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Where to Stay in Mykonos: My Guide

Greece › Mykonos › Best Towns
Updated: May 16, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

Quick Tips

  • The Golden Rule: Stay in Mykonos Town (Chora) if you want nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and the classic Mykonos experience. Stay at the beach if swimming and lazy days matter more than late nights. For first-timers, I would not stay inland around Ano Mera unless you have a rental car and know exactly why you are doing it.
  • Best Beach Bases: Ornos and Platis Gialos are the best all-around beach areas. Both have great swimming, plenty of hotels, restaurants within walking distance, and better transport than most beaches. Both have water taxi access to other south coast beaches, including Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia.
  • Booking Warning: The best hotels in Mykonos sell out early. For June through September, book 4 to 8 months ahead. For July and August, especially if you want a sea view, family room, private pool, or beach hotel, book as soon as your dates are firm.
  • Transportation Reality: Taxis are limited and expensive, especially at the airport, ferry port, beaches, and late at night. Do not build your trip around “we’ll just grab a cab.” Use the public buses, water taxis, hotel shuttles, and pre-booked transfers. Ride-hailing apps (Uber) can help, but cars are still limited when everyone wants one at the same time.
My wife and I on a Mykonos beach.

My wife and I on idyllic Platis Gialos beach in Mykonos.

The Best Areas to Stay in Mykonos

My Favorite Hotels in Mykonos

• Mykonos Town: Deos • Semeli
• Ornos (Family Beach): Santa Marina • Mykonos Blanc
• Platis Gialos (Best Beach): Branco • Petasos
• Psarou (Trendiest Beach): Mykonos Blu
• For Couples: Bill & Coo • Mykonos Grand
• For Families: Santa Marina
• For Nightlife: Tropicana • Semeli
• Best Value: Matina • Panormos Village

Where to Stay in Mykonos: My Favorite Spots

Choosing where to stay in Mykonos comes down to one main question: do you want the energy and convenience of Mykonos Town, or do you want to wake up near the beach?

Mykonos is small, but the location decision matters. Mykonos Town (Chora) is the island’s hub for buses, nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and the Old Port. The beaches spread out from town, mostly along the south coast. That creates the basic Mykonos tradeoff:

  • Stay in Town: Best for restaurants, bars, shopping, nightlife, and first-time visitors who want the easiest base. You can walk everywhere in the evening and take buses or boats to different beaches during the day. The downside is noise, crowds, and no proper swimming beach in town.
  • Stay at the Beach: Best for swimming, lazy days, families, and resort-style trips. Ornos and Platis Gialos are the easiest beach bases because they offer restaurants, hotels, buses, and water-taxi access. The downside is that you will need a bus, transfer, or taxi to reach Town for serious nightlife and shopping.

I tell first-timers to choose either Mykonos Town, Ornos, or Platis Gialos. Those three give you the best mix of atmosphere, convenience, swimming, and transport. Elia, Agios Ioannis, and the northern beaches can be wonderful, but they are more specific choices and not as easy without a car or pre-booked transfers.

A map of where to stay in Mykonos.
Hotels on Map: 1. Rocabella • 2. Grace • 3. Mykonos Riviera • 4. Yakinthos • 5. Panormos Village • 6. Cavo Tagoo • 7. Deos • 8. Villa Konstantin • 9. Harmony • 10. Bluetopia • 11. Theoxenia • 12. Carbonaki • 12. Matina • 13. Semeli • 14. Belvedere • 15. Boheme • 16. Bill & Coo • 17. Korali • 18. Tharroe • 19. Katikies • 20. Mykonos Grand • 21. Anax • 22. Kalesma • 23. Casa del Mar • 24. Kivotos • 25. Kove • 26. Mykonos Blanc • 27. Santa Marina • 28. Palladium • 29. Mykonos Blu • 30. Nissaki • 31. Petasos • 32. Acrogiali • 32. Petinos • 33. Myconian Ambassador • 34. Branco • 35. Tropicana • 36. LYO Boutique (formerly Amyth of Mykonos Super Paradise) • 37. Myconian Villa Collection • 38. Panoptis Escape • 39. The Wild • 40. Cali • 41. Semeli Coast

Mykonos: The Layout

Mykonos is compact. You can drive across the island in about 30 to 45 minutes, traffic permitting. But compact does not mean easy. Roads are narrow, parking is limited, taxis are scarce, and summer traffic can turn a short ride into a slow one. Choosing the right base saves time, money, and irritation.

