Mykonos, the cosmopolitan crown jewel of the Cyclades, beckons with its iconic whitewashed houses cascading down cliffs, vibrant nightlife, and beaches that cater to every desire. This island paradise offers an intoxicating blend of history, hedonism, and natural beauty, promising an unforgettable Greek adventure.
We’re giving you GRAZIA‘s take on the best beaches to hit, places to stay, and things to keep in mind when planning your getaway to everyone’s favorite summer spot, the magical island of Mykonos.
GRAZIA’s Mykonos Travel Guide:
- Where to Go and What to Do
- Where to Stay
- How to Get Around the Island
- Packing and Travel Tips
- Greek 101
Where to Go and What to Do:
Beach Bliss: From Paradise Found to Hidden Gems
Mykonos boasts an embarrassment of riches when it comes to beaches. For the ultimate scene, Paradise Beach lives up to its name. But Mykonos offers serenity too. Agrari Beach, with its calm cove and laid-back tavernas, is a haven for relaxation, while Paralia Elia stuns with its pristine beauty and crystal-clear waters. Here are a few of our favorite sandy spots:
- Agrari Beach: A secluded paradise with crystal-clear waters and a laid-back atmosphere. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
- Agia Anna Beach: A small but picturesque beach with calm waters and a rocky coastline. Ideal for swimming and enjoying a peaceful ambiance.
- Agios Ioannis Beach: A popular beach with stunning views and a variety of amenities, including beach clubs, restaurants, and water sports.
- Agio Sostis Beach: A small but picturesque beach with clear waters and a rocky coastline. Perfect for swimming and enjoying a peaceful ambiance.
- Elia Beach: A long, sandy beach with calm waters and stunning sunsets. Popular for swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing.
- Ftelias Beach: A long, sandy beach with calm waters and stunning views. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
- Kalafatu Beach: A trendy beach known for its clean sands, beach clubs, restaurants, and vibrant atmosphere.
- Kalo Livadi Beach: A long, sandy beach with peaceful waters and a variety of amenities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, and water sports.
- Lia Beach: A secluded beach with crystal-clear waters and a rocky coastline. Perfect for swimming and enjoying a peaceful escape.
- Ornos Beach: A lively beach with a mix of beach clubs, restaurants, and water sports.
- Paradise Beach: A world-famous beach known for its vibrant party scene and beach clubs.
- Psaroú Beach: A glamorous beach frequented by celebrities and the jet set, offering a luxurious and upscale experience.
Insider Tip: The Aegean wind, the Meltemi, can whip up in an instant, transforming a calm beach into a haven for windsurfers. Ask your hotel receptionist (they’re your local guru!) for the day’s wind conditions and head to the beach best suited for a perfect day.
Beach Clubbing Hotspots: Where the Party Never Ends
Mykonos is renowned for its luxurious beach clubs, offering a combination of sunbathing and swimming — but more famously, dining, drinking, and dancing. For an unforgettable experience, head to one of the below beach clubs, also known as the playgrounds of the jet set, where world-famous DJs and extravagant parties set the day and night alight.
- Alemagou: A beachfront restaurant and bar with a bohemian vibe, electric energy, delicious Mediterranean food, and stunning sunset views.
- Cavo Tagoo: A luxurious beach club perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, offering panoramic views, stylish decor, and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Nammos: One of the most exclusive beach clubs in Mykonos, with a glamorous atmosphere, luxury amenities, and celebrity sightings.
- SantAnna: Known for its chic atmosphere, world-class DJs, party-filled pools, and delicious meze, pasta, and sushi eatery.
- Scorpios: An exclusive beachfront oasis offering a cool vibe, live music, and stunning sea views.
- Spilia: A hidden gem nestled in a secluded cove, offering an escape from the outside crowds with crystal-clear waters and a music-filled atmosphere.
Mykonos Town: Where History Meets Chic
Beyond the beach, delve into the heart of Mykonos Town, the Chora. Wander through labyrinthine streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned with colorful bougainvillea. Get lost in the charm of Little Venice, a picturesque quarter with houses built right on the water’s edge — the perfect spot for an aperitif as the sun dips below the horizon.
- Little Venice: Picturesque quarter with waterfront houses.
- Nammos Village: Luxury shopping destination.
Sunset Soiree: Raising a Toast to Perfection
Witnessing the Mykonian sunset is a must-do. For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the 180 Sunset Bar (reservations are a must!). Alternatively, soak up the sophisticated atmosphere at the Buddha Bar, where handcrafted cocktails and exquisite ambiance create a truly unforgettable experience.
