What do I need know before visiting Mykonos?
Mykonos is a world famous party destination. Celebrities often come here in the summer to party and cruise around their private catamarans and yachts. Since it is a popular destination, it is one of the most expensive places to visit in Greece. It is a great location to party and lounge on the beach, but we didn’t think it was as scenic as some of the other Greek Islands. Beware, it is very windy on Mykonos so it can get pretty chilly if you are there during the spring and fall months.
How long should I plan to stay in Mykonos?
If you want to see only the main sights, we recommend no more than two days in Mykonos. If you came to party and lounge on the beach, we would recommend 3 days.
Where should I stay in Mykonos?
Mykonos Town – Conveniently located next to the Old Port, there are many restaurants, bars, and shops in Mykonos Town. There are local buses which can take you from here to most locations throughout the island
Beaches – If you plan to spend your vacation relaxing on the beach, this would be a great option for you. Depending on what type of vibe you are looking for (partying, relaxing, family oriented, etc.) will determine which beach you should stay at. See link here for a list of the main beaches on the island and the vibe at each one.
Old Post vs New Port (sea bus) -If you are taking the ferry into Mykonos, you will be dropped off at the New Port. From the New Port, you can either walk ~1.5 miles to Mykonos (would not recommend if you have lots of luggage) or you can take the sea bus which drops you off at the Old Port in front of Mykonos Town for 2 Euro. The sea bus typically leaves every half hour from Old Port and New Port (Sea Bus Schedule)
Top Places to Visit in Mykonos
- Mykonos Town
- Here you will find the famous white buildings and narrow streets of Mykonos. Along these streets you will find many restaurants, cafes, bars/clubs, and stops.
- Little Venice is a neighborhood of Mykonos Town where you will find white buildings and narrow streets. A great place to view the sunset.
- Kastro’s is a famous restaurant whose tables go right up to the ocean’s edge.
- Matogianni Street – Street lined with high end shops in Mykonos Town
- Mykonos windmills – There are a total of 16 of these windmills throughout the island, but five of the most famous windmills are perched on a hill next to Mykonos Town. Great photo location at sunset.
- Delos Tour – Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage site where, according to Greek mythology, Apollo was born. It is an archaeological site with ancient ruins dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. To get to Delos, you can take a 30 minute ferry from the Old Port in Mykonos Town. See this link for the departure times from Old Port and back from Delos
- Ano Mera – Located in the middle of the island, Ano Mera is the second largest town on Mykonos. It is about a 15 minute drive inland from Mykonos Town. It is a great halfway point to stop on your way to the beaches on the far end of the island. This is the part of the island where the locals live and is more affordable than Mykonos Town and the tourist beaches. There is a small town square and church in the middle with restaurants on the outskirts of the square. We had one of our best meals in Mykonos when we stopped in Ano Mera for lunch. You can get more authentic home cooked Greek food here as opposed to the touristy parts of the island.
- Beaches
- Old Port Beach – The closest beach if you are staying in Mykonos Town. It’s not much, but if you don’t want to go through the hassle of taking the bus or driving to one of the other beaches, this is a convenient option.
- Ornos Beach – Nice beach directly south of Mykonos Town. Easily accessible by bus or driving. It is a fairly tame and family friendly beach.
- Paradise – One of the biggest party beaches
- Super Paradise – Smaller party beach
- Paraga Beach – Party beach with several beach clubs
- Lia Beach – Quiet beach on the east end of the island. Good snorkeling spot.
- Elia Beach – Quiet beach with a nudist area at the far east end.
- Pinky Beach
- Psarou Beach – Upscale beach with a luxury mall. When we went, it cost 50 Euro to valet a car and there were no other parking options so we decided to skip this beach.
- Platis Gialos Beach – Nice beach with many restaurants.
- If you don’t have a vehicle, you can take the water taxi between Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Elia Beaches)
- Armenistis Lighthouse – Hidden gem located on the far northwest end of the island. This was one of the most scenic locations on the island. From Mykonos Town, it is a scenic drive along the water and up a mountain to get to the lighthouse. From the lighthouse, you get a 360 degree view of the nearby landscape and neighboring islands. When we went, there was no one there so we had the spectacular view all to ourselves.
Where Should I Eat in Mykonos?
- Sakis – souvlaki and gyro shop located right in Mykonos Town. We went to Sakis several times because it is one of the few cheap eats in Mykonos Town and it was very tasty. Make sure you try the mixed meat gyros!
- Oregano – A few hundred meters uphill from Mykonos Town is a restaurant called Oregano. They serve authentic Greek cuisine and there are many locals that come here. We had the seafood platter which was huge and very filling.
- Odos Araxame – Located just off the main square in Ano Mera. This restaurant had authentic home cooked Greek cuisine. The prices here were very reasonable. Make sure you try the pastitsio (Greek lasagna) and moussaka. It is made fresh daily and only served until they run out.
Where to party in Mykonos?
- 180 Degree Sunset Bar – Best location for sunset views. Where you sit will determine what your drink minimum has to be – the better the seat you reserve, the higher your minimum will be, starting from 70 Euro per person and going up to 200 Euro per person.
- Mykonos Town – Galleraki, Skandanavian Bar, Scarpa
- Paradise Beach
- Super Paradise Beach
- Paraga Beach