IDENTIFICATION

Before departing for your trip, make sure you have all the information you need. Print out copies of your documents but also make sure you have digital backups, in email or in a cloud. From your travel itinerary to important contacts, a copy of your passport to where you will be staying, these are details that are good to have on hand as well as to pass on to someone at home.

Make sure your passport is up to date and check if a visa is required for your travel.

If you have a visa to travel to a country, the custom police will still need proof of where your accommodation is. Have these information ready: Name of accommodation, address and a possible a contact. Write this down because if you only search for it online at the custom, you might not have roaming service and that could add to possible delay or trouble with the authorities.

Make sure your driver’s license is up to date and bring it along for your trip. It is a good form of identification, and you need not carry your passport with you all the time.

BAGGAGE

Never put your name and address on the luggage tag. This allows thieves to know that you might not be at home and could make you a target. Just put a postal code, phone number or email address.

It might be handy to take a photo of your luggage, in case it is lost and you need to identify it, or give this information to the airline crew. It might also be of help when you file for insurance claim.

Give yourself enough time in between connecting flights so that your baggage can also make it through the transfers.

If you lose your luggage, report it at the service counter. Remember to have your baggage claim receipt on hand as well.

MONEY

Never put all your money in one place. Try to split it up in different areas. Also have a few options when it comes to money. Have cash, but also cards. In case one is lost, you still have a backup.
Always carry some cash on you in case you lose your cards, or if they malfunction, then you still have some cash to use.

Nowadays, mobile payment is becoming more common. This can also be another form of backup for you.

Let your bank and credit card company know the you will be travelling so that they will not black your card. Have their contact numbers with you in case of emergency.

Your bank or credit card company might be able to send you a new card by express method. You can use Western Union to have someone send you money if necessary. Money Gram is also recognised. You will need your passport for this.

Use an ATM connected to a bank instead of a private ATM. The official ATMs offer better fees and are much safer to use.

MEDICAL

Always have your medicines with you and make sure you have your prescriptions too, in case you need to purchase additional medication.

Be ready to show proof of vaccination if that is required for your trip.

Prepare the contact information for your medical practitioners so you can easily get in touch with them if required.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

A good travel insurance should cover events such as trip cancellation, emergency medical needs, reimbursement for lost luggage, rental car collision etc. Read the terms and conditions carefully when selecting your travel insurance and make sure to get one that suits your travel, lifestyle and requirements.

SAFETY

Have your embassy contact number, address and other emergency information readily available. If you are travelling to dangerous destinations, inform your government. Make sure you have a physical list of these emergency contact numbers in case you lose your digital devices.

In case of emergency, remember that your embassy and consulate can help. If you stay in a hotel, the hotel concierge might be able to help too, but perhaps to a smaller extent.

GETTING AROUND

Before you leave your hotel, take one of their business cards to show cab drivers the address when you want to return. This also helps you if you have difficulty communicating with local drivers.

It is useful to know how to get around with public transport, even if you do not intend on using that. Having an extra option to get around and being familiar with that can help you in the rare occasion when you need to travel around and could not find a taxi or Uber.

Learn some basic local words so you can communicate with the locals. Simple words such as “Hello”, “Thank you” and “Please” do go a long way. Even better, have a phrase book with you or use Google translate to help you.

STAYING IN HOTELS

Bring your own toiletries as they generally are of better quality and are more suitable for your skin or hair than the generic ones in hotels.

To freshen up your room, consider opening the window to air the room or fill the bathtub with hot water to humidify the room.

Consider bringing your own entertainment. Download your Netflix movies to watch on mobile devices, bring a book or e-reader.
You can read the hotel directory for information. If you need pillows, feel free to ask the hotel staff. Likewise if your room is too cold or too noisy, do not be afraid to raise these issues with the hotel.

If you forget your charger, some TV sets come with a USB port that allow you to charge your device.

It is sometimes cheaper to book directly with the hotel than discount sites. You get to enjoy some promotion or have priority to better rooms.

