Adventure
Mykonos
I have been to Myko, as my friends call it, a few times over the years. The first visit was about 12 years ago, when the island was relatively quiet and genuinely charming. There was a significant difference during this visit. The restaurants are much larger, and there are more of them. Many more people were here, and it was only late April. A local restaurateur told me they will have as many as eight cruise ships daily from the first week in May—even he said it was too many.
Discover Mykonos through fresh seafood, iconic sights, local charm, and luxury dining—an honest look at Greece’s famous island escape.
Weather
I recommend visiting Mykonos all year long; however, the best time is between December and April.
Month High / Low (°C)
January 12° / 9°
February 13° / 9°
March 15° / 11°
April 18° / 13°
May 22° / 16°
June 30° / 22°
July 26° / 20°
August 28° / 234°
September 25° / 20°
October 21° / 17°
November 17° / 14°
December 14° / 10°
Playground of the Rich & Famous
Mykonos has been a playground for the rich for many years, attracting figures like Christine Onassis, famous actors, and numerous football and music stars. The surge in luxury travel in Mykonos has led to an increase in upscale beach resorts and bars, driving prices through the roof. Reports indicate that a house is on the market for an astounding 52 million pounds, making it the most expensive ever. Make no mistake, this is an expensive place to visit or holiday. However, I read that the island’s star seems to be waning; many A-list celebs are not coming here anymore, preferring cooler, trendier locations, similar to what St Tropez experienced a decade ago. In the long run, this could be a blessing in disguise. Chatting with locals, they express a desire to return to a slower pace of life, but could the local economy survive? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, I had a great visit, and it’s so nice to wander the small alleyways and sip coffee in the many harborside bars. I really like the island; the locals are very friendly, and the food, on the whole, is quite good. I start with a couple of good coffees at Listra, with lovely views across the harbour, simply watching the world go by. A few cruise guests stop and chat as I munch on a rather good croissant. The sun is out but not too hot- just a perfect late April day.
"Mykonos blends luxury, charm, and authentic cuisine in a stunning setting."
Hunting for Shellfish
I had researched a few places, including one I had eaten at previously, but my main focus was to find the freshest fish and shellfish, as well as hopefully something unusual. Oysters, as you will know from my previous blogs, are a favourite of mine, and I always try to discover some new species to try. Today it didn’t disappoint; we stumbled across Parthenis Café, which is a bit of a strange place being half clothes shop and half café/restaurant, pretty much in between the steps down from the windmills and Little Venice. Next to the entrance is a tiny glass lectern filled with ice, fish, and oysters. The outside eating area consists of a few tall tables arranged in a long line against a wall; the staff are charming.
We ordered 18 local oysters and a bottle of rosé while deciding on our main courses. They were very good- not too briny, slightly sweet, and of good size. They didn’t last long. We followed that with shrimp bruschetta, guacamole, chilli flakes, and grilled shrimp with olive oil and green vegetables. A large plate of grilled fish of the day included bream, bass, and I think porgy (a family of ray-finned fish?). We also had a plate of grilled octopus with oregano, lemon, and olive oil. Then, there was a dish I had never heard of before: prawn saganaki.
must see places
Little Venice
Charming waterfront district with colourful 18th-century houses, offering stunning sunset views and vibrant nightlife along the Aegean Sea.
Website: Little Venice
The Windmills of Mykonos
Iconic 16th-century windmills sit atop a hill, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Mykonos’ agricultural past.
Website: Axiotheata
Panagia Paraportiani Church
A unique architectural complex consisting of five whitewashed churches, noted for its asymmetrical design and historical significance.
Website: Panagia Paraportiani
Where to eat
Interni Restaurant
A chic, open-air restaurant with a lush garden ambience, creative Mediterranean cuisine, and a stylish crowd, it is perfect for upscale dinners and late-night cocktails.
Website: https://internirestaurant.com/
Kiki’s Tavern
A hidden beachside gem with no electricity, offering delicious grilled meats and fresh salads. Its rustic charm and stunning views make it unforgettable—one of the best restaurants in Mykonos.
Facebook Page: Kiki’s Tavern
Nammos Mykonos
Trendy beachside dining hotspot that blends gourmet seafood, lively music, luxurious vibes, and celebrity sightings—perfect for a glamorous, indulgent experience.
Website: https://www.nammos.gr
One to Try Myself Later
The prawns are lightly stewed with parsley, fennel, and crumbled feta cheese. All the fish were incredibly fresh and really cooked exceptionally well. The Saganaki was a real winner, the cheese melted slightly and, when paired with the fennel, created a fantastic dish that I later cooked for the guests on the cruise (see recipe). The only minor disappointment was the octopus; it was a bit chewy, which surprised me, as Greek octopus dishes are usually perfect. However, the best octopus dish I’ve eaten was in Curacao.
A local acidic Rosé is the drink with lovely grub like this, and of course, nice coffee.
I look forward to my next visit, and hopefully, it won’t be a seven-year wait.
Inspired Recipes
Some recipes inspired by my brief trip to Mykonos, Greece.
My Prawn Saganaki
Prawn Saganaki features tender prawns in a rich tomato-feta sauce, garnished with parsley, perfect for dipping with crusty bread.
View Recipe
Phil's Moussaka
Moussaka is a rich Mediterranean dish featuring layers of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce, baked until golden and delicious.
View Recipe