisine, go to La Rosticceria, at Drafaki! Homemade delicious pasta! I have visited many Italians restaurants in many cities of the world and this one is one of the best in my opinion! For dessert, order the calzone filled with chocolate! No description needed! They put pine nuts inside so that you will not feel it overly sweet.

Needless to say, that we had a classic dinner at Apagkeio restaurant at Ornos. It never let us down! Moreover, at the afternoon we had a drink at Kuzina, Ornos again. Very nice environment. Since I started talking about drinks, we had lovely cocktails at Scarpa, Little Venice.

Generally, life at the island can be expensive. The good thing is, though, that 9 out of 10 times the service and the quality is excellent. People are kind and they will take care of you. And as I have said many times (last time I promise!) Mykonos can fulfill all choices and needs!

When E. left, I decided not to go at the beach for change and instead, walk around the town of Mykonos. I walked at the little port, where boats to Delos island depart. I sat at a bench and I started listening to a conversation between the passengers and the tour operator (I wasn’t eavesdropping, they were speaking loud). The majority of the passengers to Delos are foreigners and ofcourse, the guidelines were given in english. So, when a couple of Greeks approached the tour operator, they commented “ok, we heard the guidelines in english, thank God we understand english”. The tour operator was surprised to see Greeks and he said that from the beginning of the season the total of Greeks going to Delos were 13, from which around 10 were Greek-American or Greek-Australian. They were both surprised! I was as well! How is it possible not to understand the importance of our own heritage? That day at the little port, two more Greeks came. The tour operator smiled. I did too. Oh! The tour guide was Greek, at least.

After that, I got lost at the alleys. I discovered little cute places, such as a bookstore, from where I bought the perfect birthday card for a special person. Moreover, I did find and get the piece of art which I loved the last time I went to Mykonos. Remember? I talked on the phone with the super kind Thalia and she told me where to find it. I actually got two pieces of art from Thalia. What can I do? I love the sea and also the talented designers!

Don’t forget to send me opinions or other nice places you discovered!