Mykonos: The Ultimate Holiday Guide
According to the 2021 population census, Mykonos has 10,704 permanent residents. Based on current figures, the island can accommodate around 50,000 tourists per night in its hotels and rental rooms. Tourism in Mykonos is, of course, intense, despite the slight drop in air arrivals recorded between 2023 and 2024. However, even this reduction in tourist numbers was offset by cruise ship arrivals, which increased dramatically compared to previous years.
Indeed, the Island of the Winds does face challenges related to overtourism and the commercial exploitation of its beaches and natural landscape. On the other hand, huge crowds continue to flock to Mykonos for their summer holidays, proving that something about this island has a magnetic effect that keeps inviting travelers back.
This Mykonos travel guide gathers everything you need to know before visiting one of the most famous Greek islands, a destination that has helped shape the image of summer holidays in Greece around the world.
Whether you are planning your first trip to the Cyclades or returning for another island escape, this travel guide will help you discover the island’s beaches, villages, food, nightlife and ferry connections. Mykonos may be known internationally as a glamorous party island, but it is also a place of history, tradition, Mediterranean beauty and unforgettable views over the Aegean Sea.
The Map of Mykonos
The Beaches of Mykonos
Mykonos is famous for its coastline, where organized beach bars, hidden coves and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades create a destination for every kind of traveler. From calm family-friendly beaches to legendary party spots, the island offers a different seaside experience every day.
Paraga Beach: Quiet Strength
And yet, it is possible to enjoy a peaceful holiday in Mykonos. Paraga Beach is located in the southern part of the island and is one of the beaches that has remained largely authentic and mostly untouched by the spread of tourism-driven development. The beach features a romantic blend of sand and rocks, creating a natural landscape ideal for swimming and seaside walks.
In fact, the beach is divided into two parts by a small cape. The southern side is calm and ideal for swimming and diving into the beautiful seascape, while on the northern side you will find a series of beach bars and restaurants, if you prefer a more organized day by the sea. Near the beach, there are many accommodation options, including hotels and rental rooms, while many visitors also choose the seaside campsite.
How to get to Paraga → by car, taxi or, from Platis Gialos, by boat in about ten minutes.
Super Paradise: An Endless Party
Super Paradise is such a famous beach club that its name has become associated with an entire beach. In reality, the beach is called Plintri, after the village of the same name in southern Mykonos where it is located. The village has a large number of tourist accommodations, from luxury hotels to rental rooms, and is close to Mykonos Airport.
Despite the crowds, the beach remains clean, with fine golden sand and blue waters. anyone traveling to Mykonos should visit Super Paradise Beach at Plintri Beach at least once and experience one of the unforgettable parties hosted by the beach club. At the same time, the beach also has a designated area for water sports, including jet skis, speedboats and inflatables, ideal for swimmers who want to combine their beach day with a little adventure.
Paradise Beach remains a classic name for travelers who want to experience the island’s famous beach energy and summer music culture.
How to get to Super Paradise → You can reach the beach by car, taxi or boat from the old port of Mykonos.
Psarou: Natural Beauty Meets Luxury
Psarou Beach is located 4.5 kilometers from Mykonos Town and is one of the island’s most popular beaches. Since it lies within a small bay surrounded by low hills, the beach is sheltered from the wind, making it one of the top choices for swimming, even when the meltemi winds arrive in Mykonos.
In recent years, this beach has become a favorite destination for world-famous celebrities, as it is home to some of the most luxurious beach restaurants in the world. In Psarou, you will also see mega yachts, as it is considered the ultimate yachting beach. The surrounding area offers literally everything: hotels, restaurants, hair salons and shops.
How to get to Psarou → Psarou is easily accessible by car or taxi, but you can also use the Mykonos KTEL bus service, which runs until late at night. You can take the bus from Mykonos Town, at 310 Axioti Street, and get off at the first stop, Platis Gialos.
Elia Mykonos: For Celebrities and Nudism
Elia is an exceptionally beautiful sandy beach, with fine sand and crystal-clear blue waters, just 10 kilometers from Mykonos Town. It is one of the largest beaches on the island, organized, extremely popular and easy to access, with parking available. Elia Beach faces Naxos, while nudism is allowed in specific sections.
At Elia, you can swim, relax and enjoy activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and water skiing.
How to get to Elia → The beach is easily accessible by land or by sea. It is about 20 minutes away by car, while the bus takes a little longer. In any case, taxis can drop you off at the beach, and sea taxis are also available if you are thinking of adding a visit to Super Paradise or Kalo Livadi to your itinerary.
