Sailing to Mykonos

We took a bus, winding along the coastline, where on one side, the architecture stood in its crisp Cycladic glory, and on the other, the endless blue of the Aegean sparkled like a dream. The adventure had begun. My husband and I decided to take it slow, first exploring the town and soaking in the charm of Mykonos. Every corner was picturesque, every alleyway an invitation to get lost. And then, we found ourselves at Spillia for breakfast — a restaurant perched beautifully by the water, with white tablecloths, glasses of wine and a view that made time stand still.

After breakfast, we were ready for more. The next stop? Paradise Beach. Everyone had told us it was a must, a place that lived up to its name. The journey there, though, was unexpected. As the bus rumbled along, I sat mesmerized by the ocean to my left. But then, a turn in the road, and suddenly — goats. Goats? In the middle of my luxurious Mykonos dream? It was almost comical. Here I was, basking in the Mediterranean glow, only to be jolted back to reality by a bunch of goats roaming the fields. Who was stealing my fantasy? Mykonos, what was this?

But that’s the magic of travel. It’s not just about the glamour — it’s about the extremes, the contrast, the realness that sneaks up on you. Mykonos isn’t just a place of beauty; it’s a place of life, of history, of people making a living, grandmothers keeping traditions alive, farmers tending to their land. That realization settled in as we neared the beach.

Day trips

Paradise Beach. A scene so stunning it could make you forget everything else. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve sworn I was in the Caribbean. White sand, crystal-clear waters, music floating in the air — it was a whole vibe. No kids, just a carefree, sun-drenched atmosphere where people let loose and enjoyed life. We sipped cocktails, swam in the Aegean, took countless photos and indulged in fresh octopus with Greek salad and tzatziki. The food, the drinks, the energy —it all flowed effortlessly, like Mykonos itself.

Breakfast at Spilia was something out of a dream. The waves crashed gently against the rocks as we sat at our table, the crisp sea air mixing with the scent of fresh seafood. The Greek salad was light and refreshing, drizzled with rich olive oil, while the tzatziki had that perfect creamy tang. But the highlight? The octopus — grilled to perfection, tender with a slight char, tasting like the very essence of the sea. With a glass of wine in hand and the morning sun warming our faces, it was one of those meals that felt like a love letter to Mykonos itself. Mornings like these make you realize that Mykonos isn’t just about the whitewashed buildings or the luxurious beaches — it’s about the grandmothers kneading dough in hidden tavern kitchens, the fishermen bringing in the day’s freshest catch, the people whose hands shape the island’s magic.

If you're looking for more places to indulge, I’d also recommend Kiki’s Tavern for a laid-back, authentic Greek experience or Interni for a more upscale, stylish dinner under the stars. Mykonos is full of hidden gems, and if I had more time, I would have loved to try Nammos for a beachside luxury vibe or M-Eating for a modern twist on Greek cuisine. But wherever you go, it’s the people behind the scenes that make the island what it is.