“Dear Lord get me out of Athens”
After the airline lost my bag, and we spent our days exploring the hot, empty streets, I was really wishing I had done some research on when NOT to visit Athens (FYI: July/August). Where were all the people? They were on vacation in the islands because Athens is too damn hot in the city! Duh.
You could go somewhere less touristy and get your private relaxation in, but I went to the most touristy of all: Mykonos and Santorini. There was a small stop in Corfu, which is a little less full of backpackers, but I never made it out of the Pink Palace.
Some will tell you to skip these islands because they are overly packed. Although the crowds may be true, it’s the same story at the Vatican, Interlaken, or Koh Phi Phi, so make sure you go with realistic expectations to avoid disappointment. Regardless of reputation, I hope you experience these places if you have the chance. Just because everyone else is too doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. You don’t have to go against the grain all the time. Give in and be a part of the photo-snapping, fanny pack wearing crowds! It is worth it.
Almost everywhere that is “just too touristy” has a place where you can get away from it. I should know-living in busy Anjuna, Goa- the hippie backpackers dream location. There are ways to “get away from Goa” and similarly, we found ways to get away in Mykonos.
Mykonos Backpacking Tips
Getting to Mykonos Island
After getting ripped off by a mean taxi driver (only because we missed our bus… could anything go right in Athens?) on our way to the Piraeus port in Athens, we took our ferry at 9:30 to Mykonos. The ticket was purchased from an Athens tour agent for 70 euros. On the ferry we played cards and drank mass amounts with Greek guys being shipped off for their year of Army. One particular hottie fed us his grandma’s spinach feta wraps. Not bad!
We got in at 3 in the morning. Now, I think you may have noticed I am extremely responsible traveler… So of course we didn’t book a hotel. We did what anyone would do: Find a club and stay up all night. The bars are open to at least 6 AM here. The plan wasn’t half bad except the bouncer didn’t want to keep our backpacks (although he did offer to leave right then and take us home and to Paradise Club). Some nice English backpackers saved the day, offering us an extra bed at their place so we crashed there and got to our hotel the next day.
a small empty cove on the walk to Paraside Beach
Platys Gialos Beach
We stayed at Esmerides Apartments for 40 euro/night. The place was huge, private, and there were no other guests while we were there. We cooked pasta one night in the apartment, which always helps the budget. Just a few minutes walk down to Platys Gialos Beach, it was also conveniently located.
We also took the long walk (1 hr if you walk slow-ish and don’t stop) to the most crowded beach of all: Paradise Beach. You can also choose to take a boat for around 5 Euro.
Our guesthouse for the duration of our stay.
For me, the walk to Paradise Beach was better than the destination. You’ll pass 3 smaller beaches, each one inviting you to stay a little longer to swim in it’s turquoise water. By the time we got to paradise beach we were tired from our hike, and headed back.
Hike to Paradise Beach Photos
Mykonos City Center
In the evening, we took the local bus into the city center. There are only 10,000 locals on the island. The city center is perfect by night, and a little less so during the day. Maybe it was just the heat getting me down.
Everyone eats dinner so late here (I don’t think I”ll ever get used to European dinner times, I am hungry by 5!), that the parties don’t start until well after midnight. That gave us plenty of time to ride four-wheelers with someone I’ll call Kostas- it’s common enough, right?- and hitchhike around the island on a speedboat.
Travel Tips
Make sure you pack your bikini, towel, a breezy maxi dress, sunglasses, and a sarong.
For the nightlife, any club dress will do! The local girls were dressed pretty scandalous. Or you can party on the beach in your sarong.
I got extra sunburned here, so make sure you have on sunblock.
There were quiet beaches, so take a book with you to the beach; it’s not all parties! You can check out some things to do in Mykonos as well.
It really is a cute little town, but the shopping is actually overpriced cheap clothes OR way, WAY overpriced gorgeous clothes. I did find a handmade necklace for 30 euro that I love. The whole island is incredibly expensive and it will destroy your budget if you’re not careful.
The club entries are over 30 euro and booze isn’t any cheaper. For that reason, we skipped the clubs and hit up local bars. Luckily, we got to make up for that in Santorini. All the restaurants have a great view and they charge what that’s worth. A lot. I would wait to go to Mykonos when you have a little room to wiggle, but it is definitely doable on a backpacker’s budget!
I don´t think you can really do Mykonos on a budget. Its reputation as an expensive destination is well deserved. Even eating and drinking away from the harbour areas we could not get a glass of beer below four euros..The scenery was stunning though, there´s no denying that.
Yep, we found out it was possible but we couldn’t really enjoy Mykonos the right way (as in we cooked meals at home a lot, and bought beer from the supermarket). I’d like to go back with a little more cash available for sure.
Great tips – I have been debating going to Mykonos but you have given me more perspective, and I might end up there for a little while after all :D
It’s such a stunning place. I hope I get back there some day when I’ve become some kind of billionaire- I need to invent something. something good.
Hi! Just thought I’d leave a message to say you’re website is really good!! Really interesting and I love that you are a fellow fashion junkie. I’ve just started backpacking for the past 3 weeks and your site’s been really informative, so thank you!! Take care and happy travels! X
thanks so much abby. I appreciate you commenting :)
Great Post!
I’m planning my trip to Greece right now and I keep hearing stay away from Mykonos and Santorini because of all the tourists, but I want to go there so bad! I think I’ll take your advice and not listen to them and go anyways :)
I just got back from Mykonos, Santorini, Ios and Naxos. I LOVED Mykonos but did not enjoy Santorini as much. If I had to choose between the 2, I would say Mykonos is more worth it and less touristy.
Best thing about Mykonos the nude beach then go to Andros or Tinos
Hello,
I’m enjoying your blog as I find it incredibly helpful while attempting to plan a trip to Mykonos in July. This will be my first time there so I think its safe to say that I’m incredibly nervous and hardly know where to begin. My fiance and I will be traveling for a wedding in Corinths but would like to spend a few days in Mykonos first. How was the flight from Athens there – safe and Cost-wise? We want to party a bit and be on the beach. We like a little luxury but dont have the budget for it. I dont want to travel across the world and not be able to enjoy and splurge a bit. Do you have any helpful tips and recommendations as to where we might find affordable rooms, travel? Ferry or FLight to Mykonos? What are some must see’s and what part of Mykonos is the best?
@gal
Taking a ferry is the fastest and cheapest way to get from Santorini to Mykonos. The trip is around 2½ hours and there are 4 ferries operating on a daily basis (from SeaJets, Golden Star Ferries, and Hellenic Seaways) between the May-October high season.
Pick up a “car” taxi in Taxi (Manto or Town) Square. Taxis use flat rates, which are will be much more expensive than a bus fare. Mykonos operates a convenient bus system that goes across the island and links towns, beaches and attractions. Hours of operation are extended in the summer — as late as 4 a.m.