Best Time to Visit
May to October
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
Greek
Timezone
EET (UTC+2)
Discover Mykonos
Mykonos isn't just an island; it's a carefully curated experience where the Aegean sun bleaches the labyrinthine streets of Chora (Mykonos Town) and the scent of salt and jasmine hangs in the air. The real magic happens when you lose yourself in those iconic, winding alleyways, stumbling upon hidden chapels, chic boutiques like Notorious, and the sudden, breathtaking view of the sea from Little Venice, where waves crash against the foundations of seaside bars. By day, the island transforms into a canvas of turquoise coves like Elia and Psarou, while by night, the legendary beats from Cavo Paradiso or Scorpios create a rhythm that pulses through the very stone of the island, offering a hedonistic escape that's uniquely Mykonian.
Beyond the glamour, Mykonos holds ancient secrets. A short boat ride away lies the sacred island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, where you can walk among millennia-old marble ruins under the same intense Cycladic light. This contrast—between ancient silence and modern revelry, between a fisherman mending his nets in Agios Ioannis and a superyacht anchored offshore—is the island's true allure. It's a place where you can savor fresh grilled octopus at a family-run taverna in Ano Mera one moment and dance until dawn at Paradise Beach the next.
Why Visit Mykonos?
World-Famous Beaches with Distinct Personalities: From the vibrant, party-centric shores of Paradise and Super Paradise, with their iconic beach clubs and DJ sets, to the more serene, family-friendly stretches of Ornos and Agios Stefanos, or the stunning, clothing-optional sands of Elia. Each cove offers a different vibe, crystal-clear water, and perfect photo opportunities.
The Unmatched Energy of Mykonos Town (Chora): Getting lost in the maze of whitewashed streets is a rite of passage. Discover the iconic Kato Mili windmills, shop for designer labels and local crafts, admire the mascot pelican Petros, and witness the spectacular sunset from the bars perched in Little Venice, like Kastro's or Caprice.
A Legendary Nightlife Scene: Mykonos is synonymous with epic parties. Experience world-class clubs like Cavo Paradiso, built into a cliffside, or the chic, bohemian vibe of Scorpios on Paraga Beach. The nightlife is diverse, inclusive, and famously vibrant, catering to everyone from luxury jet-setters to backpackers.
Rich History and Mythology on Delos: A UNESCO World Heritage Site just a 30-minute boat ride away, Delos is one of Greece's most important archaeological sites. Explore the Terrace of the Lions, the ancient theater, and the ruins of temples, and feel the weight of history on this uninhabited, sacred island.
Luxury and Glamour at Every Turn: The island is a playground for the elite, featuring five-star resorts like Santa Marina, Michelin-starred dining at restaurants such as Interni, high-end boutiques in Matogianni Street, and a marina filled with magnificent yachts, offering a taste of the high life.
Authentic Cycladic Charm in the Villages: Escape the buzz in the island's interior. Visit the traditional village of Ano Mera to see the 16th-century Panagia Tourliani Monastery and enjoy a slow, authentic lunch at a local taverna, providing a peaceful counterpoint to the coastal frenzy.
Mykonos is Known For
Ready to explore Mykonos?
Mykonos Neighborhoods
Mykonos Town (Chora)
The vibrant, beating heart of the island, a postcard-perfect maze of narrow, whitewashed streets designed to confuse pirates. It's a bustling hub of shopping, dining, and nightlife, where chic boutiques and crowded bars sit alongside tiny blue-domed churches.
Highlights:
Best for:
Ornos
A popular and well-organized resort area centered around a beautiful, sandy beach with calm, shallow waters. It's family-friendly yet still lively, with a great selection of tavernas, cafes, and shops lining the waterfront.
Highlights:
Best for:
Platis Gialos
A long, organized sandy beach that serves as the main departure point for water taxis to the southern beach clubs (Paradise, Super Paradise, Paraga). It has a bustling, cosmopolitan atmosphere with numerous hotels, restaurants, and beach bars.
Highlights:
Best for:
Ano Mera
The island's second-largest village, located inland around a peaceful square. It offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Mykonian life, far removed from the coastal party scene, centered around a historic monastery.
Highlights:
Best for:
Top Attractions
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •Book your accommodation, ferry tickets, and popular restaurant reservations (like Nammos or Scorpios) months in advance, especially for July and August.
- •The famous southern beaches (Paradise, Super Paradise) are best reached by water taxi from Platis Gialos or Ornos; the bus routes are indirect and roads can be very congested.
- •Rent an ATV (quad bike) for the ultimate local experience to explore remote beaches and villages at your own pace, but drive cautiously as roads can be narrow and winding.
- •For a more affordable meal, head inland to villages like Ano Mera where tavernas offer fantastic traditional food at much lower prices than the waterfront.
- •The wind (the 'meltemi') can be very strong in the afternoon, especially in July/August. Choose a beach on the southern coast (like Paradise) for shelter, or embrace it as part of the experience.
