What’s it like
Under Mykonos’s trademark windmills, in Little Venice the summer nights are laced with candle-lit tables set just near the water’s edge, limitless bars and cafes bursting at the seams with glittered crowds. Mykonos has a schedule all its own that most respect or drop trying. You eat at 10 or later and then spend several hours of dancing or just walking through the streets getting home as honest people are waking up to go to work. Thus, crowds don’t start showing up at the beach until noon, or even the early afternoon.

Dip your toe in the Mykonos sea
The water surrounding Mykonos is a crystal-clear aquamarine, and the beaches themselves are starkly beautiful. Super Paradise Beach is the most famous outside Mykonos (second to Ibiza) for being one of Europe’s party zones. Lines of beach chairs and umbrellas, it draws hard bodies – male and female and gay and straight – with the type of tans last seen in America in the 1980′s. It also has its share of topless women, beach-bum guys and the occasional family, all sunning themselves to dance hits pumped out by the beach bar restaurants that ring the beach.

Get away from the crowds
If you want to avoid the crowds or the madness there are plenty of smaller beaches to escape to. Agios Sostis, is just a few miles northeast of Chora, but still a pleasant drive. The wide beach is of pale sand, sometimes windy in the summer, but without any of the music or beach chairs. The strange moonscape hills of Mykonos rise above it, adorned with white cubed houses. A small cove on the north end provides all the shelter you need from the wind and sun, and feels a world away from the loud masses. Mykonos has enough gorgeous white-sand beaches lapped by crystal clear turquoise water to choose from in terms of atmosphere and amenities. These range from simple family-style tavernas to ultra-chic lounges pumping out dance music and potent cocktails at all hours. The latter is the case in many of the coves in the south, where the beach at Elia is a more tranquil version of paradise and in the west Agios Ioannis.

If you want to recuperate on the beach, this time at Psarou, you’ll have to reserve beach chairs in advance to be right at home amid summer’s wildly see-and-be-seen crowd, many of whom arrive by yacht and are shuttled ashore in vintage mahogany skiffs. Keep an eye out just in case Georgio Armani or Roberto Cavali ask for a light, cause that’s where they’ll be. Psarou also features such vital amenities as a day spa, a hair salon and an outpost of chic boutiques just in case someone left their Prada in the plane’s overhead compartment.

TOP NIGHTLIFE TIPS!
As the sun sets on Mykonos famous DJs flock to its numerous beach bars and renowned clubs. On top of all this Mykonos is a gay-friendly resort area which is packed with lots of gay clubs which are open for partying during the summer.

The serious partying for both tourists and natives of Mykonos starts around 11 at the Skandinavian Bar and Disco which happens to be one of the toppers among the World’s Best Bars. It is right in the center of a highly traveled pedestrian intersection and it also happens to trendiest and most happening social gathering spots in the entire Cyclades. You are likely to meet and hook up with people whom you met at the beach. It is also the starting point for partying through the night!

The Skandinavian Bar is made up of two tiny outdoor bars, an outdoor patio which is on a higher level and a disco which is bursting with DJ music, dancers and drinkers! The entire unit takes up a whole block. Large beers are available for just four Euros and cocktails are just six Euros making drinks extremely cheap at this bar which is why it’s a haven of fun, fun and more fun!

After giving the party spirit a good start, head over to the Celebrities! Great music, energetic employees and unending fun is what it is all about. Seargo is also a good bar which is the right place when you want to take a break and get back onto your feet after lots of drinking and dancing.

Space Bar is the largest dance club on the party-island. Plenty of people who are looking to dance flock into this bar. With its ability to give space to thousand dancers at a time, it happens to be one of the largest bars in the Greek Isles. Non-stop techno fills the bar while the cover is ten Euros and so are the beers! However, people come here to dance, not to drink!

Mykonos also has a Hard Rock Cafe which is a little out of town. On the other hand there are pink shuttle buses which head out from the port every thirty minutes. Although it is a little on the higher side of the price scale, it does have a superb go-kart course and of course a poolside outdoor dance club.

