A Local's Guide to Mykonos, Greece - This Way

A Local's Guide to Mykonos, Greece

Describe who you are in 3 sentences:
My name is Vicky Varamili and I am a partner at Nomas, a client services company in Mykonos. At the moment I spend half my time in Athens and Mykonos where we run our business during the summer, previously I lived in London and I have studied Art History and Cultural Policy. I believe in good friendship, equality, the power of trust but also forgiveness, and the magic of meeting new people, because everyone is a source of knowledge, everyone has something to teach you that you don't know and vice versa.

What is your relation to this city?
I have a long lasting crush on Mykonos, I've been visiting the island, half of my life and every summer it proves to me how unique it is. Through the years, I have collected many precious personal and professional moments, which I will carry for life. It's a really special place with multicultural character nowadays, which can entertain its worldwide and diverse audience and at the same time is embracing the Cycladic cultural heritage, through the local daily living and charming architecture.

Best experience?
There so many I could mention, from watching the sunsets from Little Venice area, to swimming to the crystal waters of Kalo Livadi, to the incredible food of the local taverns and high end restaurants in town and listening to the best international artists at Alemagou and Scorpios. Time becomes an illusion in Mykonos, as everyday feels like a non stop source of happiness.

Weirdest experience?
Sometimes is so weird to me how everyone in Mykonos is totally laid back. Something with the energy of island must be the cause. I had a funny experience actually, last summer when we had a big dinner with our friends and the well known DJ Fat Boy Slim was invited. I sat next to him but I realised much later who he is! The point is, that Mykonos is such a welcoming place that it makes you feel one with everyone.

Your top 3 hangout spots?
My favourite place to hangout during the day is "Alemagou beach bar and restaurant", its laid back boheme style, is what would someone call 'barefoot sophisticated luxury'. For a night out in town my favourite is "Astra bar", a legendary place which opened in the late 1980s and has kept its identity until today. Also, another favourite is "Moni" a bar/club with great music, great management team, great guests and great vibes.

Favourite restaurants?
"Interni" is an all time favorite as it combines excellent food and ambiance in their beautiful inner garden, "La Maison de Katrin" for original and traditional family curated recipes and "Appaloosa" for a fun Mexican dinner and great margaritas.

Best date place?
"Kalita restaurant" is my favourite for a date night. It is placed at the inner garden of the "Kalita hotel" in town, has great food and chilled atmosphere.

Best Sunday spot?
"Scorpios" of course, on a Sunday its a must. My favourite moment of the week is when their resident DJ Kaz James, enters the booth!

If you were to live in another place, where would that be and why?
I would live in Athens my hometown which is an amazing city to explore or London which has a special place in my heart, as I spent 5 years studying and working there.

Where is your escape place from this city?
My escape place to relax and recharge is Crete island, in the South of Greece. Its stunning, with rich history, traditions, cultural heritage and natural protected by Unesco monuments.

Best 5 local advices?
1. Order the Halvas dessert at "Interni restaurant", its delicious!
2. Book a cruise with a traditional boat to Delos Island, to visit the Museum, the ancient ruins and swim at Rhenia beach.
3. Visit the unorganised beaches of the island, their raw nature will take your breath away.
4. Go to the Lighthouse, up in the mountains on the northern west side of the island, the panoramic sunset views are incredible!
5. Always keep a jacket in your car. Mykonos is a windy island :)

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