Our first full day on the cruise brought us to the beautiful island of Mykonos, a place we’ve had the pleasure of exploring a few times before. With its blend of vibrant nightlife, charming streets, and stunning beaches, Mykonos has always been a favorite stop. This time, we took full advantage of the luxury of an overnight stay, allowing us to enjoy the island at a more relaxed pace.

Tranquil Start: Breakfast on the Veranda

We began our day with a leisurely breakfast on our veranda, taking in the peaceful morning as the ship anchored just off the coast of Mykonos. With familiar sights in the distance, it was a perfect way to ease into the day before heading ashore.

Tendering Ashore and Exploring Chora

After breakfast, we tendered ashore and made our way into Chora, the old town of Mykonos. Despite having visited the island several times before, Chora’s narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and vibrant bougainvillea are quintessentially Greek, and each visit offers something new to discover.

We spent the day wandering through the labyrinth of streets, revisiting some of our favorite spots and discovering new ones along the way. Shopping in Chora is always a delight, with a mix of traditional Greek products, high-end fashion, and unique souvenirs. We picked up a few items to add to our collection and enjoyed the familiar yet ever-changing atmosphere of the town.

Since our earlier visits to Mykonos, the island’s party culture has noticeably expanded, bringing with it a surge of young beach club goers and late night DJ seekers. While the vibrant nightlife has always been a hallmark of Mykonos, the increase in obnoxious scooters and quads along the narrow roads has added a new layer of chaos. These noisy groups, can be a jarring contrast to peace and beauty which made the island the draw that it is.

As we explored, we also took the opportunity to scout out potential dinner spots. Mykonos is renowned for its culinary scene, and Chora is full of inviting restaurants and tavernas, each offering its own take on Greek cuisine. The trick is to find the hidden gems away from the tourist corridors. With so many options, we knew we were in for a treat, but deciding on just one place would be a challenge!

Enjoying the Luxury of an Overnight Stay

As the day turned to evening, we returned to the ship for a quick refresh before heading back to Chora to experience Mykonos by night. It was our first time seeing the town at night and boy the town changed dramatically under the moonlight, with the streets filling up with people ready to enjoy the island’s famous nightlife. We wandered the streets, eventually settling in at our chosen spot for dinner.

Dinner at Kalita: A Culinary Highlight

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the town, Kalita is known for its refined take on traditional Greek cuisine. The atmosphere was intimate and elegant, providing the perfect backdrop for our evening meal.

Chris enjoyed the beautifully presented dish of braised short ribs. The tender meat was rich and flavorful, served with a creamy eggplant puree, roasted tomatoes, and a light yogurt sauce. The combination of textures and flavors was a true delight, showcasing the best of Greek cuisine with a modern twist. Jennifer enjoyed gnocchi with a delightful cream sauce and ample Greek truffle.

The service at Kalita was impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring we had everything we needed to enjoy our meal. The relaxed pace of the evening allowed us to savor each course, making it a highlight of our stay in Mykonos.

Setting Sail for New Experiences

The next morning, at 6:00 AM, the ship quietly set sail for our next destination—Volos; preceded by a day at sea. As the sun began to rise, we left Mykonos behind, carrying with us fond memories of a perfect day and night on the island. Mykonos was our last familiar stop on this journey, and as we sail toward Volos, we’re excited for the new experiences that await us in places we’ve never explored before. The gentle motion of the ship lulled us back to sleep, giving us a bit more rest before we arrived at the next stop on our Greek Isles adventure.

Looking Ahead

Our time in Mykonos was everything we hoped it would be—relaxed, fun, and filled with the beauty of a place we’ve come to know and love. The overnight stay allowed us to immerse ourselves fully in the Mykonos experience without the usual rush.

Stay tuned as we explore Volos and uncover the unique charm and beauty of our upcoming destinations.

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