Mykonos Travel & Vacation Guide

With its golden sand and aquamarine waters, Agia Anna Beach is a unique spot to soak up the sun, swim, or snorkel. From this exotic beach, you can admire the modest church of St. Anna and the small chapel of St. Nicholaos.

Escape the crowds and discover another side of Mykonos by heading to the tranquil little village of Ano Mera, 8 km away from the capital. Its main attraction is the 16th-century Panagia Tourliani Monastery, which houses holy icons and paintings as well as a beautiful marble fountain and a bell tower. Here, you'll also find numerous hotels, cafés, and tavernas.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island of Delos is an important sacred site for the ancient Greeks, and therefore, a must-visit for history and archaeology enthusiasts. It holds some curios remains of ancient civilisations: a former amphitheatre, historic houses with mosaics, temples, and the famous Terrace of the Lions. Don't skip the museum–it contains some artefacts dating as far back as the 25th century BC.

If beach parties are what you're after, Mykonos will not disappoint. Check out the famous Paradise Beach and/or Super Paradise Beach for some of the hottest waterfront bars and clubs that never sleep (dancing is often in full swing in broad daylight). For a more relaxed, quieter experience, head to Elia, Platis Gialos, Ornos, Panormos, Paranga, or Agios Sostis Beaches–the latter is a true hidden gem tucked away far from the frenzied crowd in the island's north.

Soak up the sun, swim, and snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Tours normally last either a half or full day, and include visits to nearby islands, stops for snorkelling and swimming, and even lunch or dinner on board.

Lena's House Folk Museum is an authentic middle-class residence that showcases the Mykonian lifestyle in the 19th century through furnishings and objects. The museum takes its name from its last owner, Lena Skrivanou.

This scenic neighbourhood is a delight both day and night. Stroll along the waterfront and get a feel for the town while taking in the distinct local architecture. Sit down for a seafood lunch, have dinner with a view (over the blue waters and iconic hilltop windmills), or explore the bar scene after sundown.

Stroll through Matoyánni Street and venture out onto one of its many narrow side lanes to explore just how much beauty is hidden in Mykonos Town's labyrinth of brilliant white-coloured houses. The street is lined with designer boutiques, souvenir shops, and enticing restaurants in tiny squares that seem to spring out at wanderers at every turn.

Arguably the best and, certainly, the most grandiose club on the island, Cavo Paradiso regularly hosts top-notch international DJs and is nightly packed to capacity with party-goers. Those who make it to sunrise will be duly rewarded with stunning views down below.

Cine Manto is, perhaps, Mykonos' best-kept secret when it comes to nightlife. Essentially an open-air movie theatre, Cine Manto is practically hidden in plain sight in the heart of Mykonos Town. Movie schedules vary by week–from June 1st until September 30th–and an on-site, all-day cafe-restaurant offers mouthwatering food and drinks.

By day, Cosi is a laid-back cafe serving coffee and juices, along with delightful breakfasts and lunches. By night, it turns into a lively bar serving exotic cocktails and with DJ sets that keep people partying until late hours.

The presence of a balcony makes Galleraki a unique spot for a romantic night. Their fresh fruit cocktails and organic juices contribute to establishing their reputation as one of the best cocktail bars on the island–the Katerinaki cocktail is emblematic of this waterfront spot. Besides cocktails, you can also come here for some coffee and breakfast in the morning.

This scenic neighbourhood is a delight both day and night. Stroll along the waterfront and get a feel for the town while taking in the distinct local architecture, sit down for a seafood lunch or dinner with a view (over the blue waters and iconic hilltop windmills), or explore the bar scene after sundown.

Cocktails at Scarpa might tend to get a bit pricey, but the unbeatable combination of quality and setting make this compact bar in the heart of Mykonos' Little Venice an offer worth every cent. Sit outside by the water and enjoy the sunset from what is possibly the best cocktail bar on the strip.

A celebrated late-night spot featuring 3 bars, an open-air courtyard, and a spacious dance floor playing top summer hits.

The Mykonos instalment of this nationwide chain sells high-class, superb-quality jewellery inspired by Byzantine motifs. Its luxurious gold creations ring back to ancient times, and some are actual replicas of originals discovered during the archaeological exploration of the area.

Stroll through Matoyianni Street and venture out onto one of its many narrow side lanes to explore just how much beauty is hidden in Mykonos Town's labyrinth of brilliant white-coloured houses. The street is lined with designer boutiques, souvenir shops, and enticing restaurants in tiny squares that seem to spring out at wanderers at every turn.

This lovely tiny shop is the place to find handmade and original jewellery pieces like bracelets, rings, or necklaces and unique crafts for him and her, all created with passion by local jewellers.

Apart from its one-of-a-kind location (which is already an attraction in itself), Mytho, which occupies what once was a storage shed for the adjacent windmill, offers customers authentic and uncommon souvenirs all locally made.

This boutique's fame has long extended far beyond the tiny Greek island thanks to the many celebrities who have been spotted making an appearance here at different points in time. Consultants are readily available to guide customers through the shopping process. Expect upper-range pricing.

Tia Handmade is a gem located in the heart of Mykonos Town known for its handmade products ranging from bracelets to necklaces. But the real star of Tia is its famous sandals.

The best time to visit Mykonos is in September and October. During these two months, the weather is still warm and the water temperature is still perfect for swimming. July and August are known as the peak season when every corner of the island is permeated with vacationers, so if you are looking for a tranquil vacation it's best to avoid these two months.

Greece can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Mykonos has its own airport, direct flights are available from multiple European destinations. To travel the 4 km to town, use one of the taxis right outside the airport terminal or a pre-arranged transfer–some hotels pick up guests directly at the airport. Bus service to the city (southern bus station) is also available, but it is not frequent and runs on no definitive schedule.

There are two bus stations at the opposite ends of Mykonos Town–these are a 20-minute walk away from one another. Use the main station (Fabrica) to catch a bus to Paraga, Platys Gialos, Paradise, Agios Ioannis, and Ornos. The northern station serves Elia, Ano Mera, Panormos, and Kalafatis. Bus frequencies may vary depending on the time of year (more buses run during the high season); intervals are usually somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour. Tickets may be purchased from the driver directly or in advance at ticket machines and tourist shops. Small fishing boats are an alternative means of transport–these circulate between the main beaches of the island.

Taxis in Mykonos are in high demand, and getting one in the high season might require some patience. Taxis can be hired in Manto Square (also referred to as the Taxi Square). There are usually fixed prices displayed inside the cabs for main destinations around the island, meters are normally not used. Ordering a taxi often comes at an extra charge. Book your ride in Mykonos through the Aegean taxi app.

Greece uses the Type F electrical plug with two round pins, same as in many countries in Continental Europe. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.

Most ferries run between April and October. Direct connections to Mykonos via high-speed ferries and boats are available from Piraeus and Rafina (check in advance whether your ferry arrives at the old or new port, this may vary by company). Ferries also run to and from other nearby islands in the Cyclades.