Solo in Mykonos: Beyond the Party Scene
Getting to Mykonos – A Bit of Chaos, a Bit of Luck
I landed in Mykonos on July 25, and honestly, the way things kicked off could’ve gone either way.
The plan - if you can even call it that…came together pretty last-minute. The night before, I impulsively booked a hotel without checking if there were any fast ferry tickets left. Rookie move. Of course, by the time I started looking, all the usual fast routes were fully booked.
But here’s where things turned around. The receptionist at Thalassa, the hotel I was headed to, was an absolute gem. She casually dropped a golden tip about a less obvious option - Golden Star Ferries from Rafina Port, on the Andros Queen. Not only that, but they had this premium ticket that came with a private bedroom. Sounded a bit over the top at first, but I’ve had some back problems from golf, so a bed for the 4-hour journey actually sounded like a dream.
And it was. Game-changer. Instead of being stuck in a stiff seat for hours, I could stretch out, lie down, and rest properly. If you’ve ever had a long ferry ride and regretted not having a proper space to crash, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
By the time I arrived in Mykonos, the sun was already dipping. I didn’t explore that night, instead I just headed straight to the hotel, dropped my bags, and exhaled. It had been a bit of a scramble getting there, but things were starting to look up.
Mykonos Through Time: Authenticity vs Aesthetic
Believe it or not, Mykonos existed before Instagram. Long before the superyachts and champagne sprays, it was just another peaceful Cycladic island - simple, sun-drenched, with tight-knit fishing villages and winding stone paths that led to the sea. Back then, it was more about catching the morning light than catching a DJ set. The kind of place where time moved slower, and locals knew every boat that came and went.
Fast forward to now, and it’s got a totally different vibe. Mykonos has become this global hotspot - famous for its wild beach clubs, luxury hotels, and all-night parties. You’ve got people (let’s be honest, mostly influencers) flying in from all over the world to tan all day, party all night, and take a million photos in between. Think designer shades, curated cocktails, and a constant buzz of something happening somewhere.
As someone travelling solo, I wasn’t exactly here to party until sunrise, but I was curious. What drew me in was that weird contrast: a tiny island with deep roots in tradition now dressed up in designer labels. I wanted to see where the old soul of the place still lived, if at all, and how it blended with the glossy version everyone talks about. Was there still a sense of real Mykonos hidden beneath the glam? Or had the party taken over completely?
So that’s what pulled me in. Not just the beaches, not the hype, but the layers underneath it all.
Waking Up at Thalassa
I woke up at Thalassa Boutique Hotel not really sure what the day would bring, but already glad I ended up here. The room was one of their Standard Side Sea View ones. Clean, spacious enough, and had this warm, simple design - wooden furniture, earthy tones. Very comfortable. The kind of place you actually want to come back to at the end of the day.
The best part? The view. Even from the side, you could see the sea just enough to feel like, yeah, I’m properly on an island now. Mornings were quiet except for the sound of waves and maybe a bit of music drifting in from Branco next door. Didn’t bother me, though. Once the balcony door was shut, it was dead silent inside. Slept like a rock.
Breakfast was included, and it was actually decent - not over-the-top, just good coffee, fresh stuff, and people who actually seemed to care. Angelo from the staff was the guy to go to. Chill, helpful, didn’t try to oversell anything, just gave you what you needed and pointed you in the right direction if you asked. I appreciated that.
The hotel has a nice, relaxed vibe overall. No big crowds. The pool and terrace area felt peaceful, no loud music or packed sunbeds - just space to chill. There’s no gym, which some might care about, but honestly, I was walking enough that I didn’t miss it.
And then… there’s the beach.
The Beach - Platis Gialos
Both hotels I stayed at - Thalassa and Pelican Bay are either right on or just a short walk from Platis Gialos Beach, which quickly became my go-to. Even after checking out other beaches around the island, I kept ending up back here. It just had the right balance.
The beach itself is beautiful: golden sand, clear water, and a wide curve that gives you plenty of space to wander, swim, or just post up for the day. It’s definitely developed, but in a good way. There’s a boardwalk running along the back lined with restaurants, cafés, and beach clubs, so everything’s within reach, but it doesn’t feel overbuilt or tacky.
Most of the loungers are attached to beach bars or hotels, so yeah, you’ll likely need to rent through them, either by ordering food and drinks or paying for a full-day rental. Some spots are more high-end (with matching price tags), but others are more relaxed. I didn’t find it hard to get a lounger, even midday. And the ones I used were super comfortable - especially at the stretch run by the staff from Thalassa.
What I liked most was the atmosphere. It wasn’t chaotic. You’ve got a mix of people - families, couples, solo travellers like me. If you want to keep to yourself, you can. If you’re up for a conversation or making a friend over a cold beer, that’s an option too. Somehow, it all coexists.
There are plenty of food and drink options right along the beachfront, so you never really need to leave. You can easily spend the entire day here - swimming, snacking, reading, dozing off in the sun, and never once feel like you're stuck.
