Mykonos really is one of the dreamiest European destinations to visit, with it’s beautiful beaches, epic sunsets and Cycladian cuisine. It’s also one of the best places to party and enjoy the local nightlife! So whether you’re looking to plan a honeymoon, Hen Party, Romantic getaway or solo trip, Mykonos is a great place to start!
Planning your trip to Mykonos
Currency: Euros (€)
Language: Greek, although English is widely spoken
Climate: Hot summers and mild winters but very windy throughout! Mykonos doesn’t get much rain but when it does it’s often between October and April.
Transport: There are only about 30 taxis in the whole of Mykonos so it’s rare to be able to get a taxi on short demand. Instead, it’s much better to take advantage of the bus services or rent a scooter. If you’re looking at hotels that aren’t in town, do make sure you keep that in mind, so you know where the closest bus is (or if you need to think about renting a car or scooter). If you do need a taxi, try and organise this through your hotel if you can – maybe look for one which offers a private airport transfer
Where to Stay in Mykonos:
Cavo Tagoo $$$ (top pick!)
- Incredibly spacious Rooms, Suites and Villas with ocean views, private pools and an on-site Greek Restaurant and Sushi Bar.
- Free Room Upgrades when available
- Pool, spa with steam bath, sauna, couples’ massage room and gym.
Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort $$$
- 5* beach front Hotel, 500 yards from Agios Ioannis Beach (opposite Delos Island)
- Elegant rooms and suites with the option to have a private pool
- Luxury Spa and Gym access
- Complimentary daily shuttle to Mykonos Town
- Customised dining experiences – romantic set up in front of a fire, customized BBQ served at your private suite or wine tasting in their special Wine Cellar complete with picnic baskets and local delights!
Myconian Korali Relais & Chateaux $$$
- Right in the City and 350 yards from Megali Ammos Beach
- Luxurious rooms with ocean view and the option for a private pool, jacuzzi and balcony
Votsalaki Boutique Resort $$
- Beautiful infinity pool with pool bar
- Just 4 mins walk away from Padadise beach – so perfect if you’re coming to enjoy the nightlife!
- Outdoor gym with sea view
- A variety of rooms to choose from – with luxury studios, suites, apartments and villas available – all with panoramic views of the ocean.
Island Mykonos Suites $ (budget top pick!)
- Beautiful, spacious suites with a lovely ocean view from their terrace.
- Located in Chora, the main town of Mykonos and just one step away from the Kaminaki beach and Old Port.
What to do in Mykonos:
Go Kite surfing in Korfos Bay
Korfus Bay is known for having some of the best conditions for Kite Surfing in Greece as the Meltemi winds blow from the North, so if you’re keen on catching some waves while you’re in Mykonos why not give it a go! Kite Surfing equipment is available to rent there at the beach and if you’re a complete beginner you can take lessons with one of the instructors on hand.
Hit the beaches
One of the biggest reasons people come to Mykonos is for the incredible beaches! Mykonos has some of the biggest party scenes and most of the beaches turn into massive beach parties which carry on well into the night, often until sunrise the next morning! During the day, however, it’s a wonderful chance to relax, enjoy the Mediterranean sun and escape for a while. The most popular beaches tend to be Psarou and Paradise Beach, but if you’re keen to leave the crowds behind you can head to Agios Stefanos or Megali Ammos (just make sure you have a car or scooter to get there!)
Visit the Armenistis Lighthouse
A fun day trip if you have a scooter or car is a drive down to the Armenistis Lighthouse. This is sometimes referred to as the “Silent Side of Mykonos” and is a great way to escape the crowds of the main town and see what locals call “the authentic scenery or Mykonos”. The true highlight of visiting the lighthouse isn’t actually the lighthouse itself but the beautiful 360 degree panoramic view of the island you get from the top. Why not pack together a picnic or takeaway pizza and head over there for sunset – for a completely unspoiled view just you and your partner away from it all!
Party the night away!
Perhaps you’re coming to Mykonos for your Hen Do or a trip away with the girls! If so, why not celebrate in style and head to one of Mykonos’ classy Cocktail bars! My 3 top picks are: Scandinavian Bar, Tropicana Bar and Paradise Club!
Scuba Dive
Although not my cup of tea, scuba diving is a real hit with tourists coming to Mykonos and there are some truly iconic spots you can’t miss if you’re in the area. For example, did you know you can dive to the iconic Ancient Peloponnese Shipwreck off Mykonos? Otherwise, why not head to Lia Reef which is home to some really spectacular marine life. (This is a great spot for non-experienced divers too!)
Little Venice
One of my favourites when I visited, Little Venice really is one of the prettiest parts of Mykonos and really comes to life during sunset. If you have the money to spend, why not head here for dinner for some of the best views on the island.