Agios Stefanos
Agios Stefanos is located on the northwestern coast of Mykonos. It is very close to Mykonos Town, just 3.5 kilometers away. This beach is also very well organized, with cafés, restaurants and mini markets. However, for those who wish to bring their own towel and umbrella, the beach offers plenty of space.
It is worth noting that opposite Agios Stefanos you will find Delos and Rhenia. This makes it a great opportunity for a short boat trip to these magical little islands.
How to get to Agios Stefanos → The beach is easily accessible by all means of transport. You can get there by car, motorbike, boat, taxi or bus. There is a large and convenient parking area near the beach. For those who prefer public transport, bus routes are quite frequent during the summer season.
More Beaches Worth Adding to Your Route
If you want to see another side of Mykonos, add Agios Sostis to your itinerary. This beach is less organized and more peaceful, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a calmer atmosphere away from the island’s busier coastline.
For water sports and a more spacious beach setting, Kalafati is also worth visiting. It is one of the island’s best options for visitors who want a beach day that combines swimming, movement and a more open landscape.
Attractions and Museums
Windmills
Kato Mili, the jewel and symbol of Mykonos, are located in the southeastern part of Mykonos Town. Today, seven of the original ten windmills that operated on the island in the 19th century have been preserved. At that time, they played an important role in supporting the local economy. Although the Industrial Revolution caused windmills to lose their primary use and importance, they remain a defining element of the history, landscape and identity of Mykonos.
Panagia Paraportiani
The Church of Panagia Paraportiani is one of the most important religious and architectural monuments in the Cyclades. It is located in the center of Mykonos, and access to the monument is easy. It stands within the island’s castle area ,also known as Kastro,and takes its name from the word “paraporti,” meaning the side gate of the castle. The complex consists of five churches, with the medieval, fortress-like structure standing out as the most impressive.
The Paraportiani Church is one of the most photographed landmarks on the island, thanks to its sculptural white form and its position close to the sea.
Little Venice in Mykonos
Little Venice in Mykonos is undoubtedly the most romantic and most photographed setting on the island. Between the Castle and Skarpa, you will find this picturesque neighborhood, ideal for walks with your partner. This district, built literally where the waves break, began to take shape in the 18th century and once housed the homes of the island’s wealthy merchants and sailors. Today, it is the perfect place for a stroll and a stop for a romantic dinner with wine.
Folklore Museum
The Folklore Museum of Mykonos is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 16:00, and remains closed on Mondays. Visits outside opening hours can be arranged by appointment. This building brings together the history of Mykonos and is divided into several thematic sections. The “House of the Castle,” built in the 16th century, forms the foundation of Mykonos’ folk heritage. “Lena’s House” is a 19th-century mansion that hosts exhibits, embroidery and women’s clothing from that period, while “Boni’s Windmill,” also known as the Agricultural Museum, is an open-air museum whose main exhibits include windmills and agricultural facilities.
Mykonos: Where to Stay
Mykonos Town
Mykonos Town, built on the western side of the island, essentially brings together all the elements that travelers love about Mykonos: luxury, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, the Cycladic scenery with whitewashed houses and picturesque alleyways, and countless options for food, entertainment and accommodation.
Mykonos Town is also known as Chora, as is often the case with the main town of many Cycladic islands. In Mykonos Town, you will find many hotels and rental rooms, staying just a breath away from Little Venice, the Church of Panagia Paraportiani and the famous windmills of Mykonos, located in the southern part of town.
The area is also ideal if you want to be close to shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, while travelers looking for something stylish can choose anything from a traditional guesthouse to a modern boutique hotel.
Ornos
The picturesque and peaceful village of Ornos is located 2.5 kilometers from the lively atmosphere of Mykonos Town. It is a sheltered harbor where fishing boats dock and, over time, it has developed into a popular tourist resort. With several options for rental rooms and restaurants, as well as a beach with fine sand and shallow waters, Ornos is considered a suitable choice for families who want to enjoy a calm and comfortable holiday in Mykonos.
Platis Gialos
Platis Gialos is a seaside settlement in southern Mykonos, located 4.5 kilometers from the island’s cosmopolitan center. The beach of the same name is one of the largest in Mykonos and is ideal for swimming, canoeing and fishing. Essentially, Platis Gialos combines both the cosmopolitan and the more relaxed side of Mykonos. On the one hand, it is a resort full of hotels, rooms, mini markets and, nearby, Super Paradise. On the other hand, in the same area, you can also find the peace of a calmer beach and beach bars that are ideal for relaxation.
Ano Mera
For travelers who want to see a more traditional side of the island, Ano Mera is a wonderful stop. Located inland, away from the coastline’s busy energy, the village offers a calmer glimpse of everyday life in Mykonos, with a central square, local tavernas and a more authentic rhythm.
