Mikonos overwhelms you with its sheer beauty. With so much to explore, choosing where to stay can be tricky. You want a city that puts you near the best attractions but retains its local vibe. This guide has you covered.
Oup pick of the best hotels in Mykonos 🔝
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge
- 🔮 Boutique Hotel: Belvedere Mykonos
- 🏄♀️ Beach Hotel: Mykonos Ammos Hotel
- ✨ 5-Star: Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux
- 🏨 4-Star: Semeli Hotel Mykonos
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Ioanna's House
- 🌇 Best Views of the City: Myconian Kyma, a Member of Design Hotels
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Kamari Hotel
I’ll highlight the top towns, from the historic Ano Mera to lively Mykonos Town. You’ll get insider tips on the best hotels, boutiques and cafes in each neighborhood.
Plus, you’ll get sample hotel recommendations for every budget and travel style. From luxury suites to cozy, wallet-friendly rooms. There’s something for solo travelers, couples, families and more.
So join me on a stroll through this greek island.
Quick Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Mykonos 📋
- 💃 For Nightlife: Mykonos Town, Paraga
- 🏖 For Beaches: Ornos
- 😋 For Foodies: Platis Gialos
- 👪 For Families: Kalafatis
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Ano Mera
1. Mykonos Town – Best Place to Stay in Mykonos for Nightlife 🍸
🌇 Picturesque town: As the capital and main port of the Cyclades island group, this charming town exemplifies traditional Cycladic architecture with its flat-roofed houses and churches.
🛍️ There’s plenty to do: Despite its small size, Mykonos Town delights travelers with its abundance of sites. Meandering through its streets, you’ll happen upon quaint shops displaying handmade jewelry, restaurants serving up fresh seafood, and legendary dance clubs.
🔥 Some key attractions worth exploring include:
- Little Venice – A picturesque neighborhood overlooking the sea with rows of medieval houses and balconies.
- Windmills – Mykonos is known for its iconic windmills, the most famous being Kato Mili with its thatched roof.
- Aegean Maritime Museum – Traces the island’s seafaring history with exhibits of model ships, nautical instruments, maps, and artifacts.
- Paraportiani Church – Church complex comprised of five separate chapels.
- Matoyianni Street – A lively pedestrian street with an array of upscale boutiques, jewelry stores, and art galleries.
🚶♂️ Walker’s paradise: The pedestrian-friendly layout makes navigating by foot easy and enjoyable.
Best hotels in Mykonos Town 🏩
Expensive Hotels:
- Mykonos Theoxenia, a member of Design Hotels – an elegant boutique hotel with modern interior design and upscale service.
- Lovia Mykonos – a chic hotel with exquisite rooms, panoramic pool and magnificent sea views.
- Semeli Hotel Mykonos – a premium luxury hotel with spacious rooms set amidst picturesque gardens.
Medium price category:
- Ilio Maris – a cozy hotel in traditional Cycladic style with comfortable rooms and friendly staff.
- Epic Mykonos – a modern hotel with bright design, good location and reasonable prices.
- Portobello Boutique Hotel – a charming small boutique hotel with a personalized approach to each guest.
Budget Hotels:
- Orpheas Rooms – simple and cozy rooms at an affordable price, located in a quiet neighborhood.
- Aperto Apartments – economy class apartments with basic amenities, a good option for a budget vacation.
- Ioanna's House – a guest house with a homely atmosphere and friendly hosts, excellent value for money.
2. Ornos – Where to Stay in Mykonos for Beaches 🏄♂️
🌊 Sandy coastline: On the southwest coast of Mykonos is the seaside town Ornos. The town has a crescent-shaped sandy beach with clear waters.
🏖️ Beachfront leisure: The beach has lounge chairs and water sports like windsurfing and kayaking. Tavernas line the shore serving Greek seafood, meze, and drinks on the sand.
Behind the beach, Ornos town has whitewashed buildings, cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and gelato shops.
