The sun’s pouring down and I’m stretched out on a yacht in the middle of the Aegean Sea. Book in hand, ceviche in belly and an ice-cold Grey Goose Altius cocktail beside me. In this moment, I’d happily sell my soul to stay here forever.
Welcome to Mykonos: an island of magic and beauty, where whitewashed walls, sapphire waters and a surprisingly sociable population of cats paint the perfect picture postcard. But this Greek isle, nestled in the heart of the Cyclades, is a place as iconic as it is photogenic. Because, let’s be honest, you’re coming to Mykonos for two reasons: to soak up the sun and experience the 365 party lifestyle. It’s an island that feels like a Charli XCX track come to life: all bougie beach clubs, barefoot boat parties and sunsets that blur into sunrise. No one here has ever heard of “last orders”.
If navigating this glamourous playground feels a little Greek to you, don’t worry – I’ve done the “hard” work for you. Translation: spent three days with Grey Goose as they showed me what it’s like to live a life of laidback luxury. So, with a little help, here’s my guide to where to eat, where to stay and where to dance the night away – because if you’re going to do 72 hours in Mykonos, you need to make every hour count...
Day 1
Check Into... Bill&Coo Hotel. A short stroll from Mykonos Town, this tranquil escape was made for unwinding in style. Think rugged stone, a dazzling pool and uninterrupted views over the Aegean Sea. It’s the sort of place where you could easily spend a whole day horizontal – quiet, considered and very much about checking out of party mode (for now). Or, if you’re travelling with a crowd, Blue Collection Villas have some pretty special properties dotted all across the island – perfect for spreading out, relaxing and making the most of Mykonos.
Ease Into The Day With... A swim (obviously!). Whether it’s a slow dip in the hotel pool or a pre-lunch splash at the beach (worth the short drive to Agia Anna or Pagara), it’s time to dive headfirst into what the holidays are all about – and there’s no better climate for it than here.
Head Out For Lunch At... Soulmates. Located in the winding streets of Mykonos Town, it nails the sweet spot between café cool and Greek comfort food. Serving up everything from buttery spanakopita to meze plates and matcha, it’s an ideal choice for a relaxed midday bite.
Get Your Dose Of Culture In... Before the party starts. (Your photo dumps will thank you later). If you love a clay pot as much as Josh O’Connor in La Chimera, then I’d recommend a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, where entry is gained for less than a fiver. But if bell towers and beautiful buildings are more your thing, stop off at the 16th-century Monastery of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera for a glimpse into the local history.
Time To Catch The Sunset... In Little Venice. There’s golden hour, and then there’s golden hour at Little Venice – a picture-perfect corner of Mykonos Old Town where the buildings are so close to the sea, the waves practically kiss the balconies. This is where you come to watch the sun melt into the Aegean, cocktail in hand, while the sky does its best impression of a Monet painting.
Find The Perfectly Mixed Cocktail At... Cerise, a lively bar which crafts an impressive drinks menu using the best of the best ingredients, including my new favourite, Grey Goose Altius (the brand’s latest luxury offering). Because when you’re basking in the glow of sunset – you want that moment to feel extra special. Chilled and filtered at glacial temperatures, it’s a serve that glides down as smooth as your sunkissed skin. Once you’re done staring into the horizon, take a short stroll over to the iconic windmills at the top of the hill – a dramatic silhouette against the fading light. Top tip: Mykonos is known for its wild winds, so bring a silk scarf or two to slick your hair back for the photos.
Head For Dinner At... Drakoulis, a local favourite in the heart of Mykonos Old Town. Tables spill out onto the pretty street, where flickering candlelight and the hum of conversation set the mood. The mezze-style plates are made for sharing and it’s the kind of relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where you’ll find yourself talking, laughing, and pouring another drink long after you meant to leave. Let the vodka flow and the Greek salad pile up – but save enough room for their famous steak.
