Overview
One of my favorite places to relax by the sea is undoubtedly the Greek islands, particularly the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. Their blue waters, the fragrant wild herbs, and those charming white houses with blue roofs instantly put me in vacation mode.
For this trip, I chose a destination that’s far from my usual picks. But with a good flight deal and a craving for Greece, I couldn’t resist clicking “buy” on the ticket.
If you’re expecting to read about Mykonos' wild party scene, you won’t find it here. I explored the island like I do with other Greek spots, and honestly, there were moments of both delight and disappointment.
Accomodation
The island offers a range of options—hotels, vacation homes, you name it. The choice mostly depends on your budget.
Getting around
Important tip: if you want to explore the island comfortably, you’ll need to rent a vehicle. A scooter is best.
Itinerary
During my stay, I divided the island into 4-5 areas to organize my scooter rides without wandering aimlessly.
DAY 1
Early in the morning, I headed to Paralia Psarou, a well-equipped beach with beautiful water but still far from the “Greece” I was hoping for; Agios Stefanos Paralia had the same vibe. A worthwhile nearby stop is the Armenistis Lighthouse, also perfect for sunset views!
We stopped briefly at Agios Sostis, lucky to find a quiet spot. The atmosphere was relaxed, giving us plenty of time to enjoy a hearty lunch (I’ll cover the food in detail at the end).
In the afternoon, we wrapped up the day at Panormos Beach, where the spacious layout made the crowds feel a bit less overwhelming.
DAY 2
We started bright and early to visit Mykonos Town—great choice, as arriving early means dodging the flood of cruise ship tourists! I definitely recommend it. We explored Old Mykonos, from Little Venice to Paraportiani Church, the windmills, and Manto Square, which was quaint but way too touristy for my taste.
In the afternoon, we visited the stunning Paralia Kapari, with its clear and refreshing waters, followed by Agios Ioannis Beach.
DAY 3
Today’s first stop was Kalafati Beach, quite touristy but with a nice charm. In quick succession, we explored the beaches of Agia Anna, Paralia Mirsini, and Paralia Fokos. This part of the island is much less touristy and quieter; the roads here are often unpaved, so it’s worth being cautious on a scooter.
We ended the day with a dip at Paralia Merchia.
DAY 4
We took on the southern part of the island today, with stops at Platys Gialos, Kalo Livadi, Paralia Agari, and Karapeti Beach. Though fairly crowded, we enjoyed each of them. Maybe we’re getting used to the high number of visitors, which is uncommon on other Greek islands.
In the afternoon, we headed inland, a part often overlooked but worth visiting. Ano Mera with its windmills and monastery is worth a look, as is a short stop at Panagia Tourlani and Paleokastro monasteries.
After these visits, we were ready for one last swim at Ftelia Beach.
DAY 5-6
We spent these days revisiting our favorites: Ftelia Beach, Kalo Livadi, Paralia Mirsini, and Paralia Agari.
My Impressions
Did I return relaxed and happy? Yes. Would I go back? No.
My “no” isn’t absolute; it’s just that everyone has their own style of vacation, and if you want nightlife and lots of social interactions, this place is perfect for you.
But in my mind, Greek islands have a slower pace, where you often find yourself alone on a beach and enjoy cozy, romantic evenings in tavernas with reasonable prices—all things I didn’t find here. Though there were beautiful views, lovely beaches, and good food, I think there’s much better out there at a lower price.
Food
Greek food ranks in my top 5 ethnic cuisines. Souvlaki, moussaka, honey, yogurt, gyros, and baklava—not to mention dolmades and a good ouzo after the meal. I never leave the table disappointed here!
Add comment
Comments