Accommodation Tips
Mykonos offers everything from rental rooms and villas to some of the best hotels in the Cyclades. If you are visiting during the high season, it is best to book early, especially if you want to stay close to Mykonos Town, Psarou, Ornos or Platis Gialos.
Travelers looking for more privacy can also choose an Airbnb, a villa or a luxury hotel, depending on their budget and the style of holiday they want.
Food in Mykonos
Although Mykonos has a reputation as a particularly expensive and luxurious island, there are also restaurant and taverna options with very affordable prices. In Platis Gialos, Ornos and, of course, Mykonos Town, you will find budget-friendly choices both in fast food spots and traditional tavernas.
At the same time, you will also discover award-winning restaurants with menus curated by world-class consulting chefs, where you can enjoy true gastronomic experiences featuring modern and refined combinations of flavors from international cuisines.
For something quick and casual, classic Greek street-food choices such as gyros and souvlaki are always useful between beach visits, shopping walks and nights out. They are also a budget-friendly way to enjoy familiar flavors of Greece without planning a full restaurant meal.
Traditional Dishes and Local Products
Here, we present local delicacies that you can buy from delicatessen shops in Mykonos or order on the spot at a taverna, as they are among the island’s most representative flavors.
Mykonos Sausage
Mykonos sausages are the gastronomic result of the old Cycladic tradition of Choirosfagia, a pig-slaughtering celebration that takes place shortly before Christmas. Ancient Cycladic communities sacrificed a pig in honor of the gods, and in modern times, pork is prepared in many different ways, depending on the island. In Mykonos, pork is seasoned with allspice, oregano, salt and savory, creating the island’s exceptional sausage, which is a must as an accompaniment to ouzo.
Amygdalota
Almonds naturally play an important role in Cycladic sweets, adding flavor and texture to halvadopita and pasteli. In Mykonos, you will find the famous amygdalota, wonderful sweets to enjoy with your coffee, made with almonds, egg whites, sugar, a delicate touch of orange blossom water and, of course, powdered sugar for dusting. It is a lovely idea to buy them from a local shop that makes homemade amygdalota and offer them at your next coffee gathering with friends once you return from the island.
Kopanisti
Kopanisti is a spicy, excellent spreadable cheese that you should definitely order when visiting a Mykonian taverna. In tavernas, kopanisti is served as an appetizer and is usually spread on mostra, a local Mykonian rusk. Kopanisti absorbs the juices of freshly squeezed tomato, while the freshness, the crunchy texture of the mostra and the smooth consistency of the cheese elevate the tasting experience. Sometimes, just a few ingredients are enough to create the greatest gastronomic pleasures.
The Municipality of Mykonos and Its Contribution to Local Activity
The Municipality of Mykonos includes Mykonos, as well as the islands of Rhenia and Delos. It is a highly active municipality and has played a significant role in the island’s widespread reputation and high number of visitors.
The municipality also has an extremely modern and user-friendly website, where the citizens of Mykonos and travelers can stay informed about the latest news, the frequent events organized on the island, the sights, transport options and accommodation.
Mykonos by Night: Entertainment and Nightlife
Mykonos is the ideal destination for nightlife lovers from all over the world. It attracts world-famous DJs and visitors from every corner of the globe, whether celebrities or simply the so-called party people, for whom summer holidays are inseparably linked with partying until dawn.
In Alefkandra and Little Venice, the venues begin to fill up from the afternoon, with visitors dining at local restaurants and enjoying coffee in picturesque lounge spots after a swim in the sea. For those who prefer daytime parties, the various beach bars of Mykonos welcome huge crowds, especially during the most talked-about events, which many people travel to Mykonos specifically to attend.
After sunset, Mykonos turns into one big living party. In Matogiannia, the clubs built by the sea are ready to welcome visitors, with world-famous DJs taking over the decks and playing the latest sounds from the electronic music scene.
Even if you are not a fan of electronic music, Mykonos manages to give even Greek live music and bouzouki nights a Cycladic twist. From time to time, famous Greek singers travel to Mykonos to present uplifting music programs, perfect for summer entertainment.
Full moon parties, white parties and private events in exclusive clubs also make Mykonos stand out for its luxurious nightlife identity. This is why the island’s party scene is often compared to Ibiza, especially during summer nights when beach bars and clubs stay lively until sunrise.
Finally, it is well known that for more than fifty years, Mykonos has actively embraced the LGBTQ+ community and its strong clubbing scene. Mykonos actively supports diversity and queer identities by organizing queer and drag events in some of its most famous bars and clubs.
As for the island’s dress code, perhaps it is finally time to wear that glitter dress you never knew where to wear. In Mykonos, you will see stylish and eccentric people walking through its picturesque alleys, bringing a modern touch to the Cycladic setting. On the other hand, precisely because the island welcomes every form of diversity, even partying in flip-flops will not be judged, as long as you have the right mood for it.
