Mykonos is one of the smaller of the Cyclades, a series of Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea. It's also one of the top travel destinations in the world. I mean, just look at it! It's so gorgeous, I don't even have the words. It has a reputation as a cosmopolitan place with a booming nightlife. Now I've done my share of partying, but that's not what we were after.
We wanted to wear sandals & sundresses, bask in the sun, float in blue waters and eat tzatziki until we burst. Which is just what we did on this Girls' Trip. On a side note, what do you call a "Girls' Trip" when you are over 40 (pushing 50 even)? I always feel a little weird calling it that. But then I remember that I still feel 16 on the inside so we'll just go with it.
Mykonos is known as the Island of the Winds and windmills are dotted around the island. They were built by the Venetians in the 1500's to capture the power of the wind and mill flour. The island also sees 300 days of sunshine a year. (Did you hear that London?) We went early summer to avoid the crowds that descend in July and August. We couldn't have asked for better weather.
As the sun and warmth thawed us out, we slipped into an easy daily rhythm. Up in the morning for caffeine, eager to get that first view of the ocean. We stayed at the family-owned Damianos Hotel which is just up the hill from the harbor and city center, away from the noise and with incredible views.
After breakfast we would make the 15 minute walk down the stone paths and whitewashed steps to the harbor area for an explore. The city center is a maze of narrow pathways full of boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants. Around every corner, a sight more special than the last. The pristine white buildings and blue doors, gloriously garnished with a burst of color from the flowers. I actually have tears in my eyes right now just remembering all of it.
We spent a lot of time strolling through the colorful maze of the town, but we were both drawn again and again to the sea-views of the harbor. My favorite time of day was lunch. We would pick one of the touristy restaurants that line the area. Sure they were more expensive but I would pay just about anything for that view with lunch. We would settle into one of the first outside tables, both of us facing the water.
The friendly waitstaff would load our table with tzatziki, fresh fruit, souvlaki, warm pita bread, feta cheese and ice cold rosé. I felt like a Greek goddess! We spent our hours together happily, sometimes talking about serious life issues, sometimes giggling like school girls and often just quietly gazing at the glorious turquoise water, both lost in our own thoughts but still together. Several times a day we would pinch ourselves that we were sitting in the sun together in paradise.
After lunch, the heat of the day drove us away from the town center. The only thing to do was put on our swimsuits and lounge by the pool. The hotel had a great pool and we spent hours enjoying the water or reading magazines while sipping on a frappé. You can't visit Greece in the summer without having this foamy iced coffee drink.
One day, instead of the pool we opted for a beach. Elia Beach is the longest beach on the island and a little less rowdy than some of the others. We caught the bus just outside our hotel and were there in less than 30 minutes. We splurged on two loungers and an umbrella right on the waters edge. It was the perfect beach day. The sand was soft, the water was clear, the wine was chilled. This is now my "happy place" where I go back to on a rough day.
And look... it's that incredible yacht we spotted in Malta. After I last posted about it, my friend and fellow blogger Sue told me that it's called the Maltese Falcon. Oh, to sail the sea on a yacht like this one.
There's just something about time with a good friend that heals the soul. My friendship with Gina is the best thing to come out of this blog. I started blogging almost five years ago when we first relocated from Texas to London. Gina was making her own expat journey about six months later, moving from Canada to London. She found my blog and reached out, we connected and met up for lunch and the rest is history. I don't know what I'd do without her.
After our time in the sun each day, it was back to the room to wash off the sand or chlorine. Don't you just love that feeling after being in the sun all day and then getting dressed for dinner? Hair up, sandals and a sundress, dangle earrings and hardly any make-up on sun-kissed skin. I love it! Then back down the hill in search of dinner.
We were wandering through the narrow walkways of the town on our first day and slipped into a little bar for a cocktail. As we walked through the bar, we saw this little balcony out back, completely empty. It was right over the water with pillow covered benches. The sweetest little alcove with the most glorious view. We had stumbled upon one of the most popular places in Mykonos. Little Venice is the place to head in the evenings. It's a row of medieval fishing houses along the waterfront. They were built in the mid-eighteenth century by rich merchants and fisherman.
This is also where you will find Kato Mili, the line of five old windmills facing out to sea, like grey old men standing stoic in the wind, faces tilted to the sun. Make sure you're there in time to capture the sunset. Sure every other creature on the island will also be there, but it's worth it. Just sit on the sea wall or find a table at one of the many restaurants and enjoy the show.
After dinner and sunset, we would spend the evening wandering and exploring. We were usually hopping in a taxi back to the hotel before midnight when the real party was just getting started. Like the sixteen year-olds that we are in our heads, we talked and laughed late into the night about boys and shoes, as well as wishes and dreams for our futures.
I think for both of us those dreams include more Girlfriend Getaways and a return to the Island of the Winds.
So, this is what I want you to do. I want you to call your girlfriends up and I want you to plan a trip and book it. Mykonos would be the perfect destination, but you know what? The company of good friends is much more important than the surroundings. It's what keeps us young. Just do it.
Tell me about your upcoming Girlfriend Getaway.
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