Anarina Retreat is a striking representation of captivating elegance and indulging comfort in Mykonos

Mykonos beaches are famous all over the world for their golden sand and crystal waters. ELIA BEACH- It's the largest beach on the island, with space for everyone. The turquoise water is always inviting, and nudity is common. It's known as Mykonos' "gay beach," but you'll see that it attracts all kinds of people. Much of it is taken over by umbrellas and sunbeds in the summer, but there’s a small section for those who prefer to lie in the sand. This sunbed-free section is usually the right side, close to the rocks which separate this beach from Agrari (see below), and is where you often see the rainbow flag and groups of men in their birthday suits. PLATYS GIALOS BEACH- Beautiful and with crystal-clear waters, Platys Gialos (sometimes spelled Platis Yialos) is the best beach in Mykonos. It’s a convenient starting point to discover other beaches, on foot or on an hourly water taxi, and home to some of the best hotels on the island, located right by the sand and facing the sea. It has restaurants and bars serving meals and drinks throughout the day. This is not a party beach, but it has a lively atmosphere. Parasols and loungers cover most of the sand, and the shallow water is perfect for refreshing swims. PSAROU BEACH- There’s a reason why this is currently Mykonos’ trendiest beach -- it’s great for swimming and offers a beautiful scenery. It can get crowded, but it's undoubtedly worth a look. By the luxurious yachts, you can tell that it’s the island’s most exclusive beach and the favorite of the rich and famous. You may even bump into a local or international celebrity. Naturally, everything (sunbed rentals and restaurants) is expensive, but worth the experience if you can afford it. It’s often the choice for a honeymoon or to impress a special someone. SUPER PARADISE BEACH- It may get crowded and loud in the afternoon, but the crystal-clear water and the views are just perfect. Although it's a party beach, the calm waters also attract families and couples on honeymoon. Despite what other guides will tell you, this is not the gay beach on the island, but it remains a popular choice among gay men, due to the frequent gay-friendly parties. It’s almost entirely covered in sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. PARADISE BEACH- It's Mykonos’ famous party beach, filled with bars where the 20-somethings want to be at, day and night. It has plenty of places to eat, drink, and shop for beach essentials, as well as frequent bus connections to Mykonos Town. If you’re looking to dance and drink in addition to sunbathe and swim, this is where you’ll want to be. The party continues after the sun goes down and almost until sunrise, at the club above the beach. Once a popular gay destination, it’s now largely straight, as the gay crowds currently prefer Elia. Restaurants of different styles and cuisine co-exist on this small piece of land in the Aegean sea and serve the most delicious dishes a traveller would want to taste during his holiday. Bakalo Restaurant- Bakalo is set in a traditional Mykonian house that dates back to the 18th century with a courtyard garden. Located in the Lakka neighborhood in the Old Town on Mykonos, the restaurant serves traditional-style food, using local ingredients. On the menu, you will find dishes such as Mykonian spiced cheese with peppers, Cycladian cheese dumplings with tomato and lemon dressing, marinated octopus from Syros, and baked mushrooms stuffed with pork and gruyere cheese from Naxos. Mykonos Blue Myth- The Blue Myth Restaurant is one of the two restaurants at Petinos Beach, a 4-star hotel located on the beach of Platis Gialos, one of Mykonos most famous beaches. Ideally located right on the beachfront, the restaurant has a fine ambiance and large windows that offer fantastic views of the bay. Diners can breathe in the fresh sea air, while dining off a wide choice of Mediterranean dishes, as well as an interesting selection of international dishes, with everything from homemade pizza to filet steaks. The restaurant is famed for its candlelight dinners that set the mood for a romantic evening. Bottled wine (red or white), or wine from the barrel is offered in the restaurant’s wine list to complement their fine spread. Mykonos Coo- Coo Restaurant is a modern industrial design that has successfully retained a Cycladic style so as to blend with the architectural style in downtown Mykonos. The restaurant is located in one of the most extraordinary settings and has grown in popularity with its ambiance, fabulous