But be warned, children – getting pissed in Mykonos is still a sport for the high-fliers.

AGREEIN’ WITH THE AEGEAN
In the centre of the Aegean Sea, 150km east of Athens, lies the ancient paradise of Mykonos. Locals like to claim that it was on Mykonos that both Hercules and Poseidon had a hand in destroying some of the giants that opposed Zeus. Later, as the story goes, the island was named in honour of Apollo’s grandson Mykons. These days, troupes of golden-bodied playthings (and more recently, rowdy Aussies) have made the spot famous among the group of islands known as the Cyclades. The fact that Mykonos is a tiny 90km2 of rocky terrain might mislead you into thinking of the place as a one-weekend adventure. Don’t be fooled. Despite its small area, part of Mykonos’ fame comes from the fact that it has more than 20 accessible sandy beaches, earning it the title of ‘Capri of Greece’. Meanwhile, the bustling restaurants, bars and shops of Mykonos Town (known locally as Hora) offer a bit of urban situated on the west coast of the island, with the smaller village of Ano Mera located close to the island’s centre.

HOPPING THE ISLAND
So you’re thinking of hiring one of those cute little motor scooters, eh? Do yourself a favour and take up smoking instead – you’ll live longer. You’re better off negotiating the narrow, coast-hugging roads of Mykonos using a public bus (they run right across the island and cost about £1) or taxis (a trip from one end of the island to the other is about £6). The only problem is infrequency of service. Get bus timetables from the depot (a little east of the harbour at Mykonos Town) and plan your trip in advance. With taxis, the key is to be patient. There are only about 30 drivers on the island and demand from 3am-6am can be steep. Still, at least you’ll be alive in the morning. Probably.

HAMMERED by THE GODS
Negotiating the cave system of bars and clubs in Mykonos Town is a casual affair. Walk along the harbour front until you find a break between the sidewalk cafés, then march fearlessly into the maze of buzzing, crowded streets and follow the flow until you strike on something pumping. There are no recognisable addresses here, so don’t bother looking. Ask a local the way to the Scandinavian Bar at the west end of town, where the revellers are friendly and hot. Ram-rod is a late night gem, as is Pierros, with its outdoor terrace that pours onto the streets. Here’s the catch – Mykonos locals know they’re in a tourism hotspot, and they’ve got the art of cashing in down pat. Drinks will cost you between £4-£6 (beer) and about £10 for a double Jack Daniel’s and Coke.

Worth a look
Little Venice
At the far west end of Mykonos Town you’ll find dozens of top-rate restaurants, literally half a metre from the Aegean Sea. Watch the sunset over wine and fish. To die for.

Paradise and Super Paradise
Everything you’d pictured from the Californian ideal of a heaving beach party is embodied along the beaches of Paradise and Super Paradise in peak season. Go all night.

Delos
An utterly breathtaking landscape of ancient Grecian ruins greets those who take the 30-minute ferry ride to Delos, the birthplace of Apollo.

Bonus points for:
Heaving parties until 10am
Loses marks for:
Disaffected Americans.