Mykonos Information
Mykonos Travel Guide 2026
When to Visit
| Season | Avg Temp (°C) | Sea Temp (°C) | Crowd Level | Price Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April–May | 17–24 | 17–20 | Low | Low | Sightseeing, hiking, quiet photography |
| June | 23–28 | 21–23 | Medium | Medium–High | Warm water, lively but not packed |
| July–August | 27–32 | 24–26 | High | High | Peak parties, all venues open |
| September–mid October | 21–27 | 22–24 | Medium | Medium | Warm sea, relaxed vibe, foodie trips |
| Late October–March | 10–16 | 15–17 | Very Low | Low | Authentic village life, few services open |
Getting There
| Mode | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Flights | Year-round Athens flights (35 min); summer direct flights from Europe, Middle East, New York |
| Ferries | 2–3 hour high-speed or 4–5 hour regular from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina); daily summer links to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Crete |
| Tip | Rafina port is closest to Athens airport and often faster for ferries |
Getting Around
| Mode | Ideal For | Cost (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | Major beaches and Chora | 2–4 | Good daytime coverage; limited late night |
| Car rental | Remote beaches like Fokos, Agia Anna | 40–60 per day | Reserve early in high season |
| Scooter/ATV | Flexible beach hopping | 25–40 per day | Fun but windy; wear helmets |
| Taxi | Quick transfers | from 15 | Few taxis; long waits late night |
| Water Taxi | Southern beach-to-beach routes | 10–20 per day | Excellent for Paradise, Super Paradise, Elia, and others |
Where to Stay
| Area | Personality | Why Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Mykonos Town (Chora) | Lively Cycladic alleys, nightlife | Walk everywhere; perfect for first-timers |
| Ornos | Calm bay, family-friendly | Easy beach and bus to town |
| Psarou | VIP and luxury | Nammos club and top resorts |
| Platis Gialos | Active beach base | Direct water-taxi access to southern beaches |
| Kalafatis and Agia Anna | Nature and watersports | Quieter vibe, authentic tavernas, Spilia restaurant |
| Ano Mera | Traditional village | Peaceful local life, monastery visits |
Top Beaches
| Beach | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Paradise and Super Paradise | Legendary DJ parties | Nightlife seekers |
| Psarou | Glamorous, celebrity scene | Luxury and upscale beach clubs |
| Elia | Long sandy bay | Families, LGBTQ+ friendly |
| Agios Sostis | Untouched, quiet | Nature lovers and solitude |
| Fokos | Remote and wild | Off-the-beaten-path explorers |
| Kalafatis | Wide bay, turquoise waters | Windsurfing, scuba diving |
| Agia Anna (Kalafatis) | Secluded, crystal-clear cove | Relaxing swim, snorkeling, Spilia dining |
Food and Drink Highlights
| Category | Recommendation | Location | Signature Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greek Tavern | Kiki’s Tavern | Agios Sostis | Authentic grilled meats, no electricity |
| Modern Greek | M-eating | Chora | Creative Mediterranean flavors |
| Sunset Dining | 180° Sunset Bar | Chora | Iconic sunset cocktails and views |
| Chic Garden | Interni | Chora | Fashionable courtyard ambiance |
| Seafront Icon | Spilia Restaurant | Agia Anna (Kalafatis) | Built in a natural sea cave; oysters, lobster pasta |
Culture and Activities
| Activity | Location and Details |
|---|---|
| Historic Chora Walk | Explore windmills, Little Venice, Panagia Paraportiani Church |
| Delos Island Excursion | Half-day boat trip to UNESCO archaeological site |
| Catamaran Cruise | Swim and sail around Rhenia and hidden coves |
| Water Sports | Kalafatis and Agia Anna: windsurfing, scuba, paddleboarding |
Nightlife
| Venue | Style | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Scorpios | Boho-chic | Sunset rituals and DJ parties |
| Nammos | Luxury club | Celebrity favorite |
| Cavo Paradiso | Cliffside mega club | International DJs until sunrise |
| Jackie O’ | LGBTQ+ iconic | Drag shows and late-night dancing |
Practical Tips
| Category | Advice |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | Greek (English widely spoken) |
| Power | 220 V – Type C/F plugs |
| Tipping | 5–10% appreciated but not required |
| Reservations | Essential for July–August (hotels, ferries, Spilia, clubs) |
| Parking | Limited in Chora; use public lots or stay car-free |
Suggested 4–5 Day Itinerary
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore Chora, windmills, Little Venice; sunset at 180° Sunset Bar; dinner at M-eating; nightlife at Astra or Cavo Paradiso |
| 2 | Morning trip to Delos; afternoon at Elia Beach; evening drinks at Jackie O’ |
| 3 | Visit Kalafatis and Agia Anna Beach; long lunch at Spilia Restaurant; sunset swim |
| 4 | Catamaran cruise to Rhenia and hidden coves; late dinner at Interni or in Ornos |
| 5 | Optional: Ano Mera village and Fokos Beach; farewell dinner at Kiki’s Tavern |
When is the best time to visit Mykonos