- •Cash is still king in many smaller shops, tavernas, and for taxi fares. While cards are widely accepted, always carry some euros.
- •Visit the windmills and Little Venice for sunset, but for a truly spectacular and less crowded view, head to the Armenistis Lighthouse on the island's northern tip.
- •Mykonos is incredibly safe, but be vigilant for pickpockets in the crowded streets of Mykonos Town, especially at night.
- •Many shops, cafes, and even some beaches have a minimum spend for using their sunbeds. Always ask for the price before you sit down.
- •If you want to experience the famous party beaches but avoid the peak-season prices and crowds, visit in late June or early September for a slightly mellower vibe.
Mykonos Food Scene
Mykonian cuisine is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients from the sea and the Cycladic earth. While international fine dining thrives, the soul of the island is found in its traditional tavernas serving grilled meats, fresh seafood, and classic Greek salads with barrel-aged feta.
Must-Try Dishes
Traditional Taverna
- • Kostas's Taverna in Mykonos Town for louza
- • Kounelas in Ano Mera for fresh fish
- • To Maereio in Chora for homestyle cooking
Look for places slightly off the main tourist drags; the best meals are often in family-run spots with simple menus.
Seafood Specialties
- • Sea Satin Market in Mykonos Town
- • Nikos Gallop in Agios Ioannis
- • Kiki's Tavern at Agios Sostis (no electricity, cash only)
The day's catch is usually displayed on ice. Point to what you want and ask how they recommend it be cooked.
Luxury & Fine Dining
- • Interni in Mykonos Town
- • Nobu at the Belvedere Hotel
- • Sushi at Katrin
Reservations are essential, often requiring a credit card guarantee. Dress codes are smart-casual to chic.
Casual & Street Food
- • Jimmy's Gyros in Mykonos Town
- • Pepper Souvlaki Bar
- • Crepes and smoothies from any beach bar
Perfect for a quick, delicious, and affordable lunch between beach sessions or late-night after the clubs.
Popular With
Best Time to Visit Mykonos
Spring
May and June see the island blooming with wildflowers. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring without the intense heat. The sea is starting to warm up, and the tourist season is just beginning.
Pros:
- + Pleasant temperatures
- + Fewer crowds
- + Lower prices
- + Lush, green landscape
Cons:
- - Some beach clubs/restaurants may not be fully operational until late May
- - Sea can be cool for swimming early in the season
Summer
July and August are peak season, with hot, dry days, constant sunshine, and a frenetic, glamorous energy. All venues are open, and the nightlife is at its most legendary. The meltemi winds provide natural cooling.
Pros:
- + Guaranteed hot weather
- + Vibrant, full-throttle atmosphere
- + All beaches, clubs, and restaurants are open
- + Warm sea perfect for swimming
Cons:
- - Extremely crowded and expensive
- - Need to book everything far in advance
- - Can be very windy, especially in the afternoons
Autumn
September and October offer a golden, relaxed period. The sea is at its warmest, the summer crowds have dissipated, and the weather remains beautiful, though occasional rain is possible in late October.
Pros:
- + Warm sea temperatures
- + Fewer crowds than summer
- + More relaxed pace
- + Good deals on accommodation
Cons:
- - Some businesses start closing from mid-October
- - Unpredictable weather towards the end of the season
- - Shorter days
Winter
From November to April, Mykonos is very quiet. Many hotels, restaurants, and nearly all beach clubs are closed. The island returns to its local rhythm, with cooler, sometimes rainy and windy weather.
Pros:
- + Experience authentic local life
- + Deeply discounted accommodation
- + No tourists
- + Dramatic winter seas and skies
Cons:
- - Most tourist facilities are closed
- - Weather is not suitable for beach activities
- - Limited ferry connections
- - Many restaurants are shut
Find cheap transport to Mykonos
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Mykonos
Enter your departure city to see prices
Book Activities in Mykonos
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Day Trips from Mykonos
Delos
30-40 min by boat from Mykonos Old Port
This uninhabited UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Greece's most significant archaeological treasures. As the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it was a major religious and commercial center in ancient times.
Tinos
15-30 min by high-speed ferry from Mykonos
A more traditional and religious Cycladic neighbor, famous for the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, a major pilgrimage site. It offers stunning villages like Pyrgos, known for marble sculpture, and excellent local cuisine.
Rhenia Island (Delos' Sister Island)
45 min - 1 hour by organized tour boat
An uninhabited island right next to Delos, offering a completely different experience of pristine, secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling away from all crowds.
Mykonos Budget Guide
Mykonos is one of the most expensive Greek islands, with costs skyrocketing in peak season (July-August). Budget travel is challenging but possible with careful planning, while luxury is readily available at a premium.
Budget
€80-120 per person (staying in hostels/cheap rooms, eating street food/supermarket meals, using public transport)
per day
Mid-Range
€200-400 per person (3-star hotel, taverna meals, some taxis, beach club visits)
per day
Luxury
€600+ per person (5-star hotel, fine dining, private transfers, VIP beach service, yacht trips)
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •Travel in shoulder seasons (May, June, September) for significantly lower accommodation rates.
