The Best Time to Go to Southern California

Of all of the places that I’ve been, nowhere can compete with Southern California. As soon as you set foot in the Golden State, you’ll see why it’s one of the most beloved travel hot spots in the world.

Whether you come for winter surfing, summer festivals, or spring stargazing, Southern California is a dream destination 365 days a year.

Check out my favorite highlights & the best time to go to Southern California!

Summer in Southern California

• Months: June to September

Southern California is at its peak in the summer. The weather is perfect with overnight lows near the coast in the mid-60s and daytime highs in the mid-80s. Festival season is in full swing and you can find a celebration for everything under the sun.

Indulge your decadent side at the BBQ & Beer Festival in Santa Clarita then get your heart racing at the always exciting Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles. Want insight into the local culture of So Cal? Get to the San Diego Festival of the Arts in mid-June.

Of course, one of my favorite things to do in Southern California in the summer is to unwind at the beach. I absolutely adore the über chic Laguna Beach, the chill El Matador, the world famous Venice Beach, and the ultrafun Santa Monica Pier.

Fall in Southern California

• Months: October & November

One of the things I love the most about Southern California is that you can travel the world without leaving city limits. Want to party it up for Oktoberfest? Places like the Standard Biergarten, Steingarten LA, Verdugo, or any one of the countless German-loving bars around LA can compete with the greatest parties in Deutschland.

Another great thing to do in Southern California in the fall is to check out the countless food festivals. Two of my top picks are the California Lemon Festival in Goleta in October and the Taste of Downtown in San Diego in early September.

If you are in California for Halloween, you’re in for a treat!

Whether you want a family-friendly festival or a heart-stopping haunted tour, there are countless options from San Diego up to Los Angeles. If you are ready for a truly hair-raising experience, check out the Queen Mary Dark Harbor.

Winter in Southern California

• Months: December to February

California has the best weather in the United States so don’t let winter put you off visiting. Much of Southern California has temps ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. Although it’s not bikini weather, it’s usually very mild and great for exploring.

While Northern California may have incredible skiing, the south is a surfing paradise. For beginners, head to Manhattan Beach or Malibu Beach. If you’ve got a bit of experience under your belt, check out La Jolla Shores or Rincon. For the true pros, you’ll be blown away by the waves at Trestles and Blacks Beach San Diego.

Before you head inland, be sure to go whale watching too! More than 25,000 California grey whales surround the shores of San Diego from mid-December to mid-March.

Of course, you can’t go to Southern California without indulging in your Hollywood dreams. Film festival season kicks off with the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January. It’s an insider favorite and a must-see for any film buff.

Spring in Southern California

• Months: March to May

Spring is definitely one of the best times to visit Southern California. The tourists haven’t taken over yet and the prices are still lower than you’ll see them during the summer season.

Fellow culture vultures have got to get in on Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day Live, which takes place across Los Angeles during mid-March and gives you free admission to countless museums.

Festival season starts early here with Coachella and Stagecoach Country Music Festival taking place inland of LA in April. Less famous, but equally amazing, is the Rooftop Cinema festival. Held throughout April, the festival screens classic movies on rooftops all over Hollywood.

Don’t miss Fiesta Old Town’s Cinco de Mayo either! This three-day celebration in San Diego is such a colorful, amazing experience.

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Staying at Hotel Tugu Bali

Traveling around this globalized world, sometimes I crave the days of old fashioned adventure. I long for a time when crossing the globe meant leaving behind all that’s familiar and embarking on a journey of an unimaginable shocks and surprises.

I found some of the magic of vintage escapism at Hotel Tugu Bali!

Transporting me back to the most romantic times of Bali, this hotel is dizzyingly beautiful and a far cry from the cookie-cutter properties you’ll find everywhere else.

The Hotel

Part of a small, privately-owned and designed collection of luxury art hotels and restaurants, Tugu Bali was built with love. The owner’s mind-blowing collection of Indonesian art and antiques is housed exclusively in his gorgeous hotels.

For me, there’s nothing more beautiful than Balinese architecture and design. Being able to get hands-on and stay among so many pieces of stunning art was such a treat for me. It brought to life the romance of days gone by in Bali.

Rooms

Every room in Tugu Bali is unique, from the massive Puri Le Mayeur Villa set atop a pond to the Walter Spies Pavilion, which calls back to Java’s art deco era in the early twentieth century.

