A Complete Guide to Mykonos and 10 Best Beaches to Visit on the Island

Updated On: April 23, 2024 by   Dina Essawy

Mykonos is one of the Greek Cycladic Islands in the Aegean Sea, and it is one of the most popular Greek holiday destinations. A holiday in Mykonos means cosmopolitan vibes, breathtaking views, splendid beaches, iconic landmarks, fine weather, world-class restaurants, pulsating nightlife and more.

This travel guide presents everything about a holiday in Mykonos. You will find hotel recommendations, top beaches, the best things to do, transportation means and much more below. Keep reading and get ready for an unforgettable holiday.

Visa Requirements

Since Greece is one of the 27 countries that make up the Schengen Area, having a Schengen Visa is a requirement for entry. However, if you are a citizen of the 62 countries that can enter Europe without a visa, you do not need to apply for it. A reminder, though: starting from 2024, citizens of these countries will need to register for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before taking off to Greece. An ETIAS can be valid for three years, and within these three years, you can enter Greece multiple times for either tourism, transit, business, family visits, or medical treatment and stay for up to 90 days for each entry.

To enter Greece from other countries excluded from the Schengen area, you need to get a Schengen Visa. All documents and details for a Greece Schengen Visa can be found on the official Schengen Visa Info website.

All documents required for the Greek Schengen visa must be completed or translated into English or Greek.

How to get to Mykonos?

Mykonos has an airport with regular direct flights to Athens, and it receives international flights during the summer months. You can fly directly to Mykonos from London, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Vienna, and more. During the times when there are no available direct flights, you can fly to Athens and then take a domestic flight to Mykonos or take the ferry.

From the main ports of Athens (Piraeus and Rafina), there is a daily ferry to Mykonos all year round. There are also regular ferries to/ from other Greek islands of the Aegean Sea, including the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Crete. There are two types of ferries depending on their speed: High-speed ferries and conventional ferries. There are two ports on Mykonos about 1.5 kilometres apart, which are the Old and New Port.

Best Time to Visit Mykonos

Mykonos has a Mediterranean climate, meaning that summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild. The island has a year-round flow of tourists, but it gets the busiest in the peak holiday period between June and September. July is the hottest month of the year with an average daily maximum of 29 C and an average low of 23 C. So, the best time to visit Mykonos is from April to mid-June and from mid-September to the end of October. It is the time when the weather is mild, and the rates are reasonable.

Recommended Hotels in Mykonos

There is a huge variety of hotels in Mykonos, ranging from popular hotels to secluded ones, and from luxurious hotels to affordable ones. Here are five recommended hotels to stay at while in Mykonos:

1- Andronikos Hotel Mykonos

Being a 14-minute walk from the beach, Andronikos Hotel Mykonos is a great place to stay as you experience everything Mykonos Town has to offer. It is located on a small hilltop overlooking Mykonos Town. Rooms at Andronikos Hotel Mykonos are provided with a TV, a minibar, and air conditioning. The hotel also boasts a fine restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool.

Andronikos Hotel Mykonos Amenities:

• Free Parking
• Free Wi-Fi
• Pool
• Gym
• Free breakfast
• Babysitting
• Airport Transportation
• Business Centre with Internet Access

2- A Hotel Mykonos

Located out of the centre of Mykonos Town, A Hotel Mykonos offers a quiet vacation away from the crowded spots. The hotel has a sophisticated design, spacious rooms and suites, and a dazzling atmosphere. The rooms are provided with a TV, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi access.

A Hotel Amenities:

• Car Parking Area
• Swimming Pool
• Spa
• Garden
• Bar
• Restaurant
• Airport Transportation
• Beauty and Wellness Treatments

Check out more and book from here.

3- Nissaki Boutique Hotel

Located very close to the popular beach of Platis Yialos, Nissaki Boutique Hotel is one of the hotels that have scenic views in Mykonos. It offers great views over the pristine waters of Psarou Beach and Platis Yialos as well as a panoramic view of the Cyclades scenery. The rooms are provided with a TV, air conditioning, minibar, soundproof windows, and free Wi-Fi. The luxury executive and the romantic Honeymoon suites offer a separate Jacuzzi room with a sea view. There is also a villa with a private terrace and an outdoor Jacuzzi that guarantees a soothing holiday.

