BRANCO HOTEL in Mykonos - Review with Photos & Video

Greece › Mykonos › Hotels › Branco Mykonos Review
by Santorini Dave • Updated: February 18, 2022

Essentials
• Location: Beachfront boutique hotel on Platis Gialos Beach.
• Hotel website: brancohotel.com
• Hotel phone: +30 22890 23500
• Check prices for Branco Mykonos

Beach view from Branco Mykonos in Platis Gialos

View of the Platis Gialos beach, the pool, and cabanas at Branco Mykonos.

Branco Mykonos – Luxury, boutique hotel with a gourmet restaurant, beach club, and pool right on the sands of Platis Gialos beach.

Branco Mykonos is one of the rare, true beachfront hotels in Mykonos with its own serviced beach club, a beachfront pool, and a spa cabana set near the waters’ edge. In an effortlessly cool, boho style, the hotel offers a range of sea view rooms and suites, all with balconies or patios and some with private, outdoor jacuzzis. A modern, Greek taverna serves up gourmet lunch and dinner. The beach club cranks out light fare and cold drinks throughout the day, while three nights a week the club hosts beach parties with live bands and DJ sets. Group yoga and fitness sessions are on offer at the outdoor gym; massage services are held in the waterfront spa. Perfectly situated on one of the island’s best beaches, within walking distance of restaurants, the water taxi, and a handful of beach clubs.

See Also

The Best Hotels in Mykonos

Where to Stay in Mykonos

Best Tours & Things to Do in Mykonos

Branco Mykonos – Location

Area: Branco sits right on spectacular Platis Gialos Beach, lined with restaurants, sunbed rentals, and a few sundry shops. Here you’ll find the water taxi to the southern beaches from Ornos in the west to Elia in the east. Walking 15-minutes north along a seafront footpath leads to Psarou Beach, known for its upscale beach clubs, luxury shopping center, and calm waters protected from Mykonos’ famous winds. An 8-minute walk south along the coast leads to quiet Agia Anna Beach with a handful of restaurants and a small beach club.

How to Get There: The hotel is located on Platis Gialos Beach near the main road connecting the beach with Mykonos Town, making it easy to reach by car, bus, or taxi. It is approximately 8 km from the Mykonos ferry port in Tourlos, and 4 km from the Mykonos Airport to the hotel.

To reach the hotel by bus, take the Fabrika-bound bus from the Airport or the Tourlos Ferry Port (AKA “The New Port”). These airport and ferry port routes run several times a day throughout the summer but infrequently (if at all) in the winter. Get off at Fabrika in Mykonos Town, and catch a second bus to Platis Gialos Beach. The bus from the Airport or New Port to Fabrika should take around 10 minutes, and the bus from Fabrika to Platis Gialos Beach should take about 10 minutes. The total trip should cost about €4 and take under an hour, depending on how long you wait at Fabrika for the Platis Gialos bus. Tickets are purchased on the bus or from a manned kiosk at the terminal, cash only. Buses run about every 30 minutes during summer peak hours and less frequently at night, in the early morning, and in winter. Branco is less than a 10-minute walk from the Platis Gialos bus stop (a little faster if walking along the beach).

Taxis are also available from the port or airport, though there are only about 30 taxis serving the whole island, so there is often a long wait; schedule a ride through a private car service in advance to avoid this (I use and recommend Welcome Pickups). Taxis on Mykonos are not metered, so be sure to agree on a price with the driver before setting out. A taxi from the airport or ferry port to Branco should be about €20 to €25. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more – about $38 (€31), and it’s worth it to avoid the wait and for the convenience of paying ahead.

For those who prefer to drive themselves, we recommend renting a car either at the airport on arrival or in Mykonos Town. We strongly recommend reserving a vehicle in advance, especially if you require automatic transmission. Branco Mykonos offers free parking for guests.

Handy to: Platis Gialos Beach, Psarou Beach (there is a short walking path to the beach along the coast behind Nissaki Boutique Hotel), Nammos Village shopping (again, take the coastal walking path).

Branco Mykonos – The Basics

Ages: The resort is open to guests of all ages, though family stays are not the general focus. There are no specific amenities or facilities for children, and all rooms are designed for couples (families will need at least 2 rooms). Babysitting can be arranged on request.