When booking your room, request for one that is away from elevators or areas that can potentially be noisy.

Check in early if possible so you can still have a choice to the better room selection.

Inspect your room before unpacking. If you wish to change room, immediately inform the hotel staff.

To avoid jet lag, stat awake at your destination until it is bedtime. Try not to nap or sleep at odd times during the day if possible. Avoid the temptation to go out partying. Stay hydrated, eat fruits and try to do some exercises.

Have a balanced diet and rest as much as possible so you do not get sick during your trip.

EATING OUT AND STAYING HEALTHY

Dine in reputable restaurants.

To enjoy an authentic experience, eat where the locals eat. Try new dishes since you are on a holiday. Keep an open mind. Also, if there are many people dining at the restaurant, it is often a good sign as the turnover for the food is higher, which means what you get is fresher.

Try to make reservation if you wish to dine out in restaurants. This will save you the stress and hassle of having to queue or jostle for a table.

Sometimes a dress code is required, especially in fine-dining locations.

Moderation is key. To stay healthy, try to have just one dinner plate of food at buffets.

Skip the snacks during cocktail.

Request for steamed, broiled or grilled food instead of deep fried dishes.

Stay hydrated with water. Keep to bottled water if possible as not all water from taps can be drunk. Stick to bottled water, even when brushing teeth. Islands such as Santorini and even a few places in Mykonos have sea water or salt water that comes out of the tap. Beware!

Try asking for egg white omelette loaded with veggies instead of full egg loaded with meat

Start dinner with salad and include rice instead of bread.

Fresh meat and fish without thick sauces can be a healthy meal.

Wash hands regularly and thoroughly.

Have hand sanitiser ready to use for different occasions, such as for wiping down plane surface.

Keep wet wipes handy.

Avoid ice cubes

Eat fruits with peels

HOW WE CAN HELP

We have a team of medical professionals standing by to attend to your needs if you are sick, injured or require medical attention.

We have security team whose priority is to ensure the safety of our guests. The team is adept at managing crisis.

In the occasion of lost or delayed baggage, we can assist in filing complaints, work with airline crew to quickly locate and retrieve your luggage and deliver them to your address in Mykonos or Athens.

We can help guests travel around Mykonos by offering a selection of transportation services, from chauffeur to private transfers as well as car, scooter and ATV rentals. We can also charter yachts, private jets and helicopters.

We can assist with booking of hotels and villas.

For dining experience, we can help with securing restaurant reservations, making recommendations for where to eat based on your taste and preferences. We also offer private chefs for hire as well as cater food and deliver meals to our guests.

For guests who prefer to cook, we can help with grocery shopping and delivery. Our housekeeping team offers cleaning services.

Business travelling can be hectic. Once you land at your destination, you are often taken directly from airport to meetings, constantly getting through peak hour traffic jams to reach the next appointment, having to be on time for client luncheons, rushing through the day, just to make sure you are on schedule and still feel your utmost best.

If you a frequent flyer, you should join airline loyal programs to reap the many benefits of flying often. The same goes for hotel loyalty programs, which offer perks and paybacks.

Having a business travel checklist will help you save time. Do not forget to bring important documents, power cords for laptop and other digital devices and be sure to keep them in your carry-on bag. Have a pre-packed luggage set aside for frequent trips can also save you time in packing. Be sure to include toiletries, chargers and other necessities.

As a business traveller, it will bring you most convenience and ease to travel light. The art of travelling light consists of packing clothes that are versatile for different occasions and are colour-coordinated so they can be mixed and matched. Keeping your luggage light also means have space for souvenirs and you can avoid paying extra for check-in baggages.

Stick to a regular routine when it comes to sleeping, eating and exercising can ensure that you feel your best at all times, minimising jet-lag and giving you optimal energy to get through the trip.

Write out your entire travel itinerary. Be as specific as you can by including details such as your flight information, ground transport, car rentals and hotel accommodations. Also include your meetings and appointments, dinner reservations as well as important addresses and contact details. If you have a travel concierge, these details can be easily taken care of for you.

