Mykonos is a smaller Greek island but offers big excitement for tourist in its culture, restaurants, music, and nightlife. It is a place to get away for an awesome vacation and has several towns and beaches to suit a variety of styles for enjoying holiday if you know where to stay in Mykonos.
Mykonos, whose nickname is “The Island of the Winds,” is 85.5 square kilometers (33 square miles). It is part of a series of islands called the Cyclades. Mykonos is located between Tinos, Syros, Paros, and Naxos.
The largest town, Mykonos Town, is on the west coast and most of the island’s 10,134 residents live there. During your stay in Mykonos, you will see it is surrounded by the blue Aegean Sea and white beaches. Its buildings in the town of Mykonos are whitewashed in classic Greek style.
Its narrow streets wind through the town and windows are decorated with flower boxes, creating a charming Old World atmosphere. Looking to the hills, visitors can spot 16th-century windmills over the village.
Where to Stay in Mykonos: 10 Best Areas
1. Mykonos Town, one of the best areas to stay in Mykonos
Mykonos Town is the iconic Greek town that gives you the best of the culture. It is the largest town on the island and the key street to enjoy is Matoyianni Street because of its oozes charm.
City streets are closed to traffic in the daytime, so be prepared to walk during your stay in Mykonos. The main part of town is completely accessible by walking. Scooters and cars aren’t practical due to the narrow streets. Main roads to the town are blocked off at night.
This town also is a center for island history. It has the Aegean Maritime Museum and the Folklore Museum. The Boni Mill, part of the Mykonos Agricultural Museum, is operational and something interesting to see.
There is also Panagia Paraportiani, a church complex that is iconic of Cycladic architecture and known as a national cultural monument.
The town has a lot of cafes, shops, and quality jewelry stores. A section of the city is Little Venice, considered one of the prettiest parts of the city. It is also well known for its vibrant nightlife.
A feature of the town is Petros the Pelican if you can find him. Typically, he resides in Little Venice and loves to pose for photos.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MYKONOS TOWN
- ($$$) Semeli Hotel
- ($$) Vencia Boutique Hotel
- ($) Matina Hotel
2. Paradise Beach/Super Paradise Beach, where to stay in Mykonos for nightlife
Paradise Beach, founded in 1969, has become one of the most well-known beaches in the world. Not only is it gorgeous, but it is the center of some of the best parties! It is geared to the young, hip crowd and is a vibrant place to go in looks, sound and spirit.
Do not miss Cavo Paradiso or The Paradise Beach Club, currently ranked #17 in the world for best clubs and is the largest club on the island. Paradise Beach Club can fit 5,000 people over several outdoor terraces.
Some of the world’s best and influential DJ’s play there and guests include people from all over the world.
Staying in Paradise Beach is a breeze. There are rooms, apartments, a resort and even camping available. Accommodations range from economical to high-end.
Then there is Super Paradise Beach to see during your stay in Mykonos, located just 6 km southeast of Mykonos Town. Although it is close, Super Paradise Beach could be a world away in its atmosphere.
Super Paradise beach, a nude beach, is known for its anti-conformist, alternative lifestyle. It has almost no hotels, so it feels exclusive.
It is one of the party areas in Mykonos and has become known for concerts, fun, and a vital nightlife. The area is trendy and alluring to clubbers, models, VIPs, and jet-setters. A lot of celebrities go there.
One feature of Super Paradise is a full day cruise. One is quite affordable while the other is a high-end yacht cruise.
People say the difference in Super Paradise Beach and Paradise Beach is Super Paradise is not as commercialized and more upscale. It is more expensive to go than other areas of the island and Super Paradise goes up on prices regularly.
There are hotels with beach views that offer excellent amenities.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PARADISE BEACH / SUPER PARADISE BEACH
- ($$$) Eden View Aparthotel Suites and Residences
- ($$) Tropicana Hotel , Suites & Villas Mykonos
- ($) Super Paradise Suites
3. Ornos, where to stay in Mykonos for relax
Ornos, a small village, is the center of two beaches on a narrow isthmus. It consists of hotels and tavernas. This area is one of the best areas to stay in Mykonos to relax on a beach or take a ferry to see archaeological ruins on the nearby island of Delos.
The north beach is popular to kite surfers while the south beach is the place to go to sit in the sun. There are boats that run regularly to Delos for those who want to see everything in the area.
There are hotels available, along with beach bars and a lot of trendy restaurants. Restaurants include those with local food as well as other types of cuisine like Indian and Italian food.
There are many moderately priced accommodations and restaurants, but there are also several fine dining venues as well.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ORNOS
- ($$$) Santa Marina, A Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos
- ($$) Adorno Beach Hotel and Suites
- ($) Erato Hotel Mykonos
Read also: Best things to do in Mykonos
4. Platis Gialos, one of the best beach areas to stay in Mykonos
Platis Gialos has one of the best beach areas to stay in Mykonos. It’s turquoise waters and golden sand attracts thousands of visitors in the summer. This area is incredibly organized with a lot of beachfront hotels.
The long beach offers amenities as well including umbrellas, sun beds, and many sports activities. Many take in a drink while lounging on the beach.
Those who want activity will never get bored. There is boating, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing and other water activities to enjoy.
