Last Sips and Sunsets: Final Mykonos Chapter

Exploring the Island, Stress-Free

These last few days on the island felt different - slower, but in that indulgent way where you really start to savour every little detail. I didn’t rent a car this time. Instead, I went for something a bit more comfortable (and honestly, more fitting for the end of the trip): a chauffeur service called Mykonos Genie.

They were incredible from the start. I’d send a quick WhatsApp message, and within minutes, usually no more than ten, they’d confirm a pickup. Every ride was in a sleek, luxury car, and most of the time it was a Range Rover. There’s something about being driven through Mykonos’ rocky, sandy roads in that kind of comfort that makes you feel like you’re in your own little bubble away from the chaos. The drivers were professional but also easy to chat with, which made the rides feel personal rather than just point A to point B.

It completely changed how I moved around the island. No stress about parking, no dusty rental car, no navigating those narrow winding roads on my own - just door-to-door service with cold air-conditioning and a view out the window. It made exploring the quieter northern parts of Mykonos so much more enjoyable.

Stylish Stays & Floating Trays

Day 1: Rocabella Hotel

My day started at Rocabella Hotel and if I had to sum it up in one word? Exquisite. The kind of place that makes you instantly question why you don’t live in a five-star hotel year-round. Everything here just works – the service is flawless (Julia at reception deserves a medal), the interiors are so stylish it’s almost unfair. Minimal, yet perfectly aesthetic. You start mentally redecorating your own place after just five minutes in the lobby. And the views… well, let’s just say I brought a book, but my eyes didn’t stay on the pages for long.

It’s a little slice of paradise, tucked far enough from the chaos that you can actually hear yourself think. The property has a big focus on eco-friendliness and sustainability and you notice it in the way they source their ingredients, their energy use, even the subtle details in the rooms. It’s the kind of luxury that feels thoughtful, not wasteful, which somehow makes it even more enjoyable.

The food was another highlight. Traditional Greek flavours, but with a modern twist, and most of it made with local produce. If I hadn’t promised myself I’d explore more of Mykonos, I could’ve happily eaten at the hotel restaurant all week. The outdoor seating at night: soft lighting, sea breeze, warm atmosphere, had that perfect “I don’t ever want to leave” effect.

And then there’s their special treat: the floating breakfast. My neighbours had a room with an outdoor mini plunge pool, and one morning I saw them casually enjoying breakfast while floating in the water. It looked like something out of a dream. Next time, I’m booking that option without hesitation.

The main pool was one of the most relaxed I’ve ever experienced - just a few steps away from the bar, with the sea stretching out in front of you. Ten minutes down the road is Agios Stefanos Beach, where the sand is impossibly soft and the water is so clear it spoils you for every other beach you’ve been to.

The hotel’s gym was an unexpected bonus. Brand new, fully kitted out with Technogym equipment, and the views? Instead of blank walls, you’re looking out towards Chora and Delos Island. Not a bad trade for your usual gym scenery.

They’ve won a stack of awards over the years: from Greek Hospitality Awards to top guest review recognitions, and after staying here, I can see why. Even the little supermarket at the bottom of the hill feels like it’s part of the experience (though walking back up is a steep 20-minute climb… at least it balances out the cocktails).

The only minor enemy? Mosquitos. The hotel provides plug-ins, but if you’re mosquito-prone like me, bring your own backup.

Rocabella isn’t just a place to stay - it’s the kind of hotel that stays with you.

Beach Time

Agios Stefanos Beach

Day 1 at Rocabella, and the beach was already calling before I even finished my morning coffee. Agios Stefanos is the nearest one, just a short walk or drive from the hotel, and while it’s not the biggest stretch of sand in Mykonos, it makes up for it in charm. The beach is well-equipped, with loungers and umbrellas for rent, but there’s also plenty of space for those who just want to roll out a towel and enjoy the view without paying for a setup.

The water here is unreal - clear enough to see your toes even when you’re waist-deep. You can swim, snorkel, or even rent a pedal boat and head out to the tiny islet just opposite. The vibe is laid-back, with a quieter, more family-friendly feel compared to the party beaches on the other side of the island. Don’t expect jet skis or parasailing, since this is more about slow, lazy hours under the sun. If you want a front-row spot, arrive early, it fills up quickly, especially when cruise ships dock nearby. On those days, the horizon can be dominated by massive ships, but it doesn’t take away from how beautiful the water is.

After lounging in the sun and doing my best impression of a lizard on a rock, I started to get hungry and wandered over to Nosotros, a restaurant right on the beach. The place is simple but cozy, with a relaxed atmosphere and staff who make you feel right at home. Everything on the menu is fresh and full of flavour, with that kind of Greek cooking where the ingredients do all the talking.