| Best Time to Visit (Late May–June & September–Early October) | Peak Season (July–August) |
|---|---|
| Weather: Warm and sunny 22–28 °C / 72–82 °F, ideal for swimming | Weather: Hottest, often 30 °C / 86 °F+ |
| Crowds & Costs: Fewer visitors, calmer beaches and roads; hotels and flights are cheaper than peak summer | Crowds & Costs: Very crowded; highest hotel and flight rates |
| Atmosphere & Activities: Most beach clubs and restaurants open; lively but relaxed vibe | Atmosphere & Activities: Most vibrant nightlife, festivals, and beach parties |
| Ideal For: Balanced trip with great weather, moderate nightlife, and better value | Ideal For: Party lovers and nightlife seekers |
| Low Season (November–April) | |
|---|---|
| Weather: Mild to cool, with some windy or rainy days | |
| Crowds & Costs: Minimal visitors; lowest accommodation prices | |
| Atmosphere & Activities: Many hotels, clubs, and beach bars closed; quiet and peaceful | |
| Ideal For: Scenic walks, budget-friendly stays, and travelers seeking tranquility |
How to get to and move around Mykonos
| Getting to Mykonos – By Air | • Direct flights from Athens (~40 min) several times daily • Seasonal direct flights May–October from major European cities (e.g., London, Paris, Rome) |
| Getting to Mykonos – By Ferry | • From Athens’ ports (Piraeus or Rafina): high-speed ferries ~2.5–3.5 hrs; regular ferries ~4–5 hrs • Ferries also connect Mykonos with Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Tinos, and other Cycladic islands |
| Getting Around – Public Bus | • Reliable and budget-friendly (€2–€3 per ride) • Main hubs: Fabrika (southwest of Mykonos Town) and Old Port Station • Routes connect Mykonos Town to major beaches (Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paradise, Elia) and Ano Mera village • Summer schedule: ~8 a.m.–midnight (later on party routes) |
| Getting Around – Car or ATV Rental | • Ideal for visiting remote beaches (e.g., Fokos, Agios Sostis) or exploring at your own pace • Book early in high season • Price: €30–€70/day depending on vehicle |
| Getting Around – Taxi | • Very limited supply (around 30 taxis on the island) • Higher prices during peak hours/night |
| Getting Around – Boat / Water Taxis | • Fun way to hop between south-coast beaches (e.g., Platis Gialos ↔ Super Paradise) • Day passes available |
| Getting Around – Walking | • Mykonos Town (Chora) is compact and largely pedestrian-only—perfect for strolling |
| Travel Tip | • For mainly popular beaches and Mykonos Town: buses and water taxis are enough • For secluded beaches or late-night flexibility: rent a small car or ATV |
Beaches & Activities
| Beach | Vibe & Crowd | Highlights | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agia Anna | Small, calm & semi-organized | Soft sand and small pebbles, low-key beach bar, clear water, relaxed atmosphere | Tranquil swimming, couples, peaceful day |
| Psarou | Glamorous, upscale | Celebrity spotting, stylish beach clubs (e.g. Nammos) | Luxury lounging, cocktails |
| Paradise & Super Paradise | Famous party scene | DJs, all-day dancing, vibrant nightlife | Party lovers |
| Platis Gialos | Family-friendly, well-organized | Calm waters, many restaurants, easy access | Families, convenience |
| Elia | Long & mixed crowd | Spacious sandy stretch, naturist-friendly sections | Relaxed day, families/couples |
| Ornos | Relaxed & convenient | Close to town, calm sea, many tavernas | Families, quick bus trips |
| Agios Sostis | Quiet, natural | No umbrellas, unspoiled scenery, rustic tavern | Peace, photography |
| Fokos & Ftelia | Wild & windy | Surfing (Ftelia), remote and scenic (Fokos) | Nature, wind sports |
Tip:
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For a quiet, intimate day, Agia Anna is a top pick.
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For upscale vibes, Psarou shines; for nightlife, Paradise/Super Paradise is unmatched.
Food & Nightlife
Food & Dining
| Category | Top Picks | Why Go |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Seaside Dining | Spilia (Agia Anna Beach) | Iconic cave-style restaurant literally carved into the rocks by the water. Famous for ultra-fresh seafood (try lobster pasta) and sunset views. |
| Traditional Tavernas | Kiki’s Tavern (Agios Sostis), To Maereio (Town), Bakalo (Town) | Authentic Greek dishes, warm atmosphere, perfect for a long relaxed meal. |
| Modern Greek & Fusion | M-Eating (Town), Nautilus (Town), Kalita (Town) | Creative Cycladic flavors and elegant settings. |
| Casual Beach Eats | Agia Anna Beach Bar, Ornos seaside tavernas, Yialo-Yialo (Platis Gialos) | Relaxed, feet-in-sand meals with fresh seafood and drinks. |
| Luxury Dining | Nammos (Psarou), Interni (Town), Matsuhisa Mykonos (Belvedere Hotel) | Upscale menus, fine wines, and global flavors. |
| Desserts & Coffee | Il Forno di Gerasimo (Town), Gelarte (Ornos) | Pastries, ice cream, Greek coffee for a sweet break. |
Tip: Reserve well ahead for Spilia, Nammos, and other luxury restaurants in July–August.