It is best to also have a digital copy of your travel itinerary and important documents with you, in case the originals are missing.

When you are travelling, it is easy to get your time zone confused. You should find a way to take note of this so you do not miss important meetings and appointments. Have your hotel arrange wake up calls for you if possible, or better yet, leave this to your personal concierge, who will make it their job to take care of you.

You should consider using a travel agent or concierge service when it comes to business travel, because as professionals in the travel industry, these experts know best on how to guide you. If any problem should arise, they can step in to help, saving you precious time and money. By hiring professionals to plan your itinerary, it leaves you free to focus fully on your work meetings and client interactions.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Visionaire Mykonos is specialised in assisting business travellers to get the most out of their work trips. We can offer customised itinerary based on your requirements and preferences. Upon arrival at the airport, we can send private transfers to get you to your meeting location, along with anywhere else you would to go. We can assist with hotel reservation, pre-arrival check in, restaurant bookings and we provide a range of services to make sure you are geared up and ready to work.

We offer wake up services, reminder services, packing and unpacking services, laundry and dry-cleaning services, all in all to minimise the hassle of having to deal with chores while you are on your work trip.

If you forget to pack any essential items in your suitcase, our lifestyle managers can do the shopping for you. From basic necessities to hard-to-get items, we can acquire them and offer you our 24-hour delivery service.

Did you know that our welcome package includes complimentary adapter? If you have forgotten to bring yours, there is no need to worry.

To feel your best and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you might not wish to dine out every day. We can arrange bespoke catering for you, let our private chef prepare you fresh meals or bring you take-aways from your favourite eateries. Need a coffee or tea? We will deliver that straight to your door, or location of choice.

We are familiar with creating a bleisure experience for business travellers as well. We can organise tours, tailor-design a package and recommend activities that will engage you on your off-days from work. Apart from activities, our lifestyle managers can plan a spa escape for you or put together a wellness treatment package, allowing you to relax and recharge.

As a company who aims to plan an overseas corporate travel for a group of employees or organise an out-of-country corporate retreat, you should be aware that such undertaking requires a huge amount of planning and coordination. To make sure such a large-scale event overseas go smoothly, it is best to have the assistance of a local concierge specialising in corporate concierge services.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Based on your requirements, we can offer customised itinerary for big groups and provide transport services, from transfers, buses to private chauffeurs.

We can assist in reserving accommodation for all guests in villas or hotels, as well as take care of the food and beverage arrangement. From private chef, restaurant dining reservation, to buffet catering, there are many options to choose from.

If you require events space, location recommendations for meetings and pow-wows, our lifestyle managers can work with you to plan an enriching retreat that is balanced in terms of fun as well as team bonding.

If you travel for business but wish to bring your family along, a concierge service can help you manage the travel planning and organise activities for your companions. This allows you to focus on your work, while your family still get to make the most of their vacation and have fun during the trip.

HOW WE CAN HELP

HOW WE CAN HELP

We can arrange a suitable accommodation that allows your family to enjoy themselves while you have the space to conduct business meetings and work.

Our lifestyle managers can create bespoke experiential packages and tailor-made adventures for your family while you are engaged at work. Private chauffeur or car rental services can be arranged so that you family can go sightseeing in their own time.

We offer a wide selection of food arrangements, from meal catering and food delivery to private chefs who will come and cook for you. We can also get you reservations in the restaurants you wish to dine in. If you prefer to cook your own meals, we offer grocery shopping and delivery services as well.

Domestic help in the form of cleaning and laundry services can be arranged. We can also provide a nanny to take care of the children if you wish to have a relaxing night away as a couple or with other friends.

Solo travelling can be exciting but also daunting at the same time. It helps to pre-plan your trip and research thoroughly to make sure you have as much information that you need to feel secure and confident.

