A Mykonos Family Vacation: Sun, Sand, and So Much Falafel

I had been to the Greek Islands before, but never in the height of summer, and my kids had never been to Greece at all. I had a feeling they would love it, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much they would fall in love with Mykonos. If it had been up to them, they might have never left.

From the moment we arrived, our Mykonos time, felt like we had stepped into a postcard. The beaches were stunning, the food was incredible, and getting around on motorbikes was way more fun than taking a car. But what really stood out to us was how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Mykonos has a reputation for being a party island, but we found it to be so much more than that—it was a place to relax, explore, and indulge in all the best parts of Greek life.

We spent a blissful week soaking up the sun, splitting our time between the pool and the beach. The cobblestone streets of Mykonos Town were perfect for wandering, and we happily ate our way through every taverna we stumbled upon. Cooper, in particular, developed a serious falafel addiction—I honestly wouldn’t have been surprised if he had turned into one by the end of our stay. Ash and I also developed a deep appreciation for the fresh seafood, grilled meats, and decadent baklava that seemed to be everywhere. Every meal was an experience, with long, lazy lunches by the sea and dinners under twinkling lights in cozy tavernas.

Mykonos Family Vacation: Memorable Moments (and a Few Odd Occurrences)

1. A Brief (and Loud) Nightclub Adventure – Despite being well past our prime clubbing years, Ash and I decided to check out one of Mykonos’ famous nightclubs just for the experience. We didn’t stay long, but the sheer volume and energy of the place were something else. The music pulsed through the walls, and the dance floors were packed with people living their best summer lives. It was fun to see how into the nightlife people were, though we were perfectly happy to call it an early night and return to our much quieter hotel.

   
   

2. Beachside Luxury – The beach setups in Mykonos were next level. We had expected lounge chairs or maybe a cabana, but instead, we found full queen-size beds with staff ready to bring anything we could possibly want. It was dangerously easy to settle in for hours, completely spoiled by the experience. Whether it was a fresh fruit platter, an iced coffee, or a cocktail as the sun set, the service was impeccable. It didn’t take long for us to adjust to this kind of pampering, and leaving the beach at the end of the day was always a struggle.

   
   

3. The Cost of Cuddling Stray Cats – Cooper, an animal lover to his core, couldn’t resist petting the stray cats that roamed everywhere. Unfortunately, he ended up with flea bites as a souvenir, but he insisted it was totally worth it. The cats were adorable, and he wouldn’t have done anything differently. We joked that he had officially made some Mykonos feline friends for life, and he spent much of the trip pointing out all the different cats he had met along the way.

   
   

4. Getting Around by Motorbike – One of the most unexpectedly fun parts of our time in Mykonos was using motorbikes to get around. The kids loved the thrill of it, and honestly, so did we. Zipping through the winding roads, with the sea always in view, was exhilarating and made every outing feel like an adventure. It was much more exciting than squeezing into a taxi or waiting for a bus, and it gave us the freedom to explore lesser-known spots on the island at our own pace.

   
   

5. Sunsets to Remember – If Mykonos is known for one thing (aside from the nightlife), it’s the sunsets. Every evening, we found a new place to watch the sky explode into hues of pink, orange, and gold. Whether we were sitting on the steps of a whitewashed church, lounging by the pool, or perched at a cliffside restaurant, each sunset felt magical. It was the perfect way to end every day, and even the kids—who don’t usually get sentimental about scenery—were in awe.

After a week of pure relaxation, we left Mykonos feeling refreshed, happy, and maybe a little too accustomed to the Greek way of life. The slower pace, the incredible hospitality, and the sheer beauty of the island made it one of our favorite stops on our journey. As we boarded our flight to the Czech Republic, we all agreed: As we boarded our flight to the Czech Republic, we carried more than just souvenirs—Mykonos had left an impression, fleas and all.