It is the most famous Greek island and, thus, extremely well organized, with amazing sandy beaches and some of the best facilities and restaurants in almost the entire country.
Where to go
The reputation of the island goes beyond the Greek borders and renders it a destination for the international Jet Set. Mykonos, however, is not limited to just that. It is an island that skilfully balances luxury and simple everyday life. Posh visitors, expensive cars and celebrities co-exist masterfully with local fishermen and residents. The lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere may be the main characteristic of the island, but one can easily relax just by enjoying a Greek coffee and a friendly chat. The island has magnificent beaches and, at the same time, offers unforgettable flavours through its unique local products (such as its delicate cheeses).
Mykonos offers bliss in every aspect of your stay: accommodation, gastronomy and entertainment. In Hora –the main town on the island- you may find high-end restaurants, traditional taverns, numerous bars for evening drinks and nightclubs where you can dance until the break of dawn. Start your day with a coffee in Little Venice while gazing at the mills opposite and then choose one of the beautiful sandy beaches for a swim.
In cosmopolitan Psarou beach, you will swim alongside internationally renowned actors, supermodels and all sorts of influencers; you will enjoy premium champagnes and sushi on your sunbeds, while at Super Paradise you will dance to the electrifying tunes of famous DJs till you drop.
In the beautiful beaches of Kapari and Agrari you may discover the joys of solitary swimming. It is worth taking a walk to the area of Lino to see the ancient Tower and enjoy the unique Cycladic landscape. Back in Chora, catch your breath with a nice cold glass of ouzo (a traditional anise-flavoured aperitif), accompanied by some of the island’s local delicacies, such as louza (Mykonos’ famous charcuterie), kopanisti (soft, spicy cheese) and of course, mostra (a simple appetizer made with a large barley rusk, kopanisti cheese and large slices of ripe tomato on top). Do not leave the island unless you take a boat Delos and Rineia, smaller islands close to Mykonos with crystal clear azure waters. Pay also a visit to the archaeological site of Delos.
How to get there
By boat from Rafina, Piraeus and Rethymno, and by plane from Athens and Thessaloniki.
Where to stay
Destino Pacha Mykonos: Pacha, the famous Spanish hotel group with presence in Ibiza, this year makes its entrance in Mykonos, Greece. Stone walls, wooden floors and linen fabrics create a boho atmosphere without straying from the Cycladic aesthetic. The heart of the hotel beats in the main pool, around which the restaurant, lounge and bar are located. The Pacha Group strikes a perfect balance between high quality hospitality and entertainment and this is exactly what their promise is for Mykonos as well. (Agios Stefanos, +30 22890 25520, www.destinopachamykonos.com)
Mykonos Earth Suites: Another one of the new arrivals on the island located in Megali Ammos beach, consisting of 12 luxurious suites with private outdoor pool. Mykonos Earth Suites is an adults-only hotel with a wonderful minimalist decoration and a unique view of the Aegean Sea. (Megali Ammos, +30 22890 25014, +30 694 888 72 34, www.mykonosearthsuites.com)
Mykonos Euphoria: The new arrival in the hospitality of the island. Elegant, modern aesthetics and Cycladic atmosphere. It offers comfortable, bright rooms, most of which have an outdoor hot tub or a private pool. It also features a fully equipped gym, a spa and a central swimming pool with very comfortable sun loungers. (Kalo Livadi, +30 22892 09449, www.mykonoseuphoria.com)
Belvedere Hotel: Ideal choice for those who wish to experience the pulse of Mykonos Hora. Cycladic aesthetic in the outside and discreet luxury in minimalist style in the inside. The first floor rooms have a panoramic view of the island while the pool of the Honeymoon Suite is dreamlike. The famous restaurant “Matsuhisa Mykonos” is also located here, while there is also a fully equipped spa operating under the umbrella of the world famous company “Six Senses”. (Hora, +30 2890 25122, www.belvederehotel.com)
Santa Marina Resort & Villas: The main building, as well as the bungalows and villas are set in a large area of lush gardens. Here the concept of a private pool becomes meaningful, as the pools are truly secluded.
