The Ultimate Greece Travel Guide
Greece: where historic ruins, volcanic cliffs and friendly locals meet the beautiful, blue Mediterranean Sea. Island hop or visit the capital, Athens.
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Mykonos is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Greek Islands. It is well-known for beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, summer party atmosphere, and wild nightlife. I spent a week on the island and indulged in delicious food, epic sunsets, and some of the best parties I’ve ever been to. It's the ultimate destination for a whole lot of fun in the sun! This Mykonos travel guide is filled with travel tips to help you plan an incredible trip to the Greek islands.
Many people find that Greece tends to be a lot less expensive than other European destinations, however, Mykonos tends to lean on the pricey side and is in line with most popular European cities. Mykonos is famed for beautiful beaches, fantastic seafood, romantic resorts, and a crazy party scene. It is a popular tourist spot amongst the wealthy and many celebrities! While it’s a popular honeymoon destination, the summer crowds tend to be young people looking for a good time.
Language: The official language is Greek, but English is widely spoken on the island.
Currency: The Euro is used as currency (€).
Credit Cards and Banks: Most restaurants and hotels will accept credit/debit cards. Be sure to pull out cash for small purchases and public transportation. Coins and small bills are highly recommended for bus and public transportation tickets, so keep those on hand.
Climate: Hot dry summers and mild winter with constant winds. Rain is very scarce in Mykonos, but showers can occur in the wet season, between Oct-April. From mid-May through mid-October, the weather is sunny and beach-worthy.
Don’t miss my helpful tips for traveling the Greek Islands before your trip!
Depending on where you stay on Mykonos, you’ll want to get around to explore the best beaches, restaurants, and sights. If you choose to stay in Mykonos Town, you’ll find it very walkable and accessible to the ferry port, shops, and restaurants.
Rent a Scooter on Mykonos: Regardless of where you stay, rent a scooter or ATV for the duration of your stay. You can take scenic day trips to different beaches around the island. Nothing is really all that far to get to.
Mykonos Buses: The public busses are also a great option for getting around the island for cheap—you’ll just need to find the timetable and plan your adventures out accordingly. For nightlife, there are bus transfers available from town to the big nightclubs for a reasonable price. This is definitely the most affordable and reliable way to get back and forth. Do not drink and drive!
Mykonos Taxis: Organize an airport transfer (arrival and departure) through your accommodation, if you can. Taxis can be unreliable to/from the airport and cost an extra €15-20 (if they’re honest) typically.
Depending on your type of trip, I’d recommend staying close to town and the ferry port, which you’ll probably be arriving and departing from. I stayed at an apartment in Lakka Square which was located in the heart of Mykonos Town. This is where all of the shops and restaurants are located, including “Little Venice”.
You can stay closer to the beach, but you’ll pay a premium. Most beaches are just a few miles from the center of town, so you can easily take a scooter to the beach for the day. I’ve compiled the top hotels in Mykonos, and listed my favorite places to stay in Mykonos below!
Bluetopia Suites is a cute little B&B that sits in the Little Venice area of Mykonos City (pictured above) and right next to the Mykonos Windmills! It is a beautiful property, in the perfect location, with all the simple amenities you could need on a trip to Mykonos.
Nissaki Boutique Hotel is one of the most picturesque luxury beach hotels in Mykonos and is located on Psarou Beach, one of my favorite beaches. Surrounded by the amazing atmosphere of Mykonos, Nissaki is considered a jewel amongst luxury hotels!
Nestled into the hillside above Elia Bay, the 5-star Myconian Villa Collection is a uniquely luxurious resort concept. Enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view on the entertainment deck, saltwater infinity pool, and magnificent interiors that this gorgeous Villa Collection provides.
I stayed at two Myconian Collection properties on my last trip! You can read my comparison of the Villa Collection and Myconian Korali Relais & Chateaux properties here.
Hotel Belvedere is located near Town Center and is one of the most beautiful boutique hotels I’ve been to. Be sure to stop by the rooftop bar for a cocktail at sunset or enjoy dinner at Nobu’s famous restaurant, Matsuhisa.
Mina Studios is a charming complex of family-run studios near one of my favorite beaches, Psarou. They offer self-catering studios & apartments, kitchenettes, and Wi-Fi.
Lithos offers great-valued studios and apartments—minimally furnished but oh, so beautiful! Perfect for those traveling on a budget but who want an alternative to a hostel, each studio comes with a kitchenette, TV, private bathrooms. And don’t get me started on the pool views!
The Sugar Blue apartments are an awesome alternative to a hotel—they’re located just five minutes from Mykonos Town and come with a kitchen, WiFi, and a full private suite. Plus, amazing sunset views!
Before your trip, check out my list of 10 Local Foods to Try in Greece! Being surrounded by the sea, I highly recommend opting for the fresh seafood options when possible, and sampling authentic Greek dishes at the local tavernas. Below, I’ve compiled the best restaurants in Mykonos!
As mentioned before, Mykonos is a bit pricier than other Greek islands, so plan to pay a premium at restaurants in the heart of Little Venice and for accommodation in central or beach areas.
I love the ambiance at Olive Tree! It’s the perfect setting for a sunset dinner and serves amazing, traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist. From grilled meats to handmade pasta, and more, it’s a must when in Mykonos. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time!
