Looking down at Mykonos Town
travel guide

Where to stay in Mykonos

Faraway WorldsFaraway Worlds

Faraway Worlds

Staff writers

The most-visited island in all of Greece, Mykonos has something for everyone. Jump on a plane or a ferry and head to Mykonos for a sunny beach holiday – whether you’re there to party or have a quiet getaway, you’re sure to enjoy your time on the island.

Just like anywhere else in the world, some parts of Mykonos are better suited to certain activities and preferences than others. For example, places catering for young people wanting to party late into the night aren't quite suitable for families or newly-wed couples seeking solitude.

With this in mind, we’ve made things easy for you and put together a list of our six favourite areas in Mykonos so you can make the most of your trip to this famous island.

Restaurants in Mykonos

At a glance

Best place to stay in Mykonos for first-time visitors

Old Port

Boats on the sand with buildings in the background at the Old Port, Mykonos

If you’re visiting Mykonos for the first time, you’re likely to want to do a little bit of everything during your stay, and the Old Port is the place to do it. Centrally located, the Old Port is teeming with classic whitewashed buildings and narrow cobbled streets.

The Old Port neighbourhood is close to a plethora of popular attractions, including the Archaeological Museum and the renowned Old Windmills, both of which are within walking distance.

There are also walking tours that depart from the Old Port that will allow you to see a handful of these top attractions in the area with the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable guide.

For an authentic experience, take a stroll through the quintessential Greek alleys down to the hustling and bustling traditional fish market that is sure to be filled with both tourists and locals alike. If you find yourself overcome by the heat during your adventures, meander down to the water’s edge and have a dip at the Old Port’s sandy beach.

Full of shops, restaurants and bars, the Old Port district is a great place to wander about during the day, watch the glorious sunsets in the evening and party the night away if you feel like letting loose and having some fun.

If you’re an ocean lover, there are also many tours and cruises that depart from the Old Port, visiting small, nearby islands and allowing visitors to marvel at the mesmerising scenery

Stay at Melangel in luxurious surroundings with panoramic views.

Best place to stay in Mykonos for couples

Psarou

Looking down at the sun umbrellas spread out on Psarou Beach, Mykonos

Boasting one of the island’s most pristine beaches, Psarou is the perfect neighbourhood to stay in for couples. A little bit less rowdy than some other nearby areas yet still lively and full of fun, couples can enjoy quality time together while getting involved in fun activities and experiencing Greek culture.

Just five kilometres from Mykonos Town, Psarou Beach has three different sections depending on your preferences. One is public, one is exclusively for guests of the Blu Hotel and the third is for Nammos Beach Club – a cool place to let loose if you and your partner fancy a dance!

During the daytime, there are lots of fun activities to do together from the beach – the standard water sports such as wakeboarding and so on, as well as fishing and even surfing. Explore the area on bicycles or take a stroll down the beach to Platis Gialos, a quaint little town with gorgeous little bookstores and flea markets just waiting to be perused.

If you’re planning on spending a day in the sun on the beach, it’s a good idea to take along your own towels to lie on – there are sun beds available, but when it gets busy, they get pricey and you may have to wait.

Psarou offers a variety of different kinds of accommodation options. From fancy beach resorts and boutique hotels to smaller, more modest studios and cottages, Psarou has something for everyone nice and close to the beach.

Stay in a suite at Mykonian Mews, just 250 m from Psarou Beach

Best place to stay in Mykonos for families

Elia Beach

Sun umbrellas and pillows on the white sand of Elia Beach on Mykonos, Greece

Situated about ten kilometres from Mykonos Town, Elias Beach is one of the longest beaches on the island. Boasting pristine shores and astounding views, this is the perfect place to take your family for a relaxing holiday.

The neighbourhood has many different hotels and resorts on offer that are perfectly family-friendly and will allow both parents and children alike to kick back and enjoy the island lifestyle.

Boasting warm, calm and clear water, Elia Beach is a great place for children to swim safely and play on the uncrowded sandy shores. Fun, family-friendly activities in the area include parasailing, wakeboarding, water skiing and jet skiing which are sure to be enjoyed by both parents and children. If you're looking for something a little different, try out the Sonar, Flying Fish, Crazy UFO and much more.

