Love at first sight seemed like a far-fetched concept until traveling to one of the most majestic cities in the world: Mykonos, Greece. Mykonos is an island part of the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea that offers blissful beaches with luxury service. My time in Mykonos was nothing but grandeur views and seemingly endless sunshine; it is safe to say that I will return as soon as the opportunity arises.
My flight into Mykonos was filled with anticipation and hopeful dreaming of the most delicate beaches and delicious, authentic Greek cuisine. Needless to say, expectations were well exceeded.
Upon arriving in Mykonos, my priority was, of course, breakfast. What better way to start an adventure than with food? After asking my Uber driver to drop me off "in the center of town," within 20 minutes, I was surrounded by the Island of the Winds. To my left stood charming windmills, tall with beautiful stature, and the glistening Aegean sea was straight ahead. Mykonos was the most captivating of the unique destinations I have traveled to; the island is breathtaking in its poise and simple elegance, and indeed a place like no other.
After wandering around and exploring local markets, I came across the only restaurant open for breakfast (remember, it was 6:05 a.m.), Life Coffee and Snacks. What sounded like it would be the Greek version of Starbucks ended up serving the most delectable breakfast, freshly made to order. After skimming the menu, it was clear that I could not choose just one item...so I decided on two! I ordered a glass of orange juice (which they freshly squeezed and pressed in front of me), french toast, and eggs with toast.
As I learned with most foods in Greece, everything becomes sweeter with a bit of honey drizzle. The french toast was brioche bread drizzled with honey and topped with powdered sugar; the eggs with toast consisted of scrambled eggs on rye toast, topped with freshly cut tomatoes and garlic. The meal was the perfect combination of sweet and savory, complimented by the awakening city of shops opening, tourists trickling in, and waves crashing against the shoreline.
As the sun started to appear from behind the clouds and cruise ships began to dock, I had the wonderful opportunity to explore Mykonos' town center. Beautiful, archaic white buildings with bright blue and red doors were nestled high into the hills. Stray cats roamed the back alleys, and an abundance of flowers showered the streets with pink, red, and purple. Being in Mykonos was like walking in a postcard; it was magical.
After an hour of wandering around town and taking in the sunshine and blue of Mykonos, I headed to Agrari Beach Hotel, a hotel located on one of the most beautiful beaches of the Aegean Sea. Agrari Beach Hotel is known for its "mesmerizing view that unfolds right at your feet, a spot where living in harmony with nature meets the luxury of beautifully appointed facilities and genuine hospitality." Between the beach, hotel, restaurant, and beach-front bar, Agrari Beach Hotel has every amenity for any traveler. Before hitting the beach, I made a pit stop at the Agrari Beach Restaurant for a quick lunch to tide me over until dinner. With an extensive menu, the Agrari Beach Restaurant offers refreshments, tapas, and meals for any palate of food preference. I find when I cannot decide which foods to order; the best option is always to order two! While I could have picked anything off the menu, I ordered the feta cheese wrapped in a filo pastry with honey and sesame seeds and zucchini patties with feta cheese and fresh herbs served with tzatziki dip.
The sweet and savory combination mixed perfectly with the view of sparkling sunshine and crystal clear water. All the food was warm, fresh, and with just the right amount of satisfaction. If I had not been so eager to lay on the beach and soak up the sunshine, I could have stayed and taste-tested the entire menu!
After a few hours of relaxation, it was time to go out and explore the renowned Mykonos nightlife. The hotel manager, and our personal tour guide, recommended taking a boat ride to Paradise Beach for a night of dinner and fun. IT Restaurant had received rave reviews from locals taking the boat to paradise beach and was claimed to be the hot spot for drinks with a view. Within steps from getting off the boat, "IT Restaurant" was perched prettily on the beachfront, overlooking the sun setting on the Aegean sea. With a selection of fresh slices of bread, fruits, and dozens of sangrias to choose from, IT Restaurant was the best way to unwind from a day of sun. With the salty breeze blowing through the air, the warmth of the sun hitting my back, and small charcuterie boards accompanied by glasses of peach sangria being brought out, I was in heaven! It was not until that exact moment that I truly understood the meaning of being at peace; there was no care in the world and no worry to float around my head.
Paradise Beach rightfully deserves its name because the atmosphere radiates happiness and serenity.
As a foodie, I believe there is only one way to end every night: dessert! I am a sucker for all things sweet (especially chocolate), and I think everyone needs something sweet at least once daily for an instant serotonin boost. After walking around the streets of Mykonos' center town, I came across Dr. Loukoumades, a small shop that serves the ultimate original greek donut: loukoumades.
Loukoumades are the greek version of donuts that are traditionally served soaked in hot honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon. Dr. Loukoumades promotes its create-your-own loukoumades, and of course, I jumped on the opportunity to add chocolate to my life! My loukoumades order consisted of a banana crème filling with chocolate ganache, a drizzle of Nutella, and Oreos sprinkled on top. Must I say...I was converted to a fan of Greek donuts! It was amazing to experience a bit of Greek culture while also being able to customize the dessert to my liking -- it was the best of both worlds!
Mykonos was a trip of serendipity; I found happiness in the simplicity of life without expecting to find such joy. Exploring a city rich in culture that thrives off luxury and bliss, I wanted to adopt the Greek lifestyle into my everyday endeavors at home. I learned that with a bit of sunshine, wine, and good company, life seems a little less stressful and a lot more content. Getting outside and being active, soaking up fresh air and vitamin D, laughing with friends around the dinner table, putting the phone down, and looking around all change perspective and perception. It was in Mykonos where I learned to appreciate the crimson glow of a sunset that comes just as everyone else has taken their sunset photos and considered the sun "set." It was in Mykonos that I learned not all strangers are bad people, and there is a good set of us whose purpose in life is believed to help for the good of others' happiness. It was in Mykonos that I learned risks are good, unfamiliarity is good, and diversifying oneself into another culture is good. Stepping foot into another lifestyle and embracing all that its people and adaptations have to offer opened up a set of doors that made my heart grow fonder of those who differ from me and those who appreciate the simplest forms of happiness.
If given the opportunity, I encourage everyone to travel to Mykonos and eat as many exotic and soul-filling foods as possible. Always remember that food is fuel for the body, and good food is fuel for the soul.
Author Ashley Corso took all photos.
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