Beach: Branco sits on the golden sand of Platis Gialos Beach, among the very best beaches of Mykonos. Platis Gialos features a string of restaurants, sunbed rentals, and sundry shops from one end to the other. At the west end of the beach, you’ll find the water taxi linking the south coast beaches from Ornos in the east to Elia in the west. Taking the coastal path north from Platis Gialos Beach leads to Psarou Beach, with a luxury shopping center, high-end beach club, and super calm water with almost no waves. Taking the footpath south from the east end of Platis Gialos leads to quiet Agia Anna Beach for more dining, swimming, and a small beach club.

View: 20 of the hotel’s 21 rooms and suites offer full views of the Aegean Sea. Only 1 junior suite has a partial sea view.

Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Prestige and Honeymoon Suites feature heated, outdoor jacuzzis.

Parking: The resort offers free parking on-site.

Extras: 24-hour reception, group or private yoga and fitness sessions daily, meditation/mindfulness sessions weekly, weddings and events, beach parties 3 nights a week, bicycle rentals, fashion boutique, shuttle service, and private boat available by reservation.

When to Book: The hotel is open from early May to the end of October. Reserve at least 4 months in advance (6 months is better) for stays during the high season from June through September and about 2 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons.

How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.

Phone: +30 22890 23500

Email: [email protected]

Website: brancohotel.com

Branco Mykonos – Amenities

Pool: The hotel boasts a vibrant, beachfront pool with music and cocktails served from the beach bar.

Spa: Branco offers a rustic spa cabana on the beach with a full menu of massage, body, and skincare treatments.

Fitness Center: The hotel features a small but well-equipped indoor gym, plus group or private yoga, exercise, mindfulness, and meditation sessions on the beach.

For Disabled Guests: The hotel is built over 2 floors with no elevator. All of the hotel facilities (restaurant, lobby, shop, pool) are on the ground floor. There is a wooden boardwalk connecting the hotel to the beach beds and bar. Getting around should be doable for most guests with limited mobility if staying on the ground floor. However, wheelchair users should be advised that entry-level rooms are on the small side and there are no roll-in showers.

For Families: Branco is open to guests of all ages, and babysitting can be arranged on request. But the hotel is designed for couples and has a party vibe, so it is not the best option for families traveling with young kids. Families with teens will do well here but will need to book at least 2 rooms.

Activities: Beachfront yoga, fitness, mindfulness, and meditation sessions, beach parties 3 nights a week with live bands and DJs, private boat available for sunset cruises or excursions to nearby islands.

Branco Mykonos – Food and Drink

Restaurant: Zingara showcases modern, Greek-international cuisine on its al fresco dining terrace with views of the sea. Private, toes-in-the-sand dining can also be arranged. Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (bar open until midnight)

Lounges/Bars: The beach bar serves light fare, fresh juices, cocktails, and more from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Parties held 3 nights a week in high season.

Breakfast: An delicious, Mediterranean, a la carte breakfast is included in the room rates and served each morning at Zingara Restaurant. Super fresh and expertly prepared – a major highlight of the hotel. Available from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The breakfast can also be served directly to the rooms.

Room Service: Available during restaurant hours.

Branco Mykonos – Rooms

Room Types: Double Room Sea View • Superior Room Sea View • Junior Suite Side Sea View • Deluxe Room Sea View • Honeymoon Exclusive Room Jacuzzi Sea View • Prestige Suite with Jacuzzi Sea View

Smoking Rooms: The hotel does not allow smoking in any room category. Smoking is allowed on the outdoor private terraces and in some outdoor common areas.

Best Room: The Prestige Suite is the best room on the property, with its own private beachfront terrace with a sea view jacuzzi and king-sized lounger. Inside is a king-size bed, sitting area, and luxurious shower. This is the largest suite onsite, featuring 37 square meters of interior space and 30 square meters of outdoor space.

For Families: Branco is open to guests of all ages, though most rooms are designed for two. Families will need to book at least two rooms to accommodate everyone. With this in mind, it would be much better for families with teens rather than young children. That said, the best options for families would be the Prestige Suite (described above) and/or a Honeymoon Exclusive Room. These are the largest units on site and the only types with private, heated jacuzzis.