This family-run spot serves an amazing Mediterranean menu, full of family recipes, and uses the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Te Maereio is located in the heart of Mykonos Town, in the neighborhood of Hora, and worth the typical wait times.
Souvlaki is a MUST when traveling in Greece! Souvlaki is “fast food” in Greece and is usually grilled meat (typically chicken, pork, beef, or lamb) and vegetables on skewers, or served in pita bread. You might know it as gyro, and it’s very similar, except that gyros are made with specific gyro meat sliced off a cone. Either way, they are cheap and delicious—and don’t forget the fries!
Cosmo Cafe is a popular spot for breakfast and brunch in Mykonos Town! It has good service, great food and it’s affordable too.
Nautilus is a quaint little spot walking distance from Town Center serving up authentic Myconian and Mediterranean eats. The seafood and pasta are just AMAZING. You’ll need to make reservations in advance, but the food and service are worth the wait!
This restaurant bar has all of the traditional Greek dishes you have to try on your trip! Amethystos’s casual environment and large menu are perfect to enjoy for lunch or dinner.
The creator of Japanese fusion restaurant, Nobu, opened Matsuhisa at The Belvedere. Even if you don’t come for the food, don’t miss a cocktail at sunset. Try the Lychee Caipiroska or the “off-menu” Blonde Jack. I even listed it as one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in all of my travels!
Jimmy’s is an iconic gyro spot in Town Center. The owner, Jimmy, is an absolute gem and his gyros are the best in town. They’re open late night just in case you find yourself walking home hungry from the club.
I’ve been to Mykonos a few times now, and each experience has been a bit different. You can go for a wild non-stop party or have a whirlwind romantic escape in one of the many lux resorts. Or a bit of both!
Mykonos also has great beaches, water activities, and opportunities to get outdoors. Here are the best places to stay on Mykonos!
There are countless beautiful beaches around Mykonos, so be sure to check out at least a few. My favorites are Psarou and Paraga! At most of the beaches, you’ll find local tavernas and beach bars, perfect for a drink and snack while you enjoy the crystal blue water.
Party at the famous Tropicana Beach bar at Paradise Beach, work on your bronze at Scorpios on Paraga Beach, or go for chiller vibes at Pasaji on Ornos Beach. Check out my Mykonos Beach & Party Guide for more of the best beaches in Mykonos!
While the lighthouse itself isn’t that remarkable, the panoramic view from the lighthouse is absolutely stunning! Plus, it’s a fun day trip on a scooter.
Mykonos nightlife is well-known around the world. Start the party at one of the beach clubs and continue until the sun comes up! Be sure not to miss the Scandinavian Bar, Tropicana Bar or Paradise Club for some of the best parties in Mykonos. Be sure to check out my complete Mykonos Beach and Party Guide!
This famous stretch of seaside restaurants and shops is a great spot for evening strolls at sunset. It might break the bank, but have dinner at one of the restaurants here for one of the most picturesque meals in Mykonos.
Discover ancient Greece… underwater! Dive to ancient shipwrecks and check out the sea life at the reefs. The Peloponnese Wreck off Mykonos is one of the most iconic dives in the Greek islands. (Be sure to go with a PADI dive center!)
Another must-see is the windmills of Mykonos. They are one of the most iconic symbols in Mykonos and some date back to the 16th century.
Korfos Bay has excellent conditions for kite surfers. While I still haven’t tried it myself, it looks like a blast! Check out Kite Mykonos for more info.
I was told that Mykonos is home to 365 churches, so they have one for every day of the year. But the Paraportiani church is by far the most famous because of its stunning views and unique exterior. It’s a great place to watch the sunset!
There is a huge gay scene in Mykonos and, whether you’re gay or not, the gay beaches and clubs are fun for everyone. Visit Super Paradise Beach for day parties at Jackie O and turn up the nightlife at Babylon or Kastros.
Arriving by Air: The airport is located just 15 minutes from downtown Mykonos. There is no public transportation at the airport so try to arrange a taxi with your accommodation before your arrival, otherwise, you'll likely overpay for transportation.
Arriving by Ferry: The journey between Athens and Mykonos takes between 3.5 hours (high-speed ferry) and 5 hours (economy ferry). Always opt for the high-speed fairy, and be sure to pack some seasickness medication—check out more Helpful Tips For Traveling the Greek Islands
I've outlined all of my Helpful Tips For Traveling the Greek Islands, so be sure to read through before your own trip to Greece!
Greece: where historic ruins, volcanic cliffs and friendly locals meet the beautiful, blue Mediterranean Sea. Island hop or visit the capital, Athens.
Read More >For first time visitors to the Greek island, this Mykonos Beach and Party Guide to help you gauge your trip depending on what you want to experience.
Read More >From party palaces and luxury havens to budget-friendly stays, here are the best hotels to stay at in Mykonos!
Read More >Exploring the islands of Greece and venturing to Mykonos? Here's what it's like to stay at Korali Relais & Châteaux and the Villa Collection under the Myconian Collection umbrella!
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Read More >Windsurfing, scuba diving, partying, and strolling the streets are the four past times to enjoy when you visit Mykonos!
Read More >After traveling to many of beautiful destinations in Greece, I created the ultimate guide to traveling the Greek islands to help you plan your own trip!
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