Its circular harbour is lined with stylish cafe bars and restaurants looking out on the fishing boats bobbing at anchor. On the surrounding hills, brilliant white sugar-cube buildings are highlighted with splashes of colour from their bright blue shutters and beautiful flowers, and a row of windmills stands guard looking out to the open sea.
The island is surrounded by superb beaches of yellow sand, linked to town by a combination of local buses and a fleet of small fishing boats. The little resort area situated by gently sloping Ornos Beach makes a quieter base than Mykonos Town, just a ten minute bus ride away. And almost next door is another great little beach at Aghios Ioannis, where they filmed 'Shirley Valentine'. Platyialos, with a handful of tavernas and 600-metre sandy beach, lined with umbrellas and sun beds, is a little further around the southern coastline, but 'well-connected' - the last bus back from town is at 4am in high season! On many beaches, such as Paradise and Super Paradise, all-over tans are the order of the day. And there's really not a lot else to do in the daytime on Mykonos except work on the tan, as its barren interior has no archeological sites or other villages to explore. However, the neighbouring holy island of Delos is easily reached if you fancy a cultural excursion, and it's even possible to head off to Naxos, Paros or Andros if you're feeling adventurous.
Always famous for its nightlife, Mykonos Town is still one of the liveliest places in Greece after dark. When the sun goes down, the town's maze of narrow streets are buzzing as the smart restaurants, fashionable night clubs with live entertainment, and state-of-the-art discos all swing into action. So if your idea of a perfect holiday is a beautiful setting, great beaches and lively nights, Mykonos should be top of your list!