From the reception areas and rooms to the private beach, luxury and aesthetics pervade the entire hotel. Michelin star Jason Atherton’s new restaurant “Mykonos Social” – housed in the hotel – is one of the most talked about arrivals on the island. (Ornos, +30 22890 23220, www.santa-marina.gr)
Grecotel Mykonos Blu: Family friendly hotel with babysitting services (at an extra charge), possibility to order children’s meal etc., yet not lacking in luxury. Everything is white, while the large spaces and the amphitheatric view give a sense of summer freedom. There is also a beautiful central swimming pool and a private beach equipped with sun beds and umbrellas. ( Psarrou, +30 22890 27900, www.mykonosblu.com)
Despotiko: Forty tastefully decorated rooms with a very romantic atmosphere are set around a renovated 1780s mansion. The breakfast area impresses with its elegant, classy aesthetics. The flowered public areas, decorated with fer forgé furniture, are among the best features of this accommodation. ( Hora, +30 22890 22009, www.despotikomykonos.com)
Matogianni Hotel: The hotel is located in the most central point of Hora and is ideal for those who want to have everything within walking distance. A classic hotel with relatively comfortable rooms and well-kept exteriors. (Matogianni Street, +30 22890 22217, www.matogianni.gr)
Hotel Milena: A value for money accommodation option, just 1 km from Mykonos Hora. Comfortable enough rooms with beautiful balconies and lush outdoor common areas. The bus stop is located right outside the hotel and provides easy access to Hora as well as Paradise and Paranga beaches (Drafaki, +30 22890 23126, www.hotelmilena.gr). The island also has two organized camping sites, one in Kalamopodi-Paradisos (+30 22890 22129) and the other in Paranga (+30 22890 25915).
Where to eat
Mykonos Social: The most impressive arrival on the island, bearing the signature of Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. Atmospheric space with a fantastic view and a menu of Mediterranean and Greek flavours. (Santa Marina Resort & Villas, Ornos, +30 22890 23220)
Lio Mykonos: The Spanish Pacha group, along with the new Destino Pacha Mykonos hotel, brought Lio Restaurant, introducing to the island a brand new experience, namely cabaret dining. Dancers, singers and acrobats give an impressive show that starts at 21:30 and lasts for three hours in a special venue. The menu includes vegetarian, Greek, Mediterranean and Asian dishes. (Hora, +30 694 567 00 93, starting from July 9)
Matsuhisa: Japanese cuisine and culinary destination for foodies from every corner of the world. (Hora, Rohari, Belvedere Hotel, +30 22890 25122)
BeefBar Mykonos: Low tables on the sand and modern boho-chic atmosphere. Here you’ll find everything from Kobe gyros and crispy tempura squid to wagyu tagliata and rib eye. (Bill & Coo Coast Suites, Agios Ioannis, +30 695 660 01 69)
Hippie Fish: All day bar-restaurant on the beach of Agios Ioannis with a youthful island spirit and flair. Loud music and clubbing mood. The menu offers a large variety of Greek delicacies, pasta and seafood. (Agios Ioannis, +30 22890 23547)
Oti Apomeine: Grill house with nice and properly cooked meats. If you happen to find roast pork with crispy skin on the menu, definitely try it. (Ano Mera, +30 22890 71534, +30 694 494 03 09)
Cantina: Pita souvlaki with a twist, burgers and other delicacies in an old red van in Tourlos. (Tourlos, +30 22890 22291)
Fokos: A classic seaside tavern with delicious dishes. Saganaki (pan-seared Greek cheese appetizer), burgers, fresh salads, fish; all excellent. (Fokos, +30 694 464 43 43)
Traditional products: kopanisti (spicy and creamy cheese traditionally made in the Cyclades), sausages, louza (one of the finest Greek cold cuts, also traditionally made in the Cyclades), mostra (the typical meze of Mykonos), Mykonos’ rusks and bread rolls, fennel balls, honey pies, onion pie, Mykonian rafioli (fried sweet pie filled with honey, cinnamon and cheese) and traditional Mykonian nougats.
What to see
In most people’s minds, Mykonos is a cosmopolitan destination with crystal clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches. It is indeed. However, the island has more than just that. It has a long history dating back to prehistoric times and many attractions and points of interest to visit.
Before going swimming in Ftelia beach, take a mini walk to the Neolithic settlement nearby. The church of Paraportiani (17th century) in Hora and the hill of Paleokastro with the homonymous 18th century monastery (Ano Mera) are also worth a stop.
Here lies the medieval castle of Gizi with a wonderful panoramic view. If you take the road to Angelika, stop to see the Mycenaean vaulted tomb in the open-air area of the Tharroe of Mykonos Hotel.
The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos is housed in a 1900s building and hosts remarkable exhibits mainly from prehistoric to late Hellenistic times. The Folklore Museum and its annexes (the Agricultural Museum-Mill of Bonis in Ano Myloi, as well as the House of Lena, a representative middle-class ground floor house of the last century in the heart of Hora) are equally interesting.
The Aegean Maritime Museum is also remarkable with a rich collection of maps, engravings and navigational instruments from various periods (Three Wells).
The Municipal Library, housed in the Kambani Mansion, a beautiful 18th century manor house in Agia Kyriaki, is worth your time. It has a huge collection of books (10.000 volumes) as well as rich photographic material, documents of the 18th-19th century, engravings etc.