I was torn between a chicken fillet with baby potatoes and something lighter, but in the end I went for the quinoa bowl with avocado and shrimp. It looked incredible and tasted even better. Fresh, light, and exactly what you want after a few hours in the sun. Prices were surprisingly good for beachside dining, and I can only imagine how magical this place must feel at sunset. The crowd was a mix of stylish, easygoing people, and the music was spot-on - enough to set the mood without taking over the conversation. If you’re into it, they even have hookah.

Honestly, it is such a perfect beach and place for a day when all you want is to just be.

An Unforgettable Evening

Dinner with a View at Papaioannou

I wanted to wrap up my last days on the island with something truly special, so I chose Papaioannou Restaurant - a place where the view alone will steal your heart. This spot is all about fine dining with a seafood focus, and honestly, it felt like the perfect way to say goodbye to Mykonos.

I went for the grilled fish, and it was exactly what you want after a day in the sun - unbelievably fresh, perfectly seasoned, and cooked just right. A must-try there is the Tarama with bread, which was rich and creamy and made a fantastic starter.

The vibe at Papaioannou is definitely on the formal side - think upscale, elegant. It’s one of those restaurants where you dress a bit nicer, settle in, and let yourself enjoy the moment.

Now, the views. They’re something else entirely. Picture the night sea stretching out before you, calm and shimmering, with enormous cruise ships lit up like floating cities slowly passing in the distance. It’s honestly one of the most spectacular dining views I’ve experienced anywhere, and I’d easily rate it a solid 10/10. Sitting there, soaking it all in, you can’t help but feel like you’re in a movie scene.

Service matched the setting:  attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly.

The prices are on the steeper side, but for the quality of food, the atmosphere, and that unforgettable view, it’s a reasonable splurge.

Soft live music filled the space just enough to add to the atmosphere. It made the whole experience feel intimate and romantic -  a perfect spot if you’re looking for a memorable dinner with someone special or just want to treat yourself.

If you want a night that blends great food, stunning scenery, and a classy vibe, Papaioannou’s the place to be.

Day 2: Last Day in Mykonos

I kicked off the day with breakfast by the pool at the hotel, planning out the last bit of my trip. The food was straightforward and healthy. I had some Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit and some fresh juice to keep it light. Nothing fancy, just good fuel to start the day right. Sitting there by the pool, it was easy to focus and figure out what I wanted to get done before leaving this amazing place.

The highlight of my day had to be the wine tasting at Mykonian Land & Wine Tasting. Right from the start, you can tell the owner and his wife put real heart into the whole experience. They guide you through the property with care, share stories about the vineyard’s history, and the way the wine is made - it all feels genuine and personal.

You get two full bottles of wine to work through, paired with breads, meats, cheeses, and olives. And when I say two bottles, I mean plenty of wine to really enjoy without holding back. It’s honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had in Greece so far.

What stood out most was how authentic and sincere the family is about giving you a true taste of Greek culture. Plus, the owner plays traditional music, adding a unique vibe to the whole thing that you just simply wouldn’t expect.

Supporting this local business felt great, as  you can tell they put a lot of love and effort into what they do. And the wine? Fresh, light, juicy - exactly like a perfect Greek summer in a glass.

I’m already planning my next trip back, and this place will be my first stop. Next time, I’ll bring more family and friends because everyone deserves to experience this. 

Perfect Last Dinner at Compass

For my final night in Mykonos, I wanted something relaxed but memorable, so I ended up at Compass, and it was the perfect call. No fine-dining pretence here, just a casual spot with views so good they should charge admission.

I went for the seafood pasta, which came loaded with enough prawns, mussels, and calamari to make me briefly consider taking up fishing as a hobby. The flavours were super  rich, fresh, and unapologetically Mediterranean.

The sunset that night? Absolutely spectacular. We’re talking the kind of sunset that makes you put your fork down mid-bite just to stare at it. The sea stretched out in front, glowing orange and pink, with Delos Island perfectly framed in the distance. If there was a competition for “best dinner view,” Compass would be somewhere at the top.

The service was just as impressive. The staff were friendly and on it - topping up water, checking in just enough without hovering. The prices were very reasonable, especially when you factor in the setting.

By the end of the meal, I was sitting there with an empty plate, a happy stomach, and a ridiculous grin on my face, wondering why I didn’t just book another week in Mykonos. Great food, great people, and a view you’ll keep replaying in your head long after you leave. Thanks, Mykonos!