Key Takeaways
- Choosing between staying in Mykonos Town or at one of the beach resorts depends on personal preferences when considering where to stay in Mykonos.
- Staying in Mykonos Town allows easy access to parties and nightlife, but requires transportation to reach the beaches.
- Ornos Beach is a popular choice with comfortable sun lounges and excellent restaurants. Santa Marina Resort & Villas, Kivotos Luxury Boutique Hotel, and Kensho Ornos are recommended hotels in this area.
- Psarrou Beach is known for its glamor and elegance, attracting the rich and famous. It offers blue-green waters, beach bars, and restaurants. Mykonos Blu is a luxurious hotel option in this area.
The sheer beauty of Mykonos is a good enough reason for anyone to put the island high up on their bucket list. Glamorous, beautiful, and wild, it comes as no surprise that it has become the ultimate holiday destination for travelers around the world; after all, who can say ‘no’ to bright sunlight, crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, whitewashed houses, and lively nightlife?
If you’ve finally decided to choose Mykonos for your holidays, it’s only natural that you want to get even the last detail of your trip right! Although it may seem easy, deciding where to stay in Mykonos and figuring out the best areas and romantic hotels in Mykonos are rather challenging tasks.
For that reason, and because we’re only here to make your life a whole lotta easier, here we have gathered all the information you need to have in order to make an educated decision regarding your accommodation.
Should I stay in Mykonos Town?
First things first, there is an important initial decision you must make and this is to choose between staying in Mykonos Town or one of its many gorgeous beach resorts. Despite not being a massive island, there is a clear distinction between the two areas and it all comes down to personal preference.
As one would expect, Mykonos Town is full to the brim with cafes, restaurants, taverns, bars, clubs, and a wide selection of retail shops that add to the liveliness and vibrance of the area, yet can overwhelm visitors who look to relax and enjoy a much more calm vibe, as far removed from the big city life as possible.
This is where most of the action takes place, where you’ll hear the most chatter while walking the whitewashed alleys, where you’ll come face to face with Hollywood celebrities, and where the hustle and bustle last through the night and until the first light of day.
On the plus side, you’ll be able to attend any party whenever you feel like it and have a couple of drinks without having to worry about your ride home as everything will be within walking distance.
On the downside, you’ll be far from Mykonos’ marvelous beaches and will need a car to access any of them, meaning that you'll be spending a chunk of your time every day on transportation around Mykonos.
Should I stay close to Mykonos beaches?
Elia Beach Mykonos - credits: saiko3p/Shutterstock.com
Staying in one of the marvelous beach hotels in Mykonos, will give you the opportunity to enjoy to the fullest the serene landscape of the island, and spend your day swimming and relaxing, all while having a variety of beach bars and seaside restaurants catering to your needs.
You can follow our guide to Mykonos’ beaches to determine the best beach for you, however, living on the beach means that in order for you to reach Mykonos Town for evening entertainment, you will need at least 20 minutes by car. Add to that the time it will take you to find a parking spot and the fact that you’ll need to be extra careful of your alcohol consumption, and you have yourself a major party downer.
Super Paradise Beach, Mykonos - credits: Aerial-motion/Shutterstock.com
All in all, as a rule of thumb, if you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing time or you are visiting Mykonos with your family, a sandy beach resort is what you’re after. If, on the other hand, you want to party like it’s 1999, then maybe Mykonos Town will be a wiser choice for you.
In any case, beaches like Elia Beach, Megali Ammos Beach, Paraga Beach, Kalafatis, Agios Sostis, and Kalo Livadi are ideal for your swimming endeavors regardless of your preferences. At the same time, the most popular beaches, like Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach, and their beach clubs, are perfect for those looking for endless partying. Our favorite may be Elia Beach. However, every single one of them, along with the west coast and other south coast beaches, is nothing less than gorgeous.
Of course, if you are intimidated by the sea and prefer the pool, you can check out the best hotels in Greece with infinity pools or the hotels in Mykonos with private pools to make your dreams come true.
Best hotels in Mykonos Town
As already mentioned, Mykonos Town, or Chora, as locals call it, is an excellent choice for your accommodation, especially if large crowds, busy streets, and partying are your thing. My absolute favorite element of Mykonos Town is its picturesque and small pedestrian-only streets that carry a charm that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
They’re a number of great hotels and luxury resorts in Mykonos town that will cater to your every need.
