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Why go to Mykonos

Let lazy beach days melt into neon nights in Mykonos, an island of golden sands, legendary nightlife, and picture-perfect Greek villages.

Part of the sun-kissed Cyclades, Mykonos is one of Greece’s most glamorous islands. Popular spots such as Paradise Beach and Elia Beach draw sun-worshippers to paddle in the crystalline Aegean Sea, and embark on watersports adventures like wakeboarding and water-skiing.

Back in Mykonos Town, white-and-blue houses, winding lanes and the striking Paraportiani Church create a picturesque backdrop for souvenir shopping and browsing boutiques. The charming Little Venice neighbourhood has numerous tavernas and bars overlooking the calm Aegean Sea – pull up a chair and sip a glass of retsina while the sun sets.

Aside from sun, sea and shaking your stuff, Mykonos is a rewarding destination for history buffs. The island’s most instantly recognisable emblems are its windmills, which have rolled in the breeze since the 16th century. Byzantine churches and the centuries-old Armenistis Lighthouse still stand.

The archaeological site on nearby Delos island, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, reveals the mysticism of ancient Greece, while Neolithic settlements at Ftelia provide a portal to the past. The combination of ancient ruins, sandy beaches and sizzling nightlife brings tourists flocking for holidays in Mykonos.

When to go to Mykonos

When to go for the best weather

July and August are peak season for good weather and great parties so it’s harder to find cheap Mykonos holidays. Daytime temperatures soar into the 30s and remain balmy by evening, tempered by the northerly Meltemi Wind. The Aegean Sea feels toasty warm (average temperature 24C). Revellers arrive for sun, sea and festivals, so family travellers should pick their resorts carefully to avoid noisy nightlife.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

Cheap Mykonos holidays are easy to find in low season but expect shuttered businesses and chilly seas between late September and March. Rainfall increases from October and skies are overcast. Winter temperatures hover around 13C.

When to go for the best of both

April to mid-June and mid-September through October are shoulder season, with temperatures in the mid-20s. Nightlife quietens down but shoulder season is your best chance to sunbathe on uncrowded beaches and bag a holiday for less. Cultural festivals bring added enrichment, such as Easter’s midnight masses (though you’ll want to avoid this time if you’re looking for a bargain break) and September’s grape-squishing Harvest Festival.

What to do in Mykonos

Touring archaeological sites, lazing on beautiful beaches, taking easy day trips, or simply drinking iced coffee in the shade of a café’s terrace… whatever you’re looking to fill your Greek island holiday with, you’ll find it in Mykonos.

Little Venice

For souvenir shopping and relaxing with cocktails, head to Mykonos Town’s most romantic neighbourhood: Little Venice. Stacked along the waterfront of Little Venice, you’ll find 18th-century merchant houses, now transformed into harbour boutiques and tavernas.

If you’re staying for a meal, reserve well ahead – Little Venice’s sunset vistas are popular. As well as sparkling views of the Aegean Sea, you’ll see the island’s famous windmills and the landmark Paraportiani Church. White-washed Panagia Paraportiani is a fusion of four different chapels built in the 15th century.

Delos

One of Greece’s most important historical sites lies 30 minutes by boat from the Old Port of Mykonos. According to myth, the island of Delos is the birthplace of ancient Greek deities Apollo and Artemis. The Cyclades even derive their name from their position encircling this isle of legend.

The archaeological site, with its mosaics, columns and Naxos stone lions, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. It’s an easy day trip between May and October (with less frequent connections in low season). Bring sun protection.

Paradise Beach

Crystalline waters and soft golden sands entice crowds of beach-lovers to this heavenly spot. Mykonos’ best-known stretch of sand has sun-loungers and beach umbrellas galore, but most of its sunscreen-splashed devotees come for the beach bars.

After dark, beach nightclubs fill the air with trance and EDM, courtesy of big-name DJs. But don’t limit your beach bum lifestyle to Paradise: there’s also popular Ornos, party cove Paraga, long sandy Elia Beach, windsurfing and watersports hub Kalafatis, and Super Paradise Beach, which is popular with the LGBTQ+ crowd.

