Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Greece / Cycladic Islands / Mykonos
 |  | Travel Reviews : Mykonos |
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| | | | Classy times with Contiki
Forget stereotypical 18-30s holidays and welcome Contiki's new, upmarket all-inclusive holiday instead, said the brochure advertising my trip to Mykonos.
As I reached shakily for a glass of water, painkillers and a pair of sunglasses, I thought back to the night before and tried to forget weaving around the dancefloor, flapping my luminous-coloured glow sticks (green, yellow and red depending on whether you fancied pulling or not) in time to Wham! favourite Club Tropicana.
I knew it was time to leave the hotel's nightclub, Blue, when people started spelling out words on the dance floor like 'lust', 'love', 'sexy'. Was it how they were feeling? Or the only words they could manage after the wine, beer and ouzo chasers that we'd all been drinking since lunchtime? I wasn't sure I wanted to find out.
Okay, so the trip hadn't been the epitome of classy so far, but it was only day two - there was plenty of time to get upmarket.
The next day looked promising. We were going to the nearby island of Delos, a Unesco world heritage site and mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. It wasn't included in the all-inclusive price but it was definitely the sort of thing you'd expect that would appeal to the sophisticated urbanites Contiki was hoping to attract.
Don't get me wrong. It was interesting how archaeologists had rebuilt parts of this third-century BC town by hand. But clearly no-one was half as enthusiastic as they'd been the previous night while raging drunkenly around the dancefloor, bopping to cheesy disco hits.
And since a freak force-10 gale had suddenly blown in from Siberia, everyone was quite happy to retire to a toasty harbourside restaurant in Mykonos town to alleviate last night's hangovers with a jug or two of wine.
Which got me thinking. Do single British people aged 18 to 35 really want a mature, upmarket holiday in a posh hotel on a classy Greek island. Or do they want a lively, drunken, pulling holiday which just pretends to be more upmarket than Club 18-30?
In which case, Contiki's idea was quite clever. Mykonos is a suitably stylish island with plenty of cool bars, designer shops and lively clubs. The resort has simply furnished rooms, but with nice extras like air-conditioning, bathrobes and balconies. And the all-inclusive idea gives it a bit more kudos than your average package trip.
Travel guide: Mykonos
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| | | | Sloshed in style
So you can choose - pretend you're on a glamorous luxury break as you relax in the wellness centre, watch a DVD in the chill-out lounge or play a set or two of tennis on the hotel's court.
Or join the resort's happy-clappy reps - the Contiki Action Planners - belting out a tune at the karaoke special, hit the pool for Perfect Match where you can play the game of luurve, or be a judge in the Man O Man competition where there's an hour of half-price drinks to get you fired up.
As the holiday progressed it became obvious which road we were taking. The veneer of sophistication had completely worn off as we struggled to get up for the last few minutes of brunch (last orders 11am), looked forward to the Cocktail Mixology class (so we could slosh in as much restorative vodka in our Sex On The Beach drink as possible) and all developed juvenile, teenage crushes on each other.
Yes, we had a dressed-up evening in town, watching the sun set over picturesque Mykonos Town and harbour from the plush, hillside Oniro Bar and had a traditional Greek meal in a friendly taverna in town. But it was all window dressing for the main action - dancing all night in Space nightclub (entry 15 Euros), pulling in Scandi Bar and skinny dipping on the beach at 3am.
So if you are looking for a fun, lively holiday in the sun but don't want to embarrass yourself be saying you're going on a Club 18-30 trip, Contiki has created the perfect alternative, with all the fun, in an 'upmarket' package.
An all-inclusive seven-night package to Contiki Resort, Mykonos (020 8290 6422; website: www.contikiresorts.com ) including flights, transfers, accommodation, brunch and buffet dinner at Ocean Restaurant, free entry to Blue nightclub, tennis, volleyball and organised activities costs from £349 per person in June.
Alcoholic drinks cost extra, with beer at £2, a glass of wine £1.35 and a gin and tonic £4.40. A four-course meal in a seafront taverna costs around £8pp excluding wine.
Feeling inspired? Book a holiday.
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| | Destination Guide : Mykonos |
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| | | Popular Greek island |  | Why go on holiday to Mykonos?
Mykonos is perhaps the most popular and expensive Greek island, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and dotted with the quintessential white and blue buildings of the Cyclades.
The unrivalled, sophisticated nightlife is the legacy of the days when Mykonos attracted the international jet set. Its glamour has faded a little, but it's still the spot for those who wish to escape to, rather than from, the centre of it all.
How much does it cost?
Expect to pay around £150 for a return flight to Athens while connecting flights from Athens to the various islands cost between £25-£40.
Ferries are slower but cheaper.
At £60-£120 per night, hotel rooms are practically double here than elsewhere in Greece, but self-catering packages start at about £350 for seven nights.
All prices will vary so shop around.
When should I go?
One great thing about the Cyclades islands is the meltemi. During the long, hot days of July and August, when temperatures can soar to 40C (100F) in the shade, this north-westerly wind provides welcome respite from the heat, though at its height it can prove hazardous for sailors and blow for several days.
This makes Mykonos an excellent choice for a midsummer holiday - though the warm, sunny months of spring and autumn still see temperatures in the 20Cs (70-85F) and fewer crowds. Winters are mild but wet, and most tourist facilities shut down.
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| | | Sun loungers unite |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Amble through the labyrinthine streets of Mykonos Town. The island's capital is a small but perfectly formed place, bright white walls offset by splashes of colour from basil, bougainvillea and geraniums.