- Little Venice is the most romantic neighborhood on the island and its hotels are perfect for those who chose Mykonos for a couple's vacation or honeymoon. Little Venice Suites & Villas offers a luxurious and comfortable stay in Mykonos town, along with a marvelous view of the iconic windmills of Mykonos. It might not offer an outdoor swimming pool, but some suites feature a private outdoor jacuzzi which is even better!
- Otherwise, Belvedere Mykonos Hotel is in a strategic location on the edge of Mykonos town that will help you stay in touch with the vivid life of Mykonos, while still being able to retire at night to somewhere peaceful and relaxing.
- Of course, being the island’s capital, Mykonos Town has a number of notable cultural attractions, such as the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos and the Aegean Maritime Museum, and an open-air cinema that will excite its cinephile visitors. Harmony Boutique Hotel is located very close to the archaeological museum and offers comfortable and luxurious rooms with a view of the magical Aegean sea.
- If an adult-only resort is what you are looking for on your cosmopolitan vacation in Mykonos, Myconian Naia offers premium services in a luxurious and aesthetically pleasing establishment. With the sole purpose to relax and pamper you, Myconian Naia is one of the best resorts in Mykonos, located just outside the town. And let’s not forget the magical view; a truly stunning sight!
If you want to stay in Mykonos Town but don’t have a means of transportation for your swimming endeavors in the Aegean Sea, no worries! There are bus connections to all of Mykonos’ beaches -including the famous Paradise Beach- for your convenience and an outdoor swimming pool in most luxury hotels on the island!
Staying at Ornos Beach
One of the most popular, and subsequently most crowded, beaches in Mykonos is Ornos, located around 3-4km south of Mykonos Town. This gorgeous organized beach provides its guests with comfortable sun lounges, while the luxurious hotels and restaurants surrounding it are many, making Ornos beach an ideal place for anyone to stay in Mykonos.
Talking from experience, the eateries right by the waters of Ornos, in particular, are one better than the other and cater to foodies worldwide. Although being favored by families due to its calm waters and sheltered coast, the incredible sunset views the beach offers are the ideal setting for a romantic getaway, so if you’re visiting Mykonos as a couple, you don’t need to think twice about residing there!
As if that wasn’t enough, Ornos Beach is a 5-minute walk to the more secluded yet windier Korfos beach, so the location provides Mykonos’ visitors with a much-appreciated choice. Thankfully, there are lots of buses to and from Mykonos Town so access is easy; key if you’re thinking about exploring the island thoroughly!
Top 3 hotels at Ornos Beach
- Santa Marina Resort & Villas
Santa Marina is a luxurious resort, whose suites and villas will impress even the most demanding visitors. With a modern, beach-chic interior and a mesmerizing view of the Aegean sea, this Ornos resort is guaranteed to make you feel relaxed and peaceful. And if you’re finding trouble relaxing and letting your worries go, just visit its international-caliber Ginkgo spa. You will feel reborn after their special treatment!
- Kivotos Luxury Boutique Hotel
Kivotos Luxury Boutique Hotel values hospitality above all else; its friendly staff and beautiful suites and villas are planning to make you feel at home, showcasing the true meaning of the world-famous Greek hospitality. With magical pools and one of the best gourmet restaurants in Mykonos for you to explore the culinary scene of the island, it’s no wonder that Kivotos is one of the best places to stay in Mykonos.
This bohemian hotel in Ornos beach will offer a unique experience to its visitors; Stay in luxurious rooms and suites, get pampered in the Kensho Cave Spa, relax in the Hamam and then go on a gastronomic journey of the traditional Mediterranean flavors, with Asian and Latin twists in its dishes. Kensho Ornos hotel will make your stay in Mykonos memorable!
Staying at Platis Gialos Beach
Arguably one of the best beach choices in Mykonos and many people’s favorite, the beach of Platis Gialos is also an incredible place for your accommodation in Mykonos, as its yummy restaurants, nightlife, and mesmerizing, golden beach is bound to make even the most demanding of visitors fall in love with it.
A little further south of Ornos Beach at around 4 km away from Mykonos Town, it manages to have the right balance of being vibrant and central while also being chill and relaxing. Its diversity in things to do, see and eat, makes Platis Gialos Beach popular among all age groups, while the watersports it offers attract water sports fans like bees to honey.
You can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and flyboarding, before eating local delicacies in one of the top-quality eateries in the area and going to Mykonos Town for a night of dancing. Both busses and water taxis can take you downtown and to other beaches respectively, so once again, convenience is a top priority!
