The Only Way to Do Mykonos, Greece

After a relaxing week in Croatia, we switched gears and headed to Greece for a more happening scene. Mykonos is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea that has become a glamorous destination to visit over the last 30 years thanks to socialites, celebrities and royals visiting while it was a quiet island town inhabited by farmers, shepherds and fisherman. Now it's a tourist attraction with upscale shopping, dining and an Ibiza like party scene with beach clubs staying open until dawn and international DJs making regular appearances.

If you're heading there, here is what you absolutely must see, do and experience during your vacation.

Where to Stay. For a glamorous, 60's inspired experience snag a room at the Mykonos Theoxenia Boutique Hotel. If a chic 5-star stay is what you're craving, head to Cavo Tagoo Mykonos. For privacy and a luxurious resort stay, find yourself at the Myconian Villa Collection. Take some time to yourself at Cova Suites, enjoy the pool and view at this budget friendly hotel.

Where to eat. Uno con Carne, housed in what was an outdoor cinema, is now a hip Argentinian restaurant. Visit Lotus Resto Bar for elevated Mediterranean food and craft cocktails. If it's available, get the mushroom and truffle dish. For a Mediterranean-Mykonian meal nestled in a rocky cave on the water, make a reservation at Spilia.

Where to drink & dance. For a unique beach lounging experience, head to Scorpios. During the day it has a fantastic restaurant, bar, and beach setup and at night it turns into a beach club with live music and throngs of beautiful people. Go extra bougie and head to Nammos, another beach club that is as sceney as it is luxurious. A staple in Mykonos Town, Caprice is a cafe by day and bar that opens up to the water by night. Expect loud music, dancing and shots.

Where to lounge on the beach. If you want to enjoy the clear blue water without crowds, trek to Elia beach. There's loungers, food and drinks available so you can stay for a whole day. For more of a scene, set up at Super Paradise Beach. It's anti-conformist, favored by the LGBT crowd, those with or without clothes and visitors alike.

What to see & do. Book a bike tour with Yummy Pedals and explore an adorable organic farm. Drive around the island on a scooter or ATV to see the white washed homes and cathedrals. Don't miss the Mykonos windmills in Mykonos Town. And yes, it's windy.

How to get around. Rent an ATV since the island is spread out. If you are going out at night though, get your hotel to call you a cab. There's no Uber or Lyft, so plan your activities and hotel location accordingly since cabs can take some time to make it to you.

If you're visiting Mykonos, do not go thinking it will look like Santorini. While Mykonos Town (the center of town) resembles Santorini with the stacked white buildings and blue roofs, the island of Mykonos is spread out and has a mostly rocky terrain. There are large stretches of fields dotted with sheep, horses and family cathedrals between your destinations. But don't be discouraged, the architecture is beautifully modest, built in a time of limited resources and strict government regulations about the color and materials used.

Also, get to know the locals. We went early May, right before high season so everyone was very friendly and had time to indulge us in conversation. I suggest going at the same time, you'll be free of the crowds, have an easier time getting reservations and an opportunity to meet the locals.