Last Updated: December 20, 2023
I couldn’t be happier to hear that Greece plans to open for tourism in 2021. The first thought that came to mind was to book right away a flight ticket to my favourite Greek islands, and Mykonos is definitely one of them. This picture-perfect Cycladic island is known for attracting the Elite of Greece and over the years, its popularity has expanded internationally with countless celebrities visiting each summer. Mykonos has built a reputation over its exquisite party scene which is undeniably so cool that places Mykonos on top of the list of the most famous summer destinations, competing with Ibiza and Miami.
If you’re like me and can’t wait to experience summer in Greece, then you’ll need to read this travel guide to Mykonos where you can find out everything you need to know before you go.
HOW TO TRAVEL TO MYKONOS
Travelling to Mykonos is very easy. You can either catch a 45-minute flight from Athens or a ferry from Piraeus port which takes roughly 3 hours to reach Mykonos.
WHAT TO DO IN MYKONOS
LITTLE VENICE
Little Venice is the landmark of Mykonos. It is a picture-perfect spot with houses (now converted into restaurants and bars), right on the edge of the shore. The colourful balconies, the white walls and the blue sea create a perfect combination that will have you snapping picture after picture. Little Venice is gorgeous any time of the day but during sunset it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen!
MYKONOS WINDMILLS
Another landmark in Mykonos is its windmills, located along the shore right opposite Little Venice (as if this spot wasn’t picturesque enough). This spot has been the backdrop at numerous Greek movies throughout the years and it is almost a tradition to take a picture in front of them. Get ready to queue, however, as most of the people arrive just during sunset to take that perfect picture.
PARTY, PARTY, PARTY!
Mykonos is one of the best Greek islands for partying. The beach bars are where you want to be and each of them is so different. Most of them are open all day long, until the early morning hours, which means you can start your day with a coffee in hand while enjoying the sun and end it by the bar, sipping a cocktail while listening to the hottest beats played by some of the most renowned DJs.
THE BEST BEACH BARS IN MYKONOS
SCORPIOS
Scorpios was by far my favorite beach bar in Mykonos! The boho-chic decor was blending so harmoniously with its surroundings and the Mediterranean Sea in the background. The whole vibe is wonderful, with well-dressed people (from the staff to the patrons), great music, and gorgeous views. It is also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset from.
PRINCIPOTE MYKONOS
From the moment you enter Principote, you feel a certain luxury. Starting from the beautiful hostesses who will show you to your table or sunbed (depending on what you feel like doing), to the airy and tasteful decor, everything is just perfect. It also has a great restaurant and a small Agora with a few luxury stores.
NAMMOS
Nammos is the most exclusive and ultra-chic beach bar in Mykonos. It is so upscale that the majority of the rich and famous who flock to the island, always end up here at least once during their stay, to enjoy the heavenly food at Nammos restaurant, or sunbathe at its exclusive cabanas. The beach has some of the most comfortable sunbeds you’ve ever laid on, with very nice music playing in the background. The decor of the restaurant is very tasteful, resembling the Mykonian architecture, with whitewashed walls and light blue details. Here you will also find Nammos Village which is a haven for a luxury shopping spree. All the above, come of course with a very hefty price. If you can afford it, don’t miss it!
LIASTI BEACH
What I loved the most about Liasti, was the beach. Long sandy beach with crystal clear water and very comfortable sun beds which were placed not too close to each other. The restaurant was equally nice with very warm decor and great service. If you’re looking for a relaxed place to spend a few hours of your day sunbathing without very loud music, then this is the perfect place to be.
SUPER PARADISE
Like all beach bars in Mykonos, Super Paradise also has a well-organized beach with sun loungers and umbrellas where you can relax and a bar where you can party afterwards. This place attracts a mainly young crowd and the music gets louder and louder as the day goes by. It is one of the most popular beach bars on the island but if I’m being honest, compared to the other options Mykonos has to offer, this was my least favorite.
WHERE TO STAY IN MYKONOS
We decided to stay in Mykonos Town as we were only visiting the island for 2 days and we wanted to be as close as possible to the center. We found the cutest hotel only 5 minutes away from Fabrica Square. All of the rooms are facing Mykonos Town and beyond that, you can see the Mediterranean Sea. The rooms have a Cycladic, clean decor and some of them (including ours) have a small swimming pool. We truly loved our stay there not only because the rooms were lovely but also the service was superb.
If you’re planning on renting a car, then great areas to stay are also Tourlos, Agios Stefanos and Ornos, both at a very close proximity to Mykonos Town. The most popular hotel in Mykonos is, Cavo Tagoo which is known worldwide for the breathtaking views over its infinity pool. If your budget allows it, then a few more top luxury hotels in Mykonos are Kivotos Hotel, Rocabella Mykonos and Belvedere Hotel.
MYKONOS TOWN
Mykonos Town is one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever seen. Expect labyrinth cobblestone alleyways decorated naturally with colourful bougainvillea flowers, chic restaurants and cafes. During the day you will see people well dressed just wandering around but once the sun goes down, oh that’s when it feels more like a catwalk than a small island town. The bars and restaurants come to life and so the people dress to impress. Sit at a bar, order yourself a drink and get ready to people-watch.
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HOW EXPENSIVE IS MYKONOS?
As you’ve probably gathered by now, Mykonos is not for the faint-hearted. You need to dig deep into your pockets if you want to enjoy to the fullest what the island has to offer.
- DRINKS vary from 8-9€ a small beer, 9-12€ a glass of wine and cocktails are from 18€ and above. A coffee will cost you a mere 5€.
- DINING depending obviously where you eat, will cost you no less than 30€ per person at a mid range restaurant. The local fast food which is pita gyros costs about 3,50€.
- TAXI fares start from 15EUR. From the airport to Mykonos Town the route costs approximately 20-30€, same as from the Port to Mykonos Towns.
- BEACH BARS, sun loungers start from 15EUR per person depending on where you want to sit and the beach bar you’ll choose.
- In terms of HOTELS, prices start from 100€ a night during low season and 120€ the cheapest, during high season.
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT MYKONOS
If you find a hotel that you really like, it is worth calling them (especially if you visit during low season) and negotiate a discount.
If you’re travelling to Mykonos by ferry, then the bus and the water taxi are very good and affordable options to reach Mykonos Town.
The majority of the beach bars have valet parking, which usually costs 10€.