Top 3 hotels at Platis Gialos Beach
- Myconian Ambassador
Platis Gialos beach is one of the best areas to stay in Mykonos and its luxurious hotels and resorts play a big part in that. Myconian Ambassador is a 5-star boutique hotel that combines tradition with contemporary elegance and offers upscale rooms and suites. Whether you dip into one of the private pools and jacuzzis or you decide to sip a fancy cocktail at the pool bar, this hotel is perfect for a laid-back evening.
- Palladium Hotel
Palladium Hotel is a 5-star hotel, just a five-minute walk away from Platis Gialos and Psarou beach. Its comfortable rooms and suites will wait for you after a tiring day of exploring the highlights of Mykonos, while its premium spa services include massages, hair and beauty treatments, saunas, and hot tubs. The star-lit pool is definitely one of the best traits of this Myconian hotel and they offer babysitting services in case you are visiting Mykonos with kids.
Mykonos Drops is another great place to stay in Mykonos. This boutique hotel with the minimalist decoration that follows the beloved by all Cycladic aesthetics will stun you with its spectacular view from the comfort of your room. If you wake up feeling lazy, skip the beach day and dip into its pristine pool and soak up the sun on its comfortable sunbeds, with a special cocktail at hand.
Staying at Agios Ioannis Beach
The absolute best place to catch the iconic Greek sunset, Agios Ioannis beach is a more offbeat location that doesn’t however lack in things to do in Mykonos.
As another organized beach, its lovely sun lounges give the opportunity to enrich your swimming adventure with comfort and luxury. Again, the restaurants and taverns that surround it all offer mouthwatering Greek food and are a contributor to a cozy yet vibrant vibe everyone who visits seems to get enamored by.
Despite being far from Mykonos Town, Agios Ioannis Beach is served by several bus routes daily, while it is located within a 20-minute walk from the isolated and magical cove of Kapari beach.
Top 3 hotels at Agios Ioannis Beach
- Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort
Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort is a beachfront luxury hotel with elegant and tasteful rooms and even better service. Just the view from its lounge and the Althea spa to the open Greek sea is mesmerizing. If you are looking for a hotel in Mykonos with not only amazing services but also a perfect spot to watch the sunset, this is the hotel for you.
- Katikies Mykonos
35 luxurious suites are waiting for you in Katikies Mykonos hotel, an elegant establishment over the Agios Ioannis peninsula. Perfect for you to escape the crowds of Mykonos, Katikies offer high-quality services, a fitness studio, a spa, and two fine dining restaurants. The only drawback is that you’ll never want to leave this place!
Anax Resort and Spa is surely a small piece of heaven, left on the island of Mykonos. If you are searching for magical, breathtaking, and luxurious places to stay in Mykonos, then look no further. This deluxe resort is ideal for a laid-back and relaxing vacation. Just try its imaginative cuisine along with a glass of wine from its wide variety; could it get any better than this?
Staying at Psarrou Beach
There is no chance of you not having heard about the infamous Psarou Beach before. Known for its outrageous prices and glamor, alongside Super Paradise Beach, Psarou Beach has been the host of the rich and famous for years.
Its blue-green waters and long dandy coast only add to the allure of the beach, while the excellent beach bars and restaurants around the beach make it a haven from real life. Although there are watersports offered on-site, Psarrou is known for its elegance and its calming vibe, and it is therefore favored by honeymooners and couples who look to spend some quality time with their partner, alongside other south coast beaches that are more offbeat.
Additionally, as it is protected by the persisting winds that are a common problem for the island, Psarou Beach is also perfect for families with little kids!
Top 3 hotels at Psarou Beach
- Mykonos Blu
Feel like an elite celebrity in the luxurious establishment of Mykonos Blu, whose whitewashed, stone-built bungalows, suites, and villas will offer you the most magical view of the Aegean. Relax in a private terrace and pool and soak up the sun, appreciating the Greek summer, or at the hotel’s impressive infinity pool. Don’t forget to try their spectacular dishes that uniquely showcase the riches of the Greek land and produce.
- Colors of Mykonos
Another resort in Mykonos, away from the crowds and offering some peaceful and quiet vacation is Colors of Mykonos. With a modern twist on the traditional decor and architecture, this establishment will impress you and inspire you to explore the magical culture of Mykonos.
Lastly, Alissachni Mykonos hotel will enchant you with its magical view of the Aegean from its luxurious pool and its various amenities, including a spa with massages, hair and beauty treatments and a gym with a personal trainer for you to explore the Greek style of wellness and zen.