- 180 Sunset Bar: Panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
- Buddha Bar: Sophisticated atmosphere and handcrafted cocktails.
Culinary Delights: From Fresh Seafood to International Fare
Mykonos caters to every palate. Zuma, a global favorite, offers an innovative take on Japanese cuisine, while Cantera, known for its theatrical presentations, elevates the art of steak. For a truly unique experience, Interni combines a delectable dinner with a captivating live show.
- Cantera: Theatrical Japanese steakhouse experience.
- Interni: Dinner show with delectable food.
- Phos Restaurant: Fine dining with breathtaking views.
- Zuma: Innovative Japanese cuisine.
Nightlife Nirvana: Dancing Under the Mykonian Moon
Mykonos’ nightlife is legendary. Dance the night away at Moni in Mykonos Town or Lio, the island’s answer to Ibiza’s iconic club. For an intimate setting, Toy Room offers a pulsating atmosphere, while Byblos, located right on the beach, promises a night of revelry under the stars.
- Byblos: A beachfront club offering stunning sea views, live performances, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for dancing the night away under the stars.
- Cavo Paradiso: The legendary open-air club perched on a clifftop is a must-visit for partygoers, offering breathtaking views and world-class DJs, where the party lasts well into sunrise.
- Lio: The Mykonos counterpart of the famous Ibiza club, offering a luxurious setting, international DJs, and an unforgettable party experience.
- Toy Room: A smaller, intimate club known for its pulsating atmosphere, high-energy music, and a focus on creating a unique and exclusive experience.
- Moni: A fun and trendy private club in Mykonos Town known for its international DJs, diverse music genres, and cool late-night crowds.
Insider Tip: Check the clubs’ websites or social media pages for upcoming events and lineups, and to book tables for large groups before you go.
Where to Stay:
Choosing the right accommodation is essential for a memorable Mykonos experience. The island offers a wide range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Our top recommendation is Kalesma Mykonos, a luxurious boutique hotel offering stunning sea views, private suites, and heated infinity pools, known for its exceptional service and family-like atmosphere.
Kalesma Mykonos: A Luxury Retreat Beyond the Ordinary
Nestled in the hillside of Aleomandra, between Ornos Bay and Agios Ioannis, Kalesma Mykonos is a brand-new luxury boutique hotel offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea, sunrises, and sunsets over the island. This contemporary sanctuary, opened in 2021, provides high levels of privacy among its luxury suites and villas, all with private terraces and heated infinity pools.
Kalesma Mykonos is a place where the Mykonian spirit and heartfelt hospitality meet the new lifestyle hotel, offering the opportunity to experience both an authentic island experience and relaxing privacy. The hotel’s secluded location provides a sense of serenity and the feeling of an authentic Mykonian neighborhood, blending local flair with high aesthetics.
The luxury property has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 100% Hotel Design Awards and the Greek Hotel of the Year, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for discerning travelers.
A Contemporary Sanctuary
Kalesma Mykonos offers a collection of beautifully designed whitewashed houses, resembling a charming Mykonian village. The hotel’s interiors, designed by Vangelis Bonios of Studio Bonarchi, are sophisticated and modern, yet timeless, utilizing pure and tactile materials.
Each suite and villa comes with its own private heated pool, unobstructed sea views, private terraces, outdoor dining areas, and sun beds for the ultimate stay worthy of every A-lister.
Culinary Delights at Pere Ubu Mykonos
Indulge your taste buds at Kalesma Mykonos’ acclaimed restaurant, Pere Ubu, a culinary destination featuring seasonal and local produce with a focus on food for the soul. With fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant offers a delightful culinary journey that will tantalize your senses. From delectable Mediterranian small plates to exquisite savory dinners prepared by Chef Costas Tsingas — accompanied by refreshing cocktails and premium wine labels — Pere Ubu delivers an unmatched gastronomic experience. The hotel restaurant, with its unbeatable views of the Aegean Sea, provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable meal in Mykonos.
Unparalleled Personalized Service
Kalesma Mykonos is committed to providing exceptional service that exceeds all of your expectations. The hotel’s dedicated staff is always on hand to cater to your every need, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable stay. From personalized recommendations around Mykonos to in-room spa treatments with an expert masseuse using Dr. Barbara Sturm products, Kalesma offers a customized experience tailored to your personal preferences.
