Best Day Trips
Those interested in Greek history and mythology, whether scholars or dabblers, shouldn't miss the fascinating archaeological site of Delos. Once the main port of the Mediterranean and known as the sacred birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, the uninhabited island is rich in ruins. Ferries and tours depart from Chora several times a day.
For the ultimate Mykonos experience, cruise the Aegean with a picnic. Rent a yacht or motorboat with a captain from the Santa Marina resort. Or go for a traditional kaiki (fishing) boat with crew, which you can charter at Platys Yialos beach, near Psarou. Ask the captain to take you to the island of Rhenia, near Delos, which has a soft, sandy beach, or to the famous caves of Dragonisi island. Both destinations are accessible only by private boat.
The Sporting Life
The Mykonos Diving Center, at Psarou beach, offers five-day open-water certification programs as well as excursions for divers with more experience. 228-902-4808; dive.gr. On gusty Kalafatis beach, in the southeast, the Surf Center instructs visitors in windsurfing. Even if you're not staying at the Santa Marina resort, you can rent a yacht or speedboat there. 228-907-2345; pezi-huber.com.
Island Shopping: Chora
Eccentric by Design carries glamorous house-designed sandals and heels encrusted with Swarovski crystals. 11 Florou Zouganelis St.; 228-902-8499.
Kostas Rabias sells traditional Greek leather sandals in many colors and styles. Matogianni; 228-902-2010.
Nearby Soho-Soho is a favorite of wealthy Athenian women. 46 Matogianni; 228-902-6760. Across the street there's a Soho-Soho for men.
Le Poisson Bleu is the place for bright, sexy and comfortable island separates, from caftans to bikinis. 20 Matogianni; 228-902-4985.
Ari Onassis used to pick up simple cotton shirts at Parthenis, near Little Venice. 228-902-3089.
Island Shopping: Outside Chora
For sweets and gifts, stop by Skaropoulos, which some believe is one of the best pastry shops in Greece, a mile east of Chora on the road to Ano Mera. The powdered-sugar almond cakes, whose recipe dates from 1921, when Skaropoulos opened, are a specialty. 228-902-5211.