Nissaki Boutique Hotel Amenities:

• Free Parking
• Free Wi-Fi
• Swimming Pool
• Gym
• Spa
• Free Breakfast
• Beach Access
• Pets Allowed
• Free Airport Transportation

Check out more and book from here.

4- Semeli Hotel

Semeli Hotel is situated in Mykonos town, only 500 meters from the beach. It is a sophisticated hotel that boasts relaxing accommodation with sea, town or garden views and a swimming pool. The rooms are provided with a small lounge area, a balcony, minibar, air-conditioning, and a TV. Suites include a private outdoor pool and hydro-massage bathtub.

Semeli Hotel Amenities:

• Free Parking
• Sweet-water Swimming Pool
• Poolside Bar
• Restaurant
• Lounge Bar
• Fitness Centre
• Spa with Jacuzzi
• Airport Transportation
• Pets Allowed

Check out more and book from here.

5- Bellevue Hotel

Located in Tourlos, close to Mykonos Town, Bellevue Hotel is built on the seafront, 5 minutes away from the New Port and 15 minutes away from the airport. The hotel has a nice view of the Aegean Sea and the breathtaking Cycladic sunset. In addition to its convenient location, the hotel is also unique for its minimalist style of decoration. The rooms and suites of Bellevue Hotel are provided with air-conditioning, a TV, Wi-Fi, a minibar, and a coffee maker. The hotel also boasts a large central swimming pool and sunbathing beds.

Bellevue Hotel Amenities:

• Free Parking
• Swimming Pool
• Pool Bar
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free Breakfast
• Beach Access
• Airport Transportation
• Pets Allowed
• Babysitting (extra charge)

Check out more and book from here.

Top 5 Things to Do in Mykonos

1- Stroll around the Town and Visit Little Venice

The capital Town of Mykonos, Chora, is a traditional Cycladic village that is built around a bay. It has whitewashed Cycladic houses with wooden doors right by the sea. Strolling through the town during the morning hours is one of the best things to do in Chora. Cars are not allowed in the heart of the town for most of the day, which makes strolling more enjoyable. While strolling through the town, you can do a shopping spree at the boutiques or have a refreshing drink at the cocktail bars scattered around.

Little Venice is the most unique and beautiful area in Mykonos Town. With waterfront houses frequently greeted by the waves of the Aegean Sea, Little Venice boasts a magnificent seascape and a romantic atmosphere.

2- Watch a Movie under the Stars

If you are a movie enthusiast, then nothing compares to an open-air movie night under the stars on a summer evening. Cine Manto offers the experience of a starlit screening in a spacious garden in the heart of the Chora. The cinema usually operates throughout the entire tourist season, featuring classic and blockbuster movies with two screenings per day. It also offers a bar restaurant to cater to its guests with delightful meals and refreshing drinks.

3- Take a Boat Trip to Delos & Rhenia

Boat trips are some of the most fun experiences in the Greek islands, and they are considered by many to be the highlight of their Greek holiday. You can set sails from Mykonos to the nearby uninhabited islets, such as Delos and Rhenia, for a day’s visit and enjoy a BBQ lunch.

Delos, which is only a 40-minute boat ride away from Mykonos, is a major religious pilgrimage location and a political centre. You can take a tour and get a glimpse of some of the archaeological findings that are still intact in their original locations in Delos.

Rhenia islet, which is only a few hours boat ride away from Mykonos, is also highly recommended for a day trip. Rhenia once served as a necropolis to Delos, and they both have interwind pasts and attain ruins of ancient temples. However, Rhenia is mostly visited for its crystal-clear waters, and it is a perfect spot to swim and snorkel.

4- Go Island Hopping

The port of Mykonos is connected to almost every other port in the Cycladic islands. During the summer season, there are frequent ferries to and from other islands. So, Mykonos is a perfect starting point for island hopping. Some of the Cycladic islands are:

Santorini

Santorini is one of the top destinations in the Cyclades and probably the most common island-hopping destination from Mykonos. This romantic island is best known for its breathtaking sunsets and spectacular volcano views. There are more than 5 ferry crossings every day between Santorini and Mykonos.

