Mykonos: The Hamptons of the Aegean
First Impressions
Mykonos isn’t the place for a quiet, restorative vacation—it’s about energy, food, and nightlife. I arrived from Capri and within minutes of standing in the car rental line, I bumped into friends from New York. That’s Mykonos in late July: the Hamptons meets the Aegean Sea.
Getting Around
The roads are extremely narrow, many looking like one-way streets though they aren’t. Small cars or scooters are the way to go—I chose a Fiat 500 Convertible. Oversized luxury cars look good pulling out of the airport, but most drivers regret them fast.
Where I Stayed
A friend booked the 180 Aegean Blue Villa—12 bedrooms of pure luxury overlooking the sea. When I arrived, the gates swung open to reveal whitewashed walls, infinity pools, and endless ocean views. Inside, Dimitris, the villa manager, welcomed me along with two local chefs who had prepared a spread of authentic Greek snacks: dolmades, spanakopita, tzatziki with pita, keftedes, and local cheeses and olives.
Nightlife: Scorpios
If you’ve heard of Mykonos, you’ve heard of Scorpios—the island’s legendary restaurant and beach club. The setting is unforgettable: bohemian-chic decor, candlelit tables, and an ocean sunset. The menu leans Mediterranean, with dishes like sea bream carpaccio with citrus, wood-fired flatbreads, and charred king prawns with chili oil.
As night fell, the space transformed—the DJs, percussionists, and live performers created an atmosphere that was electric, easily one of the best nightlife experiences I’ve ever had.
Best Beaches & Food
Ornos Beach
Laid-back, approachable, and affordable with sunbeds around 15 euros. I ordered a few light plates—Greek salad, souvlaki skewers, and fresh grilled sardines—perfect for a hangover cure with no pretension.Spilia Seaside Restaurant (Agia Anna Beach)
Built into a cave overlooking the sea, this upscale spot is as much an experience as it is a restaurant. The highlight was their sun-cured octopus, charred to perfection with olive oil, lemon, and sea salt. Other standouts included lobster pasta, sea urchin spaghetti, and a classic dakos salad.Agia Anna Beach
Gorgeous but pricey. A quick swim and drink set me back 50 euros for a beach chair—the most expensive dip in the ocean I’ve ever had. If you’re making a day of it, it’s worth it, but not for a quick stop.
Exploring the Old Port
Touristy, yes—but charming. I wandered cobblestone alleys, grabbed a gyro from one of the famous stands (overpriced but still tasty), cooled off with baklava gelato, and sat at a waterfront bar where waves occasionally splashed onto the patio. The nightlife here was more relaxed—hole-in-the-wall bars playing familiar music for a crowd of locals and travelers alike.
Final Thoughts
Mykonos is Europe’s Hamptons: glamorous, energetic, and unforgettable. It’s not the place to curl up with a book—it’s a place for mezze feasts, beach clubs, and dancing until sunrise. Come for the food, beaches, and scene. For that, Mykonos delivers.
