Areas of Mykonos
Once a derelict and neglected pocket of Greece, Mykonos is now arguably the most famous island in the Cyclades. Defined as one of the world’s greatest party destinations attracting glittering crowds of partygoers, Mykonos radiates with seductive energy. With direct flights from most major countries, the island is host to a stream of glamorous jet setters from all around the globe, and for good reason. It is filled with all the features of a perfect holiday destination; with a diverse range of restaurants, famed bars and clubs, endless activities, a surprisingly profound history not to mention the vast unspoiled beauty, there are plenty of reasons to fall for the island’s allure.
Travellers to Mykonos become as well accustomed to the shining Aegean moon as they do to its sparkling sun with the nightlife enduring as a steadfast attraction. Bars and clubs stay open from dusk till dawn offering ample opportunity to dance the night away in hedonistic pleasure. But for those in search of tranquillity far away from the pumping party scene, there is also a softer, slower side to the island filled with culture and natural beauty. Mykonos offers something for everyone.
Mykonos: Best areas to stay
Hora: Hora is the hub of the island with a constant buzz of energy radiating from it from the morning through to night. It has all the amenities you may need such as shops and restaurants, as well as all those you may want such as bars, clubs and beaches. This western section of Mykonos is the home to its old port and old town which is alive with that buzz that so defines this island. The peak summer months are when Hora is at its busiest, and its famed atmosphere and high concentration of food, drink and party spots mean that serene solitude is hard to come by. But for those who want to be in the heart of the action, Hora is the place to be.
Ornos and Agios Ionnis: These areas are great if you want to be close to the action in Hora (they are a 5-minute drive away) but also enjoy some peace and quiet away from the maddening crowds. Both locations which used to be small fishing villages, offer enchanting and well-equipped beaches as well as a great array of swanky restaurants, charming taverns and dreamy cafes.
Platys Gialos and Psarou: Staying near these two idyllic beaches ensures you are well connected to some of the island’s biggest hotspots. Platys Gialos is a fantastic organised beach that will keep tempting you back whilst the adjacent Psarou is known for its beauty and its buzz. The area is perfect for those who want stunning surroundings that are nonetheless cosmopolitan and well-equipped. Hora is just 5km away, and other beaches best known for their parties (Paranga, Paradise and Super Paradise), are also very nearby.
Best places to go in Mykonos
Little Venice – On the westside of the island is Little Venice, the charming coastal neighbourhood of Mykonos town characterised by bric-a-brac whitewashed houses, an endless stream of trendy restaurants and bars, and calming waves lapping against a bustling shore. Grab a drink at one of the inviting seafront bars, get lost in the maze-like alleyways that brim with trendy restaurants, art galleries and shops, or climb up to the iconic windmills of Kato Mili and watch the sun setting over the Aegean sea. There is much to discover in this enchanting nook of Mykonos.
Delos - Less than an hour away by boat, the sacred island of Delos – the birthplace of one of the most important Greek gods, Apollo - is an unmissable experience. An ancient metropolis, Delos is proudly one of the largest open-air archaeological sites in all of Greece. A private tour will enhance your visit to the island further and enrichen your knowledge of the myths and legends of the ancient world.
Ano Mera – Far from the maddening crowds, Ano Mera is a peaceful inland village that is well worth dragging yourself away from the beach for. Many important sites are packed into this part of the island such as the ruins of the Gyzi Castle built under the 13th Century Venetian rule, the Paleokastro Monastery boasting impressive views of Mykonos, and the immaculate 16th century Panagia Tourliani Monastery complete with Florentine frescoes, a splendid altarpiece and an intricate belltower. Also well-equipped with enticing cafes and restaurants, Ano Mera is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon on the island.
Restaurants in Mykonos
- Buddha Bar - Ornos Bay, Mikonos 846 00, tel. +30 2289 026570. The world-famous Buddha Bar is located at Ornos Bay, inside the Santa Marina Hotel. Expect only the best of fusion cuisine with a Greek and Mediterranean twist whilst dining under the enchanting Mykonos sky.
- Kikis Tavern - Mikonos 846 00, tel. +30 694 075 9356. Kikis Tavern is known for its authenticity and serves local dishes in a picturesque and traditional courtyard close to Agios Sostis beach. This is a true gem on Mykonos!
- Avra - N. Kalogera Street 27, 864 00, tel. +30 2289 02229. away in a beautiful secret garden, Avra serves traditional Greek and Mediterranean delicacies in the very heart of Mykonos.
Bars in Mykonos
- 180º Sunset Bar - Epar. Od. Mikonou, 846 00, tel. +30 699 360 1424. With spectacular views overlooking the entire island, this open-air bar is considered the best for a sunset cocktail. €€
- Alemàgou – Ftelia, tel. +30 22890 71339. This beach bar and restaurant exude an elegantly bohemian atmosphere with music, food and drinks served all day long.
- Queen - Enoplon Dinameon, Mikonos 846 00, tel. +30 6949 078 018. A small and swanky bar primely located in the heart of Mykonos town, Queen attracts cool crowds from sunset to sunrise.
Nightlife in Mykonos
- Astra - Tria Pigadia (Three Wells, Enoplon Dinameon St, Mikonos 846 00, tel. +302289 024767. This unique nightclub is an icon of Mykonos. It starts as a relaxed lounge bar at dusk and eases into a club later in the evening, Astra guarantees a night to remember!
- Moni - Agia Moni Square, Mikonos 846 00, tel. +30 2289 077451. It may come as a surprise that the name of this private club derives from the church which is located next to it but Moni remains famous for its vibrant nights and endless glamour.
- Void Club - Lakka, Mikonos 846 00, tel. +30 6944811360. A landmark club in Mykonos town, Void is a hugely popular nightclub made legendary for its parties and special events, hosting the most famous DJs in the world.
