My Mykonos Travel Guide

Greece › Mykonos Travel Guide
Updated: October 1, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

Popular Mykonos Pages

• Where to Stay in Mykonos
• Best Hotels in Mykonos
• Best Beaches in Mykonos
• Best Tours & Things to Do
• Best Restaurants
• Best Bars & Nightlife
• Best Beach Clubs

I’ve been visiting Mykonos regularly since 1998, when I did a full tour of the Cyclades with my brother. I love the island, but I’m also realistic about its drawbacks. Mykonos is expensive and extremely busy in July and August.

Mykonos has beautiful beaches, excellent hotels and restaurants, great nightlife, and my favorite main town in the Cyclades. The party scene is famous but easy to avoid. You can spend your time swimming, eating, shopping, visiting Delos, exploring quiet beaches, and wandering Mykonos Town without setting foot in a nightclub.

Mykonos at a Glance

• How long to stay: 3 to 4 nights for most first visits. Stay 5 nights if you want a relaxed beach vacation.
• Best area for first-time visitors: Mykonos Town for restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and easy bus connections.
• Best beach bases: Ornos for families; Platis Gialos for beach hopping; Agios Ioannis for couples and quiet.
• Best month: September. June is also excellent. July and August have the biggest party scene and the biggest crowds.
• Best things to do: Explore Mykonos Town, spend a day at the beaches, and take a guided trip to Delos.
• Best beaches: Ornos and Platis Gialos for convenience; Agios Ioannis for sunsets; Agios Sostis for an undeveloped beach; Psarou for luxury and people-watching.
• Do you need a car? No. Use buses, walking, and the beach water taxi. Rent a car for a day if you want to explore the north and east.
• Best day trip: Delos. For swimming and scenery, combine Delos with Rhenia on a boat tour.
• Ferry port: Passenger ferries use the New Port at Tourlos.
• Arrival tip: For beach hotels and villas, arrange your airport or port transfer in advance.

More planning:
• Best Time to Visit
• Mykonos Maps
• Mykonos or Santorini?
• Mykonos Ferry Port
• Mykonos Buses
• Car Rental

How Long Should I Stay in Mykonos?

For a first trip, I recommend 3 to 4 nights.

Three nights gives you time for Mykonos Town, one good beach day, and Delos. Four nights is better if you want to explore beyond Town and the south-coast beaches. Five nights is easy to fill if you’re treating Mykonos as a proper beach vacation.

A Good 4-Day Mykonos Itinerary

• Day 1: Mykonos Town. Explore Chora, Little Venice, the Windmills, Panagia Paraportiani, shops, restaurants, and the backstreets. Go early in the morning, then return in the evening when the town comes alive.
• Day 2: Beaches. Start at Ornos or Platis Gialos and use the water taxi to visit Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, or Elia.
• Day 3: Delos. Take a morning trip to Delos. I strongly recommend a guide. Spend the afternoon back in Town or at your hotel pool.
• Day 4: North and east Mykonos. Rent a car and explore Ano Mera, Armenistis Lighthouse, Agios Sostis, Panormos, or the quieter eastern beaches.

If you only have three days, skip the driving day.

Where to Stay in Mykonos

Where you stay matters more on Mykonos than on many Greek islands. A hotel in Mykonos Town gives you a completely different trip from a resort on Elia or Kalo Livadi.

For most first-time visitors, I recommend Mykonos Town, Ornos, Platis Gialos, or Agios Ioannis. My complete breakdown is here: Where to Stay in Mykonos.

Mykonos Town (Chora).

Mykonos Town

My favorite base for a first visit. The island’s best concentration of restaurants, bars, shopping, and nightlife is here, and buses make it easy to reach the beaches without a car. Stay right in Chora for atmosphere or slightly outside the center for quieter nights, easier luggage access, pools, parking, and sea views.

Ornos

Ornos is my favorite beach on Mykonos and my top choice for families. The bay is sheltered, the swimming is excellent, restaurants line the beach, buses run to Mykonos Town, and the water taxi starts here. It gets busy in summer but is an easy place to spend a beach vacation without renting a car.

Platis Gialos

The best beach base for exploring other beaches. It has frequent buses to Town, lots of hotels and restaurants, and excellent water-taxi connections. Psarou is a short walk away and Paraga is also reachable on foot.

Agios Ioannis

My favorite choice for couples who want quiet, luxury, and sunset views toward Delos. The beach is smaller than Ornos or Platis Gialos, but the setting is more peaceful.

