Mykonos: 198?, May 1994, August 1995, July 1998, May 2002, August 2002, August 2003, July 2004?, September 2005.
Paros: July 1998, August 2002.
Ios: August 1997, July 1998, August 2003, July? 2004, July 2005, September 2005.
Santorini: August 1997, July 1998, September 2005.
Best beaches that I remember: Magganari in Ios, and Kolymbithres in Paros.
The most developed beaches, with bars and pools (and pools with
bars...), include "Paradise beach" in Mykonos, "Pounta beach" in Paros.
Odd things: On some islands you can go shopping for clothes at 1am, right next to all the people that are out in the bars.
Places to stay: Mykonos: In town: Christina rooms, 30 Euro for a double in
May, with A/C and very nice bathroom (2002).
Standard price for Mykonos town in August 2003: 80-90 Euro per double.
In 1998 a double room was at most 30 Euro in high season, on each of
the islands. Provided that shower curtains are not a necessity :)
You can also sleep on the beach, or pull an all-nighter and leave on
a morning boat to your next destination. Psarou beach in Mykonos is nice
and quiet for a late-night (early-morning) sleep.
Wildlife: lizzards. Also 3 pelicans in Mykonos and some squid swimming in Ios.
Nightlife: these islands have reputation for partying. But it is
possible (unfortunately) that they will be relatively calm, at any time of
year. Be warned that
many people don't go out until 1-2am, so things might seem pretty empty
around midnight.
In Mykonos I suggest "Caprice", and then ask around to find out if it
will be a good night at
"Cavo Paradiso" (depends on
the DJ and whether everybody spent all their money there the night before
at a big party...). The setting is stunning at both these places.
In Paros, I prefer the town of Naoussa. Follow the crowds and you
cant miss where you should be in the evening (midnight). Afterwards, head
over to one of the 3-4 big clubs (they're all next to each other).
Santorini, I forget specific names of places, just explore...
Ios, basically just follow the crowds, you can't miss the nightlife,
which is all concentrated in a small area.
Weather: Quite hot during the days, I've experienced temps in the high 30s even in May. Fortunately its windy half the time, and it could be as low as 25 any given day. Cool nights in May (15C), bring a sweater. In mid-summer nights are in the 20's but if its windy you might want something more than a t-shirt. Always sunny.