Maspalomas on Gran Canaria. Sitges in Catalonia. Torremolinos in Andalusia. Mykonos in the Cyclades. These are arguably the main – and cliché – resort destinations for European gay beachgoers. But that’s not why Steve and I are going to Mykonos. We’re not beachgoers, we don’t have beach bodies, we don’t enjoy going out. No, we just want to visit the archeologic island of Delos. So making the best of coveted free time during the 2023 school summer holiday, we’re off to Greece!

If you read the previous posts on Mykonos, you already know Steve and I went for Mykonos for one thing only: visiting the archeological island of Delos. To that, you need to stay on Mykonos. 

But Mykonos is a resort island, with hip beaches and trendy clubs. It’s also popular with gay men. We are gay men, but we’re not party people. While I can be convinced going out if someone takes the initiative, Steve is more firm. Which is fine.

What is Mykonos like?

Steve made the analogy with Knokke. Knokke-Heist is a coastal town in Belgium and the high-end one. People with money, a bit snob. A bit like Le Touquet-Paris-Plage in or Saint-Tropez in France. A bit like Ibiza in Spain. 

Not my cup of tea. I feel judged in those place. Not fitting in. Too basic. Too H&M. Too queer for the straight side of Mykonos but also not queer enough for the gay side. I don’t have a body to parade shirtless. 

Did I enjoy?

Yes I did, but three days was enough. We had time for Delos, for Mykonos Town aka Chora and time to read. I read ‘Troy‘ by Stephen Fry from A to Z. At home, I don’t take time to read a book. 

Tips for Mykonos

Here are some tips and things to know about Mykonos.

• It can be hot, especially when there’s no wind. So be prepared. Delos has no shade. 
• If you don’t want or need the hip and trendy bars , clubs and restaurants, you don’t need to book in advance.
• You don’t need to book Delos in advance.
• Choose your hotel wisely. In town, you can’t be brought by shuttle or taxi. Too far from town and you need to arrange transport all the time.
• There are not really ‘traditional’ Greek restaurants. Those who are more or less traditional, tend to signal it with checkered tablecloths.
• Wear white. It’s the unofficial uniform of Mykonos.

So?

We were a ‘miscast’ for Mykonos, but I can see its appeal. It certainly was something different. I also enjoyed the resort-type hotel, Vencia Boutique. 

Mykonos & Delos 2023

1. REVIEW | Aegean from Brussels to Athens and Mykonos in Economy.
2. REVIEW | Mykonos Town Vencia Boutique Hotel & Karavaki Restaurant.
3. GREECE | Delos excursion from Mykonos.
4. Exploring every street of Chora (Χώρα) aka Mykonos Town.