Destination 03: Mykonos
MY. FAVORITE. PLACE. ON. EARTH!
Hi, my name is Renee and I'm a Mykonosoholic. For some reason, my expectations were particularly low the first time I went to Mykonos (and Greece in general for that matter). I have no idea why I wasn’t expecting to have the most fun I’d ever have in my life. The beaches are gorgeous, the food is delicious, the people are kind and the parties are epic. You will probably feel a little broken after a few days in Mykonos, but it will be well worth it! I still find myself lol’ing when I think about some of the antics I pulled on the island. What happens in Mykonos, stays in Mykonos!
Below are my top tips and recommendations for total Mykonos domination:
Things to Know
Taxis: It is very challenging getting around the island. There are only about 30 taxis in total, even during prime Summer months. You’ll waste tanning time waiting around all day in taxi lines, and then when you do get one, it will cost approx. 30€ + to drive only a couple miles. Save cabs for when it’s necessary.
Bus: In my opinion, the easiest and most cost-efficient way to get around the island, especially during the day, is the local bus. The buses leave from the Fabrika bus station in the center of Mykonos Town (Chora) and the Old Port, depending on the route, frequently to all the different beaches. It can get a little crowded, but it’s a quick ride and costs only 2€-3€ per trip, depending on your destination. Your hotel can give you the bus schedule or you can get it at the station. We used the buses to get around most of the beaches during the day, which run up until 12am/1am. There are also a few popular beaches/beach clubs that you can’t reach by bus, therefore, this would be the time to opt for a taxi.
Rental Car/ATV: This is the best option if you value your freedom and don’t want to be a slave to a schedule or spend all your champagne money on taxis. It’s also super fun riding around the island on an ATV. Most can fit two people, and they are very affordable. The only drawback is that one of your unlucky friends will have to remain rosé free, which can be a bummer if everyone is popping bottles on the beach. Because drinking and driving is definitely uncool.
Where to Stay: I recommend staying in Mykonos Town. It’s easy to get around via bus to all the beaches, and at night you can remain on foot to all the restaurants and clubs. There are plenty of great hotels and Airbnbs to choose from. Make sure to book well in advance to secure good rates. If you are traveling as a big group, then rent a villa on one of the beaches and split the cost of a car service. But for small groups, especially, staying in Mykonos Town is the way to go.
When to Eat: Everything happens later in Mykonos. Therefore, lunch is usually between 3pm-4pm and dinner is between 11pm-12am.
Life’s a Beach: Unlike Ibiza, Mykonos is all about the beach parties. That’s not to say that when the sun goes down the party dies down with it. If you want to bar hop in Little Venice or hit one of the major clubs until dawn, there is something for everybody.
Booking: You need to book beach clubs and restaurants in advance to be safe (especially beach clubs). Your hotel can usually help you with this or you can email or call to make the reservations yourself. I’ve done it myself and most places are very responsive and helpful.
Save Up: It’s expensive! Basically, everything you do will seem like a splurge. Be prepared going in so you aren’t surprised and stressed.
Hotels
Mykonos Town
Rochari & Little Rochari: These sister hotels are both in great locations (a short walk from one another and from the center of town) and won’t break the bank. The staff are very friendly and helpful. At Rochari, the rooms are simple, clean and many have been newly renovated. The pool is relaxing, and the buffet breakfast is the perfect fuel before hitting the beach clubs. Little Rochari is slightly smaller, but with the same perks, and it’s even more budget friendly than its big sister.
Theoxenia: The Theoxenia is a luxury hotel located in the center of Mykonos Town behind the windmills. It’s a Starwood property and a Member of Design Hotels™, so you know the amenities are on point.
Belvedere: This chic, boutique hotel (located right next to Rochari) is also situated in the center of Mykonos Town. It’s home to multiple great restaurants, including the popular Nobu. The pool is tranquil, and it’s the perfect place for a pre-dinner cocktail. Pro tip: If you book a lunch reservation the staff will let you relax on the sun loungers next to the pool for the day, even if you are not a hotel guest. However, hotel guests do get first dibs, so you’ll need to book early. It’s an ideal option if you want a break from the beach club mania. Order the excellent club sandwich, with a class of champagne, of course.
Beaches
Soho Roc House: Soho House recently took over the popular San Giorgio hotel for what will promise to be island’s newest hot spot. You can expect quite the pool scene, delicious Mediterranean fare and beach yoga rituals. The best part? Soho House joined forces with Scorpios in 2019, so hotel guests will get VIP perks at and access to the famous beach club. Don’t fret if you are not a Soho House member, as the public can still book rooms. However, members get priority rates and availability so make sure to book well in advance.
Mykonos Blu Grecotel: This 5-star resort is situated on the luxurious Psarou Beach with an ultra-chic pool and private beach club. It’s also located right next to famous Nammos. Pro tip: spend the day at the hotel’s beach club, which is free for hotel guests, then pop over to Nammos around 5pm when the party is just getting started. You’ll save approx. 120€ on a couple beach chairs and umbrella at Nammos, but still be able to join in on the fun. Just in time for happy hour.
Branco: Branco is a fairly new kid on the Mykonos block, which is already receiving rave reviews. It’s located on Platis Gialos with a stylish atmosphere and lively beach club. The fabulous crew is flocking here to sip cocktails at the beach bar and dance into the sunset. Make sure to go on Saturdays for the weekly Whisper Beach Parties.
Nissaki: Everything about this hotel is 5-star quality. The decor is chic, the staff is incredibly friendly, the service is excellent, the pool is sexy and the views are stunning. The hotel is perfectly situated on Psarou Beach with easy access to Mykonos Town via car or bus and you can reach all the most popular beach clubs on foot (Nammas, Scorpios & Branco). Once you stay here you will be spoiled and never want to stay anywhere else.
