Although I’ve visited Mykonos several times on cruises, and spent a season repping on nearby Naxos back in 1994, I had never actually taken a proper holiday here. This year I decided it was time, and opted for a low‑season escape in mid‑May

You do take a small gamble with the weather in May. We had a couple of breezy days and the evenings were cooler, but daytime temperatures hovered around 23°C. It felt pleasantly warm without being overpowering, and crucially we didn’t burn

We flew from London Gatwick on a Saturday lunchtime, which was an ideal flight time and made for a very relaxed start. Check‑in at Gatwick North was extremely quick and straightforward, and on arrival in Mykonos the airport formalities were just as smooth: security was efficient and there were no queues to speak of

We had pre‑booked our transfers and were delighted to find no waiting around at all. Six of us were quickly loaded into a minibus and, within a short transfer time, we were being whisked directly to our hotel. We arrived just in time to watch one of those famous Mykonos sunsets, the sky melting from gold to pink over the Aegean

Our first base was the 4‑star Tagoo Hotel, perfectly positioned between the old and new ports of Mykonos Town. This is a small, family‑run property with just 20 rooms, all built in classic Cycladic style: whitewashed walls, simple lines, and terraces layered up the hillside. It is spread across several levels, so there are a few steps to contend with, but the elevation brings wonderful views.

The team here are genuinely warm and welcoming, and the hotel even has its own resident cat, Tagoo, who quickly becomes part of the experience.

Breakfast is served at the small bar by the pool each morning. You simply tick what you fancy from the menu: pastries, eggs, yoghurt and honey, and more. Sunbeds are scattered around the pool, with thick, comfortable mattresses, many as large double loungers, all with umbrellas for shade. From here, you look out towards Mykonos Town and can watch the cruise ships gliding in and out of the por

Rooms are simple but have everything you need: a powerful hairdryer and a plug socket in the bathroom, plus an iron, coffee machine and fridge. Storage is a little limited, but for a short break it was not a major issue.

One thing to note is that there are steps throughout the hotel, from reception to the rooms and pool area. For most guests this is a small trade‑off for the views, but it is worth bearing in mind if mobility is a concern.

Walking into Mykonos Town

The walk from the hotel into Mykonos Town took around 10 minutes. Coming back, it felt at least double that thanks to the hills, which never seemed to get any easier. By the end of the stay I definitely felt more toned and fitter than when I arrived. Comfortable shoes were essential: I was very glad I had packed my Skechers, and high heels stayed firmly in the suitcase.

Mykonos Town itself is a joy to wander: a maze of narrow, whitewashed streets, blue doors and bougainvillea. It is also a major cruise stop and the port area is always lively, with a slightly bohemian vibe and a real mix of visitors. As evening falls, the bars fill, the “Little Venice” area buzzes, and beach clubs along the coast come to life for those in the mood to party.

An unexpected upgrade:

5* Princess Hotel, Agios StefanosOn day three of our trip, we had an unexpected surprise. Our original hotel was being used as a filming location for the TV series Emily in Paris, and we were upgraded to a one‑bedroom suite with jacuzzi at the 5‑star Princess Hotel in Agios Stefanos.This property has around 40 rooms and a distinctly more upscale feel. It is located on the opposite side of the new port, so it is not realistically walkable into Mykonos Town, but it is only a five‑minute drive from our first hotel.The Princess Hotel has a beautiful pool area with views back towards Mykonos Town and the cruise ships sailing in and out. You do not get the same dramatic sunsets as at Tagoo, but you do enjoy a lovely open aspect and a calmer, more peaceful atmosphere.Our bed was exceptionally comfortable and the whole setting felt very tranquil. In general, the in‑room amenities were a noticeable step up from our first hotel, which made the upgrade feel even more special.

Agios Stefanos: sleepy but convenient

Agios Stefanos itself is a quieter, almost sleepy little area, with a couple of restaurants, including a traditional taverna, and a small, sandy beach close to the new port. It is a good choice if you prefer to be just outside the bustle of town, but still have easy access by taxi or bus.

From Mykonos Town, we used the local sea bus to get to the port for just 2 euros, although there is a hill to walk up and down at either end. A taxi from the Princess Hotel into the bus station in town cost around 20 euros each way. Once again, the hills are unavoidable and you certainly feel the steps in your legs by the end of the day.

Mykonos suitable for travellers with limited mobility?rom my experience, I would be cautious about recommending central Mykonos Town accommodation to anyone with significant walking difficulties. The combination of hills, steps, uneven paving and a general lack of lifts in smaller hotels means you will inevitably clock up your mileage. For those who are relatively fit and mobile, it is part of the island’s charm. For others, choosing a more accessible, slightly out‑of‑town base and relying on taxis or transfers might be the better option

Visiting Mykonos in May allowed me to see a slightly softer side of this famously glamorous island: fewer crowds, gentler temperatures and a more relaxed pace, while still enjoying those iconic views, sunsets and the charm of the old town. With its mix of chic hotels, bohemian streets, scenic ports and lively beach clubs, Mykonos continues to live up to its reputation as one of Greece’s most atmospheric islands.If you are considering Mykonos for their next escape, I would be delighted to help you shape a stay that suits your style, whether that is low‑season tranquillity, summer‑season buzz or a little of both.