Inside town, the bars close the doors around 4 a.m. On the other hand, as the weekends roll around, clubs stay open until 6 a.m. However, take care because at Mykonos is really difficult to keep track of days because of all the partying. If you still want to party, head down to the ferry dock to the bar which never closes! Unofficially it is called the Port Bar or The Yacht Club but in reality it is nameless.

Mykonos nights are all about parties!

Written by Giorgo Kontopulos
When in Mykonos make sure you pay visit to Super Paradise Mykonos Beach Bar Club for an unforgettable time

One of such sexy beaches is Afandou which is located 22km south east fro the city of Rhodes. The glamour of Afandou is actuated by the sand and pebbles that line its beaches. It lacks the usual domination of rentals and beach facilities thus it is less crowded than other beaches in Rhodes. The village of Afandou nearby has friendly locals who are always willing to help. Another such luxurious beach is Faliraki which is on the north eastern part of Rhodes city 14km fro the central business district. Its beaches have excellent golden sands that actually stretch 4km along the shore. It has sun beds, umbrellas, bars, restaurants, taverns and offer many water sports.

The beach at Kalathos is situated 50 km south eats of Rhodes. It is famous for its soft golden sands and clear crystalline waters. It also offers several beach facilities. Kalithea is another sexy beach located 10km north east of Rhode. Unlike other beaches, Kalithea has hot medicinal springs and is actually wonderfully lined with palm, pine and filled with clear emerald waters. Finally, there is Glystra beach which has clear warm waters and golden sands. Its canteens offer excellent foods and the locals around the beach are very friendly. The beaches of Rhodes possess a special romantic beauty that can only be described as magnificent. Of course, you have to visit them to find out for yourself.

If you visit Crete, you definitely need to know the moist romantic seaside resorts around the island. However, most of the resorts are top class and judging from the reviews, it is difficult to come up with the best. Nevertheless, here are some of the most popular romantic resorts which make a fine getaway for lovers.

1. The first is the Grecotel Creta Palace which is an exclusive and luxurious 5-star resort that rests on a 300m long sandy beach. The hotel and surrounding bungalow villages are circled by verdant gardens, two fresh water swimming pools, private pools, entertainment and gyms.

2. Another great resort is Creta Maris Spa Hotel Resort which has a Thalasso therapy center found in Hersonissos Crete (Heraklion). You can go there to revitalize and rejuvenate your body and soul at this top class spa centre.

3. Sensimar Seaside Resort is a 5 star hotel located at the gulf of Mononaftis. It is a sophisticated and romantic place which serves premium brands of wine and champagne. Their food choice is also excellent.

4. Minoa Palace resort is located in a region that has a grand historical past close to the seaside. It is elegant and has a good selection of wine, food and service.

5. Amirandes Seaside resort is an exclusive vacation resort. Most lovers will love their white beaches and décor. All these resorts have unique taste and it is up to you to choose.

The famous beach is nice and flat. There is a huge selection of popular bars playing music located on the beach. From late afternoon the party “takes off” and the beach guests starts dancing on the beach and in the bars.

Dancing on tables in the afternoon (flickr.com)

If you feel it’s a bit weird that people dance on tables as early as 4 PM this is not the beach for you. Loud music and an intense party atmosphere must be expected. Paradise beach is not the place for a relaxing day on the beach.

Bring your abs
The majority of visitors to the beach are young and beautiful. Everyone is really open minded and no one cares if you are topless or a nudist. Sexy micro swimwear and fancy thongs are the preferred outfit for many of the visitors to the beach.

What’s the beach like?

Crowded in the middle of the summer.

The texture of the beach is somewhere between sand and pebbles. Most of the beach area is covered with beach chairs which you must pay appx. 6 euros to hire for the day. There’s also a small area where you can put down your towel and lie for free.

Activities
In addition to showing off your beautiful self there are water sports facilities and a diving centre available on Paradise Beach.