Each decorated with unique artwork, the Dedari and Rejang suites feature oversized beds, sunken baths, private pools, and in-room spas. My favorite part… each room is nestled in private gardens and offers spectacular views of rice paddy fields and panoramic sunsets!

Whichever option you go for, you can look forward to a complimentary welcome massages and daily fresh tropical fruits and flowers.

Dining Experiences

Forget about restaurants! The hotel offers dining experiences. Every time you go to eat you can enjoy a new atmosphere and cuisine. And this is no cheesy theme restaurant. The dining experiences transport you to another time and place.

See Indonesia’s most beautiful dining room housed inside the 300-year-old Bale Sutra temple and take in the otherworldly beauty while you eat world-class food.

Feeling like a royal? Go for a first-class meal at the nineteenth-century royal dining room of the kings. Finally, my favorite pick of all is the Waroeng Tugu. This open-air traditional fifteenth-century village kitchen, lit only by oil lamps, is the stuff dreams are made of.

One of my personal faves, the “3 Nights 101 Dining Temptations” is a foodie’s dream come true.

The Spa

For the last two years, the spas at Hotel Tugu Bali have ranked among the greatest spas on the planet. This is most definitely not your standard hotel spa experience!

You will forget about the world while you’re indulging your body and soul in the unique therapies here.

Pamper yourself with traditional Balinese dance-based treatments, spiritual therapy, and exotic herbal oil treatments. Unwind with some yoga and Pilates in your own tropical paradise.

Last but certainly not least, you absolutely cannot leave Tugu Hotel Bali without going for one of its heavenly hot stone massages with spice-soaked volcanic stones. It’s easily one of the best treatments I’ve ever had.

Leisure Activities

Hotel Tugu Bali has some amazing packages. Located on Canggu Beach (a quiet surfing beach in a quaint fishing village), the hotel is in an awesome place to learn surfing or perfect your game.

They’ve also got a yoga escape that will destress your body and leave you feeling like a million bucks.

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Where to Find the Best Food in Istanbul

There is so much controversy, there are so many feuds, there is so much fire and passion in Istanbul.

In recent weeks this city has been in the spotlight, very unfortunately for tragedy, rather than for the beauty and energy that co-exists amongst its people, often times pledging to move forward, no matter what circumstances are that arise around them.

Istanbul is a moving, wonderful city, one which I would encourage anyone to go to and experience. It is also a juxtaposition of itself in so many ways; Old City versus New City, traditional versus liberal, European versus Asian.

The food too can be described in much of the same way; you can easily grab a customary simit (sesame seed crusted bread rings) for $1 or an incredible pide (Turkish pizza) for a mere $2, or you can indulge in a Michelin starred tasting menu high above the city and spend just as you would in NYC.

This last trip was my second time in Istanbul, and because of that I got to go a little further beneath the surface than the first time around, staying in an Airbnb and having drinks with the owner, stumbling onto streets I hadn’t previously seen.

Still, I know I’ve barely scratched the surface of this complex and varied city, both in terms of culture and of course, as well as food.

Here’s where I found the best food in Istanbul!

– Lades –

Menemen is a Turkish take on breakfast- eggs, onion, tomato, green pepper and spices, mixed together and served in a cast iron pot. I knew I wanted to try this, so I headed to this very basic, very traditional lokanta (another word for restaurant in Turkey).

Found, though not easily, on a side street off of the bustling Istikil strip, Lades serves mostly meats and eggs. It is no frills, but is a long-standing, tasty and reliable look into the way the locals do it in Istanbul.

 – Ciya Sofrasi –

While I will travel to great lengths for food, it’s not everyday I hop a ferry in order to do so. To get to the Asian side of Istanbul, you need to travel by boat across the Bosphorus strait.

Many tourists do not make or have the time to cross the border when only visiting the city for a couple of days, so the area of Kadikoy maintains a very authentic feel, housing dozens of open air shops, markets, restaurants, fish stands and olive bodegas. The cuisine here mimics this semblance, with Ciya Sofrasi being at the forefront.

As is the case in a lot of Turkish restaurants, mezes are the main attraction. It’s a fun lunch experience here- you look at that day’s option, point at what you’d like, grab a table outside, and settle in to watch a very different sort of world go by.

– Halil Lahmacun –

Also on the Asian side, this is where I had my first taste of a $2 pide. Halil Lahmacun is a hole in the wall which makes these traditional treats on the spot, kneading the dough on demand and warming it in the brick oven as you watch.

Mine was made with cheese, parsley, and pesto- I’d eat one every day if I could.