To get to this beach, you will take a bus that leaves the capital every half hour. If you want to venture further out, taxi-boats can take you from Platis Gialos to other south coast beaches including Paranga, Agrari, Elia, Paradise, and Super Paradise.
Everything here is budget to moderately priced, but be sure to bring cash with you because there is no bank or ATM available.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MYKONOS IN PLATIS GIALOS
- ($$$) Branco Mykonos
- ($$) Acrogiali Beach Hotel Mykonos
- ($) Hotel Anna
5. Elia, great place to stay in Mykonos for families
Elia and Elia Mykonos form a large sandy beach located around 10 km from the capital.
Elia, the longest of Mykonos’ sandy beaches, has many taverns, bars and a lot of facilities for water sports like windsurfing, parasailing, and water-skiing.
There are also Cycladean houses to see. Since it is the last stop on the taxi-boat, it is quieter than other areas in Mykonos and perfect for relaxation and generally has a family atmosphere. It is also popular for nudists.
There are hotels and restaurants with good accommodations. This includes a self-service restaurant and cafe-bar.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ELIA
- ($$$) Royal Myconian – Leading Hotels of the World
- ($$$) Myconian Utopia Relais & Chateaux
- ($$) Elia Mykonos Resort
6. Ano Mera, small town, quiet and relaxing
Ano Mera, the second largest town on Mykonos, still has the feeling of a small town. It isn’t overrun by tourists and is a great place to get to know the culture.
It is quiet and relaxing, and the right place to go to get away from all the parties in other areas of Mykonos.
This town is at the center of the island, so there is no beach. Mykonos Town is 15 minutes away, so you can easily get there by public transportation, taxi or in a rental to go to a beach or for parties.
Those who stay in Mykonos in Ano Mera still have plenty to do. There is Gyzi Castle, which perches above the village. It is worth the climb, as there are interesting ruins of the castle, the old market, and the cemetery.
Paleokastro Monastery is close to Ano Mera and worth a visit, but it does have behavioral rules for visitors so be sure to understand them before going.
Panagia Tourliani is another monastery that has incredible views for shutterbugs.
Food ranges from cheap eats to fine dining and includes many different varieties from Greek to European and barbecue. It is known for its seafood.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MYKONOS IN ANO MERA
Read also: Where to stay in Crete, where to stay in Athens, where to stay in Santorini, where to stay in Naxos, where to stay in Zakynthos, where to stay in Ios
7. Agios Stefanos, hot spot for tourist with an great beach
Agios Stefanos is near Tourlos, which is Mykonos’ new harbor. This sandy beach is 3.5 km from Mykonos Town. There are many areas of interest close to the beach, so Agios Stefanos is a hot spot for tourists.
There are vacation rentals available in Agios Stefanos, as well as other types of lodging. Accommodations include apartments and hotels with all of them either budget or reasonably priced.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN AGIOS STEFANOS
8. Kalo Livadi, good beach area where to stay in Mykonos for families
Kalo Livadi offers one of the longest beaches on the island. It is between Kalafatis and Elia beach, 10 km from Mykonos Town and only 2 km from Ano Mera.
It is one of the prettiest spots on the island and has all the amenities tourists require, including umbrellas and sundecks.
It is a clean environment and has more of a family atmosphere, as well as shallow waters for playing in the waves. There are many excellent accommodations and restaurants, but all are pricey in this area.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KALO LIVADI
- ($$$) Aegon Mykonos, Autograph Collection
- ($$) Archipelagos Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
- ($) Sea Side Studios & Houses
9. Agios Sostis, isolated and undisturbed beach area
Agios Sostis is further out from the popular beaches, so it is the most tranquil and undisturbed beaches on the island. There are no amenities, such as umbrellas or sun beds, but visitors who go there like freedom.
The beach is 250 meter long and tourists take a small path to reach the town.
Be aware there are no buses that go there, so you will need a rental or a motorbike to access this town. Visitors park along the road and walk down the hill to the beach.
There is a hidden tavern, called Kiki’s Tavern, along the way that has great food you can enjoy after your day in the sun. You will also find a second path. That will take you to the fishing village of Panormos and its beach.
There is virtually no expense while visiting here, except for what you spend at the tavern.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN AGIOS SOSTIS
- ($$$) Mykonos Lolita
- ($$) Panormos Village
- ($$) Panormos Bay Suites
10. Agios Ioannis, family oriented
Agios Ioannis, a small village in the island’s southwest, is located across from Delos and 2.5 km from Ornos. It has wonderful tourist amenities, including an amphitheater. This town is family oriented and is a great getaway for a peaceful time.
It is a lovely place with white homes and balconies draped in pink and purple flowers. The crystal waters of the beach call tourists to relaxation.
There are many other things to do in this town, including enjoying many diverse restaurants and Greek taverns. There are water sports, including surfing and scuba diving. You can stroll the streets to nearby villages, take in the architecture and enjoy all that is Greek.
There are several hotels to choose from in this area and all are pretty reasonably price with some offering budget discounts. It is a good place to stay in Mykonos.
You can plan a wonderful trip to see the best of Mykonos that includes both active and relaxing activities. It offers plenty for both the young and single as well as families with enough of a budget range to accommodate many looking for a quality vacation.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MYKONOS IN AGIOS IOANNIS
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