Naxos

Naxos is the biggest island in the Cyclades, and it is home to the highest mountain peak in the Cyclades, Mount Zas. This island is known for its spectacular beaches, mountainous villages, interesting archaeological sites, and the wonderful quality of the local agricultural products. Being one of the most popular destinations, there are several ferry crossings connecting Naxos to Mykonos on a daily basis.

5- Visit and Swim at the Beautiful Beaches

Mykonos has some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Europe that attract thousands of visitors. Some beaches are taken over by umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, and some others are still quiet and unspoiled. Beaches on the southern coast of the island are protected from the winds, and they are more popular than the less crowded beaches on the northern coast. However, all beaches offer a wonderful swimming experience in calm, pristine waters, and they are all perfect for water sports. The beaches also offer great facilities, including lively beach bars.

The next section in this article presents some of the most beautiful beaches in Mykonos.

10 Best Beaches in Mykonos

1- Platys Gialos Beach

Platys Gialos, or Platis Yialos, is one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos with thousands of visitors during the summertime. This beach features golden sand and wonderful turquoise crystalline waters perfect for refreshing swims. It also offers sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports facilities, and many restaurants and bars serving meals and drinks throughout the day. In addition, there are many hotels lined in front of the beach right by the sand and facing the sea.

Platis Yialos can be reached by local bus leaving every half an hour from the capital. It is also a good starting point to discover other beaches either on foot or by regular taxi-boats.

2- Psarou Beach

Psarou Beach is the trendiest and the most exclusive beach in Mykonos. This sandy beach with clear turquoise waters is known to be the favourite of the rich, and it attracts celebrities from all over the world. Needless to say, everything on this beach is quite expensive, such as sunbeds, water sports facilities, restaurants, and beach bars. In addition, there are several luxurious hotels and suites that provide accommodation close to Psarou. However, it is worth the experience if you can afford it, and it is an ideal option for honeymooners.

Psarou Beach is located on the southern coast of Mykonos near Platy Gialos. It is only 5 kilometres away from Mykonos Town, and it can be easily reached by local bus.

3- Super Paradise Beach

Super Paradise Beach is one of the most famous partying beaches in Mykonos. It boasts calm crystal-clear waters, soft golden sand, and magical views. The beach is also dotted with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Being a popular beach, it gets crowded and loud during peak season. However, it is a top destination for families and couples on honeymoon.

Super Paradise Beach is located 15 minutes away driving from Mykonos Town. It can also be reached from Platis Yialos by taxi-boat. There is no public bus to Super Paradise Beach.

4- Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is a famous party beach in Mykonos that turns into a huge nightclub at night with music and people dancing on the sand until dawn. It is a beautiful, flat beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, parking lots and many other facilities. It is a good spot for swimming and doing some water sports such as diving, water skiing, and jet skiing. Behind the beach, there is a fully organized camping area as well as many hotels and apartments available for rent. There are also many beach clubs and bars hosting parties and events in Paradise, making it crowded during the summer season.

Paradise Beach is located in the south part of Mykonos next to Super Paradise Beach. It can be reached by car within 20 minutes from the town. There are also frequent bus connections to Mykonos Town until late at night. In addition, it is also within walking distance from Platys Gialos.

5- Kalafatis Beach

Kalafatis Beach is best known for being an ideal destination for windsurfing and other watersports. It is an active beach popular among windsurfers and families. Located by a tiny fishing village, this beach is less developed than other popular beaches in Mykonos, but it has a few hotels and restaurants. There is a hut on the beach from which you can find facilities for water activities such as snorkelling and diving. There is also a windsurf centre and a watersports centre for jet skiing.

Kalafatis Beach is a 25-minute drive from Mykonos Town. It can be reached by bus from the Old Port, but the bus is infrequent.

