Somewhere between style-soaked St Tropez and fast-paced Ibiza is a Grecian god that goes by the name of Mykonos – a hedonistic party island in the Cyclades that billows in the Aegean Sea like a crisp white sail.

While inland it’s craggy, barren and notoriously difficult to navigate, its sandy beaches are fringed by whitewashed, cube-shaped houses, winding cobblestone streets and more fun in the sun than you can possibly imagine. Mykonos Town is the place to be – by day peruse its boutiques and art galleries, by night dip in and out of its tavernas and clubs. There are also dozens of beautiful beaches, each with its own scene, so make sure your beachwear is up to scratch!

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WHEN SHOULD I GO?

Party animals descend in July and August, when the clubbing action and sunshine sizzle. A lovely time to visit is late spring or in the autumn when the weather is warm and the crowds are far less. Just note, some hotels close from November to March.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

The Belvedere (www.belvederehotel.com) is the island’s glitziest place to stay and truly deserving of its five golden stars. Perched high above Mykonos Town, it’s easy to walk down to the Old Port but not so great for walking up after a few too many! This boutique beauty comprises 48 stylishly simple bedrooms – think white-on-white furnishings with aquamarine accents and marble floors so shiny the famous faces that stay here can see their own reflections in the tiles. There are also three restaurants on-site – a seasonal outpost of London’s Nobu restaurant called Matsuhisa (open May 5 to September 20), a contemporary Greek and a poolside eatery where you’ll find a very cool pool scene. 

Alternatively, stay at the equally fabulous four-star Semeli Hotel (www.semelihotel.gr) just down the road from the Belvedere – it’s more laid-back and easier on the wallet! This boutique hotel, offers a soothing all-white palette with splashes of aquamarine, taupes and oatmeals, as well as wood floors and exposed stonework. There’s also a wonderful gourmet restaurant, Thioni, overlooking the pool, which is circled by cabanas, and a spa offering ayurvedic treatments.

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WHICH STARS WILL I SEE?

Mykonos has a huge gay following, so we weren’t too surprised to see superstar singer George Michael dancing outside Babylon on the Paraportiani Waterfront as the sun rose. George even happily obliged when we asked to have a picture taken with him! The Greek island is also a huge hit with the fashion crowd and OK! spotted fashion designer Thierry Mugler taking a dip in the warm waters of Elia Beach, while Matthew Williamson, Jean Paul Gaultier and Roberto Cavalli are all fans. OK! also spied Katie Price’s pal Phill Turner enjoying an evening stroll through the cobbled streets of Little Venice. Other famous fans of the island include Tara Reid, Paris Hilton, P Diddy and Madonna.

WHERE CAN I SHOP?

Take a wander around the labyrinth-like streets and meandering passageways of Mykonos Town and punish the plastic at boutiques selling big-name brands such as Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana and DKNY, as well as wonderful pieces of locally made jewellery. Sarah Jessica Parker has been seen browsing the designer wares in Soho Soho. Or visit the street vendors selling handicrafts, souvenirs and the Mykonian speciality almond biscuits. Also tucked between the picturesque churches and buzzing bars are dozens of art galleries, the best of which is Scala Gallery.

WHERE CAN I EAT?

By day, head for the celeb-strewn sands of Psarou Beach for Nammos (www.nammos.gr), a beach restaurant popular with the jet set. As the island’s hottest daytime table, it’s an open-air affair with white-clothed tables and piled-high plates of homemade breads and deep-fried calamari.

By night, splash the cash at Interni (www.interni-restaurant.gr), where inspiring fusion fare is dished up in an al fresco courtyard bedecked with bougainvillea and flanked by a Who’s Who of Greek society. Another favourite is Sea Satin Market for the freshest of seafood – make sure you book a couple of days ahead. If you want to hang out with fashionistas such as Calvin Klein and Jean Paul Gaultier, dine poolside at romantic Italian restaurant Gola. For something less showy, Pasta Fresca Barkia has been whipping up fresh pasta since 1978 for prices that won’t make your eyes water.

WHERE CAN I GO AT NIGHT?

Sundowners should be taken at the Elysium Hotel (www.elysiumhotel.com), a favourite with the gay crowd. Boasting an enviable location atop a steep hill and overlooking the white and blue beyond, it’s the only place to be as the sun sets around 8pm. Sink a few cocktails and mingle with a sharply dressed crowd while listening to chill-out and house music. Afterwards the crowd heads into town for dinner at 10pm, before hitting the bars and clubs from midnight onwards – if you go before, you’ll find yourself on an empty dancefloor like OK! did on the first night! Hit the streets around Little Venice and drink at one of the many terrace bars that overhang the sea.

The Scandinavian Bar was an OK! favourite, with a lively crowd propping up the bar until the early hours. Everyone ends the night at the legendary Jackie O’ on the waterfront – a boutique club with two floors dedicated to pumping remixed chart music. If you can’t bear to tear yourself away from the beach, party at Paradise Beach (www.paradise-greece.com). This open-air mega-club, the island’s largest featuring small pools and a restaurant, plays host to superstar DJs such as David Morales and Roger Sanchez all summer long.

WHAT MUST I DO?

Take the scenic 30-minute boat journey to the legendary mythological island of Delos. Greek gods Apollo and Artemis were supposedly born there and it’s home to extensive archaeological remains. Don’t leave without taking a snap of the Terrace Of The Lions, the Temple Of The Delians and the Minoan Fountain – all are must-sees.

Cruise around the gorgeous Greek island soaking up the glorious scenery – think whitewashed villas cascading down hillsides, picturesque windmills (the Kato Myli windmills featured in The Bourne Identity) and the seemingly never-ending number of pretty blue-domed churches stuffed with mosaics.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Thomson (www.thomson.co.uk; 0871 231 3235) offers a seven-night package, including return flights from London Gatwick to Mykonos, in-resort transfers and daily breakfast, staying at the four-star Hotel Semeli from £609 per adult. Price based on a September 30 departure and includes all taxes and surcharges.

Room rates at The Belvedere, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, costs from £105 per night, including breakfast and tax, for a stay in October 2011. The hotel is closed annually from December 5 to January 20.