Where to sleep
If you can’t afford to stay at one of the many luxury hotels and apartments in Mykonos, there’s a fully organized camping located behind the beach.

Nightlife
After sunset the beach-goers returns to the beach in their night outfits and party in many of the beacg bars who has transformed into clubs.

Photos and videos from Mykonos and Paradise beach


A slideshow of photos from Mykonos.



Video from a wild party vacation in Mykonos & on the Paradise & Super Paradise beaches.



Mykonos has been referred to as “Spring break for adults.”


The party in Mykonos can get very crowded. Be aware!

Facts about Mykonos (From Wikipedia)
Mykonos (Greek: ???????) is a Greek island and a major tourist destination, renowned for its cosmopolitan character and its intense nightlife. The island is part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Siros, Paros and Naxos. It spans an area of 105.183 km² (41 sq mi) and rises at an elevation of 341 m (1,119 ft) at its highest point. The island is composed primarily of granite. It has little natural fresh water and relies on the desalination of sea water in order to meet its needs. There are 9,320 inhabitants (2001) most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, a common denomination in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town), which lies on the west coast.

It is believed that the island was named after a local hero, who is considered an offspring of the god Apollo and was worshipped locally in antiquity.

Modern Mykonos
Today, Mykonos is a very cosmopolitan island, having become increasingly popular with tourists. It is known for its diverse and often intense nightlife featured by a vast number of bars and nightclubs. Mykonos is also distinctive for its sandy beaches. Many Greek and international celebrities have summer residences in Mykonos and can often be seen walking the white-washed roads or having dinner at a small street-side table of an expensive restaurant or a taverna.

Who Comes To Mykonos?
In Mykonos you will find the prices above average of other Greek resorts, your surroundings are beautiful, as are the residents and holiday makers that visit. With Hotels like Harmony Hotel, Hotel Pessasos Beach and Mykonos Grand Hotel (A graded and 5 star) you can imagine that holidaying in Mykonos is done by mainly those looking for a little bit extra. Mykonos is full of Cosmopolitan charm and the lively areas are visited mainly by German and British Gay tourists of all ages, and young Americans and certain areas are lovely for families and couples too. The village itself is beautifully set with Cyladic features, plenty of ancient architecture, museums, greek churches and a bustling town full of whitewashed alleys. You will also find stylish bars, plush greek tavernas and great nightclubs. The beaches on the South are worth a mention too – see below – as is ‘Little Venice’ where the sea meets the wonderful buildings, a stunning place to watch the sunset.

When does the Season Begin in Mykonos?

The best time to visit is June, July, September and October. Mykonos holiday makers begin to show up just after Easter time (from mid April) and won’t be found much after October has ended.

Airport Information
Mykonos National Airport is situated 4km away from Mykonos town and a short taxi ride or bus ride will take just 10 minutes. From here you can hire a car, book tours and arrange yacht rental. Some hotels have an airport shuttle service so check this when you book. You can organise private transfers to your destination in advance from as little as 10 Euros

Mykonos Nightlife
The clubbing scene in Mykonos is lively, modern and atmospheric with a large presence of gay clubbers found mainly in Mykonos town. You will find most of the nightlife in Mykonos town – you will find sophisticated clubs and bars through whitewashed ancient alley ways, with fabulous cocktail bars and amazing nightclubs. The clubs and bars don’t often close before dawn, when everyone leaves to shower and go to the beach but at around 10 Euros per drink you might decide to quit clubbing earlier than that. Perhaps you might visit the Skandinavian Bar (couples and singles) for slightly cheaper drinks.

You will find that Montparnasse Piano Bar, found in Little Venice, is where gay tourists head off to before midnight.

Super Paradise Beach is where you will find all -night parties, it doesn’t matter whether its day or not, beachwear is a must. Mind you, its normally what you will find in the clubs too!

