A hedonist's delight, Mykonos is all about wild, glitzy nightlife and long, golden-sand beaches. Much loved by the international gay community, its luxurious design hotels (complete with spas) and chichi seafood eateries attract gossip-column celebrities, while some of Greece's top dance clubs, which are based here through summer, put the island in a league with Ibiza. Mykonos' hallmark image is the row of five white windmills on the hill that rises up behind the town harbour.

There's not that much in the way of high-brow culture here, but visitors can easily spend several hours exploring Mykonos Town. Head for the picturesque waterside area of Little Venice to wander the iconic, pedestrian-only, winding cobbled streets, lined by whitewashed cubic houses draped with bougainvillea. This is where you'll find the main concentration of boutiques and art galleries, and it's also the centre of action in the evenings, with dozens of shabby-chic eateries and late-night cocktails bars.

The best beaches lie on the south coast and can be reached by caique boat from Mykonos Town - try Paradise and Super Paradise for a party mood, or Plati Yialos and Ornos for family relaxation.

Many cruise companies also offer a half-day excursion by boat to the nearby islet of Delos, considered sacred by the ancients and now a UNESCO-listed archaeological site.

Highlights
• Little Venice
• Paraportiani Church
• Archaeological Museum
• Nautical Museum
• Delos archaeological site

Mykonos Tourism Office
Paralia Mykonou, 84600 Mykonos, Greece
Tel: +30 228 9022 25250.
Website: www.gnto.gr

The trendy little boutiques in Mykonos Town are the place to shop for gold and silver jewellery (many pieces inspired by ancient Greek designs), paintings by local artists, designer-label bikinis and extremely expensive bohemian-chic eveningwear.

Greek cuisine is based on fresh, seasonal, Mediterranean ingredients, with the abundant use of olive oil. Popular main courses include simply prepared fresh seafood, plus charcoal-grilled meat and hearty stews.

The Mediterranean cruise season runs from late April to late October. Peak season in Greece is July to August, when all the main destinations are very hot and very crowded. Try to visit in May/June or September/October to avoid the crowds and enjoy milder weather.

Greece

GMT + 2.

Euro (€) = 100 cents.

Greek.

Cycladic islands, Greece.

9,320 (Mykonos island).

Republic.

Predominantly Greek Orthodox, with Muslim, Roman Catholic and Jewish minorities.

The Greeks are justly proud of their cultural heritage. The Greek Orthodox Church has a strong influence on society, especially in rural areas. Visitors are advised to dress modestly to enter churches - shoulders and legs should be covered. The throwing back of the head is a negative gesture. Dress is generally casual. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in public buildings.

Tipping: 12 to 15% is usual.