Where to Stay in Mykonos for First-Timers

Mykonos is a small island, but it has different vibes depending on where you go. Some areas are all about beach clubs, with parties taking place day and night. Others have family-friendly beaches, while a few are simply quiet spots offering watersports. Then there is the capital, Mykonos Town, which blends together boutique shops, sightseeing, and exciting nightlife.

It can be overwhelming deciding where to stay, particularly if it is your first visit to Mykonos, so in this travel guide, we are going to tell you about some of the areas to help you make a decision according to your interests.

If you decide on Mykonos for your holiday, why not opt to stay in a villa? Mykonos villas offer you the privacy and space that you don't get in a hotel. They also give you the freedom to do what you want when you want. For example, you won't be tied to hotel meal times and can eat whenever you want. You can have a leisurely breakfast at 11 a.m., or indulge in a midnight snack. You can go out for dinner, cook for yourself, or even have the option of a private chef. Other advantages of holiday villas in Mykonos are private pools and high-end amenities.

Villas can be cost-effective, especially if you are in a big group or are a family. If you stay in a hotel, you would have to stay in multiple rooms. A villa is a set price regardless of how many of you there are.

Choosing Your Perfect Mykonos Destination

Mykonos Town

If you enjoy the hubbub and lively atmosphere a town gives, and you like some variety, staying in or close to Mykonos Town will suit you down to the ground. The town is beautiful with typical Cycladic whitewashed buildings and labyrinth-like streets. You will find high-end shops, restaurants, cafes and bars from where you can watch the sunset.

If you are interested in history and sightseeing, there are museums in town, such as the Archaeological Museum and the Aegean Maritime Museum. Do not miss the famous 18th-century Myli windmills, which tower over the town and have stunning views.

Head to Little Venice, where you'll find 18th-century fishing houses perched over the sea, and the Old Port with its colourful fishing boats. This area comes alive at night when restaurants welcome you for high-end dining, and tavernas offer local, traditional fare. Bars are spilling onto the streets, and nightclubs are there for dancing. It is the place to be when the sun goes down and where you can stay until dawn.

The main disadvantage of Mykonos Town is that it gets very busy, particularly in the summer months. There is also only one beach in town, Mykonos Town Beach, and it is unorganised in that it doesn't have sunbeds or umbrellas. However, it is close to tavernas and cafes, and there is usually a lifeguard on duty.

Ornos Beach

If you are travelling with children, staying in a Mykonos luxury villa near Ornos Beach is one of the best places to choose. Just 1.88 miles (3 km) south of Mykonos Town, it is both trendy and family-friendly. It features shallow waters, suitable for young children, and it is protected from the Meltemi winds.

Ornos Beach operates like a fully-contained resort with hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. There are beach clubs, but they are more high-end and sophisticated than the ones on the party beaches. They cater mainly to the rich and famous, and you will see many yachts and catamarans moored close by. Ornos Beach has a chic and cosmopolitan vibe, but this does make it expensive to rent sunbeds and umbrellas. They cost between £45 and £80, depending on which club you go to. The amenities, however, are excellent, with food and cocktails delivered to your sunbed. There are small spaces that are free at the far ends of the bay, so you can lay your towel on the sand.

Ornos allows you to enjoy everything from watersports to fine dining, but if you want lively nightlife, Mykonos Town is not far away, and the party beaches are to the east. A water taxi connects the beaches so you can easily beach-hop. There is also a bus going along the south coast linking the beaches.

The Party Vibe

Mykonos is legendary for partying day and night, and if you go a little further along the coast east from Ornos Beach, you will find the party beaches of Paradise, Super Paradise, Paraga, and Psarou. The partying starts in the afternoon and goes on until dawn. For world-class DJs and laser shows, check out Cavo Paradiso, which has a capacity of 3,000. If you like to party, then rent a Mykonos villa in this area.

These beaches are protected from the Meltemi winds, so you can take advantage of the calm weather and peaceful seas. The beaches are organised, and there is an excellent infrastructure. They do get crowded, however, in the summer, so be prepared for a lot of people and a high noise level.

The Southeastern Coast — A Hidden Gem

If you want to get away from the crowded beach clubs and you like watersports, head to the southeast of the island to Kalafatis, which is 8.5 miles (14 km) from Mykonos Town. It is a refreshing change from the party atmosphere and is a spacious, Blue Flag certified beach. The sand is golden, and the waters are crystal clear. The Meltemi winds do blow here, but they are what make it perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It is more affordable than the party beaches with two sunbeds and an umbrella costing between £30 and £50. There are traditional tavernas close to the beach, and it is just a five-minute drive inland to the beautiful village of Ano Mera, where you can get stone-oven baked meals. Other similar beaches in the area are Agia Anna and Kato Livadi.