Me walking through Mykonos Town.

I’ve done it hundreds of times, but walking the lanes and alleys of Mykonos Town is still a delight.

My Favorite Areas in Mykonos

1. Mykonos Town (Chora)
This is the best base for first-time visitors who want the full Mykonos experience. Town is beautiful, lively, walkable, and practical, with the island’s best restaurants, bars, boutiques, bakeries, nightlife, sunset spots, and bus connections all in one place. Little Venice is the prettiest sunset area, the Windmills are the classic photo stop, and the Old Port is useful for the Sea Bus to the New Port and excursion boats to Delos.

The big advantage is evenings. Staying in Town means you can walk to dinner and drinks without worrying about taxis at midnight. The downside is that Town is busy, expensive, and not a beach destination. There are a few decent swim spots within walking distance but there is no great swimming beach in Chora.

2. Ornos, Platis Gialos & Elia (The Resort Beaches)
These are the best choices for a beach-focused stay. Ornos and Platis Gialos are the easiest all-around beach bases because they have good swimming, plenty of hotels and restaurants, bus service to Mykonos Town, and water taxi access along the south coast.

Ornos is my usual recommendation for families and travelers who want a convenient beach village close to Town. It has a protected bay, lots of hotel choices, and a more practical feel than the party beaches. It is not secluded and it gets busy in summer, but it works.

Platis Gialos is a little more resort-like and has especially good access to the south coast beach boat. It is one of the best places to stay if you want to swim in the morning, take the water taxi to Paraga or Paradise in the afternoon, and still get into Town for dinner.

Elia is quieter, longer, and more upscale, with some excellent hotels. It is better for couples and resort travelers than for anyone who wants to wander out to lots of restaurants. It is also farther from Town, so transfers and transport matter more here.

3. The Party Beaches
Paradise, Super Paradise, Paraga, and Psarou are the high-energy beach areas, though they do not all have the same vibe. Paradise and Super Paradise are the loudest and most party-focused. Paraga is still lively but a little more mixed, with beach clubs, restaurants, and it’s walkable from Platis Gialos. Psarou is more polished and expensive, known for luxury beach clubs, yachts, bottle service, and a see-and-be-seen crowd rather than all-night chaos. Stay in these areas only if that is what you came for. They can be fun, but they are not subtle, not cheap, and not ideal for families or light sleepers.

4. Agios Ioannis & The West Coast
The west coast is quieter and more romantic, with some of the island’s best sunset views toward Delos. Agios Ioannis is the main beach here, with a calmer feel than the south coast and several very good hotels. Megali Ammos is closer to Town and useful if you want to be near Chora but still have a beach nearby. The tradeoff is convenience. Agios Ioannis is not as easy for beach hopping, and you will want to plan transport for dinners in Town. It is a great choice for couples who want views and a quieter base, less ideal for travelers who want lots of restaurants and bars on the doorstep.

5. The North Coast
The north coast is rugged, quieter, and much less developed. Agios Sostis is beautiful and low-key. Panormos has more beach-club development but still feels removed from the main south coast circuit. This is not where I would stay on a first visit unless you have a car and want a quieter, more independent trip. The north coast is also exposed to the Meltemi, the strong summer wind that often blows through the Cyclades in July and August. When the wind is up, the north beaches can be choppy and uncomfortable while the south coast beaches are much more pleasant.

6. Inland: Ano Mera
Ano Mera is the main inland village and the closest thing Mykonos has to a traditional local center away from Chora. It has a pleasant square, good tavernas, and the Panagia Tourliani monastery. I like it for lunch, dinner, or a short stop while exploring by car. I do not recommend staying here on a first trip. It is quiet and cheaper than the beach areas, but you lose the main reasons most people come to Mykonos: the sea, the town, and the easy evening atmosphere. Stay here only if you have a rental car and want a quieter, more local base.

My son and I at a Mykonos hotel.

My son and I at a hotel pool. Even with all the great beaches, having a pool (or better yet, a private pool) is a nice perk.

Arrival Points: Know the Difference

  • Mykonos Airport (JMK): Small, busy, and very close to Mykonos Town (about 10 minutes). Pre-book a transfer if you are arriving with luggage, kids, or at night.
  • The New Port (Tourlos): This is where all passenger ferries arrive and depart. It is 2km north of Mykonos Town. Do not go to the Old Port for your ferry unless you are taking a small excursion boat.
  • The Old Port: Located on the edge of Mykonos Town. Useful for the Sea Bus to the New Port, boat tours, and boats to Delos, but not the main ferry port.
  • Sea Bus: The easiest cheap link between the New Port and Mykonos Town. It avoids road traffic and is the simplest option if you are staying in or near Chora.
  • Water Taxi: This is for beach hopping, not for getting from the ferry port to your hotel. The south coast route connects Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia. It is especially useful if you are based in Ornos or Platis Gialos.

