

In between Ornos and Platis Gialos (but not on the water taxi route) is Psarou Beach, set in a small cove shielded from the wind with calm water, luxury resorts, a chichi beach club, and a designer mall. Platis Gialos is the considered by many to be Mykonos’ best beach: a wide strip of sand lined with casual tavernas, luxe hotels, and water sports rentals.

Ornos is the most family-friendly beach and wonderful for swimming. Most of these beaches are linked by a water taxi route that runs from busy Ornos in the west to tranquil Elia in the east. The best beaches in Mykonos are mostly along the south coast, protected from the meltemi, the strong, dry north wind that blows all day in the summer (Mykonos is known as The Island of the Winds). Mykonos Town has the most luxury hotels but there are many 4-star and 5-star resorts at the beach towns located around the island.

South of the village center is Megali Ammos Beach, often windy but with remarkable sunset views toward Baos Island, an old pirate hideout. There is also a tiny beach at the Old Port with a lifeguard. The landmark windmills sit just outside the charming Little Venice neighborhood not far from the Old Port, lined with seafood restaurants. This compact, walkable village is the island’s historic capital and largest town, buzzing with activity, especially at night. Mykonos Town, also called Chora, has the most nightlife, restaurants, and shopping of anywhere on the island. My preference is to stay in Mykonos Town and take the bus to beach during the day, then return to town in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening when Mykonos Town really comes alive. Buses run regularly (and late into the night) between Mykonos Town and the main beaches, especially Platis Gialos and Ornos, and the water taxi connects the south coast beaches, so it’s easy to stay in one spot and enjoy another. The big decision visitors need to make is whether to stay in Mykonos Town (the most nightlife, shopping, and restaurants) or one of the world-renowned beaches that encircle the island. As you venture farther east and north, the population thins out with hotels, nightclubs, beach clubs, and shops giving way to rugged landscapes, a few farms, and sandy beaches hidden by rocky outcroppings. These are the most popular areas for travelers to stay, though you’ll find excellent hotels and things to do all over the island. Most of the action on Mykonos takes place on the west and south coasts in and around Mykonos Town, Ornos Beach, and Platis Gialos Beach.

The archaeological treasures of ancient Delos are a short boat ride away, while Mykonos Town has the whitewashed 15th-century Church of Panagia Paraportiani (made up of five interconnected churches), and traditional Ano Mera village is home to the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani and attached ecclesiastical museum. Though the cosmopolitan side of Mykonos gets the most fanfare, there are plenty of historic, traditional, and remote outposts waiting for curious travelers to discover. This small island with an outsized personality is home to extravagant hotels, refined gastronomy, luxury shopping, golden beaches, and wild nightclubs. The Best Areas to Stay in Mykonos See Alsoįamous for beaches and infamous for nightlife, Mykonos is the most visited island in Greece. The view of Psarou Beach from the fantastic Mykonos Blu Hotel.
