Top things to do in Mykonos Greece

Why go?

Once among the poorest, barest Greek islands, Mýkonos in the 1960s became a bohemian mecca and is now one of the glitziest, most renowned tourist destinations in the country. This central Cyclade was briefly the premier Mediterranean resort for gay travellers, though since then Mýkonos has tried to reinvent itself for a more varied clientele.

Nightlife is still very gay-friendly, loud and long, such that few venture out onto a dozen sheltered south-coast beaches much before noon.

Nightlife is still very gay-friendly, loud and long, such that few venture out onto a dozen sheltered south-coast beaches much before noon. There’s also no shortage of clothing and jewellery boutiques in the main town (Hóra) for a spot of retail therapy. It is, however, strongly suggested that you vacate Hóra itself between 10am and 5pm – when one cruise ship is in port, let alone two or three, the streets essentially become impassable.

When to go

The Cyclades are most enjoyable in late spring – when the landscape is still green, the sea has warmed up to feasible swimming temperatures, but the crowds have yet to descend – and early autumn, when the summer hordes have departed and the sea is at its warmest. In both spring and autumn you can expect attractive prices for accommodation compared to summer.

But take note – not too late in autumn; after late September many facilities close down, storms do hit, ferry links get sparse but paradoxically cruise ship calls at Mýkonos and Santoríni become more frequent, with their patrons on shore leave clogging the streets of the port towns all day. There are also swarms of flies to contend with through much of September and October, and on some Cyclades wasps or hornets.

The Cyclades are most enjoyable in late spring.

Where to go

Take a (possibly choppy) boat ride to the sprawling archaeological site on Delos islet, the ancient Aegean's main religious centre. Back in Mýkonos Town, the Archaeological Museum's ancient pottery collection may not sound wildly exciting at first, but this one really grows on you.

Don't just flop on the beach afterwards – take the plunge off of the island's more sheltered south coast, at Paradise or Kalafáti coves' legal scuba-dive sites.

Know before you go

British Embassy, Athens (0030 210 7272 600; gov.uk)

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