Psarou

Exclusive, glamorous, and very expensive. The bay is beautiful and protected from the wind, but this is the home of Nammos and one of the least budget-friendly places on the island.

Elia

A long sandy beach with excellent luxury hotels and more room to spread out than Ornos or Psarou. Good for couples, LGBTQ+ travelers, and anyone happy to be farther from Town.

Paradise & Super Paradise

Stay here only if partying is the main point of your trip. They’re fun places to visit, but I don’t recommend either as an all-around base for most travelers.

Kalo Livadi & the East

Kalo Livadi has a long beach, luxury resorts, and the stylish Solymar beach club. The Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos opened above Kalo Livadi Bay in July 2026 and is now one of the island’s major luxury resorts. (I haven’t stayed there yet.)

Hotels:
• Best Hotels
• Family Hotels
• Couples Hotels
• Beach Hotels
• Mykonos Town Hotels
• Hotels with Private Pools
• Cheap Hotels
• Accessible Hotels

Best Things to Do in Mykonos

Mykonos is not an island with a long checklist of monuments. Spend your time in Mykonos Town, at the beaches, on Delos, and exploring away from the busy southwest coast.

1. Explore Mykonos Town

Mykonos Town, or Chora, is the island’s essential attraction. Wander the whitewashed lanes, Little Venice, the Kato Mili windmills, Panagia Paraportiani, tiny churches, shops, restaurants, and waterfront. Go once early in the morning, before the streets fill up, and again in the evening. Don’t worry about following a route. The town is small enough that getting lost is part of the fun.

Delos Island is the essential day trip from Mykonos. I recommend visiting with a guide.

2. Visit Delos

Delos is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and by far the best cultural excursion from Mykonos. Boats leave from the Old Port and the crossing takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes.

I recommend taking a guided tour. Without some explanation it’s easy for a first-time visitor to see a field of ruins rather than understand the city, temples, houses, mosaics, markets, and sanctuaries that once stood here. Bring a hat, water, and good shoes. There is very little shade.

3. Spend a Day Beach Hopping

Start at Ornos or Platis Gialos. The water taxi connects the main south-coast beaches and is much more enjoyable than driving between them.

4. Take a Boat Tour

My favorite Mykonos boat tours combine swimming around Rhenia with Delos or a sunset cruise.

5. Visit Ano Mera

Ano Mera is the island’s main inland village. The central square has tavernas and the Panagia Tourliani Monastery is worth seeing.

6. Explore the North and East

Rent a car for a day and see Agios Sostis, Panormos, Armenistis Lighthouse, Fokos, Lia, Kalafatis, or Kalo Livadi. Mykonos feels very different once you get away from Chora and the heavily developed southwest coast.

7. Aegean Maritime Museum

A small museum in Mykonos Town with ship models, nautical instruments, and exhibits on the island’s maritime history. Worth visiting if you’re interested in ships or want a break from the busy streets.

8. Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm & Vineyard

A family-run farm and vineyard in the countryside near Ano Mera. Stop here for wine and local food if you’re exploring the interior.

More: Best Mykonos Tours & Things to Do • Best Boat Tours

Best Beaches in Mykonos

My two favorite beaches on Mykonos are Ornos and Platis Gialos. Both have excellent swimming, restaurants, hotels, buses to Mykonos Town, and easy access to the beach water taxi.

Paradise Beach, one of the island’s famous party beaches.

1. Ornos

My favorite all-around beach. The sheltered bay has calm water and soft sand and works especially well for families. Restaurants and hotels sit directly behind the beach, and buses connect Ornos with Mykonos Town.

2. Platis Gialos

The most convenient beach for exploring the south coast. It has excellent swimming, lots of restaurants and hotels, frequent buses, and one of the main water-taxi stops. Psarou is a short walk away.

3. Agios Ioannis

Smaller and quieter than Ornos or Platis Gialos, with wonderful views toward Delos and one of the island’s best sunset settings.

4. Elia

One of Mykonos’s longest sandy beaches. More spacious than the busy southwest beaches and home to several excellent luxury resorts. Popular with couples and LGBTQ+ travelers.

5. Agios Sostis

My favorite undeveloped beach on the island. No rows of sunbeds, no beach club, and no real facilities. Bring water and supplies. Kiki’s Tavern is just above the beach.

6. Psarou

Beautiful, calm, and extremely expensive. This is the beach for Nammos, superyachts, and high-end people-watching rather than a simple day on the sand.