When you arrive in your travel destination, you should always plan ahead for your daily itinerary and make sure you know how to get around the area. If you are in doubt, do not hesitate to consult the hotel staff.

Know the local customs and respect cultural differences goes a long way in ensuring your safety but also makes it easy for you to approach the local people as well as interact with them. Dress appropriately, especially if you are visiting religious landmarks.

Trust your instincts. If something does not feel right, do not proceed.

Keep an open mind when it comes to meeting new people.

It helps to make your whereabouts known to others. Considering leaving a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home. Make it a point to carry your hotel business card with you as well as the contact information of any local people that you know. Have your embassy/ consulate information handy as well.

Always keep your phone location on. Make sure you have sufficient power for your phone, otherwise, it helps to pack an extra charger or power bank.

Solo travellers in need of assistance or great recommendations and wishing to have someone take care of the planning and trip execution on your behalf should definitely consider hiring a concierge service.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Don’t be afraid to try new things and go do it alone! This is your time to experience new adventures and get to know yourself better.

Go on a tour that gives you an extraordinary experience which will become an unforgettable memory. We design a spectrum of interesting activities that you can easily book online. You can choose to join a small group tour or opt for a solo trip, there is great flexibility in customising your experience the way you like it. You can try our tour packages, browse available day tours or request for a personalised itinerary which our travel specialists will gladly arrange for you.

We recommend that you take this solo trip to pamper yourself! Enjoy a rejuvenating spa session or take up yoga so you stay strong and healthy during your solo travel. Our lifestyle manager can put together a tailored spa package for you or offer great suggestions based on your preferences.

If you wish to attend events or parties but do not know where to start looking, go ahead and check out our events calendar. You can book events from our website, which is a seamless, convenient and fuss-free process, allowing you to save time while giving you more freedom to explore the activities which you fancy.

It is always fun to travel as group and there is so much to enjoy and indulge in on a cosmopolitan island such as Mykonos. One of the challenges is making sure everyone gets the time and space to do what they want. Most of the time, there will be members in the group who want to go about doing their own things and try activities that interest them which you might not particularly enjoy. You should consider splitting up occasionally so everyone can pursue their individual interest.

Accommodation is important, especially for a group. You will require a spacious hotel suite or villa, which only insiders or concierge will have access to and could recommend to you.

For meals, you are always eat out at restaurants or consider cooking together, especially if you rent your own accommodation. Do remember that it might be hard for a big group to get seats in the restaurants so you should definitely reserve in advance.

If you are keen to party as a group in Mykonos, there are websites where you can check out where the latest happenings are at. One of them is our events page, where you can easily view and book tickets to parties and events.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Our lifestyle managers can arrange a suitable accommodation that suits the needs of your group.

We can customise travel itineraries as a group or for individuals. Our travel specialists can recommend activities as well as make reservations for tours and visits. If you prefer to do it on your own, you can browse our website where you will find an array of engaging activities which you can easily book for online. Check out our tour packages, browse available day tours or request for a bespoke itinerary.

We offer a wide range of transportation services, from car rentals to private chauffeurs. Tell us your requirement and we will organise the perfect mode of transport for you and your group.

For gastronomical experiences, we can arrange for group cooking classes, bring in a private chef to prepare meals for the group as well as provide catering and food delivery. Should you require assistance in reserving tables at restaurants, our lifestyle managers are happy to help.

We offer domestic services such as cleaning, laundry, stocking your fridge with snacks and grocery, which is very handy especially if you like preparing your own meals.

For a soothing and relaxing experience during your vacation, we can arrange spa and wellness programs for big groups. If you want to gym, or require a fitness instructor or yoga teacher, our lifestyle managers can organise that for you.

Nothing beats the sensation of cruising in a luxury yacht on the azure waters of Mykonos as you sail around the Cyclades. This is a great activity to be enjoyed as a group and we can assist in chartering a yacht or arranging a cruise for you. If you wish to fly around the region, we can also charter private jet or helicopter ride for you and your group.

To engage in water sports, we have instructors who can offer lessons and advice.