6- Agios Sostis Beach

Agios Sostis Beach is one of the quietest and the most unspoiled beaches in Mykonos. It is a secluded beach as it is located a bit far from the popular southern beaches of Mykonos. However, it gets a little bit crowded in peak season. The golden shore stretches over 250 meters long and features pristine waters great for swimming. The beach provides its visitors with a feeling of freedom since it is in an area without any kind of amenities.

Agios Sostis Beach can be reached by car, and it is about 15 minutes away from Mykonos Town. There is no public transportation or buses to Agios Sostis.

7- Elia Beach

Elia Beach is the largest and the longest sandy beach in Mykonos. It is a quiet beach, less crowded than others like Super Paradise. Elia is a fully organized beach, offering a wide choice of taverns, bars, and water sports facilities. During the summer season, much of the beach is taken over by umbrellas and sunbeds, but still, there is a sunbed-free section.

Elia Beach is located 12 kilometres from the capital, and it is about 25 minutes by car. It can also be reached by bus that departs around every 2 hours from the Old Port station.

8- Fokos Beach

Fokos Beach is the most remote and the least visited beach in Mykonos. It is located on the northern side of Mykonos away from the developed southern beaches. It is almost the most peaceful place on the island. Even during peak season, Fokos Beach remains secluded and calm because of its remote location. Fokos is a sandy beach with no facilities except for a good restaurant. Although it is not the best for swimming, this beach offers a spectacular natural landscape and an amazing atmosphere.

Fokos Beach can be reached only by car as there are no buses to Fokos. The beach is located right after the artificial lake of Marathi, 20 minutes from Mykonos Town.

9- Megali Ammos Beach

Megali Ammos is the closest beach to Mykonos Town and the only one within walking distance. It is a quiet beach with few visitors, who are mostly staying at the hotels nearby. There are a few hotels and apartments near the beach, and there is also a small tavern nearby. The weather in this area is sometimes windy, which is perfect for windsurfing, but the beach has no umbrellas due to the winds. This sandy beach is a good spot for relaxation and sunbathing with a view of the iconic windmills of Mykonos.

Megali Ammos Beach is only a 10-to15-minute walk from the centre of Mykonos Town, heading to the south of the Fabrika bus terminal.

10- Ornos Beach

Ornos Beach is one the most popular beaches in Mykonos among families, young people, and couples. It is a beautiful beach featuring fine sand, calm waters perfect for swimming, and a nice view over the houses perched on the cliff. The beach also has some schools for diving, sea-skiing, and windsurfing. On the shore of the bay, there are several attractive hotels and resorts, as well as various restaurants and bars. Ornos is also a frequent stop for boats and yachts. For such reasons, Ornos is, unfortunately, often overcrowded, especially in July and August.

Ornos Beach is located in front of a small fishing village about 3.5 kilometres south of town. It can be reached by local buses, frequently leaving from the Fabrika terminal. It can also be reached by car within 10 minutes from Mykonos Town.

How to Get around in Mykonos?

It is easy to get around in Mykonos with various available options including:

Public Buses

Public buses are the cheapest means of transportation around Mykonos. There is a comprehensive network of buses covering the island. The central bus stations are Fabrika and Old Port, from which several buses depart frequently. The bus routes cover almost all places around the island, especially the tourist areas.

Taxi

Taxis are a more comfortable means of transportation than buses, but they are a way more expensive alternative. Taxis can be found in Chora at the airport and at the new port. The taxi station in Chora is located at the central square of Mykonos Town, next to the statue of Manto Mavrogenous. Although taxis transfer you to your destination fast, they are in short supply during the peak season, and you may have to wait for them for quite a long time.

Car

A car gives you full freedom to explore the island at your own pace and gain access to the most secluded areas. If you don’t have your own vehicle, it is simple to rent a car, either from a well-known agency or a local vendor. However, there is much traffic in Mykonos, especially during the peak season.

Sea Bus and Water Taxi

The Mykonos Sea Bus runs a speedy service linking the New Port with the Old Port of the island. Some other sea buses connect the Old Port with Paradise beach and Delos Island with intermediate stops in between. In addition, small boats link the most popular beaches on the south coast during the summer season with hourly service.