Kostas and Demetrius ran the beach setup and absolutely nailed it. By day two, they had my coffee order down and were reserving my favorite spot without a word. That kind of attention makes you feel looked after without it being over the top.
If you’re heading into Mykonos Town, the bus stop’s a short walk down the beach. It’s only €2 and runs regularly, so that’s way better than dealing with Ubers, which are a rip-off on the island. €40 for a 10-minute ride? No, thanks. If I were to do it again, I’d probably just rent a quad and explore at my own pace.
All in all, Thalassa turned out to be a great base. Good service, great location, and that perfect mix of comfort and calm - and honestly, that beach alone is worth coming back for.
Pelican Bay Hotel – A Different Kind of Stay
A few days later, I moved over to Pelican Bay Hotel, and the shift in atmosphere was immediate. Compared to Thalassa, which had a beach club vibe and a bit of a social energy to it, Pelican Bay felt more peaceful and, oddly enough, more authentic. Not in a rustic way - everything was modern and clean, but there was something about the layout, the colors, and the way the space opened up that just felt… calmer.
The room I stayed in was one of their Standard Rooms, and it was bigger than I expected. Bright, airy, with plenty of space to unpack and breathe. The view from the property itself is incredible too - ocean in the distance, hills around you. Everything felt well maintained and looked after.
One of the best parts? The location. You're about a three-minute walk from Pisarros and Platis Gialos beach.
Breakfast was good. A big selection, good quality, and served in a chilled setting with plenty of natural light. Not overcomplicated. You start your day feeling sorted. And the service? Smooth. Check-in and check-out were easy, no awkward waits, and everyone I spoke to - from reception to poolside - was friendly in a low-key way.
Now, one random thing I didn’t expect to appreciate so much: WOLT grocery delivery. I’m someone who’s a bit picky with what I eat, mainly because I actually enjoy goat milk and kefir, which most corner shops around here don't carry. Instead of running all over town looking for it, I ordered exactly what I needed through WOLT, and it showed up without a problem. If you’re staying longer than a couple of days or care about sticking to your own routines, that service is a lifesaver. Honestly, just having that option made the whole stay even more convenient.
Pelican Bay had a more laid-back feel than my first stop, and for where I was at in the trip - looking to slow down a bit and it hit the mark. Clean, quiet, close to everything that matters, and just easy.
Eat & Sip
Yialo Yialo: Where I Accidentally Became a Greek Salad Influencer
Lunch that day? A solid 10/10. I ended up at Yialo Yialo, mostly because it was a short walk from the hotel and I was already sandy, sun-tired, and not emotionally prepared to get into a cab. But wow, this place isn’t just a convenient beach restaurant.
Let’s start with the vibe: some tables are basically on the sand, good music that doesn’t scream Mykonos Beach Club Volume 47, and a fun crowd.
I kept it classic: Greek salad and tzatziki, because when in Greece, you eat like a Greek grandma. Tzatziki? Cold, garlicky, creamy - probably illegal in five countries for being this good.
The staff was super friendly, cracked a few jokes, recommended stuff without sounding pushy.
So yeah, Yialo Yialo was kind of perfect. If you’re in Platis Gialos, this spot should be on your list. Just don’t forget the tzatziki. Or the Greek salad. Or your sense of humour, because this place makes it pretty easy to smile.
Dinner at Cocotte: No Notes
I found myself at Cocotte, a tucked-away spot in the heart of Mykonos Town. Just calm energy, soft lights, great music, and tables that weren’t crammed.
It’s the kind of place where locals nod at the chef, where service is smooth but human, and where you forget to check your phone because you’re genuinely enjoying yourself.
Food? Incredible. Just the right balance of traditional and elevated. Honestly, one of the best dinners I had on the island. Really, no notes.
Anything Special Nearby?
Look, Platis Gialos isn’t exactly overflowing with history museums or ancient ruins - it’s more about beaches, good food, and soaking up the vibe. And honestly, that’s totally fine. Sometimes, the best memories come from the simple stuff.
For me, one afternoon I took a little trip to the village of Ano Mera. It’s just a short drive away and feels like stepping into a different side of the island - quiet streets, whitewashed buildings, and a real local rhythm that’s easy to miss if you stick to the beaches.
I wandered up to the old monastery there, Panagia Tourliani, which was beautiful. The sacred icons there are worth seeing, especially the Madonna with Child. The ceiling with the painting of Jesus is stunning, too. Plus, I really enjoyed the multiple cats hanging out outside the sanctuary, adding a bit of charm to the whole place.
Afterwards, I found a small café nearby, grabbed a coffee, and just watched the world go by.
That chill afternoon was exactly what I needed - a little break from the party scene, a reminder there’s more to Mykonos than just beaches and nightlife. It’s worth stepping away from the crowd for a bit and seeing the island through a different lens.