The Best Places to Stay in Mykonos

Our room and private plunge pool at Cavo Tagoo hotel.

Our room at Cavo Tagoo in Mykonos Town.

See Also

• Best Hotels in Mykonos
• Best Family Hotels in Mykonos
• Mykonos Maps

View toward three different shapes and sizes of pool overlooking a beach and sea at Mykonos Blu resort in Psarou.

A view of Psarou Beach from the pools at Mykonos Blu Hotel – my favorite hotel in Mykonos.

A king-sized bed dressed in white with a nature-ispired wall pattern behind and glass doors leading to a balcony at Deos resort in Mykonos Town.

Our room at Deos in the hills above Mykonos Town.

My room at Petasos Beach Resort.

Our room at Petasos Beach Resort & Spa in Platis Gialos.

A sitting room leads back to a bedroom, while a side door leads to a terrace with private jacuzzi at Mykonos Blanc on Ornos Beach.

Our suite at Mykonos Blanc on Ornos Beach.

A king-sized bed in white and royal blue in a stark white room with a door leading out to a terrace with a pool and sea view at Katikies resort in Agios Ioannis, Mykonos.

Our suite at Katikies near Agios Ioannis Beach.

A king-sized bed in white set in a nautically inspired room with a freestanding soaking tub at Mykonos Riviera in Tourlos.

Our suite at Mykonos Riviera.

Mykonos Town or Beach: Where Should You Stay?

For most first-time visitors, the choice is simple: stay in Mykonos Town if you want restaurants, bars, shopping, nightlife, and easy bus connections. Stay at the beach if swimming, sunbeds, and a resort-style day matter more than late nights in town.

Mykonos Town is the best all-round base if you want the classic Mykonos experience. You can walk to Little Venice, the Windmills, the Old Port, restaurants, boutiques, bakeries, cocktail bars, and clubs. It is also the island’s main transport hub, which makes beach-hopping easier. The tradeoff is noise, crowds, higher prices, and no proper swimming beach in the center. If you want Town but a bit more breathing room, look at hotels on the edge of Chora, near the Old Port, or toward Megali Ammos.

Ornos and Platis Gialos are the best beach bases for most travelers. Both have good swimming, restaurants, hotels, bus service to Mykonos Town, and water taxi access to the south coast beaches. Ornos is especially good for families and anyone who wants a practical beach village close to Town. Platis Gialos has a more resort-like feel and is excellent for beach-hopping to Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia.

Psarou is the polished luxury beach choice, with calm water, designer shopping, expensive sunbeds, and the Nammos scene. It is great if you want high-end Mykonos, but it is not a value pick and there is no direct water taxi from Psarou. Paradise, Super Paradise, and Paraga are for travelers who want beach clubs, DJs, and a loud scene. They can be fun, but I would not stay there unless partying is a major reason for the trip.

For a quieter stay, look at Agios Ioannis for sunsets and a romantic west coast feel, Elia for a longer, more spacious beach with upscale resorts, or Tourlos and Agios Stefanos if ferry-port convenience matters. These areas can work very well, but they are more specific choices. For most first-timers, I would still start with Mykonos Town, Ornos, or Platis Gialos.

Me and my wife on a beach walk in Mykonos.

My wife and I walking between Platis Gialos and Paraga beaches.

Best Areas in Mykonos for Walking to Restaurants, Shops, and Bars

Mykonos Town is easily the best area if you want to walk everywhere. No beach area can match Chora for restaurants, bars, boutiques, bakeries, galleries, clubs, and late-night energy. This is the place to stay if you want to step out after dark and have the whole island’s best evening scene in front of you.

The downside is the same as the appeal: everyone wants to be here. In July and August, Town is crowded, expensive, and noisy in the most central lanes. If you are a light sleeper, avoid rooms directly above bars or deep in the pedestrian core. Hotels on the edge of Town are often the smarter choice.

Ornos and Platis Gialos are the best beach alternatives. Both have enough restaurants, beach bars, mini-markets, and hotel options to make a stay easy without constantly going into Town. Ornos feels more practical and family-friendly. Platis Gialos has a stronger resort feel and better beach-hopping access by water taxi.