– Limonlu Bache –

Recommended by the lovely woman who owed my humble AirBnB apartment, Limonlu Bache is a charming, albeit large garden space that you would never know existed from the steep streets of the Beyoglu area.

I went here to check out what she referred to as an “Istanbul hipster scene,” and not actually to have any food for once.

What I did have though was Ayran, a thick drink comprised of yogurt, mint and cucumber, that is traditional and refreshing and offered nearly everywhere. Essentially, it tastes like tzatziki in a glass- nothing wrong with that.

– Van Kahvalti Evi –

If I lived in Istanbul, I’d come here often. Completely simple, filled with locals and visitors alike, Van Kahvalti Evi offers a perfect take on the infamous Turkish breakfast. The traditional breakfast platter- eggs, honey, jams, multiple cheeses, dips, breads, simit- will not steer you wrong.

– Pandeli –

Despite my hours of research before I left for Istanbul, Pandeli was not initially in the mix. As often, amazingly, happens to me- when a friend from London realised I was this city she immediately connected me with a local friend, and to Pandeli he sent me.

I was kind of skeptical at first, as Pedali is located on top of the massive Spice Market on the Sultanahmet (Old City) side of the water. This to me, screamed touristy and stay away. I went anyway as he was persistent with his suggestion, and immediately upon walking in I knew it was a good move.

The bright blue tiled walls leading up a narrow stairway and continuing literally all over the interior of the restaurant itself were spectacular, and unbelievably striking and absorbing. I felt I had stepped back in time into a land I was completely unfamiliar with, and I loved it.

The food was simple but incredibly well done.

– Mikla –

20 stories high above the sprawling city, Mikla is on the top floor of the Marmara Pera Hotel in the hills of Beyoglu.

Before you sit, the well manicured staff is insistent that you go yet one floor higher and grab a drink at the rooftop bar. Doing this should not be optional.

Glass of red wine in hand, I could not get over the incredible 360 nighttime view of this dazzling, brightly lit scene in front of me. It puts you in a daze before you even begin to eat, and greatly sets the vibe for the evening ahead. I loved the food, which too delivered in richness, creativity, and display throughout the night.

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Learning to Code from a Private Villa in Paradise

Learning to code is something that I had always wanted to do, but it felt like too daunting a task. I’ve taught myself a lot of skills and applications over the years, but I knew coding wasn’t something I’d be able conquer on my own since I was always on-the-go.

The Institute of Code runs a 10-day immersive program that combined my love of travel and my desire to learn coding. Taught poolside at a private villa in Bali or Mexico, this program is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself and my business.

If you’re asking yourself questions like, “how can I take complete creative control of my blog?”, “how can I build out my website on my own?”, or plain and simple “how can I learn code?”, then Institute of Code is something I would highly recommend to you.

There’s nothing like upping your skills and learning to code in paradise!

– Education –

After teaching myself the basics of WordPress, photography, video editing, and all of the other things involved in running a blog, I knew the one thing missing was coding.

Thanks to the accelerated learning course at Institute of Code, I went from “zero-to-hero” with my coding knowledge and abilities. I recreated my website from scratch and have never felt more empowered!

– Learn a Global Skill Set –

Of all of the languages that you can learn on this beautiful planet, programming languages are some of the most beneficial, and is a highly sought after skillset across a broad range of industries. They’re universal and used around the world.

Learning to code can not only add an epic addition to your resume, but can allow you to create a location independent business for yourself so that you can make money while traveling the world.

You can read how Institute of Code co-founder, Tina May, used her knowledge of coding to travel the world and get paid.

– All-Inclusive –

The Institute of Code is an all-inclusive program, meaning your meals, accommodation, activities and the 60+ hours of coursework are included in the price listed on their website. No hidden fees. No gimmicks.

– Experience a New Destination –

The biggest draw to Institute of Code is the ability to learn to code in paradise. The tropical tranquility of Bali makes learning fun and feel effortless.

I may be partial to Bali, but I’ve always found it to be the most relaxing, wellness-focused destination I’ve traveled to.

Due to popular demand, Institute of Code is now offering courses in Bali AND Mexico!

– Networking –

If you’ve ever wanted to take a solo trip, but haven’t found the courage to book a trip on your own, the Institute of Code is a great opportunity to learn a valuable skill and meet awesome people from around the world.

I shared my experience at Institute of Code in Bali with about 6 other students from every corner of the world, including Australia, Taiwan and even Lebanon.