Treat yourself and your family to scrumptious food at some fabulous local restaurants and tavernas in the area. Alternatively, relax on the loungers provided and order drinks and snacks from the restaurants that are just a stone’s throw from the shore.

Bear in mind, however, if you're visiting with kids, that there is a section on the beach that is nudist-friendly. This part of the beach is marked off by rainbow flags so it's quite easily identifiable.

Stay at Elia Mykonos Resort, a beachfront resort with a swimming pool and family rooms.

Best place to stay in Mykonos on a budget

Mykonos Town (Chora)

White cobblestone street and buildings in Mykonos Town

If you’re traveling to Mykonos on a budget, there’s no reason to miss out on anything, and Mykonos Town is the place to be.

Staying in this bustling little town is the best way to immerse yourself in the true Mykonos experience. Getting lost in the labyrinth of winding cobbled streets in Mykonos Town is the best thing you can do – pop into the little restaurants and tavernas for a bite to eat and something to quench your thirst without breaking the bank!

Matoyianni Street is often referred to as the heart of the island. It is littered with high-end fashion boutiques that stay open late into the evenings and is ideal for window shopping – get a taste of a different side of Greek life without spending a penny!

Other attractions nearby include a few well-known art galleries, such as Kapopoulos Fine Arts and Rarity Gallery, as well as the quaint little neighbourhood of Little Venice. Little Venice is teeming with culture, beautiful architecture and an array of fabulous options to enjoy sundowners.

Another great cost-effective option is to join a walking tour of Mykonos Town that is very affordable and will provide you with wonderful insight into the history of the area and other interesting information.

Accommodation within Mykonos Town is known to be affordable, allowing tourists traveling on a budget to get an authentic Greek experience while staying in the heart of Chora, whether it’s at a backpackers, a B&B or something else of the sort.

Stay at Studio Eleni for relatively affordable rooms in the middle of town.

Best place to stay in Mykonos for nightlife

Paradise Beach

A crowded beach bar in Mykonos at night

It’s no secret that Mykonos is a great place to party, and if you really want to enjoy some Greek nightlife, Paradise Beach should be at the top of your list. If you’re feeling young, wild and free, there’s nothing better than enjoying the picturesque beaches of Paradise with a drink in hand and incredible music transporting you to another world.

Home to the fourteenth best club in the world, Paradise Beach Club, you can enjoy the beach loungers and mingle with people from across the globe and all walks of life, whether you’re traveling in a group or on your own.

If you're there to live your best life, get down to the beach in the morning and enjoy the sun with good vibes all around you. At around 16:00, the atmosphere shifts – things get louder and the drinks start flowing. Everybody there is ready to have a good time!

Staying at Paradise Beach has a little something for everyone – whether you choose to camp, stay in a fancy resort or hotel or hire out a studio or apartment for your stay.

In the area, you'll find mini markets, restaurants with delicious food and shops, as well as a diving centre and a centre for water sports. Best of all, Paradise Beach is nearby Super Paradise Beach (another awesome place to party) and only six kilometres from Mykonos Town via bus if you ever need to get back.

Stay at the Tropicana Hotel, located on the beach with several pools, restaurants and bars on-site.

Best place to stay in Mykonos for a quiet getaway

Kalafatis

Clear water at Kelafatis Beach on a sunny day

Revel in tranquility when visiting Kalafatis on the sublime Greek coast of Mykonos. Although much of the island is notorious for being one of the party capitals of the world, it also has a lot to offer with regard to relaxation.

Kalafatis is a lot less busy and far more relaxed than other parts of Mykonos. Boasting yet another stunning beach, Kalafatis is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a deluxe holiday without being bombarded by young party goers or throngs of busy tourists.

From Kalafatis beach, you can join island tours and tours of the area – by foot, off-road vehicles or even sea safaris. You can snorkel along the coast or take part in fun water-related activities, or simply relax on the beach and read your book with a cocktail in hand.

Within walking distance from the beach, you'll find a plethora of accommodation options - including gorgeous hotels, resorts and slightly more affordable options too. Like most of Mykonos, Kalafatis is littered with extraordinary restaurants and bars to satisfy your appetite and get the real Greek experience.

Stay at the Myconian Crown Suites for a truly relaxing break or, for a more affordable option, opt for the Chaniotis Studios, just a two-minute walk from the beach.

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Last Updated 15 August 2023

Chora village and the old harbour of Astypalea island in Greece

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