If shopping and nightlife are priorities, stay in Mykonos Town. If beach time matters more but you still want dinner options within walking distance, stay in Ornos or Platis Gialos.

A rectangular infinity pool stretches out toward the sea and ferry port with a row of sunbeds and umbrellas on one side at Mykonos Riviera in Tourlos

For short stays and island hopping, Tourlos is ideal with its easy access to the ferry port, Mykonos Town, and Agios Stefanos Beach. Mykonos Riviera is the best hotel in this area.

Best Areas in Mykonos for Families

Mykonos has a party reputation, but families can have a great trip if they choose the right base. The main things to look for are calm water, easy restaurants, short walks, and a hotel that does not require constant taxi use.

Ornos is my top pick for families, especially with younger kids. The bay is sheltered, the water is usually calm, and there are plenty of restaurants, mini-markets, beach clubs, and hotels close together. It gets busy in summer and sunbeds are not cheap, but the convenience is hard to beat. Santa Marina, Mykonos Blanc, and Kivotos Mykonos are strong hotel choices.

Mykonos beach hotel with breakfast.

Breakfast at the beach. One of the buffet tables when we stayed at Mykonos Blanc in Ornos.

Platis Gialos is another excellent family base. The beach is sandy and organized, the water is good for swimming, and the choice of beachfront restaurants is better than most beach areas. It is busier and more commercial than some travelers expect, but that also makes it easy. Petasos Beach Resort & Spa is one of the best family-friendly options here, and Branco Mykonos works well for families who want a stylish beach stay.

Agios Ioannis is better for families who want a quieter beach and sunset views. It has a calmer, more relaxed feel than Ornos or Platis Gialos, but fewer restaurants and less going on within walking distance. Mykonos Grand is the standout hotel here.

My family and I in Mykonos.

My wife, kids, a family friend, and I after a helicopter tour of Mykonos.

Agios Stefanos, Kalo Livadi, and Elia can also work for families, especially with a rental car or a resort-style hotel. Agios Stefanos is convenient for the New Port and has a low-key beach. Kalo Livadi has more space. Elia has excellent resorts, including the Myconian Villas, but it is farther from Town and more dependent on transfers.

Book family rooms and suites early, especially for July and August. Mykonos has plenty of hotels, but not endless rooms that comfortably fit families.

Petinos Beach hotel in Mykonos.

Petinos Beach Hotel on idyllic Platis Gialos.

Best Areas in Mykonos for Couples and Honeymoons

For couples, the best area depends on the style of trip. Mykonos can be romantic in very different ways: sunset drinks in Town, a private pool suite above the sea, a quiet west coast beach, or a polished luxury beach scene.

Mykonos Town and Little Venice are best for couples who want atmosphere. Wandering the lanes, having sunset drinks near Little Venice, and walking to dinner without planning transport is a big advantage. It is not secluded, and sunset can be packed, but the setting is classic Mykonos. Bluetopia is the special Little Venice choice, while Semeli Hotel and Cavo Tagoo Mykonos work well if you want style, pools, and easy access to Town.

Agios Ioannis is better for couples who want sunset views and a quieter base. It has a more relaxed feel, good swimming, and lovely views toward Delos. The tradeoff is fewer restaurants and less nightlife within walking distance. Mykonos Grand, Katikies Mykonos, and Anax Resort & Spa are the hotels I would look at first.

Psarou is for couples who want luxury and a beach-club scene. It is glamorous, expensive, and very Mykonos. Mykonos Blu is superb here. Elia is better if you want a longer beach and resort-style privacy, with hotels such as Myconian Utopia Resort and Myconian Avaton. Kalafatis is more remote, but Cali Mykonos is excellent for couples who want privacy, a dramatic pool, and a quieter luxury stay.

For a honeymoon, I would prioritize the room as much as the area. A good terrace, sea view, private plunge pool, or outdoor jacuzzi can matter more than shaving five minutes off the ride to Town. Mykonos is expensive enough that the room should feel special.

View from above a long, curved pool overlooking a small, private beach with hills rising behind at Cali Mykonos resort in Kalafatis.

The giant pool and little private beach at Cali in Kalafatis.

Best Areas in Mykonos for Nightlife and Partying

For nightlife, Mykonos Town is the best base for most people. You get the widest choice of bars, clubs, late-night lounges, restaurants, and people-watching, all within walking distance. That matters because taxis are limited and expensive late at night. If you want to party but still sleep, choose a hotel on the edge of Town rather than directly above the busiest lanes. Belvedere and Semeli Hotel are strong choices. Cavo Tagoo is more of a scene hotel, with big views, a famous pool, and a short ride or walk into Town.