We can get you entry to beach clubs, reserve tables, cabana, sun beds and assist in table service as well as bottle service.

To party as a group, you should definitely check out our events calendar, where you can browse the biggest parties and coolest events that are happening every day in Mykonos. You can purchase tickets online directly from our website, which offers a time-saving, convenient and hassle-free process with instant confirmation sent to your email.

Traveling together as a family allows you to bond as well as create priceless, lasting memories. However it cannot be denied that traveling with children, especially the younger ones, can be restrictive in terms on how to have fun during your vacation and still get to relax and unwind.

Younger children might require a babysitter or nanny while older children will need enjoyable activities to keep them occupied. It is best to plan ahead to ensure the children do not feel bored and receive the proper care and attention.

As you go sightseeing, you might need help with strollers and the children might need some supervision so having extra help will be useful.

It might be a hassle getting around, so you should plan your transportation carefully. Better yet, consider renting a car or having a chauffeur to assist you and take away the stress of having to navigate traffic and look for parking spaces.

A comfortable accommodation is essential for a family vacation. Having more space means the children can play in a separate area or sleep in their own rooms, while giving you some breathing space where you can relax a little and get some rest. It might be beneficial to rent a villa with a kitchen so you can do some cooking and avoid eating out every day, which might not be as healthy.

Families who bring along their pets for the holiday might also need a pet-sitter, especially if you go sightseeing and are not allowed to bring your pet with you.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Our expert lifestyle managers can help you find and book the perfect accommodation that will suit your family’s needs.

We can provide grocery shopping and delivery services and run your errands for you.

From private transfers to chauffeurs, car rental and other transportation needs, we offer many options for you to choose from.

Our domestic assistance is flexible and can be adapted to your requirements. It ranges from packing and unpacking of luggage, cleaning and laundry and dry-cleaning services. We provide maid services for full cleaning if you need, or should you prefer light house-keeping, we can make beds, tidy up kitchens and washrooms.

We can help you make reservations to restaurants as well as to beach clubs. From booking sun beds and cabanas, to arranging table and bottle services, you can leave these tasks to our lifestyle managers.

When it comes to pet care, our pet-sitters can assist in feeding, cleaning, grooming, walking and pet-sitting in general.

Our childcare services include arranging for a nanny or babysitter, having private transport to chauffeur the children, organising activities and enrolling your children to summer schools as well as customising learning journeys and private tours.

Depending on your interests, most couples want to mix cultural exploration with some romantic elements during a couple’s trip.

Research your trip properly and try to include activities that appeal to both parties if possible.

Know what you are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodation. Some couples prefer a private villa with infinity pool, while others might like a five-star hotel with impeccable service.

For a romantic trip, it is essential to inject elements of surprise. From gifts to flowers, intimate fine dining experience in the best restaurant to unforgettable adventures that you can enjoy as a couple, all these take planning, so it is important that you do so in advance or hire some help to get it done.

To celebrate an anniversary, throw a party or plan a proposal, you will need professional expertise as well as events organisation. By hiring a concierge or events planner to do this can take the stress off you, while ensuring every step of the plan is executed flawlessly.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Having the perfect accommodation for your intimate getaway is essential. Our lifestyle managers are specialised in finding ideal villas or hotels based on your needs.

We also offer a range of domestic assistance such as shopping services, grocery delivery, packing and unpacking of luggage, laundry, dry cleaning, light house keeping and full scale maid service.

To travel around with ease and comfort, we offer chauffeurs, private transfers and vehicular rental services.

For a romantic trip around Mykonos and the Cyclades, we can offer full privacy in jets, helicopter and yachts.

Our lifestyle managers can help you secure reservations in restaurants, make bookings at beach clubs, reserve sun beds and cabana as well as take care of table and bottle services.

We can arrange for private chefs to cook your meals so you can dine in the privacy of your villa or hotel. If you wish to have your meals catered and delivered, leave that to us as well.