Shop in the chic boutiques, then dine on the waterfront while watching the world go by.
How can I step back to the old Mykonos?
Explore the many windmills that stand proudly overlooking the island; there's even a windmill museum in Mykonos Town. Take a peek inside some of the tiny chapels that dot the barren landscape.
Photographers will love the interplay of light and shade filtering across the Panagia Paraportiani, four little churches amalgamated into one beautiful, lumpy, asymmetrical building.
Where can I indulge in sun, sea and sand?
The beaches near Mykonos Town are pleasant but usually packed, and Platys Gialos to the south is wall-to-wall sun loungers.
Some of the best beaches are inaccessible by road; catch a boat along the south coast to enjoy uninhibited sunbathing on the excellent Paradise, Super Paradise and Agrari beaches. Kato Livadi and Elia are seldom crowded.
Leave civilisation behind with Dive Adventures or Aphrodite, two specialist diving schools.
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| | | Out and about | | Where's good for nightlife?
Mykonos has a reputation as the gay capital of Greece, with a hedonistic and welcoming attitude towards late-night revelry.
The Yacht Club in Mykonos Town is open 24 hours, and the Cavo Paradiso above Paradise Beach stages all-night raves. Find a more mature crowd at Montparnasse Piano Bar in Little Venice.
What's the food like?
Though seafood is not as cheap as it used to be, there's still nothing like freshly-grilled fish washed down with a glass of ouzo - if you can find fresh fish.
Mezedes are appetisers: perhaps olives, a slice of feta cheese, hummus, taramasalata or marinated octopus. It's quite normal to make a meal out of a mezedes selection. Greek salad and tomato salads are refreshing side dishes.
What should I buy?
The chic boutiques and high-class gold jewellery shops of Mykonos Town rub shoulders with souvenir stalls selling t-shirts and low-grade pottery.
Gold is well designed and good value compared with other countries in Europe, but is still too expensive for most visitors' budgets. Take home a bottle of ouzo instead.
What is there for children to do?
There is secluded, safe swimming on the island, but for a day's diversion take the kids to Watermania, a 40-acre water sports complex with thrilling water slides.
On the whole, Greeks are fond of children, and service at restaurants tends to be swift - a blessing for parents.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London W1S 2DJ. Tel 020 7495 9300.
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| | Fact File : Mykonos |
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| | | Mykonos | | Did you know?
Shirley Valentine was filmed at Agios Yiannis beach on Mykonos.
Language
Greek
Visas
None required for EU citizens.
Getting there
Direct charter flights from UK. Scheduled flights via Athens. Ferry and hydrofoil routes operate from mainland Greece.
Flying time from London
Around four hours.
Getting around
An extensive bus service operates out of the north and south bus stations; car and motorbike hire firms are mostly based around the southern bus station. Excursion boats ferry people to and from the many wonderful beaches.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Litre of petrol 50p; moderately priced restaurant meal for two with wine £20; 24-exposure camera film £2.50; bottle of beer £1; four-mile taxi ride about £3. All prices may vary.
Weather
The Cyclades enjoy a fairly typical Mediterranean climate. Temperatures can soar to 40C (100F) in the shade during July and August, seldom dropping below 10C (50F) on the wettest of winter days. Spring and autumn have pleasant temperatures in the 20s (70F-85F), but even in midsummer the north-westerly meltemi wind provides welcome respite from the heat.
Time difference
Two hours ahead of GMT. Greece observes daylight saving time from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in September.
International dialling code from the UK
00 30 289.
Voltage
220V, 50Hz - you'll need an adapter for the standard continental two-pin sockets.
Opening hours
Mykonos is far from a sleepy, old-fashioned island, with some clubs staying open around the clock. Shops, tavernas and bars are open later here than you'll find almost anywhere else in Greece apart from Athens. Make sure that your hotel is far from late-night revelry if you're here to get some rest.
Health - Before you go
UK citizens are covered for health care on production of form EHIC (from UK post offices). Emergency treatment is free in hospital, though relatives must bring food for patients. However, the health service in Greece is very underfunded and one of the poorest in Europe, so if you'd prefer private treatment, decent travel insurance is essential.
Health - When you are there
Tap water is safe to drink. Sunburn is the biggest danger, especially in summer. Slap on the sunscreen and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Bring a good insect repellent.
Warnings
In July and August the stong northerly meltemi wind can play havoc with ferry schedules. There are strict import regulations on medicines, so bring documentation from your doctor.
Emergency
Police, 100; tourist police, 171; fire brigade, 199; ambulance, 166. British Embassy, Ploutarhou 1, Athens 106 75. Tel (01) 723 6211.
Customs
Cats are everywhere and feeding them is a popular pastime. Some restaurateurs even display signs to deter the habit.
Pets
You may bring your pet to and from the UK provided you have the correct documentation under the pilot Pet Travel Scheme. Be aware this takes time to set up - ask your vet for details.
Tipping
Service is included on restaurant bills but it is customary to leave a small tip.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London, W1R 0DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
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| | Available rental properties in Mykonos |
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| |  | | Villa Dolphin
Simple and elegant villa in exclusive area. Quiet, relaxing atmosphere and easy access to Mykonos town and nightlife.
|  | | Villa Galaxy, Mykonos
The superb VIP villa with unparalleled aesthetics and eternal style. Sophisticated services, from royal butlers to string quartets that perform exclusively for you!
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Holiday Rentals in Mykonos |
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