My husband and I went on the trip of a lifetime to the Greek Isles when he and two of his best friends turned forty years old. Mykonos was on our itinerary.
Our vacation started in Mykonos, Greece, the land of the frequenting rich and beautiful people of Europe. It then moved to Santorini for a few days and ended in the start of Western civilization, Athens.
Mykonos is located in the Cyclades of the Aegean Sea: the Cyclades is the Ancient Greek word for “ring” and means “ring of islands”.
Why I Was Mesmerized by Mykonos, Greece
Our flight was delayed getting into Athens, so Eddie and I had to buy tickets for the Seajet 2. The circa 1980’s Seajet is a high-powered speedboat/ferry which would take us to Mykonos by nightfall. It travels fast and has airline-like accommodations and a coffee bar. We enjoyed the view of the startling blue waters as we skimmed across to Mykonos.
Upon arrival, the luxurious Hotel Belvedere sent a driver to pick us up. Eddie and I arrived at their small boutique hotel surrounded by a white stone security wall and were welcomed inside with drinks provided by the staff.
White crisp fabrics billowed and hung were everywhere. Gorgeous exotic floral arrangements made the hotel lobby smelled deliciously fragrant. The stunning pool was surrounded by intimate areas of white mattresses, wooden seats, and colorful lights, beckoning us to visit.
Eddie and I were shown to our rooms, which were nice, but not the most modern or plush. The rooms had white marble floors, two small balconies (one overlooking the pool), and a deep relaxing bathtub.
The Hotel Belvedere also included an American buffet-style breakfast, AC, satellite LCD TV, a cordless phone, Wi-Fi, mini-bar, and Korres bath cosmetics. Guests also had access to a 24-hour gym, music & movies library, safe boxes, and concierge services. It was a great choice.
Discovering Downtown Mykonos
Our friends and I headed into downtown Mykonos for dinner at a lovely waterfront restaurant called Caprice Bar. Little did we know this would be the most memorable meal of our entire trip.
We had a perfect view of the sunset, which Mykonos is famous for. The restaurant served us an enormous marble iced tray seafood delights such as grilled shrimp and fresh lobster. Fresh vegetables accompanied the seafood.
Our wine was tastefully served in a galvanized bucket full of fresh cut flowers. After dinner, Nicko (our waiter), gave us a bottle of “digestive aid” that contained tree sap. It is considered rude to turn down the gracious gifts of the server or owner so we suffered through a shot of the concoction.
Our group wandered the twisty, crooked, cobblestone walkways and did a little window shopping after dinner.
Later, we enjoyed Lychee Mojitos with friends at the outdoor bar at Hotel Belvedere. All’s well that ends well.
Breakfast at the Hotel Belvedere was nothing short of “wow”!
A nice selection of quiche, pastries, fresh fruit, dill egg canapรฉs, toast, croissants, and yogurt was available for you to help yourself.
After breakfast, we all gathered at the pool, listened to the iPod, and enjoyed a day of relaxation and fantastic scenery. We met about 20 people from around the world hanging out at the pool.
For lunch, we enjoyed Caprese Salads with Buffalo mozzarella, thickly sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil. Then, it was nap time.
Pleased with Hotel Belvedere
In the evening, I had an algae-peppermint oil body wrap treatment followed by a scalp, shoulder, face, and foot massage. There was not a formal spa, the lady only had a room at the hotel, but it felt very refreshing and my skin was silky afterward.
Later, we invited some of our new friends to join us for dinner and we set out again for Caprese Salads. It was a rare cold day in Mykonos and the 68ยฐF temperatures, along with the seaside outdoor dining, was not favorable. However, our dinner of White Truffle Risotto was wonderful and paired nicely with our wines.
The night was completed after several hours of dancing and listening to world music at the “super” nightclub, Pierros Club. The nightclub was packed with beautiful people and some very impressive drag queens.
At the bar, several people tried to tag along with us to go back to the hotel (we later learned that the Hotel Belvedere is one of the best places to stay and they like to tag along and try to use the amenities at the hotel).
The next day, our British and Australian friends were going to Super Paradise, the gay and nude beach that is the center of partying on Mykonos. I wanted to go so badly but was outvoted by the people I was traveling with.
We ended up just hanging out at the pool for another day. Later, we called a cab and headed to the other side of the island to visit the hugely popular Nammos restaurant.
