Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SAN MICHALIS
If you have your own wheels, don't miss the drive to the northern village of San
Michalis, along the spine of the island, with spectacular views of unspoilt valleys
and neighbouring islands on either side. Famous for its cheese, San Michalis is now
a small hamlet of stone houses and vineyards. Walk the winding rock path to the
hilltop church, and get Syran food at its best at
Plakostroto
( 6973980248; mains
€7-11; lunch & dinner Easter-Oct, Fri-Sun Nov-Easter)
. They've got that local cheese plus
rooster, lamb or rabbit grilled on the open wood fire. Views sweep down the hillside
to Kea, Kythnos and beyond.
MYKONOS ΜΥΚΟΝΟΣ
POP 10,190
Mykonos is the great glamour island of the Cyclades and it happily flaunts its sizzling
style and reputation. The high-season mix of good-time holidaymakers, cruise-ship
crowds which can reach as many as 15,000 a day, and posturing fashionistas throngs
through Mykonos town, a traditional Cycladic maze, delighting in its authentic cubist
charms and its pricey cafe, bar and shopping scene.
In high season, you should come only if you are bankrolled and intent on joining the
jostling street crowds, the oiled-up lounger lifestyle at the island's packed main beaches,
and the relentless party. Out of season, devoid of gloss, glitter and preening celebrities,
you will find a more subdued local life, the occasional soft-pink pelican wandering the
empty streets, and beaches backed by banging clubs which have gone silent for the
winter.
Mykonos is also the jumping-off point for the splendid archaeological site of the
nearby island of Delos.