Our concierge service can provide assistance on any level but more importantly, we can organise unique experiential travel itineraries that balance adventures with fun, offering you a curated travel experience.

To celebrate anniversary, throw a party or organise a proposal, our team of events specialists and lifestyle managers will help you put together a memorable event.

Traveling with an elderly family member might not be easy but it can be a worthwhile experience. It takes patience and understanding to make the trip a successful and enjoyable one.

Slow down the pace of the trip so that the oldest companions can keep up. You should pay attention to their basic needs, from snacks to naps, as well as watching over them if they go to the toilet.

While traveling through the airport, you can inform the airline if you require wheelchairs or mobility assistance. Arrange for car service between the airport and your hotel, so that everyone can conveniently travel in comfort.

Plan for senior-friendly destinations that are easy to travel around in, without rocky hills or uneven surfaces, where amenities are accessible. Try to do most of the traveling in day time and avoid long journeys that go late into the night.

Limit your travel itinerary to just a few main activities for each day to prevent overwhelming the elderly members. It might be useful to set aside days just to rest instead of rushing through a packed list of to-dos.

Make sure to have travel insurance and medical coverage for the elderly members and remember to bring along a list of their medication and drug allergies.

Be up-to-date with the elderly’s medical conditions and histories. Have the contact information of your doctor readily available.

It will be most handy to have assistance when traveling with elderly members. This is an area where a concierge service can help with.

HOW WE CAN HELP

We can charter private yacht or jet for you and your family if it is inconvenient to fly in to the main airport or take public transportation such as ferries.

We can provide wheelchair and mobility aids during your stay with us.

Our lifestyle managers can arrange larger or more spacious automobile for convenience and comfort for traveling around Mykonos.

We can help to plan an itinerary that is ideal for travelling with elderly members. We will handle restaurant reservations, acquire tickets, provide suitable transport. We can also arrange for helpers, cleaning crew in villa or apartments, private chefs or meal catering if it is more convenient for you to dine in the comfort of your own accommodation.

We have a team of medical professional and doctors who can personally attend to any member who requires medical attention.

Petros was a wounded big white pelican who was adopted by a local fisherman in 1958. After being nursed back to health, he settled in Mykonos and quickly became a part of the island. The locals adored him, tourists admired him. Petros’ status as an adopted local living Mykonos soared and he quickly became the mascot of this glamorous island, enjoying treats from everyone and posing for pictures with royalty, celebrities and VIPs.

For an island the size of Mykonos, there are impressively close to 800 churches and several are actually historical monuments with deep heritage and interesting stories. In Chora itself, there are 60 of such monasteries in existence. Many of the island’s churches are simple and plain. They usually have rounded domes that are painted either red or blue. Almost all of these churches are Greek orthodox churches. Many were constructed between the 17th and 19th century. There are a special few that are much older, being built during the Byzantine period.

The chapel of Panagia Paraportiani is one of the most famous churches in Mykonos. It is a cluster of five smaller churches that were built on top of one another and eventually became one church.

The Panagia Tourliani Monastery is one of the most beautiful churches in Mykonos, located in the Ano Mera area.

The Agios Nikolakis is a quaint Cycladic church found near the old port, which has a picturesque setting. Inside this church, you can find a painted interior of the dome that is equally mesmerising.

For other churches with outstanding architecture and ecclesiastical art works, you can visit the Monastery of Agios Panteleimonas in Marathi or the Monastery of Paleokastro in Ano Mera.

The iconic windmills on the hill of Mykonos are found near the area of Little Venice, at Kato Mili.

Many of these windmills were built by the Venetians in the 16th century and the primary use of these windmills was to grind grains like wheat or barley.

As Mykonos is a windy island, with the strong northern wind, Meltemi, sweeping across the area frequently, the ancient inhabitants had the wisdom to harness the power of the wind by constructing windmills.

There used to be 28 windmills in Mykonos. Now 16 remain and are all renovated and preserved. 7 of these windmills are located at Kato Milli.