Exploring the Island
To get to Nammos, a gastronomic concept restaurant that we were going for lunch, is no small feat. Our taxi driver dropped us off at the top of a very steep hill, which we had to snake down a mountain to get to.
Nammos a hip place with a great ambiance and killer menu. There are huts to rent if you want to lie on the beach— food is also served out there.
Being a lover of Greek food and actually eating it in Greece was a real game changer. Souvlaki, Homemade Feta, Moussaka; oh my, the cuisine was amazing!
At Nammos, I had the Crab Tartare and it was sheer perfection in every bite. Everything at our lunch was nearly perfect except for the fact we were cramped very tightly at the table and the restaurant stays packed.
Beware: When it is time to leave Nammos, you have to walk back up the hill to meet the cab. Good luck in the heat and with a full stomach.
Other than having fields of goats and sheep to ooh and aah over surrounding the hillside, the walk was treacherous and miserable.
After a disco power nap, we were ready for another night out on the town. I think the reason I loved Mykonos so much is that this is totally not the typical thing I do when I am at home in the states.
Mykonos is Mesmerizing
Strolling through the twisty narrow streets of cobblestone is like getting lost in a maze. Whitewashed houses are as far as you can see interwoven with a few trendy boutiques and stray cats.
Blue domed cathedrals are scattered along the waterfront as well as full-size pelicans often waddling down the alleys. The most familiar sight in identifying the island of Mykonos is the windmills along the oceanfront.
Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades chain, is a destination for the jet set. We traveled there one day to have lunch. The calm bay and beach were buzzing with beautiful tanned bodies enjoying the sun and swim.
Mykonos, home of windmills, chapels, blue roofs, and white buildings won me over and no vacation has ever measured up.
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Mykonos, Greece Photo Gallery
Check out our other Greece articles:
The Ancient Ruins of Khios Volos and Meteora Monasteries
How to Spend 24 Hours in Athens Athens Small-Group Food Tour
Madaline says
How I wish I were seaside in Greece right now! Omg, the blues and whites are just so gorgeous…
MelodyPittman says
I agree! And the matching water, too.
Jameela Deen says
I’ve always loved pictures of Greece especially Santorini but never knew this island had so much to offer. Will keep it in mind for the future… (find your blog through the under 1000 club by the way… nice to know you). Happy Travels
MelodyPittman says
Thanks so much for stopping by! I thought the sunsets in Santorini were beautiful but for me, Mykonos was just stunning! Likewise.
Tim says
I have had a hankering to return to Greece for about a year now. I lived there in my twenties and worked on the island of Paros; it was an amazing time and all on $10 a day…it was a while ago. Your post just upped the ante to get me back there.
MelodyPittman says
What a fun thing to do! I hope you make it back and have a great time!. ๐
Barbara says
I’ve only been to Athen so far, but should definitely add Mykonos on my next trip. The food in Greece is so good! (and the men very handsome) ๐
MelodyPittman says
Oh yes, everyone was beautiful and I loved the local foods. I hope to see Cyprus in the future as well.
Rose says
Great photos! This looks like a wonderful vacation! Greece is so beautiful. I have several islands on my bucket list, but it’s just so hard to choose. #firstworldproblems
MelodyPittman says
Girl I am right there with you! The bucket list just continues to grow and grow.
Els from Myfeetaremeanttoroam says
I went to Mykonos on a school trip for two days. I can’t remember much of it anymore unfortunately, but would love to go back to explore the lesser known inland. That plate of seafood looks so huge by the way! ๐
MelodyPittman says
That food was delicious! They had us go pick out our own, as if we had any idea what to choose. LOL I am going back via cruise in 2016 but will get to visit some islands I haven’t been to yet. I hope you make it back as well. ๐ Safe travels.
Alli says
Oh my goodness – that food platter! It’s HUGE! I loved the food when I was in Greece, just couldn’t get enough of it. I also visited Mykonos and had a fantastic time! Loved the beaches.
MelodyPittman says
It was a superb trip, that’s for sure. Glad you enjoyed and I plan to get back in 2016. ๐
Bruno B @ Geeky Explorer says
Looks like you had a great time!
How much was the high-speed ferry if I mind asking?
MelodyPittman says
You know, I really cannot remember but I think around $30 per person.
Victoria @celebratetheweekend says
Gorgeous pictures, Melody. pinning for future travels
MelodyPittman says
Thanks so much Victoria. I hope you make it there. Mykonos is the stuff dreams are made of, as cheesy as that sounds, it is true. ๐