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Marvellous winter moments on Mykonos

Mykonos Island “when no one’s watching” from Andreas Bekas on Vimeo.

Mention Mykonos, and most people instantly imagine sun-scorched rocky hills; crescent-shaped beaches packed end-to-end with people partying under searing sunshine; throngs of tourists swarming the iconic windmills on the hill near Little Venice; gigantic cruise ships docking at both of the island’s ports; and luxurious private yachts dropping anchor in almost every bay. That’s a fairly accurate image of what the island is like during the peak travel months of July and August.

But Mykonos has a completely different look during winter when the island’s 10,000 residents have the beaches and monuments entirely to themselves. The hillsides are verdant with winter flowers and greenery; the quiet beaches are empty of people, lounge chairs and umbrellas; and there’s nary a soul to be seen near the windmills or on the seaside at Little Venice.

Spectacular video by Andreas Bekas

In his spectacular time-lapse video Mykonos Island: When no one’s watching, photographer Andreas Bekas captures the Mykonos landscape in moments of peace, quiet, solitude and colour that few tourists ever get to see.

The 2.5-minute video opens with striking sunrise views of the Agios Iakovos chapel near Agios Sostis (which I profiled in a June 10 2013 post), and features scenes including: the five windmills at Alefkandra; the Armenistis lighthouse; the Bonis windmill on the hill above Mykonos Town; vast expanses of green countryside; the blissfully empty beaches at Paraga, Kalfatis and Panormos; the remarkable Paraportiani Church; and a moody view of the Little Venice seafront. The clip concludes with an aerial view of an eerily quiet Mykonos Town and harbourfront at sunset; a star-filled sky above a rustic dovecoat; and tall green grass rustling in wind.

Makes me wish I could take a winter trip to Mykonos!

Mykonos food and drink 2013: Where to find the best summer beach parties and special events

July 20, 2013 / admin / 2 Comments

The High on Heels all-female collective of DJs, musicians and vocalists gave a live performance June 24 at the Guilty Beach restaurant & bar at Panormos beach

[This is one in a series of reports about the Mykonos restaurant and bar scene this summer. The first part reviewed popular restaurants in and near Mykonos Town, while the second featured the top beach restaurants and tavernas. This post profiles venues and special events at Mykonos beaches.]

Beach bashes: The names of some of the top party venues on Mykonos — including Skandinavian Bar, Paradise Club and Cavo Paradiso — are practically household words in many parts of the world. But those aren’t the only places on the island where tourists and locals love to kick up their heels and party to music by top-flight international DJs or live entertainers.

There are dozens of popular bars and clubs in the heart of Mykonos Town and several more at some of the island’s major beaches, while even a few upscale hotels and restaurants participate in the party spirit by hosting special entertainment events during the peak months of July and August.

Here’s a look at the most popular Mykonos party beaches this season, with a peek at promotional posters for upcoming events as well as some parties that have already taken place (to illustrate the scope and diversity of the island’s summer entertainment program).

From the Paradise Club Facebook page, a promotional image for DJ Carl Cox, who headlined at the Paradise beach venue on July 19. The party lasted right through the night, with Carl Cox spinning until sunrise.

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Mykonos food and drink 2013: The island’s most popular beach tavernas and restaurants

July 18, 2013 / admin / 5 Comments

This view of a calm cove and tranquil beach on Panormos Bay is a major element of the sublime setting and laid-back, relaxed ambience…

… that continue to draw scores of diners to cozy Kiki’s Taverna near Agios Sostis beach on Mykonos. But the taverna’s superb salads and great grilled meat dishes are the main reasons why Kiki’s remains one of the most talked about beach restaurants on the island. Click on the photos to view full-size pictures.

[This is the second in a series of reports about the Mykonos restaurant and bar scene this summer. The first highlighted restaurants in and near Mykonos Town that have been generating lots of buzz so far this season. This instalment profiles popular restaurants at a dozen different beach areas on the island.]

Best of the beaches: Mykonos is one of the most popular beach destinations in Greece, boasting more than two dozen major beaches plus countless coves and secret swimming spots off the beaten tourist path.

The good news for visitors who work up an appetite while enjoying the sun, sand and sea is that very good restaurants — some of which are considered to be among the best dining spots on the island — can be found on or near at least 16 of those beautiful beaches.

Here’s a look at the restaurants and tavernas at a dozen different beaches that travellers and locals alike have been talking about the most this summer. (I will provide a more comprehensive list of dining establishments at all beach areas in a separate post still to come.)

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2012 Greek holiday trip report: Mykonos Part 2

August 4, 2012 / admin / 1 Comment

Mid-morning view from Hotel Tagoo of the Mykonos New Port at Tourlos …

… where the 2,400-passenger Norwegian Jade is docked for the day

Here’s a videoclip showing the morning views from Hotel Tagoo

Wednesday May 16

I awoke to an absolutely gorgeous Mykonos morning. Sunny skies and warm temperatures promised perfect weather for a beach day. From the terrace outside the hotel breakfast room, I could see four cruise ships including the Norwegian Jade docked at the New Port and the Azamara Quest, Windstar Wind Spirit, and Seabourn Quest, all anchored near the Old Port. I made plans to hit the beach for the afternoon then spend the evening in Mykonos Town where, I assumed, the streets would be lively and teeming with tourists from the cruise ships.

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Top 6 memories of my Mykonos holiday in 2012 — #4: Surf, sand & sun at more than 20 beaches

June 10, 2012 / admin / 0 Comments

A view of Paraga beach in the foreground and Psarou beach in the distance at rear right. Not visible in between are Agia Anna and Platis Gialos beaches.

20 beaches: Locals tell me there are more than 60 beaches on Mykonos, some of which are situated in remote areas of the island that few tourists ever get to see. In all my visits to Mykonos to date, I have seen less than 30 beaches, which means there are still plenty more for me to discover on future holidays.

Last month, I got to see more than 20 different beaches, and actually spent awhile enjoying 17 of them. I visited Kapari and Lia for the first time ever, and made return trips to several beaches I had not seen in a few years: Kalafatis, Elia, Super Paradise, Psarou and Agios Stefanos.

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Snapshots of Agia Anna beach on Mykonos

June 20, 2011 / admin / 1 Comment

View toward Agia Anna Paraga beach on Mykonos

Approaching Agia Anna beach along a coastal pathway from Platis Gialos

Convenient crescent: One of my favourite beaches on Mykonos is Agia Anna, a small, golden sand crescent wedged into the rocky peninsula that juts into the Aegean Sea between Platis Gialos and Paraga. It’s a peaceful little strand (in spring, at least) with only a handful of rental umbrellas and lounge chairs, and unimpeded views across the turquoise waters toward busy Platis Gialos beach on the opposite side of the bay.

Although it’s book-ended by two of the island’s most popular beaches, Agia Anna feels like it’s a little out of the way, yet still conveniently located. It’s just a 15-minute hike to Platis Gialos along a coastal trail, while Paraga is a short five-minute walk away. And what I like best about Agia Anna: Nikolas Taverna, a family restaurant beside the beach, with a row of tables under some shade trees right on the sand. Even if you’re not big on beaches, I recommend making the trek to Agia Anna just to savour a delicious home-cooked meal at Nicolas — the cuisine alone is worth the scenic walk!

sunbeds on Agia Anna beach on Mykonos