🔍 Key activities in Ornos:
- Relaxing on Ornos Beach
- Trying Greek seafood at tavernas
- Renting vehicles to access nearby beaches and coves
🚌 Well-connected: Ornos is 2.5 km south of the capital Mykonos Town. Frequent bus service between them takes 10 minutes. Ornos provides easy access to attractions like Delos island, Paradise Beach, and Mykonos windmills, reachable within 30 minutes by bus or taxi.
With its convenient location and amenities, Ornos suits first-time visitors to experience Mykonos.
Where to stay in Ornos? 🏨
Expensive Hotels:
- Myconian O, a Member of Design Hotels – a chic design hotel with exquisite interiors, panoramic sea views and first-class service.
- Aeonic Suites and Spa – luxurious suites with its own spa center, private beach and magnificent views of Ornos Bay.
- Once in Mykonos - Designed for Adults – an elegant adult hotel with ultra-modern design, rooftop pool and stunning sea views.
Medium price category:
- CUBIC Mykonos Seafront Design Suites – stylish waterfront suites with beautiful views of the bay, great for romantic getaways.
- Mykonos Waves Beach House & Suites – cozy contemporary style rooms and suites near Ornos Beach.
- Amperian Mykonos Suites & Villas – comfortable apartments in elegant Mediterranean style with sea views.
Budget Hotels:
- Anixi Hotel – simple and inexpensive rooms with basic amenities, located close to the beach.
- Majestic Mykonos – comfortable mid-range hotel with good value for money.
- Yanna Luxury Suites (Asteri Suites) – inexpensive apartments in the picturesque area of Ornos, suitable for budget vacations.
3. Platis Gialos – Best Town in Mykonos for Foodies 🥞
🌊 Idyllic bay: Platis Gialos located on southern coast of Mykonos. Town centered around main beach. Beach has golden sand, calm clear water suitable for swimming and water sports.
Just offshore, small boats for tours. Behind beach, whitewashed buildings and overflowing bougainvillea with cafes, shops, hotels, and tavernas.
🚌 Easy transport: Platis Gialos offers access to Mykonos Town and island attractions (4 km south of Mykonos Town, reachable in 10-15 minutes by bus, taxi or rental car). Getting around Platis Gialos easy on foot. Buses to Mykonos Town regular. Water taxis, fishing boats, tour operators provide boat connections.
☀️ Top activities in Platis Gialos:
- Relax on main beach
- Visit quieter Panormos Beach east of main beach
- Dine at waterfront tavernas with fresh seafood
- Take boat trips to Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia beaches
- Try watersports like windsurfing and paddleboarding
🏝 Authentic Greek: Picturesque setting and friendly community create authentic Greek atmosphere, making it top choice to experience heart of Cyclades.
Where to stay in Platis Gialos? 🏨
Expensive Hotels:
- Mykonos Blu – a luxurious beach resort with exquisite rooms, pools and restaurants overlooking the sea.
- Branco Mykonos – elegant boutique hotel with chic suites, infinity pool and panoramic views of the bay.
- Nissaki Boutique Hotel – a chic colonial-style boutique hotel with exquisite rooms and personalized service.
Medium price range:
- Petinos Beach Hotel – a cozy beach hotel with comfortable rooms and a pool overlooking the sea.
- The George Hotel Mykonos – a modern Mediterranean-style hotel with comfortable rooms and a swimming pool.
- Kamari Hotel – a welcoming family-run hotel with spacious rooms and a summer pool near the beach.
Budget Hotels:
- Artemoula's Studios – simple and inexpensive studios with kitchens and sea views, ideal for independent travelers.
- Villa Meliti – modest rooms with kitchens in traditional Greek style, located close to the beach.
- Villa Nireas – simple family-run mini-hotel with a homely atmosphere and basic facilities at a reasonable price.
