Mykonos
Mykonos (Greek: Μύκονος) has two faces: By day, a picturesque Cycladic village with white alleys, pastel-colored balconies, and purring cats. By night, an international party hotspot that rivals Ibiza — DJs from Berlin and London, champagne at pool bars, parties until sunrise.
This duality makes Mykonos unique: In the morning, you stroll through deserted alleys and photograph bougainvillea archways, in the afternoon, you lie at a beach bar with lounge music, and in the evening, you dance barefoot on the beach. Additionally, Delos, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, is just 30 minutes away by boat.
Mykonos is expensive — the most expensive island in Greece, some say in Europe. A cocktail costs €15–20, a beach lounger set €30–60 at premium beach bars, a mid-range hotel €150–300/night in high season. But you can also vacation cheaply(er): Hostels from €30, gyros for €4, free beaches without beach bars.
Plan for 3–4 nights: One day for the Chora (old town), a beach day, a day trip to Delos, and an evening/night for the nightlife.
Mykonos Town (Chora)
The Chora of Mykonos is a white labyrinth — and intentionally so. The alleys were deliberately designed to be confusing in the Middle Ages as a defense against pirates: narrow, winding paths, dead ends, covered passages. Today, every tourist gets lost here at least three times — and that's precisely the charm. Every corner holds a new photo opportunity: a bright red door, a cascade of bougainvillea, a cat on an azure staircase.
★★ Little Venice (Mikri Venetia)
On the west shore of the Chora, medieval fishermen's houses stand directly by the water — their wooden balconies jut over the waves that crash against the foundations during storms. In the 18th century, captains and merchants lived here, today it's cocktail bars and restaurants. In the evening at sunset, Little Venice is magical: The facades glow golden, the waves spray mist, the windmills above turn. The best bar: Galleraki (cocktails 14–18€, worth every cent for the view).
★★ Windmills (Kato Mili)
Five iconic windmills from the 16th century crown the hill above Little Venice — the landmark of Mykonos. They once ground the grain loaded onto ships in the harbor. Today, they are photogenic ruins, one of them accessible as a museum (2€). The panoramic view from here over Little Venice and the harbor at sunset is one of the best on the island.
Other Highlights of the Chora
Panagia Paraportiani — The most photographed church in Greece: Five interlocking chapels built between the 14th and 17th centuries, merged into an organic, snow-white sculpture that looks like it was shaped by Gaudí. Especially beautiful in the morning light.
Matoyianni Street — The "main shopping street" (pedestrian zone) of the Chora: designer boutiques, jewelry stores, cafes, and restaurants. During the day for shopping, in the evening for seeing and being seen. Prices are high — a T-shirt here costs what an entire outfit costs elsewhere.
Archaeological Museum — Small but interesting: Finds from Delos and Rheneia, including a large collection of ancient ceramics and the famous Pithos of Mykonos (7th century BC) with the earliest known depiction of the Trojan Horse.
4€. Wed–Mon 9–16.
Pelican Petros — Mykonos' mascot: A pelican named Petros (or his successors) has been waddling through the Chora since the 1950s. He was rescued by a fisherman and stayed. Today, there are 2–3 pelicans posing in front of restaurants and stealing fish. Caution: do not touch, they snap.
Beaches
Mykonos boasts over 25 beaches, ranging from party beach bars to secluded coves. The southern coast is sheltered from the wind (the Meltemi blows from the north), while the northern coast is wilder and emptier.
★★ Paradise Beach
THE party beach. During the day, it's a beach bar with DJs and cocktails; from 4 PM, the volume is cranked up, and by midnight, it becomes an open-air club. Tropicana Beach Bar and Paradise Club are the epicenters. International crowd, ages 18–30. Sunbeds 15–25€, cocktails 15€. Bus from Chora every 30 minutes.
Not for families or those seeking peace and quiet.
