Coming back from a 3 week trip back to the States, I was burnt out with travel. But Ryan was set to be gone for a month and I didn’t have many plans, so my fellow Air Force wifey friend, whose hubs was also set to be gone, told me she wanted to go to Greece.
And when someone asks if you want to go to Greece, you go to Greece.
It’s been on my bucket list for forever, but to be honest I was hoping for a romantic getaway there with Ryan, since it’s known for wine tastings, to-die-for Mediterranean food, sea views and epic sunsets. But sometimes ya just gotta go and not wait on anybody. So that I did.
We arrived direct from London into Mykonos at a tiny airport that was DEFINITELY on island time. Our immigration “officer” was literally wearing flip flops and a polo. I knew already I was going to love this place.
A short 10 minute drive later we arrived in what might be the dreamiest AirBnb. The terrace overlooks the water, the entrance was cobblestone with purple flowered vines, and of course, every part of the building was white with blue trim. Ours stood out just a bit with the green :)
Peak tourist season for Greece is May-September. Apparently the best time to go is in September, according to the locals. Maybe we just lucked out with weather, but mid April was absolutely perfect. Temps in the mid 60s to low 70s and low tourism was worth not everything being open (some restaurants or beaches aren’t open yet, but it wasn’t enough to dampen the experience)
We settled in and made our way down to the city center, just a short 10 minute walk. We experienced what would be the first of three utterly epic sunsets. The way that warm light hits those bright white buildings...UGH *kissing fingers like Italian chef*
There’s a lot of touristy restaurants that are right on the water. They’re a little overpriced, but unlike many tourist restaurant, they’re all really good. You really can’t go wrong with Mediterranean food - it’s healthy, seafood, and delicious. We went to our Airbnb host’s restaurant called Captain's. He bartended there and it's actually one of the more highly rated restaurants in Mykonos (if you go to the images when searching this place on Google, there's a photo of him behind the bar. Great host. Great guy). We also met a guy who worked there whose dad was from Greece but GREW UP in COLORADO. Guys, the world is too small!
Three things you must do in Mykonos: street wander, shop, and rent a quad to explore the beaches. We did all of these things (and mainly just those things), and renting the quad was the highlight of the trip. You can drive on the regular roads, and it was an absolute blast once you got used to it. Ask a local where the best beaches are, but they’re all within close proximity to one another. We visited (and revisited) Ornos Beach. On your way there, don’t forget to grab the best breakfast ever at Bowl.
The streets were some of the most pristine and beautiful cobblestones I’ve ever strolled. I’m not kidding when I say I saw people painting the white buildings more white DAILY. They care so much about the cleanliness and presentation of their town and it showed. With extremely narrow alleyways, it’s so easy to get lost, but we stumbled upon some delicious bakeries and cafe’s this way. One of them being Popolo. Take your time and just stroll. It is so gorgeous and just bliss.
Also check out these 16th century windmills on the Southwest side of town. So cool and so picturesque.
Then end your nights with a cocktail overlooking the epic sunset. A personal favorite was the one at 180 Sunset Bar. There are old castle ruins with a picture-perfect view of Mykonos, and was an absolutely epic way to end the trip. Seriously can’t wait to spend more time in this beautiful country. You absolutely cannot go wrong with the Mediterranean.
Behind the Lens
1. The only downside to going to Greece off season is that some beaches and restaurants are not open yet. We didn't think it was a big deal, but it's something to think about!
2. The streets are so narrow already, so if you want to do some shopping and strolling, try to go in the earlier mornings. We went during off-peak tourist season, but locals expressed to us how crazy crowded the streets get in the summer.
3. That's honestly all I can think of, guys! Greece is truly incredible. Go go go!
Where to next?
Jenna