Overall, Mykonos has a glamorous but free-spirited vibe, with everything from elegant cocktail bars to all-day beach parties by the sea.
Best Time to Visit Mykonos
The best time to visit Mykonos depends on the kind of holiday you want. July and August are ideal if you want the island at its busiest, with full beaches, packed clubs and a strong summer atmosphere.
For travelers who prefer fewer crowds, the shoulder season especially May, June, September and early October, can be a wonderful choice. During this period, the weather is usually pleasant, the sea remains inviting and the island feels easier to explore.
Mykonos – Ferry Tickets from Athens
The ferry trip from the port of Piraeus to Mykonos takes 2 hours and 40 minutes. SEAJETS high-speed ferry routes are daily and depart from the port of Piraeus starting at 7:00 in the morning, with the last route around midday.
You can also travel to Mykonos daily from Rafina, on a journey lasting 2 hours and 25 minutes, while visitors can also arrive from Heraklion every day in 4 hours and 20 minutes.
For many travelers arriving from Athens, Mykonos is one of the easiest Greek islands to add to a summer itinerary in Greece, especially thanks to its fast ferry connections.
Trips from Mykonos
Beyond being an island of incomparable beauty where it is worth staying for a few days and getting to know it properly, Mykonos also works as an excellent base for day trips and island hopping, thanks to its excellent ferry connections.
Indicatively, the ferry routes from Mykonos to other islands are as follows:
- – Mykonos – Santorini → 2h 10m
- – Mykonos – Paros → 40m
- – Mykonos – Naxos → 1h 15m
- – Mykonos – Syros → 40m
- – Mykonos – Ios → 1h 25m
- – Mykonos – Tinos → 15m
- – Mykonos – Milos → 2h 45m
- – Mykonos – Andros → 1h 25m
A classic day trip option from Mykonos is a visit to Santorini, a route that takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes by high-speed ferry. You can choose one of the five daily routes and reach the world-famous island in no time.
Another excellent option is Paros, which is close enough for travelers who want to combine Mykonos with another island that has beautiful villages, beaches and Cycladic charm.
Another option that has become increasingly popular among visitors to Mykonos in recent years is a day trip to Tinos, returning to Mykonos in the afternoon. This excursion has also gained popularity among groups of young travelers who wish to step away for a while from the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Mykonos and enjoy the privacy offered by the beaches of Tinos. The daily high-speed ferry routes, which take just 15 minutes, make this option even more tempting.
Leaving behind, even for a short while, the cosmopolitan entertainment offered by Mykonos, it would be a missed opportunity to visit the island without arranging a guided day trip to Delos.
Delos belongs administratively to the Municipality of Mykonos and is an archaeological site that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. It is, in fact, the largest archaeological site in Greece in terms of area, a 5-kilometer rocky island considered a sacred place and the birthplace of the god Apollo and the goddess Artemis. Although the site has been looted and destroyed twice, the ongoing excavations that began in 1872 have revealed the entire Sanctuary, as well as part of the Hellenistic city.
Daily routes operate from Mykonos to Delos and, in the total price of 65 euros, the package includes ferry transport, entrance to the archaeological site, a guided tour by a certified guide — it is worth noting that the 24 permanent residents of Delos are employees of the archaeological site — as well as a wireless audio system for the tour.
The island of Delos is one of the most important cultural excursions you can take from Mykonos and a fascinating way to connect your beach holiday with the ancient history of Greece.
In addition to Greek, the tour is also offered in English, French, Italian and Spanish, while tours in German and Russian can be arranged upon private request.
Getting Around Mykonos
Getting around Mykonos is easiest if you plan according to where you are staying and which beaches you want to visit. Buses connect Mykonos Town with several popular areas, while taxis, sea buses and private transfers are also available.
For more flexibility, many travelers rent a car, scooter or ATV, especially if they want to explore beaches and villages beyond the busiest routes. However, during peak summer months, roads can be crowded, so it is best to allow extra time for transfers.
Most restaurants, hotels and larger shops accept credit cards, but it is still useful to carry some cash for small purchases, local buses, kiosks or more traditional places.
Mykonos: Useful Phone Numbers
- – Police Station +30 22890 22716
- – Tourist Police +30 22890 22482
- – Port Authority +30 22890 22218
- – Airport +30 22890 79000
- – Health Center +30 22893 60000
- – Citizens’ Service Center, KEP +30 22890 28621
- – Municipality of Mykonos +30 22893 60100
- – Taxi +30 22890 23700
- – KTEL Bus Service +30 22890 23360
- – Information Office +30 22890 23990