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Introduction
The Greek island of Mykonos is renowned for the glamorous nightlife and vibrant gay scene that centres on Mykonos Town, but there are some low-key, family-orientated resorts, the best known of which is Plati Gialos (Platys Yialos). The first resort to be developed on the island, Plati Gialos lies on the sheltered south coast, home to the island's best sand beaches. It grew up here because of the peaceful location, the glorious long stretch of beach, and its proximity to Mykonos Town, which is just a 10-minute bus ride away. It offers sophisticated facilities including a selection of stylish, high-class hotels, villas, apartments and rooms to rent, numerous seafood tavernas with open-air terraces overlooking the water, plus travel agencies offering excursions and car rental companies. Due to the resort's popularity, hotels are often fully booked from June through September; May and September are peaceful.
Who goes there?
The island of Mykonos is known throughout the world for the celebrities and glamorous gay crowd who flock to Mykonos town. In contrast, Plati Gialos is more orientated towards families with children, couples and singles. The majority of visitors are West European, plus a smattering of Russians and Japanese.
Where in the world?
Plati Gialos lies 4km (2.5 miles) southeast of Mykonos Town, on the south coast of the Greek island of Mykonos, in the Cyclades. Mykonos Town, the island's main ferry port, lies 177km (96 nautical miles) southeast of the mainland port of Piraeus, Athens. Plati Gialos sits in a sheltered bay, backed by the rolling hills of the arid interior.
Beach
One of the longest beaches on Mykonos, south-facing Plati Gialos lies in a protected bay backed by low hills. This curving strip of sand gives onto crystal clear blue-green water and has been awarded a Blue Flag for cleanliness. There are sun beds and umbrellas for hire, plus well-organised watersports facilities. However, due to its proximity to Mykonos Town it does get very crowded. Nearby, Mykonos' best-known party beach, Paradiso, can be reached via a 2km- (1 mile-) footpath. In addition, there are regular taxi boats to other noted beaches along the south coast.
Beyond the beach
The island's capital, Mykonos Town, which lies 4km (2.5 miles) north of Plati Gialos, is worth visiting for its charming whitewashed cubic houses, plus a fine choice of restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. Also check out the picturesque waterside area of Little Venice, the 18th-century whitewashed Church of the Paraportiani, the Archaeological Museum (near the harbour) and the Nautical Museum (Enoplon Dinameon Street).
Family fun
Plati Gialos beach is ideal for kids, being sandy and offering shallow water, plus good watersports facilities. In addition, there is a water park called Watermania, complete with pools, waterslides and a diving club, at nearby Elia Beach, accessible by taxi boat.
Retail therapy
Plati Gialos offers the standard array of touristy mini markets and souvenir shops. More serious shoppers should visit Mykonos Town, for narrow winding streets lined with classy boutiques stocking summer clothing and designer beachwear, designer jewellery stores and art galleries.
A night on the town
Plati Gialos is relatively peaceful by night, with just a few low-key cocktail bars. Those looking for a more lively nightlife scene should take a taxi to Mykonos Town, home to a plethora of glamorous restaurants and clubs. Alternatively, the nearby beaches of Paradiso and Super Paradiso offer late-night, open-air clubbing by the sea.
Eating out
Plati Gialos is lined with low-key tavernas and restaurants, many with open-air terraces out front overlooking the beach. For more of a party atmosphere, visitors should head for Mykonos Town, where a wider choice of chic, colourful eateries offers everything from Mediterranean fusion cuisine to sushi.
Getting around
Through high season, buses run between Plati Gialos and Mykonos town every 30 minutes until late into the night. Taxis are cheap by European standards. It is also possible to rent jeeps, mopeds and boats. Taxi boats carry visitors from Plati Gialos to the popular south coast beaches of Paradiso and Super Paradiso. Excursion boats for the island of Delos depart from Mykonos Town, calling at Plati Gialos en-route, every morning Tue-Sun.
Exploring further afield
Through summer, excursion boats depart from Mykonos Town, with pick up points at Ornos and Plati Gialos, taking visitors on day-trips (Tue-Sun) to the nearby island of Delos, said to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and home to an archaeological site with sanctuaries and temples.
Splashing out
Book in at the five-star Palladium Hotel (website: www.palladium-mykonos.com), boasting 40 individually designed guest rooms and suites, each with plasma TV, luxury cosmetics, a balcony and sea view. Facilities include indoor and outdoor dining, gym, sauna, two outdoor pools, outdoor Jacuzzi, and babysitting on request.
Flying in
Mykonos Airport (JMK)
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