Mykonos is like a cubist painting with its white buildings, golden beaches and clear blue sky. It is young, hip and hedonistic and at times decadent. Over the years, it has gone from sleepy fishing villages, to the abode of the jetset, and is now settling into mainstream package-holiday tourism. Perhaps too crowded at times, it is nevertheless an iconic part of the Greek experience.

Mykonos Town has wonderful shops, restaurants, bars, galleries, crowded along its white-washed alleys draped with grape vines and bougainvilleas.

Few would disagree that scenically Mykonos island is a rather uninspiring lump of granite in the central Cyclades. However, few would dispute that Mykonos Town is one of the most attractive architectural mazes in Greece, or that Mykonos beaches are amongst the finest in the eastern Aegean or that the nighlife is decadent enough to satisfy even the most hell-bent party animal. But Mykonos still has a cacket of sophistication and exclusivity - and the prices are higher to match.

Early morning reveals all the beautiful reds, yellows and golds of the bobbing caiques in the harbour. A short cruise away are the superb sandy beaches of Platy Gialos, Ornos and Psarrou, ideal for a day at anchor. A day excursion to nearby Delos will reveal stimulating antiquities, or maybe hop over to the neighbouring island of Tinos. Evenings and nights can be hectic if you choose. Tavernas and restaurants are too great to number with standards and prices high. All manner of bars and clubs ply their trade until early morning.