Mykonos — Holiday Guide: Windmills, Beaches and Nightlife

Mykonos is the island that needs no introduction — a byword for glamour, world-class DJs, beautiful people and outrageously photogenic architecture. But Mykonos is also a genuinely beautiful Cycladic island with superb beaches, a remarkable old town (Chora) and some of Greece's best restaurants. If you go knowing what to expect — and with enough budget — it can be an extraordinary experience. This guide covers both the glamour and the practical realities.

Why Mykonos?

• Chora (Mykonos Town) — one of the finest Cycladic old towns: white cubic houses, blue and red doors, bougainvillea and the iconic windmills
• Little Venice — a row of centuries-old houses built directly over the sea in Chora — one of the most photographed corners of any Greek island
• Super Paradise and Paradise beaches — legendary party beaches with world-famous beach clubs
• Delos day trip — the sacred uninhabited island of antiquity (birthplace of Apollo), a 20-minute boat ride from Mykonos, is among the most important archaeological sites in Greece
• Cosmopolitan atmosphere — superb international restaurants, celebrities and some of the best nightlife in Europe

Mykonos Town (Chora)

Chora is the island's capital and its defining image. A dense maze of whitewashed alleys — deliberately confusing to disorientate pirates — is home to hundreds of boutiques, restaurants and bars. The Windmills of Kato Mili on the Chora hilltop are the island's most iconic landmark. Little Venice (Alefkandra) is the spot for sunset cocktails — a row of balconied houses with their feet in the Aegean. Matogianni Street is the pedestrian main street with luxury shopping. Everything in Chora is extremely expensive; budget accordingly.

Best Beaches

Paradise Beach — the original party beach. Beach bars run by international DJ collectives, loud music from morning to night, very cosmopolitan crowd. If you like this — unmissable. If you don't — avoid July and August.

Super Paradise — slightly more secluded than Paradise, equally lively. Has long been associated with the LGBTQ+ community though now draws a mixed crowd.

Psarou — arguably the most exclusive beach. Luxury beach club, celebrity sightings, €200+ for a sunbed. Stunning setting in a sheltered bay.

Agios Ioannis — a calmer, less touristy beach on the south-west coast. Good for families wanting to avoid the party scene.

Elia — the longest beach on the island. More relaxed. Good for those wanting beautiful water without the party atmosphere.

Delos — The Sacred Island

Just 20 minutes by boat from Mykonos (departures from the Old Port in the morning), Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in the entire Mediterranean. According to Greek mythology it was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The ruins cover the entire small island: temples, marble avenues, the famous Terrace of the Lions and ancient houses with mosaic floors. Open daily (except Mondays). Allow 2–3 hours.

Practical Tips

• Budget warning — Mykonos is consistently one of the most expensive Greek islands. A cocktail in Chora: €18–€25. Sunbed on Psarou: €200+/day. Hotel in July: €300–€1,000+/night. Plan accordingly.
• Getting there — Direct flights from Athens (45 min) and many European cities. Ferry from Piraeus (approx. 2.5 hours fast, 5 hours regular). Ferry connections to Santorini, Paros and Naxos.
• Best time — September or early October for warm weather, calmer sea and fewer crowds (and lower prices). June is also good. July–August is peak season — extraordinary energy but extraordinary prices.
• Dress code — Chora's restaurants and clubs have informal dress codes. Smart casual is the standard.