– Private Villa –

One of my favorite parts of the experience was getting to stay in a beautiful villa that served as both our classroom and bedroom. The “education compound” created a fun learning environment where all students stayed and played in the same area.

Each morning we would gather round the table like one big family before starting our coursework for the day. And what’s better than an afternoon break in the pool?!

– Private Chef –

Unlike an all-inclusive resort with mediocre buffet fare, Institute of Code has a private chef prepare three meals a day. It’s honestly heaven. Our chef prepared incredible meals with each student’s dietary requirements looked after.

We enjoyed everything from traditional Balinese fare to fresh squeezed juice and smoothies!

– Activities –

Daily yoga and activities are, wait for it, also included! Institute of Code has their own yoga instructor for every retreat to get your body moving and help break up the coursework.

During my stay in Bali, we ventured to Ubud for a stroll through Monkey Forest, visited rice paddies, got massages, took surfing lessons, and even went parasailing. All-inclusive for the win!

– Ongoing Support –

No matter how quick of slow of a learner you are, the Institute of Code is for everyone, which is why they offer continued support after the retreat ends. You’ll get support well after you return home from Bali so you feel confident running the website of your dreams.

So what are you waiting for? Apply today!

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Staying at Ametis Villa Bali in Canggu

As you guys already know, I absolutely adore Bali—so much so that it’s my second visit this year. This colorful, blissful island is unlike anywhere else I’ve been in the world.

The architecture, the people, and that unique Balinese vibe have stolen my heart.

I’d heard about the ultra-luxe oasis that is the Ametis Villa Bali in Canggu and decided that it is exactly the kind of place that can take a Bali getaway to the next level. The ultimate in indulgent villas, this place is second to none.

Here’s my experience staying at the Ametis Villa Bali in Canggu!

The Hotel

Arriving at an Ametis five-star luxury lifestyle villa is like coming home—only better! The amazing people at Ametis Villa Bali make every guest feel like a VIP.

You get your own personal assistant who lets you bypass the standard old check-in process and whisks you right to your room for a free welcome massage and cocktail. And the world-class service doesn’t stop there.

There are thoughtful little freebies and treats all day long, including personalized menus, shuttle services, and free bike rentals. Having a personal assistant makes you feel like a celebrity in paradise!

The Villas

Ametis Villa has three accommodation types, and each is more stunning than the last. You can go for a one-bedroom premier or imperial villa, a two-bedroom inter-connecting villa, or a three-bedroom grand villa.

Each villa features a private pool and gourmet kitchen space. The smallest room is 3,767 square feet so you definitely won’t feel crowded in these incredible villas.

Of course your villa comes with all of the extra little perks like lush bathrobes and cozy slippers that remind you that you’re in a first-class villa. The spa-inspired en suite bathroom will make you never want to leave your home away from home.

Food & Drink

For laidback tropical dining, there’s no better pick than the Eternal at Ametis. With all of the ingredients locally sourced by the best chefs in Bali, the Eternal is as fresh as it gets.

Serving veggies from the cool hills outside the villa and fresh seafood brought in every morning from Jimbaran Bay, you can taste the difference here.

But, of course, you don’t have to leave your villa for 24/7 world-class dining. Ask your personal assistant to make you a custom menu of the best food from around the island and across the globe.

If you’re a foodie, be sure to ask about the private cooking lessons so you can go home and make mouthwatering Balinese food! When you’re ready to go out for a drink, be sure to check out the Ametis Lounge for a tasty tropical cocktail.

The Spa

As amazing as the villas are, my favorite part of the Ametis Villa Bali was the Ruby Spa. With customized programs of Zen healing and wellness practices, the spa uses modern expertise to nurture the body, mind, and spirit.

The impressive therapists at Ruby Spa have been trained in therapeutic healing by a Reiki master. For the ultimate blissed-out experience, go for a traditional Balinese massage, a green tea treatment, or a fruit bath.

Activities Around Canggu

The Ametis Villa Bali is in Canggu, Bali, about 35 minutes outside of Kuta. Unlike chaotic Kuta (which I avoid like the plague), Canggu is an area known for its relaxed vibe. While it is slowly becoming one of the most popular hangouts in Bali, it still holds its charm.

Canggu is also home to a thriving community of expats and surfers who want a home away from the concrete jungle of Seminyak. Ametis Villas is located on Canggu’s main road, Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, and is just a few minutes walk to the beach.

Hit the surf or stroll the streets. Stop into one of my favorite cafes, Crate Cafe, for a smoothie bowl or head to The Practice for a yoga class.

