My happy place - Platys Gialos
Platys Gialos
Do you have a favourite place on earth? A place that warms your heart at mere mention? A place where you feel happiest and truly relaxed? For me, that place is Platys Gialos. No trip to Greece is complete for me without a stay at my ‘happy place.’
How clear is the beach
Located just four kilometres from Mykonos Town, Platys Gialos feels like another world from the hustle and bustle of one of Greece’s most popular islands. It’s definitely a lot more serene and quiet – with a clean shore, pristine beach and plenty of time for sunbaking, swimming, eating and relaxing. Don’t get me wrong, I love Mykonos Town, it sometimes can get a bit too much even for me! Platys Gialos is the perfect balance.
Beautiful cactus grown everywhere
Situated on the south side of the island, the half-moon shaped bay is easily accessible by bus, taxi and boats. It’s walking distance to the cosmopolitan Psarou beach with its famous Nammos beach club on the right and the hip Paraga (pronounced Pa-ra-nga) beach, home to San Giorgio hotel on the left. Both walks are beautiful along the coastline. It has the longest stretch of beach on the island. Beautiful golden sand and the most inviting warm waters make it a joy to spend the day doing nothing but sunbaking and swimming. The beach is well organised with sunbeds – there is a charge for them unless you are staying at the hotel which they belong to.
This is as hectic as Platys Gialos gets
Fabulous restaurants line the foreshore, with food for all tastes and budgets.
A favourite of ours is Yialo-Yialo. Their menu is a great blend of Greek and modern Mediterranean cuisines, they are open all day and you are treated like a long lost friend!
There is a mini-mart that sells just about everything you need, and a couple of little shops in Platys Gialos but for your proper shopping, I would keep it for Mykonos town. Of course there are also the friendly beach vendors selling knock-off designer bags and kaftans on the beach if that is what you like.
Where we stay
There are some amazing hotels along the beach. Our favourite is Thalassa Boutique Hotel and Suites. The fact that this hotel is literally right on the beach is a winner for me. The staff are also very accommodating, the rooms beautifully styled and the views are second to none.
Enjoying the view of Platys Gialos
We stay in the junior suite with sea views. The room is huge and stylishly designed reflecting the minimal Greek Island interiors. It also has a gorgeous day bed for extra seating and a balcony opening to spectacular views of Platys Gialos - the ideal spot to enjoy a bottle of wine and watch the yachts sail by. The bathroom is large with all the mod cons and a separate shower and toilet.
The fabulous pool with the most awesome view
The hotel has a great breakfast that has all the traditional dishes like pita, bougatsa, yoghurt and honey, even dolmades, along with more common choices of fruit, eggs and bacon.
As a more budget-conscious option, I highly recommend Mina Studios. Mina and her family are your wonderful hosts and their hospitality is so warming. Mina’s is about 100 metres from the foreshore, right next to the bus stop and so close to everything. The rooms are spacious and recently elegantly renovated. We stayed a night there and were so pleasantly surprised with what we got considering how affordable it is. Apart from the wonderful rooms, Mina’s husband met us at the port to take us to our rooms and we also enjoyed a freshly cooked homely breakfast. After travelling for a number of weeks, Mina and her family made us feel so welcomed.
Highlights:
At Platys Gialos you get the best of both worlds. It’s a quick 10 minute bus trip to Mykonos Town where all the shops, bars and cafes are if you want the be where the action is, and if you want a more relaxed location you can stay close by and still enjoy good bars and restaurants.
I also have to say the kayki trip around the surrounding beaches is a highlight. One of my favourite things to do is “beach hop” one these beautiful restored boats.
Important Tip:
Use the bus to get into town. It’s cheap, reliable and you don’t have to worry about parking in town - because there is none! There is a bus every half hour to Fabrika (Mykonos town bus depot) and back, and the buses run into the early hours of the morning. Also the bus trip is an adventure in itself!
From our balcony at Thalassa boutique hotel