7. Kapari

A small undeveloped cove near Agios Ioannis. No facilities and slightly awkward access, but good swimming and few crowds.

Other beaches worth visiting include Lia for snorkeling, Kalo Livadi for sand and stylish beach restaurants, Kalafatis for windsurfing, Paraga for beach clubs, and Paradise and Super Paradise for partying.

More: Best Beaches in Mykonos • Best Beach Hotels • Mykonos Water Taxi

Best Time to Visit Mykonos

September is my favorite month to visit Mykonos. The sea is warm, everything is open, and the island is lively without the intensity of August. Early September is still very busy.

June

Another excellent month. Long days, reliable sunshine, and fewer crowds than July and August. The sea is cooler than September but comfortable for most swimmers by later in the month.

July & August

Go in July or August if nightlife and beach clubs are a big part of your trip. These are also the most expensive and crowded months. The Meltemi wind is common and can disrupt boat trips or make exposed beaches uncomfortable.

May & October

Good for sightseeing, walking, lower hotel prices, and a quieter island. May has cool sea temperatures. October has warmer water, but seasonal businesses begin closing as the month progresses.

November to April

Mykonos becomes very quiet. Some hotels, restaurants, shops, and local businesses remain open, but beach clubs and most seasonal tourism businesses close. Come in winter only if you specifically want solitude rather than the classic Mykonos beach-and-nightlife experience.

More: Best Time to Visit Mykonos

Getting to Mykonos: Fly or Ferry?

If you’re arriving at Athens Airport and Mykonos is your first stop, I prefer flying. If you’re already in central Athens or traveling between Greek islands, I prefer the ferry.

Fly to Mykonos

• From Athens Airport: The flight is about 40 minutes and saves the transfer from the airport to Piraeus.
• From Europe: Mykonos has seasonal nonstop flights from many European cities.
• If you get seasick: Flying avoids rough ferry crossings.

Take the Ferry

• From central Athens: Piraeus is convenient by Metro. Rafina is especially useful if you’re near Athens Airport.
• From Santorini, Naxos, Paros, or other Cycladic islands: Take the ferry.
• For island hopping: Mykonos has frequent seasonal connections with other Cycladic islands.

Crossing times vary considerably by route and vessel, so check the actual ferry before choosing between flying and sailing.

More:
• Athens to Mykonos: Fly or Ferry?
• Athens to Mykonos
• Rafina to Mykonos
• Mykonos to Athens
• Mykonos to Santorini
• Santorini to Mykonos
• Mykonos to Santorini: Fly or Ferry?

Getting Around Mykonos

Most visitors do not need a car. If you’re staying in Mykonos Town, Ornos, or Platis Gialos, walking, buses, and the beach water taxi cover most places you’re likely to visit. Rent a car for a day if you want to explore Agios Sostis, Panormos, Armenistis Lighthouse, Ano Mera, Fokos, Lia, Kalafatis, or other places away from the main tourist areas.

Public Bus

The Mykonos bus system is cheap and useful. Fabrika is the main station for Ornos, Agios Ioannis, Platis Gialos, Paraga, and Paradise. Other routes use the Old Port and New Peripheral area. Routes and frequencies change by season, so check the current timetable rather than planning around an old schedule. See my Mykonos Bus guide.

Car Rental

A car is useful for remote beaches and the quieter side of the island. It is not useful for driving into central Mykonos Town. Parking around Town is limited and summer traffic is frustrating. If renting in summer, reserve early, especially if you need an automatic transmission. See my Mykonos Car Rental guide.

ATVs & Scooters

ATVs and scooters are popular, but I do not recommend them for inexperienced riders. Roads are narrow, traffic is heavy in summer, lighting is poor in places, and tourist accidents are a real problem.

Beach Water Taxi

One of my favorite ways to get around. Boats connect Ornos and Platis Gialos with Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia. The all-day pass is €20. See my Mykonos Water Taxi guide.

SeaBus

The SeaBus connects the New Port at Tourlos with the Old Port beside Mykonos Town. It’s especially useful if you’re arriving by ferry and staying in or near Town.

Taxis & Uber

Taxis are scarce compared with summer demand. Uber is useful for requesting rides, but it does not create an unlimited supply of cars. Don’t rely on finding a taxi at the last minute for a ferry, flight, or dinner reservation.

Walking

Walking is perfect within Mykonos Town. It is not a good way to get between Town and the beaches, as roads outside the center generally lack sidewalks. You can walk between Ornos and Mykonos Town, but I don’t recommend it.