★★ Super Paradise Beach
Even a notch wilder than Paradise: a mix of party and LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere. Jackie O' Beach Club is the reference. Spectacular location in a sheltered bay with turquoise water. Sunbeds 20–40€ (with minimum consumption). Accessible by boat from Chora (10€) or dirt road.
★★ Elia Beach
The longest beach on Mykonos: 900m of fine sand, shallow water, good infrastructure. Less party than Paradise, more comfort and space. Popular LGBTQ+ beach at the southern end. Elia Beach Bar for cocktails and lunch. Bus from Chora.
Ideal for: Anyone wanting a beautiful beach without constant noise.
Ornos Beach
The most family-friendly beach: sheltered bay, shallow water, restaurants and tavernas right on the sand. Only 3 km from Chora, accessible by bus or taxi. A bit touristy, but safe and convenient. Water sports rentals available.
Agios Sostis
Mykonos' most beautiful wild beach: No sunbeds, no bar, no fuss — just golden sand, crystal-clear water, and tranquility. Located on the northern coast (windier), accessible by car/scooter. The former Kiki's Tavern next door was legendary (now closed), but the beach remains a hidden gem.
Kalafatis Beach
On the quieter east coast: Wide sandy beach with a water sports focus. Windsurfing, diving, jet-skiing. Less party, more activity. Some good tavernas on the beach.
Delos — Birthplace of the Gods★★★
Only 30 minutes by boat from Mykonos lies Delos (Greek: Δήλος) — one of the most significant archaeological sites in the entire Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. According to mythology, Delos is the birthplace of Apollo (god of light) and Artemis (goddess of the hunt). In antiquity, the tiny island (3.4 km²) was one of the holiest sanctuaries of the Greek world and later a cosmopolitan trading center with 30,000 inhabitants.
Today, Delos is uninhabited — only archaeologists and tourists visit the island. What you see is overwhelming: An entire ancient city with temples, theaters, mosaics, houses, a stadium, and the famous Terrace of the Lions. The excavations cover half the island and require at least 3 hours for a thorough visit.
Highlights
★★★ Terrace of the Lions (Terrace of the Naxian Lions) — Five (of originally nine) archaic marble lions from the 7th century BC guard the Sacred Lake. The originals are in the museum (protected from erosion), the terrace displays replicas — but the effect is still breathtaking.
★★★ House of the Dolphins — Magnificent Hellenistic residence with spectacularly preserved floor mosaics: Dolphins jumping through waves. The color and detail after 2,100 years are incredible.
★★ House of the Masks — Another mosaic highlight: Dionysus riding a panther, surrounded by theater masks. One of the best-preserved Hellenistic mosaics worldwide.
★★ Theater — Greek theater from the 3rd century BC for 5,500 spectators. The upper tiers offer a panoramic view over the entire excavation site to the sea — a perfect photo spot.
★★ Sanctuary of Apollo — The heart of Delos: Three Apollo temples, the Stoa of Philip V, the Altar of Horns. This was where the famous Delia festivals took place, bringing all of Greece together.
Museum — Small but excellent: Original lions, archaic kouroi statues, ceramics, everyday objects. Included in the admission price.
Practical Information
Boats: From Mykonos old port, daily at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 a.m. (return 12:30, 1:30, 3:00 p.m.). Duration: 30 min. Price: 20€ return (2025/2026). Tickets at the port or with Delos Tours (delostourgr.com). In summer, take the 9 a.m. boat — less crowded and more time on the island.
Admission: 12€ (adults), 6€ (reduced). Children under 6 free. Audioguide on site: 5€. Guided tours from Mykonos: 30–50€ (boat + admission + guide) — worth it, as the site is hard to understand without explanation.
Important: There is no shade on Delos. Sun protection, a hat, plenty of water, and sturdy shoes (uneven terrain) are essential. No food on the island — bring snacks. No overnight stays allowed.