4. Paraga – Where to Stay in Mykonos to Party 💃
🌞 Lively beach town: On the southwest coast of Mykonos lies the vibrant beach town of Paraga. Yet as one of Mykonos’ most popular beach destinations, Paraga pulsates with lively beach clubs, tavernas, and boutique hotels.
👟 Small and walkable: For those staying directly in Paraga, the town is compact enough to explore by foot. Mornings are best spent wandering the sandy coastline while afternoons are for meandering the main pedestrian street, stopping into local shops and cafes.
🏖️ Top sites and activities are:
- Paraga Beach – Over 1 km of golden sand lined with beach clubs like Scorpios Mykonos.
- Water sports – Rent jet skis, parasail above turquoise waters, or join a snorkeling trip to see exotic marine life.
- Boat tours – Sail to secluded bays and beaches around Mykonos.
- Petros the Pelican – See Mykonos’ famous mascot who frequents Paraga Beach.
🚌 Well-connected: Paraga rests less than 4 kilometers from Mykonos Town. Buses from Mykonos Town run frequently in the high season, with a bus stop conveniently located right in the heart of Paraga Beach.
Where to stay in Paraga? 🏨
Expensive Hotels:
- Tropicana Hotel, Suites & Villas Mykonos – a chic premium beachfront resort with exquisite rooms, pools and restaurant.
- Trinity Mykonos - Villa & Beachfront Boutique Hotel – elegant beachfront boutique hotel with personalized service and luxury villas.
- New Paradise Beach Resort – a fashionable resort on its own beach with comfortable rooms and excellent service.
Medium price category:
- Paradise View Hotel – cozy family hotel with panoramic views, pool and friendly staff.
- Zephyros – a stylish boutique hotel in traditional Greek style with comfortable rooms and a good location.
- Almyra Guest Houses – guest houses in a picturesque area with a homely atmosphere and affordable prices.
5. Ano Mera – Where to Stay on a Budget 💸
🌳 Tranquil town: Nestled in the island’s interior, the charming town of Ano Mera serves as the perfect escape from the busy coastline.
🍽 Local haunt: The tree-lined Kalogerou Street invites relaxed strolls past shops and tavernas. This is where locals come to dine, mingle and take respite from the summer crowds.
🚌 Well-connected: Transportation around the island is convenient with a bus stop in the town center. Frequent buses run to popular spots like Ornos Beach, Platis Gialos, Paradise Beach as well as Mykonos Town. Renting quad bikes, motorbikes or cars is also possible for those preferring to roam freely.
🏛 Attractions within walking distance:
- Folklore Museum – Housed in an 18th century mansion, it spotlights local history and culture through regional costumes, textiles and artifacts.
- Monastery of Panagia Tourliani – This iconic 16th century church contains a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.
🥾 Outdoor adventures: The area contains excellent hiking and biking trails that wind through lush vegetation with some leading to secluded coves.
Where to stay in Ano Mera? 🏨
Medium price category:
- Mykonos Dot – cozy family hotel in traditional Greek style with a restaurant.
- Olive Mykonos Villas – elegant Mediterranean style villas with private pools and terraces.
- Mykonos Double Luxury Mini Suites - Adults only – a modern adults-only hotel with luxurious rooms and excellent service.
Budget Hotels:
- Mykonaki Hotel – simple and inexpensive hotel with basic amenities for a comfortable vacation.
- Mykonos Pro-care Suites – apartments with kitchens and terraces, a great option for families.
6. Kalafatis – Where to Stay with Family 👦
🌊 Seaside base: Located on the southeastern tip of Mykonos, Kalafatis City provides access to famous beaches and sights. Its coastal position overlooks the Aegean Sea with hills dotted by white buildings and blue-domed churches behind.
🚶♂️Walkable exploration: As a home base, Kalafatis enables first-time visitors to explore main attractions in a 10-15 minute drive – Little Venice, Windmills, Paradise Beach and Chora. Pedestrianized streets facilitate walking with an efficient bus network connecting farther destinations.