Local Drinks
Be aware that drinks on Mykonos can be expensive – in some bars and clubs you will find high prices match their high profile. As an example, many people visit the boutique Hotel Elysium to watch the fantastic sunset, but may not stay because the prices reflect those you would find at a Hilton – around 12Euros for a glass of wine in some places so watch that. However you will find the more rowdy a bar is the cheaper the beer, you could find a local beer for around 2Euros.

Local Cuisine
At peak season, Mykonos sees the majority of people dining at around 10pm before they hit the bars and clubs. Little venice is the ideal place to dine, but remember that most of the fish served in eateries here is not fresh but frozen. You will find here plenty of traditional greek tavernas, like Niko’s Taverna, most of which have English written menus too. Places like Gregory’s serve up Italian cuisine if you want a change. The Veranda restaurant is a restaurant for casual diners or you can visit another italian such asIl Parmigiano for Romantic dining. If you want to taste something away from the norm of keleftiko and Greek Feta salad, try the Nobu Matsuhisa in Hotel Belvedere for exquisite Sushi.

Boy/Girl Ratio
Mykonos has a large gay scene so you won’t particularly find that there’s a huge boy:girl ratio simply because you won’t find too many boys chasing girls, or vice versa! Mykonos is predominantly male with very few lesbians. As far as girls walking around town on your own or after coming out of a club, stay sensible – plenty of men are on the prowl. As with any holiday resort you must be cautious and say no to ‘private late parties’. Many men come here from Athens and see drunken girls as rich pickings so be weary.

Mykonos Beaches
‘Platy Yialos’ beach is one of the best on the island, it’s 4km from Mykonos town but there are regular buses (every 20 minutes) from the south bus stop. If you prefer a more aged beach, again 4km from the town, with only 2 tavernas ‘Agios Ioannis’ beach is best left if you want simplicity – bear in mind though, its partly sand and shingle so you won’t get soft sand through your toes here and this is part of the resort which attracts families. If its more sandy beaches you are looking for, the most popular and vibrant are on the south coast where you’ll find most beaches attract nudists – Platy Yiolas is a great example. You’ll find plenty of watersports activities and waterfront bars and restaurants. You can get a boat from here to the secluded Paradise Beach (between Parangas and Super Paradise Beaches) which has been popular since the 1960′s, it’s energetic and attracts mainly straight holiday makers looking for a great atmosphere and a lively crowd. Head off to Super Paradise beach for a more gay scene.

Who Comes to Malia?
Malia is a busy and inexpensive resort which appeals mainly to young under 30’s single British holiday makers who prefer to sunbathe or do water activities at the beach during the day and party all night. Malia is crammed with pubs, bars and eateries- the restaurants here range from fast food like McDonalds to more traditional style Greek Tavernas. Prices are a little cheaper in comparison to other more sophisticated Greek resorts.

When Does the Season Start in Malia?
During June to late August is the hottest part of the year and the part of the year that attracts more party animals! April and September are the best times to visit with families as the resort isn’t quite as rowdy.

Best Airport
The airport you will travel to reach Malia is Heraklion which is approximately 4 hours from the UK with transfer times to Malia at 1hour 30 minutes. You can catch a bus – they run frequently in Malia – a taxi or hire a car or bike from the airport. A taxi transfer can cost as little as 30Euros per taxi, but booking in advance will give you better honest rates.

Malia Nightlife
The Strip in Malia is usually where the young crowds gather. With bars and clubs that generally don’t charge an entry fee – there are so many that they will try to entice you in with free drinks instead – and you will find there are many happy hours and drinks offers in each bar. You will find clubs like the ‘Malibu’, with 3 bars, plays urban music and R&B and you’ll find house music and pop in other clubs. Another one to mention is the ‘Banana Club’ which is popular as it’s on the main road down to the beach. In summary, there’s a variation of music in each club and bar, no doubt you’ll find your favourite when you get there!