Branco Mykonos – Local Transport

Walking: Branco sits on Platis Gialos Beach just a short walk from the main road connecting Mykonos Town to Platis Gialos, just steps from the sea. At the west end of the beach, you’ll find the bus stop with routes to Mykonos Town every half-hour as well as the water taxi to the south coast beaches from Ornos in the west to Elia in the east. Platis Gialos is one of Mykonos’ most popular beaches with golden sand and clear blue water, lined with restaurants, beach clubs, and a handful of sundry shops. Two other beaches, Psarou and Agia Anna, are less than 15 minutes from the hotel along charming, coastal trails.

Bus: The closest bus stop to Branco is just an 8-minute walk away (a little faster if walking along the beach instead of the road). During the high season, the bus runs about every 30 minutes during peak hours and less frequently in the early morning or late at night. Buses from here go to Mykonos Town, where you can get off at Fabrika and walk to Little Venice, the Old Port, and all of the Chora. At Fabrika, you can also catch a second bus to the New Port (Tourlos Ferry Port), Airport, and the beaches at Agios Ioannis, Paradise, and Paraga (though walking to Paraga will be faster). Or you can get off at Fabrika and walk to the Old Port bus stop to catch a bus to the New Port, Ano Mera village, and the beaches at Kalafati, Agios Stefanos, Kalo Livadi, Elia, and Panormos. There is no bus connecting the Fabrika bus station and the Old Port bus station; it takes about 15 minutes (1 km) to walk from one to the other. Tickets cost from €1,60 to €2,30 depending on the destination. Buses can get very crowded, especially during the high season, so much so that they often fill to capacity and are unable to take on more passengers. There are only 26 public buses serving the island. Bus schedules change every couple of weeks, so check the KTEL website for the most current timetables.

Taxi: There is no official taxi stand in Platis Gialos. The nearest taxi stands are in Mykonos Town at Fabrika and the Old Port, so they are not very practical to reach, plus there is almost always a wait at either taxi stand as there are only 30 taxis serving the entire island. Instead, book a taxi ahead to avoid the wait, and have the driver meet you directly at the hotel. There will be a surcharge for advanced reservations (about €5) and for carrying luggage, usually just a couple of euros. A taxi from the airport or ferry port to Branco should be about €20 to €25.

Water Taxi: The New and Old Ports and several beaches are connected via a boat system. Water taxis connect the southern beaches, with routes running from the main beaches at Ornos and Platis Gialos (at the west end of the beach) with the more remote beaches at Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia. A one-beach pass is €10, while an all-day, all-beach pass costs €20. The SeaBus connects the New Port and Old Port with routes running about every 30 minutes, all wheelchair accessible, and all €2 one-way per person.

Scooters and ATVs: Scooters are a popular mode of transportation for the locals, and ATVs are super popular with tourists, but if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain, these can be very dangerous to drive. The roads in Mykonos are zig-zagging, hilly, narrow, littered with potholes, sometimes dirt roads, and without street lights in most areas outside of Mykonos Town. And that’s not to mention the aggressive drivers, some of the world’s worst. A rental car is a much safer bet than a scooter or ATV, and can just as easily reach the more remote beaches on the island.

Branco Mykonos – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

Yialo Yialo: Tasty Mediterranean fare in a friendly environment. Discounts on sunbed sets for those ordering food.

Avli Tou Thodori: Wonderful restaurant and beach club serving Greek meze and favorites, along with excellent pizza, pasta, cocktails, and more. Reservations recommended.

Blue Myth: Lovely taverna serving traditional Greek food. Visit on Wednesdays or Sundays for their famous Greek Night, with singing, dancing, and live music (no plate breaking).

Nikolas Tavern: Beautiful, toes-in-the-sand restaurant serving fresh fish (mostly caught by the owner) and delicious meats from his family’s farm. Located on Agia Anna Beach. Walk south along the beach.

Nikos Gallop: Friendly, authentic Cretan-Greek restaurant. Try the salt-crusted sea bass.

Andreas & Maria: Authentic, non-touristy restaurant with friendly staff and hearty portions.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

Nammos Beach Club: One of the most expensive beach clubs on the island. The food and drinks are overpriced for sure, but the location is very convenient and it’s the closest one with late night beach parties. Short walk via the beach path (not the path shown on the map).

SantAnna Mykonos: The most extravagant beach club in Mykonos, with 2 restaurants, 2 bars, a full-service spa, a pool with 10 private “islands” to rent out, an underwater suite, and (of course) a helipad.

Scorpios: Effortlessly cool beach club with a chilled out atmosphere by day and beachfront parties every night.