🏖 Recommended Kalafatis activities:
- lounging on Kalafatis Beach sands;
- Greek cuisine sampling along the waterfront;
- exploring the Agia Anna square;
- boutique shopping for jewelry and art;
🍹 When night falls, Kalafatis transforms into a hub of open-air cocktail bars and clubs. Young travelers flock to Astra and Caprice while traditional Greek cuisine, music and ouzo get served under the stars at Koursaros Tavern.
Accommodations with varying budgets cluster around the lively harbor for easy beach, shops and restaurant access.
Where to stay in Kalafatis? 🏨
Medium price category:
- Thalasses Villas – mediterranean style villas with panoramic sea views, located in the picturesque area of Kalafatis.
- Case di Venia – cozy apartments with sea views and proximity to the beach, a perfect combination of comfort and inexpensive prices.
Budget Hotels:
- Chaniotis Studios – simple and inexpensive studios with kitchenette, located in a quiet neighborhood close to the beach.
- Villas Kalafatis Apartments – apartments with basic amenities at a reasonable price, suitable for budget travelers.
7. Tourlos – Gateway to the Island ⛴
Nestled in a protected bay on the north side of Mykonos island, Tourlos City serves as the gateway to Mykonos Town and the island’s main attractions.
⛴️ Port city: Tourlos is convenient for tourists as it houses Mykonos’ main port. Ferries coming from Athens and other Cycladic islands dock here regularly, making it easy to access the island.
🛣️ Well-connected: Tourlos also has several hotels, rental car agencies, and the island’s main bus station connecting travelers to popular beaches and villages.
👀 Some key things to see and do in Tourlos City:
- Wander the lively harborfront
- Relax at one of the seaside tavernas
- Visit the Agios Georgios Spiliotis church
🚌 Quick transit: The port is only 1 mile from Mykonos Town, making it convenient to access the island’s vibrant capital. Frequent bus transit along the coastal road also connects Tourlos to town efficiently.
🌙 Peaceful nights: At night, the village is quiet and peaceful – nothing like the late-night parties of Mykonos Town.
Where to stay in Tourlos? 🏨
Expensive Hotels:
- Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa – a luxury hotel with exquisite design, perched on a hill above Ornos Beach with breathtaking sea views.
- Arocaria Mykonos – elegant traditional Mykonian-style villas with private pools and views of the Aegean Sea.
- Grace Mykonos – a fashionable boutique hotel with chic rooms, fine dining and one of the best spas in Mykonos.
Medium price range:
- Alkistis Beach Hotel - Adults Only – a cozy adult hotel on the first line of Agios Stefanos Beach with comfortable rooms and a pool.
- Aeri Villas & Apartments – stylish apartments in traditional Greek style overlooking the sea and the town of Tourlos.
- Villa Elina suites and more – hotel complex with spacious suites, swimming pool and location in a quiet area outside the city.
Budget Hotels:
- NamaSTE BOUTIQUE APARTMENTS – inexpensive apartments in the center of Tourlos with simple amenities and a homely atmosphere.
- Olia Hotel – a modest hotel with basic amenities and friendly staff, suitable for budget travelers.
- Flaskos Suites and more – small apartments at a reasonable price with a convenient location close to the beach and the center of Turlos.
Best Beaches in Mykonos 🌞
Elia Beach 😎
Paralia Elia is a beautiful, sandy beach located on the southeastern coast of Mykonos island. It’s an ideal place for families, couples, and anyone looking to enjoy the sea and sun.
The calm waters make Paralia Elia great for swimming and paddling. There are a few beach bars located right on Paralia Elia serving food, drinks and cocktails.
Paralia Elia is located around 11 km from Mykonos Town. It can be reached by local bus services departing regularly from the Old Port in Mykonos Town. The journey takes around 20 minutes.
Super Paradise Beach 🍸
Super Paradise Beach is a lively beach known for its beach clubs and parties. With music playing during the day and night, it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
The beach has areas with lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent, as well as free public sections to lay out a towel. You can rent water sports equipment like jet skis and parasailing on the beach from local companies.