Late dining is common—many places stay open past 11 p.m.
Nightlife
| Place | Vibe | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Scorpios (Paraga) | Bohemian & upscale | Sunset rituals with live DJs, stylish crowd, top cocktails. |
| Cavo Paradiso (Paradise Beach) | Legendary open-air club | International DJs, huge dance floor above the sea. |
| Paradise Beach Club | Classic beach party | All-day dancing, affordable drinks, young party vibe. |
| Jackie O’ (Super Paradise & Town) | Glamorous & inclusive | Drag shows, upbeat music, LGBTQ+ friendly. |
| Astra (Mykonos Town) | Chic & central | Greek and international DJs in an elegant setting. |
| 180° Sunset Bar | Romantic & scenic | Panoramic sunset views with creative cocktails. |
Culture & Local Info
Heritage & Landmarks
| Spot | Why Visit |
|---|---|
| Panagia Paraportiani Church (Mykonos Town) | Iconic whitewashed, 15th-century church; a masterpiece of Cycladic architecture. |
| Mykonos Windmills (Kato Mili) | Historic 16th-century windmills once used for milling grain; perfect sunset backdrop. |
| Armenistis Lighthouse | Breathtaking views over the Aegean, great for sunset photos. |
| Delos Island | UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient temples and mosaics; 30 min by boat. |
| Ano Mera Village | Quiet inland village with the Panagia Tourliani Monastery and traditional tavernas. |
Local Traditions & Festivals
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Easter (April): The biggest religious celebration; expect candle-lit processions and festive meals.
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Panagia Paraportiani Feast (August 15): Church celebrations with music and food.
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Harvest Festival (Sept): Mykonos Agricultural Museum hosts music, wine, and local treats.
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Summer Cultural Events: Open-air concerts, art exhibitions, and dance shows in Mykonos Town and Ano Mera.
Local Flavors & Crafts
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Typical dishes: Kopanisti (spicy cheese spread), louza (cured pork), fresh seafood, amygdalota (almond sweets).
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Wine & raki: Sample local Cycladic wines and the island’s strong raki (tsipouro).
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Shopping: Handcrafted jewelry, leather sandals, local art, and Cycladic ceramics.
Customs & Etiquette
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Dress modestly when entering churches or monasteries (cover shoulders and knees).
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Dining times: Locals eat late—dinner often starts after 9 p.m.
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Tipping: 5–10% is appreciated in restaurants and cafés.
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Greetings: A friendly “Kalimera” (good morning) or “Efharisto” (thank you) is always welcome.
Insider Tips
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Wander early morning or late evening to enjoy Mykonos Town’s narrow alleys without crowds.
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Support small family tavernas and shops in Ano Mera or rural areas for a true local connection.
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Don’t miss the Pelican Mascots (like Petros) that roam around the old port area.
Delos & Renia
| Delos Island (30–40 min by boat from Mykonos) | Rhenia (Renia) Island (next to Delos) |
|---|
| Key Highlights | • UNESCO World Heritage Site – one of Greece’s most important archaeological areas • Mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis • Vast ruins: Sanctuary of Apollo, Terrace of the Lions, ancient houses with mosaics, Agora, temples • Delos Museum – statues and everyday artifacts |
• Pure nature and seclusion – unspoiled beaches, turquoise waters, no crowds • Swimming & snorkeling – crystal-clear coves perfect for relaxation and underwater exploration • Sailing & picnics – yacht and catamaran tours often include barbecue lunches |
| Visit Duration | Half-day trip: most organized tours last 4–5 hours | Usually combined with Delos on a half- or full-day cruise |
| Access | Reachable only by boat from Mykonos | Reachable only by private boat, yacht, or combined Delos & Rhenia cruise (no regular ferries) |
| Facilities | Entry fee about €8; guided tours and boat trips cost €40–60 | No facilities: bring your own water, snacks, and sunscreen |
| Travel Tips | • No overnight stays – uninhabited island • Bring water & hat – almost no shade and can get hot • Wear sturdy shoes for exploring ruins |
• Bring everything you need (water, sunscreen, snacks) • Ideal for quiet swimming and snorkeling |
| Best Time to Visit | May–June or September for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds | May–June or September for warm waters and fewer visitors |
| Recommended Experiences | • Guided archaeological tour focused on history and ruins • Photography of ancient temples and mosaics |
• Combined day cruise: history at Delos followed by swimming at Rhenia • Private yacht or catamaran for a secluded, romantic escape |