💡 Tipp
Delos is the highlight of Mykonos — don't miss it! Take the 9 a.m. boat, a guide (or the audio guide), and at least 2 liters of water. Photographers: The morning light on the lions and mosaics is spectacular.
Nightlife
Mykonos is Greece's party capital — and one of Europe's nightlife hotspots. The scene is international, loud, expensive, and goes until dawn. DJs here are headliners in Ibiza and Miami. Cocktails cost as much as dinner elsewhere. And no one goes out before midnight.
The Main Clubs & Bars
★★★ Cavo Paradiso · Paradise Beach
The most legendary club in the Aegean, perched on a cliff above Paradise Beach. Open-air with infinity pool and sunrise view. International DJs (Tiesto, Carl Cox, David Guetta have played here). Entry: 30–60€ (including drink). Open from midnight to 8 AM. Summer only (June–September).
★★ Scorpios · Paraga Beach
More than a club — a lifestyle concept. By day, a boho beach club with yoga and organic lunch; by night, "Ritual" parties with tribal and deep house under the open sky. Balearic-Aegean atmosphere. Drinks 15–22€. Reservation for dinner & sundowner sets required. Mythos status since opening in 2015.
★★ Void · Chora
The hottest indoor club in Chora. Compact underground feel, top sound system, techno and house. Entry 15–30€. Open from 1 AM.
Jackie O' Beach Club · Super Paradise Beach
Mykonos' most famous LGBTQ+ spot (but everyone is welcome). Drag shows, pool parties, sundowners. By day, beach club (sunbeds 25–50€), by night, party.
Skandinavian Bar · Chora
The cheapest party in Mykonos: Shots, beer, young backpackers. Three floors: Rock/Pop below, Dance above, terrace for fresh air. Free entry, beer from 5€ (almost a bargain for Mykonos).
180° Sunset Bar · Chora
For starting the evening: Sundowner cocktails (14–18€) with spectacular views of the windmills and Little Venice. Relaxed lounge music. Perfect for transitioning from dinner to party.
Eating & Staying on Mykonos
Restaurants
€ Budget
Souvlaki Story · Chora, Enoplon Dynameon
The savior for the Mykonos budget: Perfect gyros pita (4€), crispy fries, fresh salads. Sit outside and watch the hustle and bustle of Matoyianni.
3–8€ · Daily 11 AM–1 AM
Antonini's · Chora, Plateia Manto
Local institution since 1960: Greek classics at fair prices (for Mykonos). Moussaka 11€, Greek salad 8€. Large outdoor seating area at the Old Harbor.
8–15€ · Daily 12–11 PM
€€ Mid-range
Niko's Taverna · Chora, at the Old Harbor
An institution since 1967. Fresh fish straight from the harbor, traditional mezes, tables by the water. Grilled octopus 16€, lobster pasta 28€, daily fish by weight (approx. 50–65€/kg).
15–30€ · Daily 12–12 AM
M-eating · Chora, Kalogera
Upscale Greek cuisine: Lamb burger 16€, Wagyu steak 38€, creative mezes. Stylish ambiance, good wine selection.
15–40€ · Evenings 7 PM–1 AM
€€€ High-end
Kiku · Ornos
Japanese-Greek fusion at top level. Sushi with Aegean fish, Robata grill, sake cocktails. Omakase menu from 90€. Mykonos' hottest restaurant 2025.
50–100€ pp · Evenings, reservation required
Staying
€ Budget: MyCocoon Hostel (Dorm from 25€, private from 60€, rooftop pool), Paraga Beach Hostel (Dorm from 30€, directly on the beach)
€€ Mid-range: Hotel Carbonaki (Chora, 120–200€, pool, central), Olia Hotel (Tourlos, 90–160€, sea view, shuttle to Chora)
€€€ Luxury: Cavo Tagoo (Chora, from 400€, infinity pool over the sea, design hotel icon), Mykonos Theoxenia (Chora, from 300€, 60s chic, sea view), Bill & Coo Suites (from 500€, adults-only, fine dining)