Mykonos’ Windmills
Probably the most iconic view of Mykonos, the island’s windmills are a must see when visiting. In fact, you’ll probably start to see crowds heading up towards the windmills an hour before sunset and that’s because it really is one of the best sunset spots. But aside from being postcard-worthy, these windmills have actually been around since the 16th Century and have a huge amount of history to their name! Tip: if you want to see the same view but without all the crowds, head there for sunrise – you’ll have the place all to yourself!
Panagia Paraportiani
A bit of a hidden gem, the Church of Panagia Paraportiani is situated right in the town of Chora in Mykonos and is a lovely chance to see an example of 15th Century Cycladic architecture. In fact, it’s actually classified as a national monument. Although you can’t go inside the church it’s well worth a visit just to see it’s exterior. And you might just bump into the church’s mascot: Peter the Pelicon! Tip: If you’re heading to Kastro’s for dinner, this church is right next to it – so why not visit them both in the same trip.
Visit Delos Island (the birthplace of Apollo & Artemis!)
Although often missed, the small island of Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and is well worth a visit when staying in Mykonos. You’ll find yourself strolling down the streets where ancient Romans and Greeks used to walk and explore the Sacred Island of Antiquity. In fact the whole island has been turned into a museum with plenty of ancient artefacts and ruins to see. Join a tour and you’ll be able to visit Delos & Rhenia together, as well as a leisurely Greek lunch, private beach visit and ocean swim.
Must try Restaurants & Bars in Mykonos:
- Matsuhisa at the Belvedere – Japanese fusion cuisine beside the pool of the Belvedere Hotel, great sushi, wine, cocktails and signature recipes (like their legendary black cod miso!
- Fato a Mano – a quaint Italian restaurant a walk away from Little Venice, Fato a Mano serves a wonderful array of Mediterranean food and is known for being the most popular gay-friendly restaurant in Mykonos!
- Nautilus – designed to make you feel like you’re eating in a local’s house, Nautilus serves some of the best Mediterranean food inspired by Greek cuisine but with a modern twist!
- Negrita Cocktail Bar – one of the most famous cocktail bars in Mykonos, Negrita really is the best place to sit back, cocktail in hand and watch the sun set. At night it turns into the perfect party scene, complete with live Jazz!
- Kastros Restaurant – A wonderfully private corner overhanging the ocean front, this restaurant boasts a truly unrivalled setting alongside its wonderfully flavoured, authentic Greek food. Definitely one to visit – if nothing for the view!
- Bill & Coo – refined Greek Cuisine such as local Delos sea urchin, slow-cooked pancetta with kale or cod fricassée. The Restaurant is set on the stunning poolside of the Bill & Coo hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mykonos expensive?
Mykonos is quite well known for being one of the more expensive islands and there are certainly a lot of pricy hotels, resorts and restaurants but it’s still possible to visit Mykonos on a budget, and when we went, we were only spending about €20 pp for each meal and €120 a night for our hotel – so it’s definitely possible! Just set a budget and take the time to research!
How big is Mykonos?
Compared to the other islands in Greece, Mykonos is generally seen as one of the smaller islands and only has one main port town. In fact, you can drive from one end of the island to the other in around 40 minutes.
How to get to Mykonos?
If you’re going to Mykonos directly you can fly in to Mykonos Airport (JMK) and take the KTEL bus into the city. Otherwise if you’re travelling from one of the other islands (e.g Athens or Santorini) you might rather take one of the ferries – if so, here’s a good site to find out times and prices. When you’re in Mykonos, if you’re keen to explore a lot of the island, I’d suggest getting a scooter or renting a car since there are very few taxis around. Otherwise, if you’re happy to stick to the main sites (main town and a couple of beaches, you can use the bus services available at the main square.
Does Mykonos have an airport?
Yes! Mykonos has 1 airport – Mykonos Airport (JMK), with direct flights available from most major European airports. From there, the KTEL bus service operates a shuttle service from the Airport to Mykonos Fabrika Square every 4 hours. For more details see https://mykonosbus.com
How many days should I spend in Mykonos?
This depends on what you want to see and do while you’re there but generally I’d say 4 days if you want enough time to really immerse yourself in the island or 2-3 days if you’re island hopping and are keen to see as many islands as possible.
Is Mykonos safe?
Yes, Mykonos is generally seen as one of the safest Cycladic islands and street crime is pretty rare on the island. That being said, it’s good to take certain precautions to ensure a stress-free trip e.g. avoid having large amounts of cash on display or leaving valuables unattended on the beach. Also be aware this is very much a party island so expect to see a lot of drunk people out at night! Again, it shouldn’t be a big issue, but just be sensible.
What is the best beach in Mykonos?
The most beautiful beach in terms of scenery has to be Psarou Beach but it can get very crowded during the Summer! If you’re looking to party, head to Paradise Beach which is easily reached via the bus service from Mykonos Town. If you’re looking for a quiet beach away from the crowds and don’t mind driving to get there, head to Agios Stefanos or Megali Ammos (both big hits with the locals).
