Greece
Mykonos is the Aegean at its most exuberant: a cubist tumble of whitewashed lanes, bougainvillea and windmills that transforms, come evening, into the Mediterranean's most glamorous party. Yachts stack the old harbour, beach clubs pulse until dawn, and the people-watching is a competitive sport.
Yet the island rewards those who look past the spectacle. Out-of-season Mykonos is a place of quiet coves, sunset tavernas and the sacred ruins of Delos gleaming offshore. Its luxury hotels — low-slung, bohemian-chic, sea-facing — are among Greece's finest, whichever version of the island you come for.
The island's photogenic heart, with Little Venice's waterfront bars, boutique shopping and nightlife on the doorstep.
The southern beach strip of celebrated beach clubs and glamorous seafront hotels, the island's see-and-be-seen shoreline.
Quieter bays with sunset views toward Delos suit couples seeking calm within easy reach of the action.
Mykonos dines glamorously, from waterfront seafood tavernas to international fine-dining outposts and beach clubs where lunch dissolves into dancing. Little Venice's cocktail bars own the sunset hour. Book the marquee beach clubs and restaurants well ahead in season.
Families fare best in early summer or September, based at resort hotels on calmer southern beaches like Ornos and Platis Gialos. The ferry hop to Delos makes a manageable and memorable cultural outing with older children.
For couples, Mykonos balances hedonism and romance: a sea-view suite above a quiet bay, sunset champagne in Little Venice, a private catamaran day around the island's coves. September's softer pace is especially suited to honeymoons.
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