While Kalesma Mykonos offers a tranquil escape, the island’s vibrant attractions are just a short distance away. The hotel’s private experience concierges can help you discover the island’s hidden gems, including local eateries, boutiques, and picture-perfect tiny churches. They can also book you personalized tours, allowing you to explore secluded beaches, charming villages, and historic landmarks. The property prides itself on providing guests with exclusive access to lesser-known hotspots. With its stunning accommodations, exceptional service, and breathtaking views, Kalesma Mykonos offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a luxurious and authentic Mykonian getaway.
Why GRAZIA Loves Kalesma Mykonos
I fell absolutely in love with Kalesma Mykonos from the second I arrived. The spacious and modern suites with private outdoor space and swimming pools are a dream come true for anyone entering their Greek holiday. Each suite is set up with a master bedroom as the focal point of the accommodation, with a large and incredibly comfortable king bed, whitewashed walls, stunning modern amenities, and a private outdoor pool and dining area, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining.
Outside of the luxe suites, one of the things I loved most about Kalesma was its exceptional service and family-like atmosphere. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, with immaculate attention to detail. They even have their team waiting at your beck and call with golf carts to drive you around the property, adding another touch of luxury and convenience to your stay. Kalesma’s very personable co-owner Aby Saltiel can be seen regularly mingling among guests at breakfast checking in on your experience and making you feel welcome and wanted.
When staying at Kalesma, you feel an air of exclusivity while also feeling right at home. The hotel has garnered an esteemed reputation in its short time being open and has even become a popular choice among the world-renowned DJs visiting and performing on the island, who appreciate its luxury accommodations and private, respectful atmosphere. It’s a truly special place that offers everything you could want from a luxury hotel.
An Unforgettable Experience
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, Kalesma Mykonos offers an unforgettable experience. With its luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, and stunning location, this boutique hotel is the perfect choice for discerning travelers seeking a truly memorable Mykonos getaway.
How to Get Around the Island:
Exploring the Island: Scootering in Style
While adventurous souls may opt for a scooter, navigating the island’s narrow, winding roads is easier and safer on a quad bike. Taxis and rideshare apps are also readily available, and for that special occasion, treat yourself to a scenic boat trip along the coast — or as your ride back to your hotel after a night out.
- Quad bikes: A safer option for navigating narrow roads.
- Taxis: Convenient for easy transportation.
- iMove and DriveMe: Rideshare apps available on the island.
- Boat trips: Enjoy scenic coastal views by the way of the water.
Packing and Travel Tips:
Packing Tips: Come Prepared for Mykonos Magic
Mykonos is all about looking effortlessly chic. For all of our female readers, we recommend packing a statement lip gloss, a bold red lipstick, and a touch of gold highlighter to complement your sun-kissed glow during your stay in Mykonos. Don’t forget a versatile jacket for those breezy evenings, comfy sandals for exploring the charming cobblestone streets, and a selection of stylish white outfits and bikinis (think earthy tones like brown, sand, and gold) for that extra touch of island flair. Here are some of our must-pack essentials:
- A generous supply of sunscreen and a shimmering body lotion
- Gold makeup and highlighter
- A touch of red lipstick and complimentary lip gloss
- A variety of stylish bikinis in earthy colors with matching cover-ups
- Chic white outfits
- A jacket or sweater for windy evenings
- Comfortable sandals (avoid thin or excessively high heels)
- A digital camera to capture those golden hour moments
Travel Tips: Plan For a Memorable Mykonos Experience
- Pack for the weather: Mykonos can be windy, so bring a sweater or jacket, especially for evenings.
- Explore the island: Rent a scooter or quad bike to explore the island at your own pace.
- Try local cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to savor delicious Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and gyros.
- Visit nearby islands: Take a day trip to explore the nearby islands of Delos and Tinos.
- Embrace the island’s laid-back atmosphere: Be present and enjoy every moment of your stay.
Greek 101:
A Few Handy Greek Phrases: Your Passport to Local Charm
A few basic Greek phrases will go a long way in endearing you to the locals. We recommend learning:
- “Chora” = City center
- “Efcharisto” = Thank you
- “Kalimera” = Good morning
- “Kalispera” = Good evening
- “Ola kala?” = How are you?
- “Parakalo” = You’re welcome
- “Paralia” = Beach
Final Thoughts
Mykonos is a destination that caters to every desire, from sun-soaked relaxation to vibrant nightlife and cultural exploration. With its stunning beaches, charming town, and unforgettable experiences, it’s no wonder that Mykonos remains a perennial favorite among world travelers and partygoers alike. With this trusted travel guide in hand, you’re bound to book the most unforgettable trip of the summer!