Staying at Elia Beach
A personal favorite in the ‘beach resorts in Mykonos’ category, Elia Beach is peaceful, quiet, sandy, clean, and everything you’ll ever want from a place to host your vacations. Although it is not as easily accessible as the rest of Mykonos’ beaches, and you can only reach it by boat via the village of Ano Mera during the high season months, Elia Beach is worth the effort and will reward you with a calm mind and tanned skin.
You can find only one restaurant in the area, it is however one of the best on the island and offers fresh seafood dishes of unique taste and quality. A 10-minute walk to the west will bring you to the tiny Agrari beach, where you’ll find another couple of eateries and another gorgeous setting.
Top 3 hotels at Elia Beach
- Myconian Villa Collection
There is no way this family-owned resort group of ten leading luxury hotels on Mykonos won’t please even the most eccentric need of yours. Proving every day that hospitality is a Greek state of mind, the 5-star Myconian Villa Collection offers high-end services of superb spas, gourmet restaurants, an outstanding bar, and a saltwater infinity pool.
- Greco Philia Luxury Suites & Villas
The Greco Philia Luxury suites and villas are the ideal place to stay in Mykonos, especially if you are after an authentic local experience. Its beautiful and luxurious suites and villas have the most amazing view of the bright blue sea, as well as the sunset bar, where you can enjoy a personalized cocktail while watching, you guessed it, the sunset!
Just 5 minutes from the beach, Arte & Mare Elia Suites will make your vacation in Mykonos feel like a dream come true! With luxurious rooms, friendly staff, and flawless services Arte & Mare will help you relax and enjoy your stay. And if you are a bit of an adrenaline junkie, the hotel will offer you priority and discount for the Elia Water Sports, right in front of the resort. Now that’s what I call a deal!
Staying in Ano Mera
If you want to follow a completely alternative route and neither staying in Mykonos Town nor at one of Mykonos’ beaches sounds appealing, then the only other place to go is the village of Ano Mera, second in size to Mykonos Town.
Located in the middle of the island, around 8km from the port, Ano Mera is a typical island village that is worth your time due to its beautiful aesthetics, unique character, and luxury hotels. Its emblematic main square, its traditional taverns, old-time cafes, and the awe-inspiring 16th-century monastery of Tourliani can’t help but charm anyone who makes the effort to visit it.
If you want to marvel at the heart-stopping views of the village and the monastery, drive to the nunnery of Paleokastro, located on a hill just outside Ano Mera. Despite being an offbeat location, Ano Mera is connected to Mykonos Town via regular bus routes, while it is also connected with the beaches of Kalo Livadi and Kalafati, something that will benefit those who decide to pick Ano Mera as the best area to stay in Mykonos.
One thing you need to keep in mind is that despite Ano Mera having a few hotels, none are particularly luxurious. However, that is a small price to pay considering you’ll be staying in one of the most authentically beautiful regions on the island!
Top 3 hotel in Ano Mera
- Hotel Anatolia Mykonos
Hotel Anatolia is a family-friendly 4-star hotel, fitting perfectly in with the picturesque atmosphere of the village of Ano Mera. With elegant rooms and mini-suites, as well as an outdoor pool and a beautiful garden, this hotel will make you feel right at home.
- Levantes House Mykonos
This may not be the most luxurious hotel of Mykonos, but Levantes House is a small and traditional hotel that will charm you with its friendly staff and Cycladic aesthetic. Relax on the outside terrains and balconies and breath; the view of the countryside of Mykonos is enough to make you feel at ease. Being fairly close to the Kalafati beach is also a big plus.
- Olive Mykonos Villas
And since Ano Mera is still in Mykonos, the cosmopolitan and, above all else, luxurious island, Olive Mykonos Villas is the newest addition to the village. With spacious and elegant rooms and suites, transfer and massage services on request, along with a refreshing pool, Olive Mykonos adds a spark of luxury to the traditional way of living in Ano Mera.
Final Thoughts
No pressure, but whether you’re staying in Mykonos for a day or a month, the area and hotel you’ll choose will play a significant role in the quality of your vacations, so you need to pick wisely.
In any case, having a bad time in Mykonos is virtually impossible, so if you follow our guide for the best areas to stay in Mykonos, you’ve got nothing to worry about! We hope that you enjoy your stay to the fullest and fall in love with Mykonos just as much as we have! Wherever you are staying in Mykonos, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the island like a local with one of our Mykonos tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best areas to stay in Mykonos?
Is it better to stay near Mykonos Town or near the beaches?