Day 2
Wake Up With... A Freddo cappuccino at a local cafe. It’s Greece’s answer to iced coffee, and an essential part of the morning routine – any place you pick should sort you out just right.
Check Out... The Mykonos Fish Market. Early risers can take a quick wander through the local fish market near the Old Port. It’s salty, chaotic and rather charming to watch. You’ll spot today’s catch laid out on ice – sea bream, squid, maybe even an octopus if you’re lucky. It’s a slice of island life that hasn’t changed much in decades. Snap a pic, dodge a seagull and move on to...
Now, Time For... A boat day! Pack your snorkels, factor 50, bikini and a good book from Service95’s summer reading list. Then, charter something sexy and set sail (check out this boat on Viator for a private charter). And, whether you’ve booked your own catamaran or decide to join a small group trip, this is the part of the holiday that always makes it into the highlights. Expect clear coves, lots of sunbathing and undoubtedly a backflip off deck into the glittering blue below.
Don’t Miss Dinner And Dancing At... Scorpios in Paraga. Once the sun starts to dip, make your way to Scorpios – part beach club, part open-air sanctuary and fully a scene, it has a must-visit reputation for a reason. Have dinner during sunset then get swept up in the slow-building energy that soon turns drinks into dancing. Check the dress code, channel your inner Greek goddess (or god) and definitely book ahead to secure a table.
Keep The Night Going At... Cavo Paradiso. If you’ve still got energy to burn head to this legendary open-air club perched on a cliff above Paradise Beach. The lineup skews international (think Peggy Gou, Keinemusik, Purple Disco Machine), and the sunrise views are as much a part of the experience as the music. It’s a commitment, sure – but if you’re going out-out, this is the place to do it.
Day 3
Start Slow With... Coffee and a Greek pastry. Today’s start depends entirely on how hard last night went. Either way, step one is coffee – preferably iced, possibly intravenous. Swing by a local bakery (one called Gerasimos Artisan Bakery at Agioi Gerasimoi was my fave but almost anywhere in Mykonos Town will do) and while you’re there, pick up a bougatsa or a warm tiropita – flaky, cheesy, soul-healing. Depending on your post-party energy levels, you’ve got three options for your final day...
Option 1: Head Straight To The Nearest Beach. A bag of Lays in one hand, Fanta Límon in the other, and a beach towel laid in a sunny spot (it wouldn’t be Euro Summer without the holy trinity). It’s time to make the most of your last few rays, catch up on the goss from the night before and, finally, go non-verbal as you escape into the last chapters of your book. When hunger hits, grab a gyros at Jimmy’s Gyros or Souvlaki Story in Mykonos Old Town – greasy, garlicky, deeply effective.
Option 2: Hit The Town For A Little Impulsive Shopping Trip. You didn’t come all this way to not return home with a suitcase of floaty dresses and cute sandals, and Mykonos has a pretty spectacular (albeit quite steep) shopping scene to speak of, particularly in the Old Town. My highlights? Le Concept, as the name would suggest, is a very chic concept store stocking everything from Margiela to Jil Sander; ChrisP, the flagship store of a Greek designer who creates the coolest avant-garde pieces – think monochrome and edgy (also a shout out for some very sick embroidered slogan T-shirts); and the jewel of them all, Elixir Gallery. Going for 11 years, the ‘gallery’ comprises four connected stores with the most unbelievable curation of fashion, accessories, perfumes and rare items. It’s worth a visit to inspect the couture craftsmanship alone.
Option 3: Chill for the day at Kenshō Cave Spa. Located within the Kenshō Ornos hotel in Ornos, this subterranean retreat carved into the rocks has steam rooms, pools and therapists who understand exactly what you’ve been through. A detox massage or full-body scrub might be just the thing to send you home floating.
And That’s A Wrap On An Unforgettable Trip... Mykonos, done properly. You’ll likely leave sun-kissed, totally broke and deeply satisfied. May your Grey Goose Altius martinis be dirty and your tan lines even...
