Mykonos with friends.....

Mykonos with Friends – Birthday Celebrations, Greek Island Charm and a Day Trip to Tinos

There is something rather special about escaping to a Greek island with good friends, especially when there is a birthday to celebrate! Earlier this year, we headed to Mykonos for a short break, and it was everything I hoped it would be: beautiful surroundings, windmills, sunsets, fabulous little shops, delicious food, plenty of laughter and those wonderfully relaxed Greek island moments that make you want to stay just a little longer.

We stayed at My Mykonos Hotel, a stylish boutique hotel, and spent our days exploring the island, wandering through its famous whitewashed streets and enjoying some of the simple pleasures of being in Greece.

Staying at My Mykonos Hotel

Our base was My Mykonos Hotel, a contemporary boutique property just outside Mykonos Town, with lovely views across the town and the Aegean Sea.

The hotel combines traditional Cycladic-inspired architecture with modern styling. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a sun terrace, a restaurant and a poolside bar – ideal for enjoying a cocktail while taking in the views.

I particularly like the idea of a hotel that gives you a little breathing space away from the busiest streets, while still allowing you to head into town to explore. My Mykonos is well placed for discovering the boutiques, restaurants and lively atmosphere of the island’s capital.

A few hotel facts:

- Boutique-style accommodation with contemporary interiors.

- Outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace.

- Restaurant and bar serving food and drinks.

- Rooms with a choice of views, including town and sea views.

- Convenient access to Mykonos Town and the Old Port.

It is worth noting that the hotel sits above the town, so the walk back can be uphill – something to bear in mind when planning your stay, or a taxi was 15 euros.

Exploring the magical streets of Mykonos Town

For me, one of the real pleasures of Mykonos was simply getting lost in its charming little passageways.

The island is famous for its whitewashed buildings, blue accents, colourful flowers and winding pedestrian streets. Around every corner, there seemed to be something else to discover, from designer boutiques and beautiful jewellery shops to little cafés and traditional Greek tavernas.

Mykonos has a wonderfully cosmopolitan feel. One minute you can be browsing stylish designer pieces, and the next you are sitting down for a leisurely Greek meal, watching the world go by.

Of course, no visit would be complete without seeing the famous windmills and the picturesque waterfront of Little Venice. This is one of the island’s most recognisable sights, particularly when the light begins to soften in the late afternoon.

And then there is the food!

We enjoyed delicious ice cream, lovely Greek food and, naturally, ice-cold Mythos beer served in wonderfully frosty glasses. Honestly, does a cold beer taste any better than it does on a warm Greek evening? Add good friends and plenty of laughter, and you have the perfect holiday combination.

A little island adventure – taking the ferry to Tinos

One of the highlights of our trip was taking the ferry across to Tinos for the day.

I love the opportunity to explore another island when you have a little extra time, and Tinos was a lovely addition to our Mykonos break. It is part of the Cyclades island group, like Mykonos, but has its own distinct character and a more traditional feel.

The ferry journey is relatively short, making Tinos a very appealing option for a day trip, subject to the seasonal timetable.

Tinos is known for its traditional villages, marble craftsmanship, beautiful scenery and excellent local food. It is also an important religious destination, with the Church of Panagia Evangelistria in Tinos Town attracting pilgrims from across Greece.

We enjoyed exploring the town and its charming streets, discovering more little corners of Greek island life along the way. It was lovely to experience a different side of the Cyclades and to see how each island has its own personality.

If you have a few days in Mykonos, I would certainly consider adding a trip to Tinos. It is a wonderful way to make a short break feel like a little island-hopping adventure.

Mykonos – a little island with a big personality

Mykonos is one of Greece’s most famous islands, and it is easy to understand why. It combines beautiful Aegean scenery and traditional Cycladic architecture with stylish shopping, an excellent restaurant scene and a lively social atmosphere.

It is often associated with glamorous beach clubs and nightlife, but there is much more to it than that. I loved the quieter pleasures of exploring the town, stopping for something delicious to eat and enjoying the atmosphere without any particular rush.

The island is also a great choice for a short break. You can enjoy a long weekend of sightseeing, shopping, dining and relaxing, or use it as part of a longer Greek island-hopping itinerary.

My verdict – a birthday break to remember

Our Mykonos trip was all about enjoying time together, celebrating a special birthday and making the most of a beautiful destination.

My Mykonos Hotel gave us a stylish base, the town provided endless opportunities to explore, and our day trip to Tinos added another lovely dimension to the holiday.

But perhaps the memories I will treasure most are the little things: wandering down those pretty passageways, discovering another boutique or taverna, enjoying delicious ice cream and sipping a freezing-cold Mythos with friends.

Sometimes, it really is the simplest things that make a holiday.

Would I recommend Mykonos for a short break with friends? Absolutely! It is a destination with plenty of character, fantastic food, lovely shopping and a wonderful atmosphere. Add a special celebration and a day trip to another island, and you have the recipe for a memorable Greek escape.

If you are thinking about a Greek island break, whether it is a birthday celebration, a long weekend with friends or a longer island-hopping holiday, I would love to help you find the right combination.

Vicki Othen | Designer Travel