- •Eat your main meal at lunch; many tavernas offer cheaper 'set menu' specials compared to dinner prices.
- •Use the local KTEL bus system—it's reliable and a fraction of the cost of taxis.
- •Buy drinks and snacks from supermarkets instead of mini-bars or beach bars.
- •Consider staying in a self-catering studio or apartment to save on food costs.
Mykonos Hidden Gems
Agios Sostis Beach
A beautiful, unorganized sandy beach on the north coast, accessible via a dirt road. It remains refreshingly free of sunbeds and loud music.
It's one of the last truly untouched beaches, with only the legendary Kiki's Tavern nearby (no electricity, cash only). The perfect antidote to the island's organized glamour.
The Armenistis Lighthouse
A 19th-century lighthouse perched on the island's northwestern tip, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and neighboring islands.
It provides the most spectacular sunset spot on the island, far from the crowds of Little Venice. The views are dramatic and the atmosphere is peaceful.
The Agricultural Museum (aka Lena's House)
A traditional 19th-century Mykonian farmhouse preserved as a museum in the middle of Mykonos Town, near the Three Wells.
It's a fascinating, quiet glimpse into the island's rural past and traditional way of life, hidden in plain sight amidst the bustling tourist shops.
Ftelia Beach
A long, windy beach on the north coast popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers, with a distinct, wilder landscape.
It offers a completely different, more athletic and natural vibe compared to the southern party beaches, with excellent conditions for water sports and fewer crowds.
The Panachra Church
A small, stunning blue-domed church located on a rocky outcrop near Agios Ioannis, accessible via a short path.
It's one of the most photogenic and isolated chapels on the island, offering incredible photo opportunities against the sea, especially at sunrise.
Mykonos Culture & Customs
Mykonian culture is a unique blend of deep-rooted Cycladic traditions and ultra-modern, cosmopolitan influences. Locals are famously hospitable ('philoxenia'), but the island's identity is also shaped by its history as a maritime power and its recent status as a global jet-set destination.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Greet people with a friendly 'Yassas' (hello) or 'Kalimera' (good morning).
- •Dress respectfully when visiting churches and monasteries (cover shoulders and knees).
- •Haggling is not common practice in shops; prices are generally fixed.
- •Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; 5-10% in restaurants is standard for good service.
- •Avoid excessive public drunkenness outside of the main party beach areas; it's frowned upon in the towns and villages.
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about Mykonos
How many days do I need in Mykonos?
3-4 days is ideal to experience the main highlights: a day exploring Mykonos Town and the windmills, a day trip to Delos, a day at the beach clubs, and a day for relaxation or exploring a quieter beach. A week allows for a more relaxed pace and exploration of the island's interior.
Is Mykonos safe for solo female travelers and LGBTQ+ visitors?
Yes, Mykonos is considered very safe for all travelers. It has a long-standing reputation as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the Mediterranean, with a vibrant, welcoming scene particularly in Mykonos Town and at specific beach bars like Jackie O'.
What is the best way to get around Mykonos?
For first-timers, the bus system is efficient for main routes. For true flexibility to explore remote beaches, renting an ATV (quad) or scooter is the most popular local choice. Taxis are expensive and hard to find in peak season. Walking is only feasible within Mykonos Town itself.
Can I drink the tap water in Mykonos?
The tap water is generally safe to drink as it is desalinated, but it can have a brackish taste due to the process. Most locals and visitors prefer to drink bottled water, which is inexpensive and widely available.
Do I need to rent a car in Mykonos?
It is not necessary and can be a hassle due to narrow roads, difficult parking (especially in Mykonos Town where cars are banned), and aggressive local drivers. ATVs, scooters, or the bus system combined with the occasional taxi are more practical options for most visitors.
What should I pack for Mykonos?
Pack light, breathable clothing, a good sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sturdy sandals for walking on cobblestones, a light jacket for windy evenings, and your chicest outfits for nightlife. Don't forget a European power adapter (Type C/F plugs).
Is Mykonos only for partying?
Absolutely not. While famous for its nightlife, Mykonos offers incredible history (Delos), stunning natural beauty, luxury relaxation, family-friendly beaches like Ornos, authentic villages like Ano Mera, and world-class dining. You can easily tailor a trip without ever setting foot in a club.
What's the deal with the famous Mykonos pelican?
The island's mascot is a pelican named Petros (or his successors). The tradition began in the 1950s when a local fisherman rescued an injured pelican. You can often spot him wandering the waterfront of Mykonos Town, especially near Little Venice, and he is considered a symbol of good luck.
Mykonos Itineraries
Travel Guides
Plan your Mykonos adventure
Let AI create the perfect itinerary for your trip to Mykonos. Just describe what you want to experience.
Plan Mykonos trip