Some people you meet briefly but leave you with something lasting. I met Athanasia while working a flight from Athens to New York — one of those long-haul conversations that starts with a smile and ends with an open invitation.
Athanasia is Greek-American and spends as much time as she can on Mykonos, the island that holds her heart. While many see Mykonos as glamorous and wild, Athanasia showed me another side: a softer, more personal island — full of beauty, ritual, and yes, great people-watching. When I asked if she’d share her secrets with Greece Unplugged, she didn’t hesitate.
So here is Mykonos through her eyes — a little bit fabulous, a little bit local, and full of those moments that make you feel like you belong.
When Would You Take Me?
“I love to go in early June — just before the super high season. The stores, bars, restaurants, and beaches are all open and in full swing. It’s early in the season, so people are still nice — by the end of the summer, everyone working in the service industry is tired! July and August get expensive and crowded, so I’d avoid those. But apparently, September and October are also nice. Just don’t go after October if you want nightlife — the island basically shuts down.”
Where Would We Go First?
“I stay in town, so that’s where I’d take you! I’d walk you by the windmills and the view of Little Venice — two of the most iconic sights, right across from each other. It’s fun to go to Rhapsody in Little Venice to watch the sunset. Then we’d head to the old harbor to take in the stunning view of the sea, the boats, and the white houses on the hill — all in one. It’s touristy, but also where locals go all year round.”
What Should I Eat?
- “Mykonian sausage is really good — get it with tzatziki!
- There’s also a Mykonian salad with local cheese and louza, a cured meat. It’s not my personal favorite — I usually go with a horiatiki salad — but it’s worth trying!
- They also have a local beer called Mykonu — you can even stop by the brewery.”
Hidden Gems You Might Miss
Athanasia didn’t hold back here — these are real locals’ spots and personal favorites:
Nikolas Taverna – Agia Anna Beach
“There’s an amazing restaurant called Nikolas Taverna on Agia Anna beach, near Paraga. You can take the public bus from Fabrica and walk to Agia Anna. The food is amazing, and you can sit on the beach and order from there. Their chairs are way more affordable than the other places in Agia Anna, which is very expensive. Scorpios is also nearby, just up the hill. So Nikolas is a great place to get food and spend the day in a more affordable way, while still being close to the fabulous-but-expensive places.
Fun fact: Nikolas Jr. (of Nikolas Taverna) bought his boat from my grandpa!”
Bagoyias – Old Harbor
“This is where the fishermen and locals still go. It’s one of the last places with decent prices. They still serve the big bottles of Mythos beer that used to be everywhere in Greece — now most places only serve small ones. I believe they also have draft beer, which not everyone offers. It’s a great place to get simple dishes like Mykonian sausage and keftedes, and the people-watching is top-notch. It’s not fancy — but that’s not the point.”
Agios Charalambos Beach
“A tiny beach right in town. Locals swim here. You’ll find a beautiful church at the top, and a set of steps that lead down to the water. No beds, no vendors — just a peaceful swim spot you can walk to from town.”
Soulmates Bar – Harbor Area
“A cool bar near the harbor where a lot of the workers go after their shifts. It’s fun to see young and cool people from all over Greece coming together for an after-work drink. The vibes are amazing — they let you sit on the church steps with your drink, and the music is great.”
Her Must-Do List (Things She Never Misses)
- Alley Bar: “Right on a busy street — perfect for people-watching while you sip an early drink.”
- Sakis Grill House: “Best gyros on the island — and they’re huge!”
- Gioras Wood Medieval Mykonian Bakery: “An old-school bakery that feels like it’s from another time. Totally worth a visit.”
- Anna Amelie: “My favorite clothing store — more like an artistic gallery of clothes. It’s pricey, but iconic.”
- Anax Hotel (Agios Ioannis): “A gorgeous hotel that hosts sunset events. Even if you don’t stay there, go for a drink and enjoy the stunning view. The owner, Evgenia, is amazing.”
Smart Advice from Someone Who Knows
- If it’s windy, there probably won’t be fresh fish. Some places claim it is, but don’t trust it unless you know the source. Her dad is a fisherman, and he sells to Nikos Taverna and Kouvelas — so trust those.
- The bus system is excellent — you can stay in town, take buses to beaches, and walk to nightlife.
- Uber is expensive — instead, download iMove, the local app.
- Always charge your card in the local currency, not USD.
Mykonos, Unplugged
Thanks to Athanasia, Mykonos feels like more than just a party island. It’s full of rhythm — of locals finishing shifts and gathering for one last drink, of fishermen delivering their morning catch, of stylish sunsets and secret swims.
If you ever thought Mykonos wasn’t for you, maybe this version is.
The quieter bars, the bakery that time forgot, the affordable chair on the beach right next to the glam spots — this is the Mykonos locals love, and now, thanks to Athanasia, we get to love it too.