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Special thanks to Ametis Villa Bali for hosting me during this stay. As always, opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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The Ultimate Guide to Santa Barbara in a Weekend

Dance the night away at world-class nightclubs, indulge in ultrafresh California specialties, shop indie boutiques, or just laze around the sun-drenched beaches.

After spending a weekend in Santa Barbara, you’ll never want to go home! So, what are you waiting for? Come explore the jewel of the American Riviera.

Here’s my guide to Santa Barbara in a weekend!

When to Go to Santa Barbara

Thanks to the warm California sun, temperatures in Santa Barbara are mild all year. You can expect highs in the 70s from April to October while winter temperatures usually reach the 60s in the afternoon.

Anytime is a great time to visit Santa Barbara!

Winter breaks are excellent for sightseeing and exploring the nooks and crannies of the city without having to deal with crowds. Festivals and beach weather start to kick off in late March and continue into September.

When schools are back in session, the tourist attractions clear out again and you can get an up close glimpse of local treasures.

(source)

Stroll a Farmers Market

My number one must-see in Santa Barbara is the Farmers Market. Founded in 1983 and featuring mouthwatering fruits and veggies from 130 local growers, the Farmers Market is the place to shop for fresh and local produce.

Come hungry and grab everything you need for a delicious picnic.

Do Brunch

Ready to dig into something more substantial? Forget about NYC brunches! Santa Barbara has some of the finest brunch you’ll find anywhere in the country.

Whenever I’ve been traveling for too long and am craving some classic Cali brunch, this is where I head:

• Sevens: An American-style hot spot in the heart of the Funk Zone of Santa Barbara, Sevens has scrumptious classics like its back-to-basics mac & cheese and upgrades to your favorites like truffle fries. With its rare blend of a cool, artsy atmosphere and good old-fashioned friendly service, there’s nothing not to love at Sevens.
• Finch & Fork: Offering the ultimate in effortlessly chic California dining experiences, the top-notch chefs at Finch & Fork personally source Santa Barbara County ingredients to bring you fresh, simple, local food. Be sure to wash down your meal with one of the restaurant’s famous spiked milkshakes.
• Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach: With one of the best views in Santa Barbara, the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach is a must-see. Located on Hendry’s Beach, this brunch hot spot has delicious mimosas and Bloody Marys served alongside some of the freshest seafood on the planet.

Shop State Street

You’ve got to spend at least one afternoon aimlessly wandering through the amazing shops in Downtown Santa Barbara—they are the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.

State Street is lined with an incredibly impressive array of big-name shops and indie boutiques that you’ll definitely want to explore.

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Check out Mission Santa Barbara

Founded in 1786, Mission Santa Barbara is a great place to start exploring and learning about Santa Barbara’s Spanish roots. Plan for a good hour here to take in Mission’s incredible artwork and architecture.

Hit the Beach

Out of all the beautiful beaches around Santa Barbara, Butterfly Beach is one of my top picks.

With smooth sand and a laid-back vibe, this is just the place to relax and watch the waves. When you’re ready to get your blood pumping, head to Santa Barbara Harbor to rent paddle boards, kayaks, and bikes.

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Grab Lunch

After you’ve worked up an appetite, explore some of the greatest culinary treasures of the West Coast:

• The Blue Owl: For the perfect California lunch experience, head to the award-winning Blue Owl. With an eclectic selection of Asian-inspired dishes, homemade bread, and top-notch salads, you’ll wish you could come back every day.
• Santa Barbara Public Market: Whatever you want, you’ll find it here. From fresh seafood to microbrew beer, from fair trade coffee to artisanal ice cream, the Santa Barbara Public Market is a foodie’s dream come true.
• State & Fig: Obsessed with all things fresh and local, the brilliant chefs at State & Fig offer a constantly changing menu made from seasonal, sustainable, locally-source products.
• Mony’s Mexican Food: There’s only one place better than California for Mexican food! But if you can’t cross the border for lunch, your best option is Mony’s Mexican food. I literally dream about their salsa and so will you.

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El Presidio Historic Park

Built in 1782, El Presidio Historic Park is the last Spanish military site remaining on the coast. If you need to brush up on your early California history, there’s no better place to do it.

This is the ideal place to explore and take in the rich history of the West Coast!

Cruise Around Funk Zone

Santa Barbara’s hippest neighborhood, the Funk Zone, deserves to be at the top of every visitor’s agenda. Flooded with all things bohemian and cool, you could spend weeks exploring the remarkable studios, galleries, boutiques, and hip restaurants.