Paralia Super Paradise is located about 7 km from Mykonos Town. Public parking is available on the cliff above, with additional parking belonging to beach clubs.
Ornos Beach 👪
Ornos Beach is a popular family-friendly beach located in the southwestern part of Mykonos, about 3 km from Mykonos Town. It’s known for its soft white sand, crystal clear waters, and wealth of amenities.
You will find a variety of shops selling beach essentials, souvenirs, jewelry, and more.
Ornos Beach is located only 2.5 km from Mykonos Town. It can be easily reached by car, taxi, or bus in about 10 minutes. Those staying in Mykonos Town can also walk there in around 45 minutes.
Platis Gialos Beach 🌅
Paralia Platis Gialos is a picturesque beach with clear waters and soft golden sand, making it an ideal destination for families.
There are free public sunbathing areas, or visitors can rent sun loungers and umbrellas from the beach restaurants and cafés.
The beach’s harbor location allows visitors to easily book boat excursions to explore stunning nearby islands and beaches.
You can take the local bus from Fabrika Station in Mykonos Town, with buses departing frequently.
Psarou Beach 💎
Psarou is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Mykonos, with crystal clear waters and golden sand. It attracts the wealthy and famous, but also has free areas for families.
Luxury yachts and boats frequently dock in Psarou Bay. Arrange a private boat tour to explore the coastline.
Pay around €30-60 per day for lounge chairs and umbrellas at the beach clubs, with access to bars, cafés and DJs.
Parking is very limited. Some shops and restaurants may allow paid parking. Otherwise, public parking in Mykonos Town is a 5-10 minute drive away.
Megali Ammos Beach 🏝
Paralia Megali Ammos is a quiet beach located just outside of Mykonos Town. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to relax away from the crowds.
Snorkel around the rocky coves near the beach to spot sea life. The clear waters provide great visibility. Be cautious of sea urchins.
Paralia Megali Ammos beach is located only a 10-15 minute walk from Mykonos Town. Head north along the coast from the famous row of windmills above Alefkandra Square.
Paraga Beach 🌟
Paraga is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mykonos, known for its turquoise waters and fine golden sand. The lively atmosphere with music makes it a popular beach, while the small free section on the right side offers some tranquility.
Tasos Tavern on the beach is highly recommended for typical Greek cuisine at reasonable prices. The area also has many beachfront restaurants and bars to choose from.
Paraga beach is located around 6 km from Mykonos Town. There is free public parking along the road behind the beach. Paid parking starts from €5 per day.
Best Areas & Hotels in Mykonos on a Map 🗺
FAQs about Visiting Mykonos ❔
What area is the best to stay in Mykonos?
Choosing the best area to stay in Mykonos largely depends on your preferences and priorities. If you seek a combination of picturesque beauty and vibrant nightlife, Mykonos Town (Chora) is an ideal choice.
What is the most beautiful area of Mykonos?
The most beautiful area of Mykonos is often considered to be the south part of the island, where iconic beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise attract tourists with their clear waters and golden sands.
What part of Mykonos has the best nightlife?
For the best nightlife experience, head to Mykonos Town or Paradise Beach. The town boasts a diverse array of clubs, bars, and lounges, ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the night. Paradise Beach is renowned for its beach parties, attracting a younger crowd with music, dancing, and an energetic ambiance.
How to stay in Mykonos for cheap?
If you’re looking to stay in Mykonos on a budget, consider exploring accommodations in the off-peak seasons of spring or fall when prices tend to be more reasonable. Mykonos also offers affordable dining options in local tavernas and bakeries.
How many days to stay in Mykonos?
A well-rounded visit could span 3 to 5 days, allowing you to explore the island’s beauty, experience its nightlife, and relax on its splendid beaches. However, you can tailor the length of your stay based on your specific preferences and the activities you wish to indulge in.
