Mykonos is one of the most visited islands in Greece, and is considered one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world! Known for its party atmosphere, Mykonos is actually quite a varied destination with each town offering something a bit different.
If you are planning an island hopping trip around the Mediterranean, Mykonos is a must visit.
It is, however, one of the most expensive islands in the region. Though much of the tourist activity centres around Mykonos Town, guests looking for a peaceful getaway might be interested in heading elsewhere on the island. It is absolutely necessary to have a good idea of what is on offer before you arrive.
Which is why we have created this guide! We’ve figured out the four best neighborhoods on Mykonos and categorised them based on who they are best for. We have you covered whether you want nightlife, culture or a relaxing break.
So let’s get started!
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At A Glance: Where To Stay In MYKONOS
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Mykonos.
WHERE TO STAY IN MYKONOS | |||
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Best AirBnBBest AirBnBMeltemi Windmill |
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Book on Air BnB → | |
Best HotelBest HotelMykonos View Hotel |
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Book on Booking.com → | |
Best HotelBest HotelThalassa Boutique Hotel |
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Book on Booking.com → |
This is one of the most unique accommodation options on Mykonos – allowing guests the opportunity to stay in a traditional windmill! A tourist attraction in its own right, this is a fantastic choice right in the heart of Little Venice. As an AirBnB Plus apartment, it has been hand picked for its style and great reviews.
Despite only being a three star hotel, Mykonos View comes with fantastic guest reviews ensuring you will have a great time! One of its best features is the marvelous view from the pool area where you can catch the sunset every evening. Rooms are also designed in the traditional style.
Mykonos is packed with gorgeous five star hotels – and the Thalassa Boutique Hotel is one of the best rated on the island! Close to Platys Gialos, it has a more peaceful setting than those closer to the main town – as well as a huge selection of rooms that can suit solo travellers, couples and families.
If you’re looking for a party in the Greek Islands, Mykonos is the place to be! This eclectic island attracts visitors from across the world every summer to some of the biggest parties in the world. That being said, there are also some more peaceful resorts beyond the main town, as well as interesting Greek cultural attractions if you are willing to look hard enough.
Mykonos Town is where most visitors will spend their time, and for this guide, we have split it into two major areas. For first time visitors, the Old Port is an attractive destination as it is where you will find some of the most famous attractions!
With whitewashed buildings, vibrant bars and locally owned restaurants with delectable menus, Old Port provides a great overview of all the best attractions on the island.
On the southern end of Mykonos Town is Little Venice. This is the area most visitors will be familiar with as it is where you will find the biggest nightlife venues! There is also a great beach in the area where you can relax and sunbathe all day.
Nightlife aside, Little Venice has plenty of entertainment venues, giving visitors an insight into local culture during their stay.
Heading further south just outside of Mykonos Town you will find Megali Ammos. Despite being a stone’s throw away from the main tourist strips, Megali Ammos is a much more peaceful town with a local atmosphere!
This is the perfect destination if you want a more authentic representation of modern life in Mykonos, and it is still well connected to Mykonos Town for when you feel like partying or checking out the main sights.
Finally, we also have Platys Gialos! This area is on the south coast of the island, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it the ideal pick for families. What sets it apart from Megali Ammos is that it is still a much more popular destination with tourists, meaning you can enjoy all the comforts of a tourist resort without the crowds.
Still undecided? Check out our longer guides below with information about things to do in each area and where to stay!
Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the four best neighbourhoods in Mykonos. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s right for you.
When you think of the Greek Islands, chances are the image that comes to mind is pretty similar to the Old Port of Mykonos Town! This is where you will find bustling restaurants, late night bars and gorgeous views of the Mediterranean. With whitewashed buildings and blue roofs around every corner, Old Port is a dream for photographers.
For first time visitors, Old Port is a major gateway not just to the rest of Mykonos but also further afield in the Cyclades! This is where many of the ferries dock, and the airport is also only a short drive away. Old Port also has some great historic attractions, allowing you the chance to dive deep into Mykonian culture.
This bright and airy house is located right on the coast – giving you panoramic views of the coastline! It is designed in the style traditional to Mykonos, giving you a more local experience whilst staying on the island. The host also has superhost status, ensuring great levels of service.
This gorgeous three star hotel provides great value for money for those on a strict budget that want the added privacy of a hotel! As the name suggests, the rooms and the poolside area all have excellent views towards the coast. The interiors are traditionally designed, and a buffet breakfast is included.
Just a little bit north of the Old Port, Kouros Hotel & Suites has a calm and secluded atmosphere – perfect if you need to getaway from the party atmosphere in Mykonos Town! The spacious pool area is set on the side of a hill, giving you gorgeous views of the sea and towards the town.