Paradise Beach is the choice if you want the full beach-club experience. Paradise Beach Club, Tropicana, and Cavo Paradiso make this one of the loudest and most party-focused areas on the island. Tropicana Hotel is the obvious stay if you want to be in the middle of it. Paradise View Hotel is a more affordable nearby option, and Paradise Beach Camping suits budget party travelers.

An infinity pool with a row of floating sunbeds inside and a second row of sunbeds on the terrace behind, all facing over the sea at Tropicana Hotel on Paradise Beach, Mykonos.

The Tropicana Hotel on Paradise Beach is one of the best luxury party hotels in Mykonos.

Super Paradise has a slightly more polished beach-party feel, with Super Paradise Beach Club and JackieO’ drawing a lively, stylish, and LGBTQ+ friendly crowd. It is more isolated than Paradise, so staying here works best if the beach-club scene is the main point of the trip. LYO Boutique is the best-known hotel in the area.

Paraga is the best choice if you want Scorpios, SantAnna, and a trendier beach-club scene, but with easier access to Platis Gialos and the south coast water taxi. It is lively without being quite as one-note as Paradise. Zephyros Hotel is a practical nearby option.

My advice: stay in Mykonos Town if you want variety and easy late nights. Stay at Paradise only if partying is the whole point. Stay in Platis Gialos if you want a smarter compromise: beach by day, water taxi to the party beaches, and bus or transfer into Town at night.

Staying in Mykonos Town

View from a red barrel-roofed church over the sea and Old Port neighborhood of Mykonos Town.
Mykonos Town location on a map of Mykonos.

Also known as Chora, the island’s capital is a charming tangle of narrow pedestrian-only streets – a real pleasure to get lost in. The historic core is densely packed with guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, and bars. Tavernas dot the waterfront, and there are two bona fide shopping streets lined with Greek fashion boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops. Little Venice is a dense cluster of waterside bars and a favorite gathering place at sunset, as are the picturesque Cycladic windmills at the western edge of town. A couple of worthwhile museums and an open-air cinema add to the town’s attractions. There are excellent bus connections to the beaches and interior villages of the island.

The Best Hotels in Mykonos Town

Staying at Megali Ammos Beach

The sea spreading out in front of a beach with a low hill rising behind at Megali Ammos in Mykonos.
Megali Ammos Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

Located about 500 meters south of Chora, Megali Ammos offers nice sand, sunset views, and great swimming without the crowds of the village or the southern beaches. It can be windy here. It’s a short walk from the village center, though there is no sidewalk, so walk with caution – especially late at night. The hotels below should be considered as part of Mykonos Town but close to Megali Ammos Beach.

The Best Hotels in Megali Ammos

Staying at Ornos Beach

Ornos Beach, Mykonos.
Ornos Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

Just 3km south of Mykonos Town, Ornos Beach is one of the busiest beaches on the island. The streets around it are dotted with boutique hotels, and its dazzling sand is densely lined with sun loungers. Half a dozen or so seafood restaurants are found immediately next to the beach with a few more nearby. Ornos overlooks a sheltered bay, and the shallow, calm water is popular with families. If the crowds get a bit too much, a five-minute walk around the east side of the bay takes you to the excellent Apaggio restaurant that overlooks a cluster of docked fishing boats, while a 5-minute walk north takes you to Korfos Beach – more exposed and breezy on windy days (popular for kitesurfing), but far less crowded. There are lots of buses to and from Mykonos Town (some of them keep going to Agios Ioannis Beach). Ornos is also the starting point for the water taxi to Elia Beach with stops in Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, and Agrari Beaches.

The Best Hotels at Ornos Beach

Staying at Platis Gialos Beach

Platis Gialos Beach in Mykonos.
Platis Gialos Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

The best beach on Mykonos for a mix of restaurants, low-key nightlife, hotels, and good sand. Platis Gialos is a 4km drive south of Mykonos Town. It’s got something for everyone: families come here for the calm waters and white sand; the young, trendy crowd heads for the hip beach bars; and everyone comes here to eat – the beachfront’s back-to-back restaurants serving everything from Greek standards and seafood to sophisticated fusion. It’s also the main water sports beach in Mykonos, with kayaking, standup paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and flyboarding on offer. Numerous hotels and villas surround the beach. Excellent bus connections to Mykonos Town and hourly water taxis to other south coast beaches in the high season.

