TRAVEL GUIDE by OKTAVIA C: MYKONOS

Oktavia C. is an Urban Explorer, Fellow Foodie and Art Aficionado that loves exploring new places and revisiting old favorites alike. There's something to be said about returning to a place you love and there are places that will always remain 'iconic' travel destinations - for a reason. That's how she feels about the timeless island of Mykonos. Read on for her insider's guide to this amazing island!

Oktavia C on the right with friend

MYKONOS

I fell in love with Mykonos thanks to my half Greek husband who has been returning to the island every summer for the last 39 years. It is a tradition he inherited from his father and grandfather, both of whom frequented the local tavernas and dance floors throughout their own lives. Somehow each year, he manages to convince me that there is "no other place like Mykonos" and after spending many summers exploring this mystical island, I have to agree. As we get closer to the summer months, I start to crave driving down the dusty, narrow roads at sunset after a long day at the beach. I love driving with the windows rolled down, listening to the local radio station pump deep house tunes that manage to blend with the time of day, as the sky turns to dusk, in anticipation of what's to come.

What I love most about Mykonos is that despite the crowds that beat down on the island during peak season (best to avoid the rush in July and August months), you can still find complete silence, relaxation and feel as if you are the only ones there at the off-the-beaten-path beaches, tavernas and scenic drives.

PERFECT FOR

• Fellow Foodies

• Music Lovers

• Wellness Advocates

• Extended Stays

• Remote Working

• Restoration

• Romantic Getaway

• Group Trip

Spilia

INSIDER TIPS

• The island is notorious for having only 30 taxis servicing the whole island so needless to say, booking a car, quad or driver is essential

• Over the last few years, the Greek police have been cracking down on American license holders (which are not considered valid in Europe) so if you don't hold an international driving permit - drive carefully or have a friend do the driving

• Bring cash and check receipts twice, restaurants only print these in Greek to deceive tourists (no, I did not order five San Pellegrinos)

• Do not drink the tap water.

  BEST TIME TO VISIT

  June and September

WHAT NOT TO MISS

Reina Island

Oktavia C with her husband, Ilias

• Take a day trip to the archeological site situated on the island of Delos - the mythological birthplace of Apollo. Ferries run daily from Mykonos town

• Rent a quad bike aka ATV and explore the deserted parts of the island, home to abandoned establishments of the now inoperative mines of Mykonos

• Explore the island's remote beaches like Reina Island by renting a boat for the day and sailing around

• Watch the sunset at the now derelict Armenistis lighthouse. A beautiful experience.

• Sunset cocktails at Scorpios’ sunset lounge then follow by dinner there

• Spending the day at Spilia’s beach then dance into the night

• Get lost and shop in Mykonos town at night

WHERE TO STAY

Rent a villa with friends from the many places on the island, such as the pristine White Rock Villas or Myconian Villa Collection (splurge) or relaxing Eliades Villas (save). There's also a multitude of wonderful Airbnbs available - book early!

For villa rental and ultimate VIP concierge service, contact ICBRKR member, Barak T. or email him.

ICBRKR Experiences: Mykonos’ villa

Santa Marina Mykonos

• ICBRKR Experiences: Mykonos

• Santa Marina Resort & Villas (best for families and for the ultimate luxe retreat)

• Rochari or Little Rochari (convenient and in Mykonos town)

• Rocabella Mykonos (get away from the crowds)

• Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge (with that special someone)

• Soho Roc House (for the ultimate boho vibes and for Soho House members)

• Mykonos Blanc (close to town)

• Wild Hotel by Interni (private beach and close to Spilia)

WHERE TO EAT

Sea urchin salad from Spilia

Meze from Scorpios

• Vioma Organic Farm - a small scale farm and an organic vineyard. Escape the stereotypes of Mykonos and grab lunch.

• Scorpios - book for an early dinner and watch the sunset after which the place turns into a mad party every night of the week.  
  Tips: book everything way in advance.

• Nesaea - at Agia Anna Beach, Kalafati is one of the best meals I've had on the island - come for either lunch or a chilled dinner. 

• Avra -Take a break from the chaos of Mykonos Town in this low key courtyard set Greek restaurant and enjoy the secret garden feels.

• Mr Pug - Enjoy a relaxed meal from the award-winning chef Yiorgos Venieris serving South Asian inspired cuisine. 

• Fokos Taverna - for some of the best fish on the island.

• Caprice - For first timers, grab a mandatory drink during sunset, but ARRIVE EARLY to snag a table.

• Niko's Taverna - one of the oldest restaurants on the island, serves incredibly fresh seafood.

• Ling Ling - from Hakkasan for a sexy meal before a night out

• Matsuhisa - Perfect for date night sushi located at the Belvedere Hotel

• Kiki Tavern - at lovers beach. Traditional Greek food. Arrive at 1230PM to snatch a table to avoid an hour wait. Take a dip before or after at the lovely beach there

• Spilia - late lunch and dancing from 4PM on. Order the sea urchin salad (fresh off the ocean)

• Jimmy’s Gyros - an old school spot for the best late night food in town

WHERE TO HANG OUT

Scorpios

180 sunset bar. Photo from 4square

Alemagou. Photo from greekcitytimes.com

• Scorpios - Book for an early dinner and watch the sunset after which the place turns into a mad party every night of the week.

• Alemagou - My personal favorite which attracts a more chilled, laid back crowd. Best for a late lunch and sundowner drink or spend the day lazing around drinking rose

• Liasti Beach Resort: Best 'hidden' gem on the island, full of locals and a wonderful taverna that serves fresh seafood all day.

• Principote - reserve day bed and 430PM late lunch table in advance. Dance on the table. Situated on one of the biggest stretches of beach in Mykonos, Principote's elegance does not disappoint.

• Saint Anna: Spend the day lounging on comfy beds and grab lunch at Spilia nestled on a natural platform on the rocks.

• Fokos Beach: No beds, no people, no fuss.

• Destino by Pacha

• Astra: The ultimate place to dance the night away, this lounge/bar has been at the apex of the nightlife scene of Mykonos for years. Late night.

• Void -Late night club in town

• 180 Sunset Bar

• Wild Hotel’s private Beach

• Soho Roc House (for Soho House members)

• Namos