Beaches/Beach Clubs
Scorpios (Paraga beach): Scorpios is definitely THE spot on the island that attracts all the cool kids. The vibe is Bohemian-chic, the food is top notch and the drinks are potent. The best days are Sundays and Thursdays when the Sunset Ritual parties are in full force, with a DJ line up that is usually all-star. Either reserve beach beds and spend the whole day there or come later for the party. Either way, it’s a win, win. Pro Tip: Soho House members get a special membership to Scorpios that grants VIP access and a private email address for priority bookings. Not a Soho House member? No sweat – just make sure to arrive early for the sunset parties to schmooze your way in and beat the hectic lines.
Nammos (Psarou beach): Legendary Nammos is for the rich and famous. Super glitzy with chill vibes by day and party vibes by night. It’s very expensive, so if you can’t afford an entire day here, book a lunch reservation around 5pm or just come for drinks. Table dancing encouraged. Pro Tip: If you do book beach beds, you MUST arrive no later than 11am (and I’d even say 10am to be safe) to make sure and claim your spots. Because the hostesses have no problem giving your beds away to the many other people in line slipping her bills.
Alemagou (Ftelia beach) – Alemagou is one of my favorite beach clubs in Mykonos. It’s a very relaxed, cool vibe. It’s pretty chill during the day, but the party revs up at sunset (are you seeing a pattern here?). No buses come to Alemagou, so maximize the day on the beach with lunch in the restaurant (which is delicious) around 3pm/4pm, and then stay for the sunset party. Bookings for beach beds and lunch need to be made separately.
Solymar (Kalo Livadi beach): Solymar is the most mellow of the beach clubs with more of a family vibe. The restaurant is yummy but beware that more kids will definitely be running around here.
Principote (Panormos beach): This hot spot hit the scene a couple years ago and became a fast favorite amongst the fashion glitterati. It’s chic, but in honesty it’s not my favorite for various reasons. The staff is rude, the crowd is a little over the top and the food is not worth the extravagant price tag. I think there are plenty of other options that provide a better experience and atmosphere, but if you’re up for it, come for the day to check it out.
Restaurants
Kiki’s Tavern: Kiki’s is an absolute MUST for lunch! It’s a little shack perched above beautiful Agios Sostis beach. There is no electricity and all food is cooked on one big grill until the sun goes down. Choose between a few different cold salads and make sure to order the fresh fish and pork chops (the best I have ever had)! The food is fresh and amazing, the prices are cheap and the experience is unforgettable. The restaurant opens every day at 1pm, but make sure to get there by 12pm/12:30pm as reservations are not accepted. The owner brings out free rosé for you to sip on while you wait for your table. What more can we ask for? Pro Tip: The beach at the foot of the hill is a great, mellow place to spend the day after lunch. There is no beach club, so bring a towel and hang with the locals.
Sea Satin Market: The food is fair, but it’s all about the views at this restaurant in Little Venice. It’s located right on the water in a prime sunset watching spot. The crowd gets lively for dinner, so expect to eat your octopus with a side of table dancing.
Interni: Interni is one of my top favorites for dinner. It’s a chic, open air, all-white restaurant located in the heart of Mykonos Town where you can eat under the stars. The food is delicious, the crowd is beautiful and the dance parties are anything but boring.
Kalita: The food here is excellent, and the atmosphere is relaxed and romantic, which is good because we can’t be on party mode all the time. Or can we?
Spilia Restaurant: This gorgeous water-front restaurant is right on Agia Anna Kalafatis beach. It’s perfect for a chilled-out lunch with excellent food. The servers scoop fresh sea urchin right out of the sea from a hole in the restaurant floor, and the octopus is hanging on the side of the restaurant just waiting to be grilled. It doesn’t get much fresher than this. Pro tip: There is a mellow beach club right next to the restaurant where you could spend the day before heading to Spilia for a late lunch. Also, beach beds are not as expensive here as the other posher beach clubs.
Jimmy's Gyros: This famous gyro place in Mykonos Town is perfect when you want a grab and go dinner in between bar hopping or late night snack after hitting the clubs.
Bars/Clubs
Moni: This nightclub is my favorite due to its smaller and more intimate vibe. The DJs here are great and play deep house music that gets your heart pounding and fists pumping. Get there before 2am to avoid lines. Table reservations recommended.
Void: Void is a popular multi-level, mega club. It has a modern design and a legendary DJ lineup. It’s the only super club that is conveniently located directly in Mykonos Town. Table reservations recommended.
180 Sunset Bar: The name speaks for itself. This new bar has fantastic views of Mykonos town, and you guessed it, the perfect location to watch the sunset. Get here early to secure a prime spot, listen to chilled tunes and sip on cold cocktails and get lost in the epic sunset. The staff isn’t super friendly, so making a table reservation will save you the headache of begging for drinks at the bar.
Caprice Bar: Caprice Bar is a no-fuss Little Venice bar situated on the water. The tunes range from hip-hop, 80s and electronic.
Astra: Astra is a glamorous hybrid lounge style club. The bar starts getting crowded as early as late afternoon, so get there early for al fresco drinks before moving on to the late-night dance floor.
Bonbonniere: Same setup as Astra (and located across the street) so you can bounce from one bar to the other.
Queen of Mykonos: This small, casual bar in Mykonos Town has great music and strong drinks. The crowds will spill out into the street, so claim an outdoor table and enjoy the people watching.
