mykonos, greece | overview + tips

We had such a wonderful time exploring the island of Mykonos! We found this island as a whole more expensive than Ios. It is a more mature island and has way more boutiques and restaurants. We didn't get the chance to spend time in Santorini but have heard that it is spectacular and a must see if you're going to the Greek Islands.

When you first arrive in Mykonos, you will most likely visit Little Venice straight away. Don't be tempted to eat anywhere along the water, we made that mistake our first lunch. We were charged a cover charge (bread and water) and tax which we didn't have anywhere else. The food was okay - I had a Greek salad that didn't come with dressing and Susie had a pizza which tasted like a frozen store bought pizza. You are entirely paying for the view!

The Area of Little Venice

Mykonos Windmills

When you enter the area of Little Venice, right away you will notice the windmills.

Skandinavian Bar

The summer season hasn't quite officially started yet so there was only one place to party. We were handed free drink cards by promoters on the street and directed where to go. The Skandinavian Bar is like a complex, there are two separate bars on the ground level and a disco up top. It was a relief to come here and not be surrounded by cigarette smoke for once! The staff are all friendly and really encouraging for you to have a good time.

* Bonus: they have wifi!

The Greek Restaurants

We were so impressed by each and every restaurant in Greece. Everyone has paid great attention to detail ensuring that their guests have an unforgettable evening. We found that generally all restaurants had wifi.

Studio Eleni Hostel

We found this place on hostelworld.com and stayed here for four nights. We were picked up from the ferry and lead to our room. Overall this place was in a great location, the wifi was finicky and the room was damp. The woman who owned the place was really nice.

How to Save Money on Food

As wonderful as it is to eat out, it was getting exhausting pulling out our wallets for every meal. We had a fridge in our room so we bought enough bread, meat, cheese, yogurt, fruits and vegetables to last us 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches. This all came to €10!

* We were advised not to drink the tap water in Greece 

{Images by Sara + Susie}

xo sara

boutique shops in mykonos, greece

While wandering the winding streets of Mykonos on our first night, we discovered a charmingly quaint area of brand new boutiques. 

Optique Boutique  

I have a great obsession with sunglasses and am always looking for the latest up-in-coming designer that hasn't hit the main stream yet. This industrial space has only been open for 2 days but looked like it was the place about town. The owner was so delightful to talk to and and excited to introduce us to new designers.

Tel: 22890 77231

We couldn't stop reading all of the sayings that were hand written on the walls.

Such a great idea to fill up large areas and an amazing conversation starter.

Efharis Concept Boutique

We discovered this charming shop on the first day in Mykonos in search for friendship bracelets for Susie and myself. The shops began to get a bit repetitive with the same bracelets so we nearly lost hope. When we first walked into this boutique, we new we would find something special here. 

Efharis makes all the jewellery and sandals by hand in Mykonos, Greece.

Efharis has an impressive portfolio of magazine features including Bazaar + Vogue.

Jars

My jaw instantly dropped when walking into this boutique and my eyes went straight for the antique accents! The owner brought in family items and strategically placed them all around the store for an interesting balance between old and new. 

I am a suuuucker for antique bar wear! I got so giddy and excited when I found this set!

The stacks of books on the left in the image below are albums of stamps from all over the world. The owner has been collecting them since he was young. Don't worry, Canada was in there!

{Images by Sara + Susie}

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xo sara

soaking it all in on the island of mykonos

It is so important to take the time to relax and soak all of what's around you in. Traveling can be a grind but if you don't stop to look around, you will miss it! The beaches are a beautiful place to relax and be calm and of course, do a little yoga! My yogini dad would be so proud!

Super Paradise Beach

If you're down to party all day and all night, this is the place for you. It honestly felt like we were walking into another world of beach partying. They have tons of places to stay on the grounds but I would book your room early because it gets very busy in the summer! Much like when we visited Ios, we were a few weeks too early for when the partying gets into full swing.

* If you are staying in the city, I would recommend renting an ATV or car because it is very far. They have a shuttle service but I'm not sure about the details.  

Blu Blu

If you are looking for a spectacular view, friendly service and a great menu of light food and coffee, Blu Blu is where you need to be. We came here three days in a row, this was our ultimate hangout! Grab a seat inside or out by the water and sip on their Freddo Espresso while enjoying their spectacular view of Mykonos. 

* Bonus: this place has wifi and a complimentary large bottle of water with your iced coffee!

* We were advised not to drink the tap water in Greece

{Images by Sara + Susie}

xo sara

mykonos, greece | pasta fresca barkia

This charming Italian restaurant was the perfect little getaway for the evening. As you walk to Pasta Fresca Barkia, you are instantly impressed with the display of the pasta making station. There was a very friendly gentleman making every single piece of pasta from scratch right before your eyes.

They began the meal with olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, fresh bread and delicious fresh olives. 

Since we are in Greece, I had a Greek salad. I still can't get enough of the feta cheese here, it's incredible!

For our main, we both had the tortellacci with tomato sauce, shrimps, octopus, squid, cuttlefish, mussels and parsley. It was to-die-for! A complete taste sensation! Each piece of pasta was handmade right out front of the store and was truly very yummy. 

Our evening finished with a complimentary martini with delicious fresh fruit! Don't you just adore the sea shells in the platter?! It's all about presentation here.

The ambiance was bang on and the whole restaurant was beautiful. They really did pay close attention to detail as every inch of this space was charming.

Even the washrooms were elegant!

{Images by Sara + Susie}

xo sara

ios, greece | francesco's hostel

For the 5 nights we were in Ios, we stayed at the very highly recommend hostel, Francesco's. When we got off the ferry, were greeted by a gentleman from New Zealand named Alex. While we drove to the hostel, he pointed out places to go, where to eat and how to navigate back to the hotel, etc. From the parking lot, it was about a seven minute walk up to the hostel.

Every building was painted white, all the doors, windows and shutters were painted blue and all the cracks between the flagstone on the ground were painted white. It was just like how we had imagined Greece to be and more!

Typically our hostel has around 200 people stay here a night. While we were staying here there were about 15. This let us get to know the other guests and get to know the lovely staff on a more personal level.

When you first walk into the main area, you are amazed by the breathtaking views. 

They had welcome shots for us the first and last night which was so nice!

On the way up to our room on the top floor, we walked up a painted staircase and arrived at the top with another spectacular view of the sea and city.

We stayed in a very spacious private room with an ensuite and two twin beds. This room came with a television with channels, air conditioning, a closet, two night stands with drawers, and a vanity with a mirror and hair dryer. Every day they would clean our room, make our beds and give us fresh towels. It honestly felt like we were staying in a hotel!

There was a pool with a huge deck but it wasn't open while we were there.

Every morning we ate at Moonlight Cafe which was delicious and really inexpensive.

Thank you Francesco, Elizabeth and Alex for a memorable time in Ios!

Rating of this Hostel

The Views    ****

Cleanliness   ****

Hospitality    ****

 

{Images by Sara + Susie}

xo sara