The Best Hotels at Platis Gialos Beach

Staying at Agios Ioannis Beach

A lifeguard stand next to a red rescue boat on the beach with people strolling on the shore and sailboats in the sea at Agios Ioannis Beach in Mykonos.
Agios Ioannis Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

Studded with beach umbrellas, this narrow sandy crescent on Mykonos’ west coast is a favorite sunset-watching spot. Part of the movie Shirley Valentine was shot here, and it’s also where you find a popular seafood restaurant – Hippie Fish – and a couple of boutique hotels on the hillside overlooking the Aegean. Several daily buses from Mykonos run by the steep, short access road down to Agios Ioannis, turning around in the parking lot near the picturesque Cycladic church by the sea. From Agios Ioannis, it’s a 10-minute walk past the church and around the headland to the small, sheltered cove of Kapari Beach.

The Best Hotels at Agios Ioannis Beach

Staying at Agios Stefanos Beach

A sandy beach in front of a crescent-shaped bay with a few sunbeds, thatched umbrellas, and people wading into the water at Agios Stefanos Beach in Mykonos.
Agios Stefanos Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

This is the beach nearest to the New Port at Tourlos (where most Mykonos ferries arrive and depart) and about 3 km from the heart of Mykonos Town. Agios Stefanos is a small, sandy beach with a handful of restaurants and beach clubs, including the amazing Limnios Tavern on the hill overlooking the beach with gorgeous sunset views and flavorful Greek comfort foods. This is not the most beautiful beach in Mykonos, but it is great for swimming and protected from the winds. The area is well-connected by buses to and from the airport and Mykonos Town and by the Sea Bus (water taxi) to the Old port at Mykonos Town and to Delos Island.

The Best Hotels at Agios Stefanos Beach

Staying at Psarou Beach

Rows of blue and white striped umbrellas line the beach with a floating pier stretching out into the sea and a few boats moored at Psarou Beach in Mykonos.
Psarou Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

With its sparkling waters and end-to-end rows of sun loungers, Psarou Beach is one of the island’s most popular destinations. It’s a particular favorite with families and honeymooners due to its relaxed atmosphere, powder-soft sand, and enviable location in a cove protected from the winds. A minor water sports center, Psarou Beach sees windsurfers and waterskiers bouncing on the waves further away from the shore. There are a couple of great restaurants, hotels, beach clubs, and a luxury mall here, and the beach is well-served by buses from Mykonos Town.

The Best Hotels at Psarou Beach

Staying in Paradise Beach

Beach clubs and hotels line the shore and hills, busy with swimmers and sunbathers at Paradise Beach in Mykonos.
Paradise Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

A big draw for revelers, Paradise Beach has three clubs to choose from: Paradise Club with a hugely popular beach bar surrounded by mounds of empty Dom Perignon bottles, Tropicana with wild all-night dance parties, and Cavo Paradiso, a five-minute walk away on a headland overlooking the waves. All attract big-name international DJs and the parties go on ’til dawn. In daytime during peak season the sandy beach is popular with young, trendy sunbathers; in low and shoulder seasons, families take over. The excellent, authentic Indian Palace restaurant is nearby. The beach can be reached either by frequent shuttle from Mykonos Town or by water taxi.

The Best Hotel at Paradise Beach

Staying at Super Paradise Beach

Maroon sunbed and umbrella sets line the shore with swimmers in the sea and a couple of boats landing almost in the sand at Super Paradise Beach in Mykonos.
Super Paradise Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

Exclusive villas dot the hillside above the sheltered cove of Super Paradise Beach, accessible via a steep, narrow access road. Super Paradise is dominated by its namesake beach bar and club (shown above) with popular JackieO’ at the opposite end. During summer peak season, beach parties with international DJ sets kick off in the afternoons and continue until the wee hours of the morning. During the day, the beach is a good spot for sipping a cocktail while working on your tan. Hourly shuttle buses from Mykonos Town during high season run late into the night, while boat taxis serve the beach during the day.