Don’t Forget Dinner

End your dream California day with a meal fit for a king! Check out these first-class local spots.

• Los Agaves: It’s not easy for Mexican restaurants to stand out from the crowd but Los Agaves blows the competition away. You’ve to try this top-rated Mexican restaurant for yourself.
• The Nook: With unique, globally inspired flavors, the Nook is a true dining experience. It has everything from artisan vegan treats to your greasy BBQ favourites. Be sure to try the purple potato waffles!
• Brophy Bros: Grab a table overlooking the harbor then pig out in one of California’s greatest clam bars. This place is a must-try for any seafood lover.

Don’t Forget to Check for Seasonal Festivals!

January and February: Santa Barbara International Film Festival

April: Earth Day Festival

May: Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival

June: Summer Solstice Celebration

June: California Wine Festival

August: Old Spanish Days Fiesta

October: Harbor & Seafood Festival

December: Parade of Lights

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5 Romantic Places for Couples in Mykonos

For those of you who are under the impression that Mykonos is nothing more than a party island, you’re in for a nice surprise. Mykonos is GORGEOUS. It is relaxing. It has a very “home-y” feel to it.

For those of you traveling to Mykonos with your partner, we know you’ll want to escape the party and the crowds at times. Mykonos has an amazing party scene but that is not the only thing it has to offer.

There is much more to Mykonos than the beach parties and night clubs that you see on Instagram.

On Mykonos you’ll also find beautiful beaches, friendly locals, delicious food, and a warm culture that seems to captivate travelers.

When you need an escape form the beach parties and night clubs, the following locations will be the perfect get away for you and your lover.

Here are 5 romantic places for couples in Mykonos!

– Agios Sostis –

Arguably the most gorgeous beach on the island of Mykonos. We had such an incredible experience here basking in the sun, enjoying the beautiful crystal clear blue water, and even indulging in a massage by a local woman who was walking around looking to make money.

Agios Sostis was the first recommendation by one of our friends who is from Crete, so it was of course our first adventure on the island. It set the bar pretty high for the week!

You’ll want to rent ATVs when you are on Mykonos as they’re the most efficient way to get around the island. Agios Sostis is a bit remote, so have a fun ATV ride with your partner as you cruise across the island!

– Lia Beach –

Lia Beach is a great spot to get away, lay on a beach chair, and drink a frappe under an umbrella.

There is a cute little restaurant near the beach that has an amazing bowl of Greek Yogurt and some delicious frappes (essentially instant iced coffee with foam…trust us, you’ll be drinking these all over Greece).

The water at Lia is gorgeous, just like almost every beach on Mykonos, and the rocks surrounding the beach on either side give it an even more secluded vibe. If you venture over the rocks to the left and walk up and over the hill, you’ll find a private beach.

Be bold and go nude! It’s the Mykonos way.

– Little Venice –

Where the western most part of Mykonos Town meets the sea you will find Little Venice. Just simply walking along the sea can be quite romantic and enjoyable for you and your partner but you’re sure to love the food, shops, and people you’ll meet.

The buildings are built right up to the waterfront which gives it the vibe of the Venice canals. Historically this architectural design offered the locals the ability to load and off-load goods to/from boats quickly and efficiently.

For us, in present day, it just looks beautiful!

– Agios Stefanos –

We probably would not have discovered this beach if it wasn’t for the fact that our hostel was on the hill above it. Agios Stefanos is a western facing beach (i.e. perfect for sunset) and is not particularly crowded.

You’re sure to enjoy the number of restaurants lining the beach and the opportunity to have a server bring you food and drinks to your chair and umbrella.

Being in close proximity (just north) to the Mykonos port, you’ll also be able to watch a number of large cruise ships come in and out of Mykonos.

– Paraga Beach –

Praga Beach is a great spot for relaxing, partying, and exploring with your lover. Kalua Beach Bar is an awesome spot to enjoy some drinks on the beach.

You can even swim out to the rock that is just off shore and sit in the middle of the bay. Golden hour and sunset from Praga are something you and your partner will definitely love as well…it’s gorgeous over there!

If you’re into taking a small hike, you can hike toward Paradise Beach (toward the east) and you’ll enjoy some incredible views of the south side of Mykonos with some incredible cliffs and rocks and breathtaking beaches.

Read More about our experience in Greece!

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5 Romantic Places for Couples in Mykonos is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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