Tourists can visit the Geronymos Mill, which is the oldest remaining mill on the island, or Bonis Mill, which is part of the Agricultural Museum

Mykonos was a local hero, and the first ruler of Mykonos.
He was the son or grandson of Apollo.

Mykonos was the battle site between Zeus and the Titans.

Hercules slaughtered the powerful Giants here after they were lured out of Mount Olympus by the demigod.

The dead corpses of the Giants became the large rocks that are scattered around Mykonos.

Leto was the goddess of obscurity, who caught the eyes of Zeus.

Zeus turned into a quail to pursue Leto, impregnating her with twins.

Hera found out about this and became jealous, ordering all the land to disappear under Leto’s feet, so that she had no place to go to give birth.

Leto hid on the small island of Rinia and gave birth to the first of the twins, Artemis, the goddess of hunting.

During the same time, Leto’s sister was also pursued by Zeus. In her effort to escape, she fell into the sea and turned into a rock which floated like an island.

Leto spotted this island rising from the sea out of nowhere, and she crossed over being aided by her newborn child, Artemis.

On this floating island, with the help of Eileithyia, who was the goddess of childbirth, Leto went into labour for nine days and nine nights before finally giving birth to Apollo, the god of light.

Moved by the birth of his new son, Zeus requested for his brother, Poseidon, to secure Delos on its current position so it would no longer float about. Thus, Delos was formed.

Ouzo takes the crown for being the national drink of Greece. A popular drink amongst the Greeks, this is a strong, anise-flavoured alcohol with alcohol content of 40%.

Ouzo is created from a traditional method of distillation. Made from a base spirit that can come from grapes, ouzo is then infused with anise seeds.

Historically, Lesbos island is the most renowned place for the production of ouzo.

In Greece you can find many bars, named “ouzeries”, serving ouzos along with appetisers. Locals gather at ouzeries to hang out and catch up with friends.

Ouzo is a clear beverage with a silky taste. It is often drunk neat without ice, but most of the times the locals might add ice and/or water to dilute the strong drink, turning the ouzo into a milky colour.

To savour ouzo, you should sip it slowly, sharing the drink in the company of good friends and family.

Ouzo can be flavoured with many different aromatic herbs and spices. You can add anise seeds to your ouzo to further accentuate its liquorice taste. Alternatively you can infuse ouzo with cloves, mint leaves, coriander, star anise or cinnamon make it taste more interesting.

Ouzo is often served as an aperitif. It also goes well with food that is salty, spicy or tangy and you will see it being served with a Greek feast of Meze or to accompany the nibbling of small plates of snacks.

You can also cook with ouzo. Use it to flambé seafood, marinate meats, or cook it with vegetables.

After the process of wine making where the grapes are pressed, the leftover ingredients of grape skins, stalks and pits go through the process of distillation to derive a spirit that contains 40% – 50% alcohol. Tsipouro is often considered to be very similar to Italian grappa.

Tsipouro is sometimes drunk neat without adding ice or water, although many prefer to dilute this strong alcohol drink with some ice water. It is a good accompaniment to snacks and meze feasts, pairing well with robust-flavoured dishes such as cured meats, fish and olives.

In Crete, tsipouro is also known as raki or tsikoudia. This traditional firewater used to be drunk commonly in rural villages. Now it is a popular base for cocktails at chic bars or served in tsipouradika for people to savour with food. Modern producers have been experimenting with ageing tsipouro to attain a more aromatic and richer taste.

You can drink tsipouro anytime. Drink it as an aperitif, pair it with your meals or enjoy it after dinner to unwind.

Mastika is a liqueur with a sweet, liquorice scent. It is a strong spirit that is seasoned with mastic, a sap harvested from the mastic tree. The mastic resin has a refreshing pine taste that becomes infused in the mastic spirit.

Mastic is a rare component as the mastic trees are rare plants that only grow in the Greek island of Chios.

Mastika is usually served cold with ice or at room temperature. This clear alcoholic drink turns cloudy white if it is mixed with water.