The Best Hotel at Super Paradise Beach

Staying at Paraga Beach

The sea sparkling in the sun in front of a beach club filled with sunbathers at Paraga Beach in Mykonos.
Paraga Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

Lively Paraga Beach on the south coast bridges the gap between backpacker party central and sultry sophistication. This appealing sandy crescent has several beach bars and a youth hostel at one end. Beach parties tend to kick off in the afternoons. At the other end of the beach, on a headland with excellent sea views from its lofty vantage point, is Scorpios (shown above) – a place for leisurely lunch under a shady canopy by day, an amphitheater for sunset-watching, and a club lounge by night. A two-minute walk north across the headland you’ll find a couple of great seafood tavernas and a more chilled-out vibe on pebbly Agia Anna Beach (one of three beaches in Mykonos with the same name – the others are in Mykonos Town at the Old Port and south of Kalafatis Beach on the west side of the island). Buses run to Paraga from Mykonos Town in summer.

The Best Hotel at Paraga Beach

Staying in Kalo Livadi Beach

A wide stretch of sand and sea with a beach club and lifeguard stand in the distance and only a few people at Kalo Livadi Beach in Mykonos.
Kalo Livadi Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

You have to pass through Ano Mera to reach this long, wide beach on the south coast. Because it’s relatively isolated compared to other south coast beaches (reachable by bus in high season but not by water taxi), this beach avoids the worst of the summer crowds. There are a handful of luxury hotels on the hills above, a pair of beach clubs, and several clusters of sun loungers. Still, travelers can easily find a patch of sand to call their own, or take a short walk southeast along to coast to find the tiny, lesser known Loulos Beach (no sunbeds or umbrellas here, so come prepared). On windy days Kalo Livadi Beach can feel quite exposed.

The Best Hotels at Kalo Livadi Beach

Staying at Elia Beach

Rows of gray umbrella and sunbed sets on the beach in front of a calm sea with a hill rising behind built up with hotels at Elia Beach in Mykonos.
Elia Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

Reachable via Ano Mera (or via boat taxi from nearby beaches during summer season), Elia Beach is a long, sandy beach on the south coast of Mykonos. Elia Mykonos, a decent seafood spot with a bar and sunbed rentals, is the only restaurant open to the public on the beach; all other restaurants are inside the resorts. However, the luxury resorts capping the surrounding hills all have their private beach areas here. You’ll also find a small water sports rental center with jet skis and inflatables. While the beach gets busy with sun worshippers, its lack of public beach bars and abundance of space lends it a more relaxed vibe than other south coast beaches, even during its most crowded moments. A ten-minute scramble along the rocks from the west end of Elia Beach takes you to the quiet, pretty Agrari Beach in a sheltered bay, where you’ll find a couple of beach restaurants, plenty of deck chairs, and calm, shallow water.

The Best Hotels at Elia Beach

Staying in Ano Mera

The marble façade of a church and bell tower in a courtyard with a fuschia bougainvillea in front at the church of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera village in Mykonos.
Ano Mera location on a map of Mykonos.

The only other village on the island of any size after Mykonos Town, Ano Mera sits roughly in the center of the island, reachable via an 8km drive along the island’s main road (not long ago, this was the only road on the island). Ano Mera is well worth a visit for its attractive main square, lined with tavernas and cafes, and the beautiful Tourliani Monastery (pictured above) that dates back to the 16th century. Beyond its whitewashed, fortress-like wall, there’s a striking marble chapel filled with medieval icons. There are great views of the village and the monastery from the Paleokastro Monastery, located on a hill just outside Ano Mera. Frequent buses connect Ano Mera with Mykonos Town. In summer, there are buses that connect Ano Mera with Kalo Livadi and Kalafatis beaches. There are very few hotels in Ano Mera, but the village is home to one of the best, Koukoumi, the one and only vegan hotel in Mykonos.

Santorini Dave and his wife in Mykonos.

My wife and I in Ano Mera.

The Best Hotel in Ano Mera

Staying at Panormos Beach

View from a hilltop looking down at Panormos Beach with a busy beach club and a floating pier with a few boats moored in Mykonos.
Panormos Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

One of the longest beaches in Mykonos, Panormos stretches for about half a kilometer along the island’s north, central coast. Set back in a cove, the beach is somewhat protected from the strong, northerly winds, though it is typically breezier here than at the southern beaches. There is a fantastic restaurant, Kalosta, and a lively beach club, Principote, here, but the beach is relieved of the usual throng of tourists due to its semi-remote location and lack of a regular bus (you’ll want a car to visit here). Expect crystalline waters, fine golden sand, and plenty of sun. Both restaurants and a smattering of hotels sit at the northern end, while the far south end attracts a few nudists. The view from Panormos Village is shown above.