Want to get away from the bustling Mykonos Town? Platys Gialos is a popular destination with tourists, but because of the limited accommodation numbers, it maintains a calmer atmosphere! This makes it the ideal getaway for both families and couples looking for a peaceful getaway on Greece’s most popular island.
By far the most popular attraction in the area is the beach. Stretching across the entire length of the town, it comes with plenty of sun loungers and even some water sports in the summer. This is sure to keep both adults and kids entertained. The crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkelling!
AirBnB Luxe is the high end range on the website – and this gorgeous villa is perfect for families and large groups heading to Mykonos! Right on the side of a cliff, it comes with gorgeous views towards Platys Gialos and the Mediterranean Sea. There is a small pool area outside and a well-stocked kitchen.
This hotel is only a stone’s throw away from the beach – and comes with some excellent prices on the rooms! They offer a number of family rooms and apartments, making this a very popular option for those that are travelling with kids. The gorgeous pool area is designed to reflect Mykonian tradition.
This luxurious five star hotel is an absolute must if you want to splurge on accommodation whilst staying in one of the island’s most peaceful neighborhoods! Alongside a large pool area, Thalassa Boutique Hotel also comes with hot tubs and a fitness suite. Car hire is available at a discounted rate.
Just south of the Old Port, Little Venice is the nightlife capital of Mykonos – and where the majority of visitors end up spending their time! Still part of Mykonos Town, Little Venice has the whitewashed buildings and winding cobblestone streets that the town is known for, though the atmosphere is more party focused.
Little Venice has a good variety when it comes to nightlife options! Whether you want a laid back speakeasy, buzzing nightclub or late night restaurants there is something for you in Little Venice. The party doesn’t stop at sunrise, with the beach being a popular attraction for many visitors.
Located right on the coast, this gorgeous accommodation comes with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea! The whitewashed walls and large windmill make this feel like you are stepping back in time. The interiors, nevertheless, are modern and well equipped for a short stay. It is only a three minute walk from the main waterfront area.
This newly renovated hotel is located right in the heart of Little Venice – perfect for staying close to the action! Whilst there aren’t any hostels in the area, Eleanna’s is reasonably priced with spacious communal areas. Some of their more expensive rooms also come with private kitchenettes, with others offering sea views.
This small hotel is a collection of private apartments – giving you the ultimate privacy whilst staying in Little Venice! It is located on the waterfront, ensuring guests have great views towards the sea. There is a fitness centre on-site, and the hotel is only a short walk from Agia Anna Beach.
Despite only being a couple of minutes away from Mykonos Town, Megali Ammos has a surprisingly laid back atmosphere! For visitors that want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, whilst still having easy access to the main attractions, Megali Ammos is an excellent choice.
This is also a great neighborhood if you want to mingle with locals, as tourism numbers are much lower than elsewhere on the island! The restaurants, bars and shops are all locally owned, giving you a more authentic atmosphere. For this reason, we reckon it is one of the coolest places to stay on the island.
This private retreat is just outside of Megali Ammos – though still well within walking distance. This gives you a more peaceful experience, whilst still benefiting from proximity to a major resort area! As it only has one bedroom, this would be the perfect getaway for a couple looking for a relaxing holiday.
There aren’t many budget hotels in Megali Ammos, but Morfoulas Studios is a firm favourite with backpackers staying in the area! With budget friendly rates, these are a perfect option if you want the privacy of your own studio without having to break the bank. They also provide airport shuttles for a fee.
This beautiful four star hotel is a great balance between price and luxury! Located right on the beach, guests are given unbeatable access to the main attraction in the neighborhood. A complimentary breakfast featuring typical Mediterranean cuisine is provided every morning. There is also a large pool area with plenty of sun loungers.
Mykonos is a gorgeous destination that has so much more to offer than great nightlife – although that is well worth checking out too! With whitewashed buildings, cobblestoned streets and crystal clear waters, Mykonos is easily the best place in Europe for your Instagram feed and is a must see if you’re visiting the Greek islands.
For the best area, we are going to go with Megali Ammos! This hidden gem has a more local atmosphere – and benefits from quieter streets that make taking in the historic streets easier. It is also well connected to Mykonos Town.
That being said, all of the areas mentioned in this guide have their benefits. Whether you want nightlife, beaches or scenery we hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options in Mykonos.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
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Born in Los Angeles, Aaron Hovanesian is one of the original staff writers for Hotel Jules. Having backpacked the world as a young man, Aaron now prefers to travel the world in luxury, proudly staying in the world's most amazing hotels and properties. When Aaron is not traveling he lives in Western Colorado he can be found brewing his own beer (probably an IPA) or spending time with his two amazing golden retrievers.