Páros, Greece + Add a trip

Automobiles

If you want to explore the island's myriad beaches then it pays to hire a car. Contact Hertz in Mykonos (+30 22890 27346), or go to www.hertz.co.uk. Smith cardholders get a ten per cent discount; simply quote '635230' when you reserve a car.

Planes

British Airways operates two flights a week (Thursdays and Sundays) into Mykonos Town from London Gatwick (from £69 one-way); Easyjet also runs several flights to Mykonos throughout the week (www.easyjet.com). Otherwise, a 25-minute flight from Athens is the quickest route to the island. From there, take a taxi for the 3km drive into the main town.

Trains

None. But taking the hydrofoil or a boat are options (1hr 45 mins from Athens on the hydrofoil; up to six hours by boat). Flying is your best bet though, as the boat can be a bit of a backpacker bun fight. Visit the Greek Travel pages for detailed information on getting to the island, at www.gtp.gr.

Dialing

Code for Greece: 30. Local code for Mykonos: 02890

Reads

Do go / Don't Go

The busiest period is early July to late August, when crowds and temperatures increase: September is when those in the know go.

Cuisine

Grapes and olives are staples in the Greek diet, so buy some from the local shop for hotel-room nibbles. Seek out the fish tavernas dotted all over the island for fresh calamari.

Taxis

Rates are fixed and quite reasonable. Book them at your hotel reception to ensure reliability.

Tipping

No tipping is required for taxis, but ten per cent in a restaurant is standard.

Currency

Euro.

Packing

Two words: wear white. It will let you match the sugarcube buildings of the town, and accentuate that tan. Some cobble-friendly shoes are a smart idea, too.

Arts

If you're after archaeological marvels, take a trip to the nearby island of Delos. According to mythology, it's the birthplace of the Greek god Apollo, and it still contains a host of ancient temples, and other examples of Minoan and ancient Hellenic architecture. On Mykonos itself, you can get a quick culture fix by visiting art gallery-cum-shops such as the Studio on Panachrantou Street, or Scala on Matoyianni Street. Both have selections of works by local artists to view and buy.

And...

If you're feeling keen there are over 300 churches in and around Mykonos town, stuffed with mosaics and frescos.

Shopping

Midnight is prime shopping time. All the tiny little stalls and boutique shops in the warren of cute cobbled streets come alive, creating a catwalk for beautiful boys dressed to the hilt in Gucci, Prada and Lacoste, and sun-kissed girls floating around in their finest. Pay homage to Hermès and other designers while doing the preening, strolling and window-shopping thing. Self-adulation somehow feels right in the spiritual home of Narcissus. Our favourite lifestyle boutique is Zilly (pictured).

Viewpoint

At sunset, walk around to Chora's famous cliffside windmills to watch the golden light fan over the high-arcaded houses in the area known as 'Little Venice'.

Something

'Twitchers' and other fans of our feathered friends should keep an eye out for Mykonos's famous mascot, the pelican. The story goes that, about 40 years ago, a local fisherman found an injured pelican, nursed him back to health and then set him free. Instead of flying off, the bird decided to stay, and the Mykonians named him Petros. A mate for Petros was donated by Jackie Kennedy and then, a few years ago, another pelican ('Nikolas') set up nest, too. You can usually spot at least one of them shaking a tail feather on the waterfront.

16-18 June European Freestyle Windsurfing Championships at Paradise Beach. 40 pro-windsurfers will be in town, prompting squeals of admiration from girls and boys alike. For the old ravers among you, there's a full-moon party every month on the same beach.