Best Nearby Cafe

What Else Mykonos: Wonderful little bakery and cafe serving great coffee, pastries, crepes, and sandwiches from early morning through the late afternoon. Bonus: they deliver.

Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops

Nammos Village: Luxury mall at Psarou Beach with high-end fashion and accessories from Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and more, plus a spa, supervised playground, and cafe (not to be confused with nearby Nammos Restaurant). Walk along the beach path.

Nearby Attractions

Water Taxi: The water taxi is an awesome way to visit several spectacular beaches in one go. The boat leaves from Platis Gialos and heads west to Ornos or east to Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia Beaches in that order. Boats run hourly from 10 am to 4 pm and return hourly beginning at Elia Beach from 11:45 am to 5:45 pm. The rate is €10 for a one-beach pass and €20 for an all-day, all-beach pass.

Mykonos Farmers: Wonderful dairy offering tours of the facilities and a variety of cheesemaking classes.

Mykonos Town (Chora): The capital of the island, the Chora is a charming tangle of pedestrian streets, historic sights, restaurants, bars, and shops. The best-known attractions are the 17th-century Windmills of Kato Mili, part of an old flour mill. The windmills mark the start of the Little Venice neighborhood, a collection of lively bars and restaurants with sunset views all set in converted 19th-century fishing houses. The oldest landmark is Paraportiani Orthodox Church: a complex of 5 churches built over the course of 2 centuries beginning in 1425. Paraportiani separates Little Venice from the Old Port, a beautiful waterfront neighborhood with restaurants, bars, shops, and a beach, plus the ferry to Delos Island. All of the attractions, dining, shops, and nightlife are about a 9 to 13-minute drive from the hotel.

Delos Island: A holy sanctuary for over 1,000 years before becoming known as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The ruins of Delos are one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. There are a few boat companies offering guided excursions to Delos leaving from Platis Gialos, or you may catch a ferry from the Old Port in Mykonos Town.

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

Sunrise Supermarket: Small market (not actually a supermarket) with beach gear and refreshments right on Platis Gialos Beach.

Mini Market & Tourist Shop: Small market with basic necessities right before the stairs and ramp to the beach. They have a credit card machine, but sometimes they pretend they don’t. Plan on paying with cash.

Mini Market: Tiny little convenience store up the hill from the hotel, between Nikos Gallop Restaurant and What Else Mykonos cafe.

Branco Mykonos – The Hotel

Exterior of Branco Mykonos, featuring contemporary Cycladic design elements.

The hotel can arrange port or airport transfers in their fleet of luxury cars.

The main entrance leads directly to the reception desk, which highlights traditional building methods, including pressed concrete built-ins, softened with warm wood accents.

The lobby sets the tone for the rest of the hotel, with an earth-tone palette, comfortable seating, and and boho-chic decor.

Across from the seating area is a small bar.

Branco is home to a branch of Soho Soho, an Athens-based luxury boutique with an excellent range of designer brand fashion. The concierge dest is between the boutique and the lobby bar.

Heading out past the boutique leads straight to the hotel’s gorgeous, sea-view pool.

The pool is lined with two-person cabanas. The curtains can close for privacy. On the far side of the pool are the Prestige Suites with Jacuzzis, the top room category here.

A closer look at a Prestige Suite with Jacuzzi, the top tier room at the hotel.

Facing toward the poolside cabanas. On the ground floor directly behind the cabanas are the Deluxe Rooms, a mid-level room type.

Al fresco-style Zingara Restaurant sits right next to the pool and serves gourmet Greek-international fare throughout the day.

The beach bar sits in front of the restaurant and offers light bites and cold drinks until after sunset.

The DJ keeps the beach club vibe lively.

Branco is one of only a few hotels in Mykonos that sits right on the beach.

Platis Gialos is one of the best beach in Mykonos, a wide stretch of golden sand and calm, clear water.

The hotel features a charming beachfront spa with a rustic look and luxury therapies.

Superior Rooms, an entry-level room type, offer a sunny, sophisticated ambiance with an open-plan layout.

These upper floor rooms offer king-sized beds and understated, beachy decor.

Bathrooms feature marble sinks and walk-in, rainfall showers.

These room types are located on the upper floor and feature private balconies with dining tables and Aegean Sea views.

View of the sea, beach, and pool from a Superior Suite. Check rates and availability: Branco Mykonos