This is a popular drink that is served with various appetisers in an offering of meze that generally consists of seafood, cheeses, vegetables and fried snacks.

Mastika is a favourite beverage that people drink after a hearty meal. You can find it being served at wedding feasts as digestifs. It also goes very well with desserts because of its liquorice taste.

Nowadays, you will also find mastika being used in cocktails.

The sausages are seasoned with spices, salt, oregano, and pepper, and are left out to dry. The sausages of Mykonos are usually made from baby pigs, so they have more lean meat and less fat, different from many other sausages.

• Louza, the unique cured meat of Mykonos. Made from pork tenderloin that dries and mature under the Meltimi winds, seasoned with oregano, salt, all spice and pepper.
• Lardi, like the name lard, this is cured fat from the pork.
• Paides, ribs cured like Louza.
• Sisera, pork rinds fried and stored in their own fat.
• Noumboulo, smoked pork fillet.

The tradition of nose-to-tail eating has been passed on through generations. Some hearty pork dishes that used to be found in family kitchen can now be savoured in restaurants and purchased from local butchers.

• Meatballs made from hand-chopped meat.
  Fried pork liver.
• Organs stew made of lungs and sweetbreads.
• Broad beans cooked with fennel and lard.
• Cabbage with lard.
• Boiled pig’s head with local collard greens.

More local dishes

• Wild fennel fritters.
• Snails with pilaf rice or with onion.
• Fried wild mushrooms
• Fried zucchini balls
• Tomato fritters
• Lamb fricassée
• Moussaka

• Tzatziki: yoghurt with herbs and seasoning,
• Fava bean dip
• Taramasalata: cured fish roe mixed with olive oil, lemon juice, combined with a starch base of bread, potatoes or almonds
• Skordalia: purée dip made of garlic and a starch base
• Dolmades: stuffed grape vine leaves
• Kalamarakia: fried calamari
• Octopus: grilled or marinated
• Other seafood, such as shrimps or shellfish
• Olives
• Fresh tomatoes or salads

Kopanisti: Mykonos’ traditional cheese that is made of cow’s milk. It has a creamy texture and a spicy flavor. Often served with wet rusks, topped with tomato and olive oil, which becomes “Mostra”, best eaten with local drinks like ouzo, raki, or tsipouro, usually served as appetisers.

Tyrovolia is a white, unsalted soft cheese used in traditional Myconian pies. Can be sweet or savoury. This cheese is also added in salads to be eaten raw, or added to sauces. It can be used as stuffing in zucchini or squid.

Xinotyro is a white, slightly soured cheese. To be eaten fresh in salads. When matured, the cheese can be grated over tomato or beef based sauces as well as pastas.
Ksinotiri: sour cheese appetiser

• Rafiolia: Fried, homemade dough filled with Tirovolia cheese. Finished off with dusting of cinnamon, some sugar and drizzle with honey.
• Amygdalota: Almond cookie
• Kalathakia: Sweet tarts with almond based filling.
• Loukoumia (Turkish delight) in various flavors.
• Kouloures: Sesame rings
• Paximadia: Double-baked rusks. Barley rusks are the staple in Mykonos.
• Tsimbita: Little bites flavored with honey, cinnamon and orange.
• Baklava: sweet dessert made of pastry, chopped nuts and honey.
• Kourabiedes: Almond shortbread
• Kremidopita (Onion Pie): Sheets of puff pastrycombined with local Tirovolia cheese, onions and dill.

• Soumada, a rosewater drink with almond flavour.
• Greek coffee
• Galachtia: Fresh cheese thinned with water.
• Wine: Organic wines from Mykonos Vioma

• Small fried fish: Anchovies, sardines, smelt.
• Large fish grilled over fire, such as parrotfish and sea bream, finished with Greek olive oil.
• Shrimps: fried or sautéed.
• Octopus: grilled or stewed.
• Fried octopus or squid.
• Fresh sea urchin
• Small crabs