Plati Yialos Holidays

Plati Yialos is on Mykonos’ southern coast and is perhaps best-known for its long curl of golden sand. It sets the bar high, but the supporting cast rises to the challenge. A bumper crop of smart hotels and tavernas are built right up to the shoreline and give the place a real cosmopolitan vibe. Behind the front, meanwhile, cube-like houses sprinkle the countryside like French Fancies, with the low spine of the surrounding hills at their back door.

The beach here comes with Blue Flag credentials, and a lot more besides. It’s set in the safe arms of a cove, with the hills buffering it from winds. A shallow shoreline and lots of watersports make it very much a family place. But if you do fancy a change of scene, there are regular taxi-boats that come and go from the port at the left side of the bay to a succession of blonde beaches.

You’re in a good spot for getting to Mykonos Town, the island’s capital. It’s a 10-minute drive north, and there’s a regular bus service. Stick a pin in your guidebook – there’s lots to see here. The look is straight from a picture postcard, with a cat’s cradle of streets containing sugar-cube dwellings and tiny chapels. Plus, there’s a trio of museums, and tonnes of boutiques and art galleries. The picturesque waterside area is known as Little Venice because of its arcaded Venetian houses built right up to the shore.