fare, and high-quality service. The cuisine offered is world class and the highlight is the sushi, whose quality rivals the best on the island. The Kobe Beef Filet, a world-famous delicacy made from cuts of the Wagyu cattle that have been raised by following certain strict traditions (including a daily massage for the cattle), is one of the specialties at Coo. Their wine list is equally impressive with several unique collections that can satisfy even the most discerning wine lover. The music keeps changing according to the type of customers and the mood of the moment. Often, when the mood at Coo is upbeat, the lively music transforms the restaurant into a club. The restaurant is located in Matoyiannia in Mykonos Town. Fokos Restaurant- Fokos Tavern is located on the secluded beach of Fokos in the bay of Myrsini, to the north of Mykonos. The tavern is the only building on the shore and serves up tasty meals that are quite popular with people who come here. The cuisine is Greek traditional and dishes are prepared from fresh local meat and fresh fish from the day’s catch. Although the menu is simple, the taste more than makes up for it. Barbecued octopus, grilled fish, Greek salads, pork and lamb dishes, home-baked bread and homemade desserts are some of the specialties at Fokos. An interesting list of Greek wines complements the lovely meal. Unlike other beaches that are overrun by cafes and taverns with waiters creating a racket trying to entice guests and loud music often spoiling the moment, Fokos Restaurant stands alone and offers a lovely meal in a relaxing ambiance. There are comfortable chairs on the beachfront where guests can relax after a swim in the sparkling waters of the Aegean and enjoy a traditional Greek meal at the seaside. The beach is a bit out of the way and is not on the Mykonos map. To get there, one has to travel to the village of Ano Mera, take a turn and follow the signs to Fokos Beach. Mykonos offers excellent untouched seashores, a plethora of watersports, archaeological and ecclesiastic institutions, while the local taverns and bars keep visitors sated and pleased. Little Venice for the sunset- A very unique location in the vivid island of Mykonos is the Little Venice in Mykonos Town. Its romantic aura derives from the Cycladic houses with colorful balconies, perched above the Aegean Sea, their walls ever kissed by the waves. If met with the opportunity of staying at one of these seascape rooms, you can witness one of the most romantic and poetic sunsets while lounging. It’s also great to gaze at from the nearby bay of Alevkandra, as well as from one of the numerous cocktail bars with undisturbed views. Stroll around Mykonos Town- Once you arrive in Mykonos, the main Town on the island welcomes you for the most vividly colored vacation. The traditionally whitewashed Cycladic buildings, paved alleys and pristine Aegean Sea at its feet create a fairytale-like environment to wander in. It is useful to mention that during summertime the main town’s pathways are closed for vehicles in the evening, while the best time for strolling around is in the morning. Travellers can witness an exquisite sunset from the Little Venice’s balconies, enjoy a shopping spree at the sophisticated boutiques and savor a refreshing drink at the chic cocktail bars. For an alternative to the things to do in Town, the few well-maintained museums available provide a deeper insight on the region’s past. After dusk, a plethora of bars and clubs await you for partying until dawn. Visit the sacred island of Delos- An excellent site of ancient Greek history, the uninhabited island of Delos is a must-visit when vacationing on Mykonos. At only a 40-minute boat ride away, Delos offers a deep insight of the ancient past, having served as a major religious pilgrimage location, along with being of tremendous political importance. The Delian Games every five years, the treasury of the Delian League, Apollo’s temple congresses held and many more core utilities of the island are shown and preserved both on site at their original locations, as well as in the Delian archaeological museum. Swim & Dance at Super Paradise beach- Situated next to the larger beach of Paradise, Super Paradise can be reached via a water-taxi or a bus. It is less organized compared to its neighbouring shore but is quite vivid throughout the summer season nonetheless. Standing as Greece’s leading gay-friendly bay, it attracts travellers from around the globe, especially during high season. Swim in its crystalline waters, enjoy the sun and dance on its golden shore to the beat of your Greek summertime.