The Best Hotel at Panormos Beach

Staying at Agios Sostis Beach

A wide view looking down toward the beach with grasses rolling down the hill at Agios Sostis Beach in Mykonos.
Agios Sostis Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

The prettiest beach on the Mykonos north coast, Agios Sostis is tucked away in a cove but has a good strip of white sand, shallow, calm water, and a few beach umbrellas. It tends to be a lot less crowded than the south coast beaches but can be buffeted with the wind in July and August. At the north end, high above the beach is the legendary Kiki’s Tavern; diners start lining up outside it at noon for the terrifically simple Cycladic dishes. Directly below the taverna is a small, sheltered cove with crystal-clear water and a tiny beach. You need your own wheels to get to Agios Sostis. The turnoff for the beach is 2km or so out of Mykonos Town off the main road towards Ano Mera.

The Best Hotel at Agios Sostis Beach

Staying in Aleomandra

A row of sunbeds and umbrellas with a crystal clear sea at skinny Glyfadi Beach in Aleomandra, Mykonos.
Aleomandra location on a map of Mykonos.

Named for the mythological stables that sheltered Apollo’s horses, Aleomandra is the little peninsula between Ornos and Agios Ioannis jutting southwest out into the sea. This is the closest point in Mykonos to the sacred island of Delos. This sparsely developed area is dotted with private luxury villas with only a few high-end hotels open to guests and a handful of small, sandy beaches (some with no names) that see very few visitors, even in the peak season. Glyfadi Beach (shown above), below Casa del Mar is one of these nearly secret beaches. For privacy and serenity, this is among the very best spots on the island, though it may feel a little isolated for some.

The Best Hotels in Aleomandra

Staying in Kalafatis

A wide sandy beach with three rows of sunbeds and thatched umbrellas on Kalafatis Beach in Mykonos.
Kalafatis location on a map of Mykonos.

The westernmost village on Mykonos, about 8 km from Chora as the crow flies, casual Kalafatis village is home to Kalafatis Beach. This long, tree-lined swathe of golden sand features a handful of watersports centers, beach volleyball, and boat charters, though it’s most popular as a windsurf destination, loved for its steady breeze and consistent (yet not too aggressive) waves. Sunbed and umbrella sets are on offer from the couple of seafood tavernas perched on the sand; more dining options are available in the village. Most of the activity takes place at the north end of the beach, leaving the south side mostly open for swimming, snorkeling, or simply claiming your own patch of sand under the sun. There is a lifeguard on duty throughout the summer season. Unpretentious, low-key, and family-friendly, Kalafatis is a breath of fresh air.

The Best Hotels in Kalafatis

Staying at Agrari Beach

A lifeguard stand and rescue boat sits on a wide, sandy, empty beach with deep blue water at Agrari Beach in Mykonos.
Agari Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

The least developed of Mykonos’ south coast beaches, Agrari offers a wide, sandy stretch of golden sand with just a couple of hotels, one restaurant, and a small water sports center – for now. The ultra-luxury Myconian Collection hotel group has purchased a property here (Sunrise Beach Hotel – operating as-built this season but soon-to-be-renovated for next year), so more action may follow. Like the other southern beaches, Agrari is protected from the meltemi winds, offering calm, flat water with hardly any waves. The water here gets deeper closer to shore than at other beaches, so it’s better for swimmers with some experience in the water, rather than those just learning. Though it is connected to nearby beaches via the water taxi, there is no bus service to Agrari, which helps to keep the crowds down. The closest bus stop is in Elia, about a 15-minute hike east over the rocks (very doable if you don’t mind passing through the nude beach on the way). Renting a car makes staying here more convenient; Agrari Beach is about ten kilometers from Mykonos Town.

The Best Hotels at Agrari Beach

Staying at Merchia Beach

A sandy, deserted beach curving around the sea with a hilltop hotel in the background at Merchia Beach in Mykonos.
Merchia Beach location on a map of Mykonos.

Tranquil, off-the-beaten-path destination (yet still accessible by car), this pristine beach is sort of the “last frontier” in Mykonos. Merchia Beach sits in a remote cove on the northeastern coast of the island. All beaches east of here require an ATV or serious hike to reach. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, and though it sits on the north, it faces east in a small cove, so it’s not quite as windy as some other north coast beaches. Like Agrari, the water gets deep fairly close to the shore, so it’s more popular with adults than families. Aside from a couple of villas and one luxury hotel (with its own, separate, private beach), this area is without any beach clubs, tavernas, or services. Visitors here will find plenty of space to call their own.

The Best Hotels in Merchia Beach

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.