Local Cuisine
Malia has a variation on cuisine – you can easily find fast food restaurants if its quick food you’re looking for. You can also find many Greek Tavernas serving traditional Greek food and you will find Steak houses (look out for ‘The House’) or traditional English style pubs like ‘The Royal Oak’ which serves, you guessed it, English food. A two course dinner for two with a drink will set you back around just 32Euros.

Local Drinks
In Malia drink prices vary, as with other resorts, depending on the bar you choose to visit. You can find the local beer is around 2.5Euros and an imported drink (Bud, Wkd) around 6-7Euros in some clubs.

Boy: Girl Ratio
Malia has generally more girls than boys, although in some clubs that are visited by the locals there will be a greater number of boys and men as only Greek men will be seen out on a night time frequenting bars etc so girls, as usual please be careful and stay with your friends at all times.

Malia Beaches
The beach in Malia isn’t the most scenic, but it plays its purpose – you can sunbathe (you can use loungers and umbrella’s), it’s soft and sandy and there is a great choice of water sports activities like jet-skiing and paragliding. The beach obviously gets busy so it’s worth keeping an eye on children and indeed you’re other possessions.

Who Comes to Laganas?
Due to its status as a party resort, Laganas attracts the 18-30 crowd (there are Club 18-30 and Club Freestyle hotels all over the resort). It’s a built up resort with the main town featuring as the place for holiday partiers to gather. Mainly young singles come here from the UK and the bars get drunken and rowdy of a night. Kalamaki is right next to Laganas if you prefer to stay in a quieter resort that still attracts young people who normally get on a bus to Laganas to visit the clubs and party until the sun comes up.

When Does the Season Start in Laganas?
Around April tourists and locals with homes on Laganas will be starting their holidays, then will leave before storms toward the end of October. The sun is extremely hot in August at an average of 32 degrees and May and September are the best times to visit for families as the resort isn’t as busy as other months.

Best Airport
Zakynthos Airport is only 1km from the Laganas resort. You will find taxi ranks here if your Travel Agent hasn’t arranged transport. You can also arrange car hire and arrange the charter of a yacht!

Laganas Nightlife
Crowds usually gather in droves on the main strip in Laganas where the abundance of bars and clubs like Cocktails and Dreams – a cocktail bar with a menu of around 50 different drinks (approx. 3.5Euros, or £2, per cocktail) – Bad Boys and Cherry Bay Beach Club. There is limited bus services running at night so if you want to leave the lively atmosphere and head somewhere else then catch a taxi – they’re usually cheaper than in the UK but remain sensible and check the fare before you get in.

Local Cuisine
If it’s a romantic dinner you’re looking for, then leave Laganas for the evening and visit a restaurant in Zakynthos town.

Staying in Laganas you will find ‘The Blue Sea’ on the beachfront serves traditional Greek cuisine or Fatso’s for simple American grills, an average cost for a meal for two with wine is around 25Euros (£15-£18) .

Local Drinks
The drinks are cheap in comparison to other resorts, in Laganas you can expect to pay around 1.5Euros (£1) for a local beer.

Boy: Girl Ratio
The ratio of boys to girls in Laganas is more or less 50:50. Girls, as usual, need to be careful as this is a fairly drunken resort and police keep a low profile so keep your wits about you.

Laganas Beaches
Some beaches are out of bounds at night due to Loggerhead turtles but by day you can swim in the Sea with them if you so desire! As a conservation area, Laganas Beach has a ban on water sports activities to ensure nesting turtles aren’t disturbed. Best avoided is Dafni beach because of it’s rocky structure and many businesses. The beach was once home to nesting loggerhead turtles but, to attract tourists, the beach has been turned upside down and is very difficult to get to and with many thumbs down on hundreds of reviews on this beach, there are plenty more beautiful beaches for you to relax on, in and around Laganas. Alikanas and Gerakas beaches have had rave reviews, although Gerakas is costly when hiring sunbeds and they can only be hired for a maximum of 3 hours and you have to walk to this beach as you can’t get to it by car. Both beaches are great for children though and lovely soft sand.