The public bus at Mykonos Airport. It goes to Fabrika station in Mykonos Town.

Mykonos Airport & Ferry Port Transfers

From Mykonos Airport

Public buses run between the airport and Fabrika station in Mykonos Town.

Taxis wait outside arrivals but queues can be long in summer. For a beach hotel, villa, family group, or late arrival, I prefer arranging a transfer through the hotel or booking one in advance with Welcome Pickups.

If you’re renting a car for your whole stay, airport pickup is convenient.

From the Mykonos Ferry Port

Passenger ferries use the New Port at Tourlos, north of Mykonos Town.

For travelers staying in Town, take the SeaBus to the Old Port. For beach hotels, villas, and resorts elsewhere on the island, I prefer a pre-arranged hotel transfer or Welcome Pickups.

Do not walk from the New Port to Mykonos Town. The road is busy, unpleasant with luggage, and lacks proper sidewalks for much of the route.

See my complete Mykonos Ferry Port Guide.

Nightlife & Beach Clubs

There are two main Mykonos nightlife scenes: Mykonos Town and the beach clubs.

Town has the widest range of bars, cocktail spots, gay nightlife, and late-night clubs. It’s the best place to stay if you want to go out most nights without arranging transportation home.

The famous beach clubs are spread across Psarou, Paraga, Paradise, and Super Paradise. Most get much livelier in the afternoon and around sunset.

My Favorite Mykonos Beach Clubs

Scorpios – Paraga
The best-known sunset beach club on Mykonos. It starts as a restaurant and lounge and gets much livelier around sunset. Reserve well ahead for popular dates.

JackieO’ – Super Paradise
Stylish and welcoming, with a pool, restaurant, beach, drinks, and evening entertainment. One of my favorite LGBTQ+ venues on the island.

Super Paradise Beach Club – Super Paradise
A Mykonos institution. Relaxed enough earlier in the day, then increasingly party-focused as the afternoon and evening progress.

Nammos – Psarou
Probably the island’s most famous beach club. I find it overrated and excessively expensive, but if you want superyachts, designer shopping, celebrity energy, and the classic high-end Mykonos scene, this is it.

Hippie Fish – Agios Ioannis
Far more relaxed. Good food, good swimming, sunset views, and music without the full-scale party atmosphere.

Paradise Beach Club, Tropicana, SantAnna, Pasaji, and Cavo Paradiso are also worth considering depending on the kind of party you want.

More: Mykonos Nightlife • Best Beach Clubs in Mykonos

Where to Eat in Mykonos

Mykonos has excellent restaurants, but prices vary enormously.

Mykonos Town has the greatest choice and is where I like to eat most evenings. There are good gyros and traditional tavernas as well as seafood, sushi, and high-end restaurants.

Nikolas Taverna at Agia Anna Beach is one of my favorite Mykonos restaurants.

Ornos and Platis Gialos are the best beach areas if you want several restaurants within walking distance of your hotel. Ano Mera is good for a traditional village meal away from the main tourist centers.

Beach clubs such as Nammos and Scorpios can be extraordinarily expensive. You do not need to eat at them to eat well on Mykonos.

Nikolas Taverna and Kiki’s Tavern are two of my favorites. See my complete Best Restaurants in Mykonos guide.

Mykonos for Couples

One of the famous windmills above Mykonos Town.

I like Agios Ioannis best for couples who want a quiet hotel, beach, and sunsets toward Delos. Mykonos Town is better if restaurants, cocktail bars, shopping, and evenings out matter more than being on a beach.

For hotels, Bill&Coo Mykonos, Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort, and Katikies Mykonos are three of my favorite romantic choices.

A boat trip, dinner in Town, and swimming at Kapari or Agios Ioannis is my idea of a better couples trip than spending every evening at a famous beach club.

See my Best Mykonos Hotels for Couples.

Mykonos with Kids

Mykonos works well for families if you stay away from the party beaches.

I recommend Ornos first. The protected beach has calm water, plenty of restaurants, and easy transportation. Platis Gialos is also excellent and is better for beach hopping.

See my Best Family Hotels in Mykonos.

Is Mykonos Expensive?

Yes. Mykonos is one of the most expensive destinations in Greece, particularly in July and August.

Hotels are the biggest expense. Luxury beach resorts and hotels in prime locations can be extraordinarily expensive, while good-value rooms disappear quickly in summer. Book early if you’re traveling in peak season.