Another monastery worth visiting is that of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera. It was founded in 1542 and is very impressive with a strong Cycladic character. Its Baroque carved wooden altarpiece, bishop’s throne and pulpit are said to have been made in Florence in the 18th century. Finally, it goes without saying that you will visit the top tourist spots-symbols of the island, such as the traditional Mills of Hora and Little Venice with its special architecture, for they are simply gorgeous.
Where to swim
Agios Stefanos: Sandy beach, easily accessible and organized, with a wonderful view of the small islands of Delos and Rineia. Comfortable parking.
Korfos: Ideal for those who love windsurfing and just 2.5 km from Hora.
Psarrou: A beach with a celebrity profile, azure waters and fine, light-coloured sand. If you want high quality beach bar facilities, this is where you’ll find them; restaurants, taverns and shops in the vicinity. It has also a diving school and a water sports centre.
Paradise: A bustling beach with all the necessary amenities and loud parties. It has a diving school and a water sports centre, too.
Ftelia: North facing beach with amazing waters. In recent years it has been gathering windsurf and kite surf enthusiasts. Between the rocks that divide it in two, prehistoric Neolithic settlements have been discovered.
Super Paradise: Famous for its beach parties and all day fun mood. Big, beautiful and organised, it attracts the attention of younger people. It has a diving school and a water sports centre.
Elia: Popular beach but with a lower profile. It is easily accessible and offers a range of restaurants and water sports, from water skiing to parasailing and jet skiing.
Kalo Livadi: One of the largest beaches of the island in both length and width. Organized and with pristine waters.
Kalafatis: Large beach with coarse sand and tamarisks, and very popular with water sports enthusiasts. There are also some great taverns in the area.
Paraga: One of the most beautiful beaches of the island. Small but with great beach bars, a camping site and a wonderful view of Cape Drapano.
Agrari: A beautiful beach with wonderful waters. The route is somewhat difficult but you will be rewarded; perfect for highly relaxing swims without the hustle and bustle.
Agios Ioannis: If you don’t like busy beaches, this is the one for you; organized, with plenty of dining options in the surrounding taverns, with a view of the channel between Mykonos and Delos.
Kapari: Right next to the beach of Agios Ioannis but more isolated. It is preferred by Mykonians and those who want to swim without any fuss.
Ornos: One of the most famous beaches of the island that has it all. If you like diving, here you will find the appropriate school. Ideal for families.
Platis Gyalos: Families prefer it, although you will find people of all ages. Well organized and with a very frequent bus service.
Merchia: One of the most remote beaches of the island and ideal for those who wish for privacy. It is 14 km from Hora and the road is rough for the most part.
Megali Ammos: Within walking distance from Hora, it is ideal for those who do not like to cover long distances by car. Organized and suitable for wind and kite surfing.
What to do
If you are a fan of diving then visit the nearby rocky islets of Tragonisi, Prasonisia and Chtapodia.
In Ftelia, Megali Ammos and Korfos you can windsurf and kite surf, while Elia, Psarrou, Paradise and Super Paradise offer various other water sports.
Those of you who have the wanderer’s bug in you, set your compass for Platys Gialos. Near the beach, in the Lino area, are the ruins of an ancient tower 10 m in diameter with traces of a fortified enclosure and two early Christian churches nearby.
Also nearby, in the area of the Byzantine church of Kouzi, there is the ancient well of Giannaros, an underground tank made of granite stones with a staircase that takes you to the water. There is also the possibility to discover the island by horseback riding or cycling.
But before all this, a one-day trip to the sacred island of Delos is mandatory; one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Religious centre of antiquity, birthplace of the god Apollo and treasury of the Athenian Alliance. There are daily ferry services from Mykonos lasting about half an hour, while you can also book an organised tour of the archaeological site and the island’s museum.
Its sister island Rineia is also an important archaeological site, inextricably linked to Delos, with wonderful bays and crystal clear waters that are well worth a visit. Together with Delos, they are under the protection of the Ministry of Culture and the docking of boats and overnight stays of people without special permission are prohibited.
Must: Do not miss the sunset from the Armenistis Lighthouse in Fanari with the best view of the Aegean horizon. Don’t leave the island without trying louza.
Info/ Emergency phone numbers you should know:
Mykonos Medical Centre: +30 22893 60000
Mykonos KTEL Buses: +30 22890 26797
Port Authority of Mykonos: +30 22890 22218
Mykonos Police Department: +30 22890 22716
Tourist Police Station Mykonos: +30 22890 22482 & +30 22890 22716
Municipality of Mykonos: +30 22890 22201