When is the Best Time for a Villa Holiday in Mykonos?

Peak Season (July and August)

If you want to go to the beach clubs and enjoy the nightlife in Mykonos Town to the fullest, you will have to visit in July or August. There is a vibrant atmosphere in many places, but it is crowded and at its hottest with temperatures ranging on average between 28°C (82°F) and 30°C (86°F), though it can get hotter. Because it is so popular at this time of the year, Mykonos villas need to be booked around a year in advance, especially if you want a larger villa with a private pool. The prices are at their highest as well.

Shoulder Seasons (May – June and September – October)

If you are not bothered about beach parties, the shoulder seasons are great times to rent a private villa in Mykonos. The weather is warm, but not too hot. In the spring, the temperature ranges between 11°C (52°F) and 22°C (72°F), though it can get hotter from mid-June onwards. In the autumn, it can be as warm as 28°C (82°F), but the end of October can get down to 15°C (59°F). It is less crowded everywhere, though the beach clubs do start opening in mid-June and they close in mid-September. Prices of Mykonos villas are lower at this time, and should be booked between 6 and 10 months ahead.

Winter in Mykonos

All the resorts shut down at the end of October and do not reopen until April. There is some life in Mykonos Town for the locals, but it is not a winter holiday destination.

Essential Planning Tips for Your Mykonos Stay

• Book Early. To get the villa you want at the time you would like to go, book 6 to 10 months in advance for the shoulder seasons and one year in advance for the summer season.
• Transport Logistics. From April until the end of October, there are direct flights to Mykonos from the UK and other major European cities. In the winter, you have to change planes or get a ferry from Athens. Most private villas in Mykonos are off the beaten track, so it is advisable to hire a car. However, if you plan to join the beach parties and have a few cocktails, get a taxi. If you want to beach-hop, there are buses and water buses linking the main beaches.
• Villa Amenities to Look For. Make sure that the villa has air conditioning, as it is essential, especially in the peak season. Ensure the villa has an EOT licence, which certifies that the villa has the health and safety regulations for legal rental.
• Local Markets vs Supermarkets. If you can, shop at a local farmers' market. The produce is fresh and seasonal, and you will be supporting local trade. At some markets, you can also purchase such things as honey, local wine, local olive oil, and the Greek firewater, raki.
• Concierge Services. Holiday villas in Mykonos generally have a concierge who will give you advice about what to see and where to go. He or she will also make reservations for you.

Curating the Experience: Food, Culture & Activities

Gastronomy

If you are renting a private villa in Mykonos, you have the opportunity of hiring a private chef who will cook delicious meals for you. Of course, sometimes you may want to self-cater or go out to a taverna or restaurant. The choice is yours.

You can, of course, get general Greek food in the tavernas, such as Greek salad and moussaka, but Mykonos has its own specialities. These include broad beans with lard and fennel, fennel meatballs, louza (cured spiced pork), kremidopita (onion and cheese pie), and lobster pasta.

Experiences

There are things to do on the island of Mykonos apart from partying. Take a guided tour of the island or enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise. If you are interested in history, visit the museums in Mykonos Town or take a boat trip to the nearby island of Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, which is an ancient archaeological site.

Ready to Find Your Dream Mykonos Villa?

Private villas in Mykonos suit groups of friends, families, and couples equally. They offer privacy, luxury, space, and the freedom to do what you want. Browse the Bnbstay collection of Mykonos villas to find the perfect property for your stay. For more on planning your trip, read our guide to villa holidays in Mykonos.

FAQ

Is it better to stay in a hotel or a villa in Mykonos? A villa gives you the privacy, space, and freedom lacking in a hotel. Usually, you have your own pool and a fully-equipped kitchen. You even have the opportunity to hire a private chef. If you are in a large group, a villa will work out cheaper than a hotel, where you would have to pay for multiple rooms.

Do I need a car when renting a villa in Mykonos? It is advisable to rent a car as most of the villas are off the beaten track.

Are Mykonos villas child-friendly? Many swimming pools have shallow ends or are gated. There are usually multiple rooms, so the children and you have your own space.

Can I island-hop from Mykonos? Yes, during the tourist season, you can take a short ferry ride to Paros, Santorini, and Naxos.

What is the average cost of a villa holiday in Mykonos? Rental prices of Mykonos villas vary according to the location, the size of the villa, and the time of year. The average cost is £500 per night, but it can exceed £1,000 per night.

If this is your first trip to Mykonos, this travel guide will tell you where to stay according to your interests. Still unsure? Talk to our team and they will answer your questions and help you to reach a decision. Browse our Mykonos villas to start planning.