Restaurants don’t have to be expensive. Gyros, bakeries, tavernas, and casual restaurants make it possible to eat well without spending a fortune. Money disappears quickly at luxury beach clubs, famous sunset bars, and high-end restaurants.

The easiest ways to keep costs down are to visit in June or September instead of August, stay outside the most fashionable waterfront locations, use buses instead of taxis, and eat at tavernas rather than famous beach clubs.

See my Best Cheap Hotels in Mykonos.

Money & Paying in Mykonos

The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted, but I always carry some cash for buses, taxis, kiosks, small purchases, and tips.

When a card terminal or ATM asks whether you want to be charged in euros or your home currency, choose euros. Let your own bank handle the currency conversion.

Mykonos Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t rely on finding a taxi when your ferry arrives. Use the SeaBus for Town or arrange a transfer in advance for beach hotels and villas.
• Don’t assume a hotel advertised as “Mykonos” is in Mykonos Town. Check the exact location before booking. A beautiful hotel on the east coast can be 20 to 30 minutes from Chora.
• Don’t rent an ATV because everyone else seems to be doing it. If you’re not an experienced rider, rent a car or use buses.
• Don’t drive into Mykonos Town expecting easy parking. Park outside the pedestrian center and walk in.
• Don’t leave major summer reservations until the last minute. The most popular hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, and sunset venues book well ahead in July and August.
• Don’t make a boat trip your only must-do activity. Wind can cancel or alter boat excursions.
• Don’t assume every beach requires an expensive sunbed. The beach is public. You don’t need to rent a lounger to swim.
• Don’t spend your entire trip in the party areas. Mykonos Town in the morning, Delos, Ano Mera, Agios Sostis, and the east coast show a very different side of the island.

Mykonos Travel FAQ

What is the best area to stay in Mykonos?

Mykonos Town for most first-time visitors. Choose Ornos for families, Platis Gialos for beach hopping, and Agios Ioannis for a quieter couples trip. See my Where to Stay in Mykonos guide.

How many days do you need in Mykonos?

Three nights is enough for Town, a beach day, and Delos. I recommend four nights for most first visits.

Do I need a car in Mykonos?

No. Rent one for a day if you want to explore the north and east.

What is the best month to visit Mykonos?

September is my favorite. June is also excellent. Go in July or August if nightlife is a priority and you don’t mind the crowds and prices.

What are the best beaches in Mykonos?

Ornos and Platis Gialos are my favorites. Agios Ioannis is great for couples and sunsets, Agios Sostis for an undeveloped beach, and Psarou for luxury.

Is Mykonos worth visiting if I don’t party?

Yes. The beaches, Mykonos Town, Delos, restaurants, shopping, and boat trips are reason enough to visit. The nightlife is easy to avoid.

Is Mykonos good for families?

Yes. Stay in Ornos or Platis Gialos rather than at one of the party beaches.

Is Mykonos or Santorini better?

Mykonos has better beaches, nightlife, shopping, and a more enjoyable main town. Santorini has the more spectacular landscape, caldera views, wineries, and romantic scenery. See my Mykonos or Santorini comparison.

What is the best day trip from Mykonos?

Delos. I strongly recommend going with a guide.

Where do ferries arrive in Mykonos?

Passenger ferries use the New Port at Tourlos. For Mykonos Town, take the SeaBus to the Old Port.

Can I combine Mykonos with other Greek islands?

Yes. Seasonal ferries connect Mykonos with Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Tinos, Syros, and other islands. See my Greek Island Hopping guide.

See Also: Greece: Tips & Information for First-Timers

More Mykonos Planning

Hotels & Where to Stay

• Where to Stay in Mykonos
• Best Hotels in Mykonos
• Best Family Hotels
• Best Hotels for Couples
• Hotels with Private Pools
• Best Cheap Hotels
• Best Beach Hotels
• Wheelchair Accessible Hotels
• Mykonos Town Hotels

Things to Do

• Best Tours & Things to Do
• Best Mykonos Boat Tours
• Best Beaches
• Visiting Delos
• Best Restaurants
• Best Bars & Nightlife
• Best Beach Clubs

Transportation & Trip Planning

• Best Time to Visit Mykonos
• Mykonos Maps
• Mykonos Ferry Port Guide
• Mykonos Water Taxi
• Mykonos Car Rental
• Athens to Mykonos: Fly or Ferry?
• Athens to Mykonos
• Mykonos to Athens
• Mykonos to Santorini: Fly or Ferry?
• Mykonos to Santorini
• Santorini to Mykonos
• Helicopter Tours & Transfers