Ano Mera

Need a break from nightlife? Ano Mera’s traditional stone houses and low-key tavernas offer a glimpse of Greek village life, and it’s an easy 30-minute bus ride from Mykonos Town.

Explore the monastery Panagia Tourliani, hike to ruined Gyzi Castle on the hill above town, then settle in for gyros or grilled octopus at a taverna in Ano Mera’s main square.

Armenistis Lighthouse

A fully functioning lighthouse dating to 1891, Armenistis Lighthouse offers spectacular views of the Aegean Sea as well as insight into Mykonos’ maritime history. Built a few years after the tragic sinking of the British Volta steamship, this 19m-tall construction is now a romantic photo op on a hillside that’s spangled with wildflowers in spring. Go at sunset for the dreamiest photos.

Where to stay in Mykonos

For families

The south coast of Mykonos is ideal for families thanks to kid-friendly amenities, watersports and sheltered coves like Elia Beach. There are numerous self-catering holiday apartments and well-equipped hotels within walking distance of Ornos Beach, which lies 3km (1.9 miles) south of Mykonos Town (Chora). Popular Ornos has calm, swimmable waters overlooked by beach loungers and umbrellas (available to rent).

Other family-friendly options lie further east like Platis Gialos Beach, with its ultramarine water and sugar-soft sand, and quieter Kalafatis Beach, close to dozens of self-catering suites and hotels with pools.

For travellers on a budget

Mykonos isn’t the cheapest of the Cycladic islands, so it can be challenging for budget travellers. The biggest range of budget hotels can be found in and around Mykonos Town (Chora), which has everything from backpacker hostels to one-star and two-star hotels for very reasonable rates, all within easy reach of sandy beaches, nightclubs and the famous windmills.

For camping, head south to Paraga Beach. There are often cheap Mykonos hotel deals further east, too; try Ftelia Beach.

For food and drink

Throw a shell and you’ll hit a beachside restaurant serving Mykonian cuisine, such as fresh lobster and mackerel, grilled meats, tangy Greek salads and sweet desserts like halva and syrup-soaked pastries.

Gastronomes spending their holiday in Mykonos will appreciate the choice on offer in and around Mykonos Town, and it’s only a bus ride to hearty village cuisine in nearby Ano Mera. Plus, there are plenty of options to have a nightcap somewhere lively... provided you aren’t too full of gyros.

For nightlife

Night owls should look for accommodation within easy reach of Paradise Beach, so there isn’t far to drag your dance-weary feet after a night of partying at its famous beach clubs. Resorts near Paradise Beach don’t come cheap: studios and hotel rooms start at around £150 per night. There are shuttle buses back to Mykonos Town, which has plenty of cheaper digs and a hopping night scene all of its own.

For culture

Staying in Mykonos Town places you in prime position to experience the island’s culture and history, and neighbourhoods like Little Venice are awash in old-world atmosphere. From here, you can hop aboard a boat to the mythic Delos Island, birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, tour the Archaeological Museum, and board a bus to Ano Mera village and its nearby castle and monastery.

There’s a grand buffet of accommodation to choose from in and around Mykonos Town, from bare-bones hotels and self-catering apartments to family-friendly hotels and resorts with all the trimmings (huge pools, gourmet restaurants, childcare and more).

Mykonos holiday deals

Cheap holiday deals to Mykonos

Good to know

Flight time

3 hrs 45 mins

(from London)

Currency

Euro (€)

Language

Greek

Tips and advice

Is it safe to go to Mykonos?

Holidays in Mykonos are generally safe, with very little violent crime. For up-to-date travel advice for Greece, check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Do I need to have a visa to go to Mykonos?

No, the Cyclades are part of Greece, meaning travellers with a full British passport do not need a visa to go to Mykonos.

What vaccinations do I need to go to Mykonos?

No vaccinations are required for Greece though it’s wise to be up to date with seasonal flu, tetanus and MMR. Learn more on the NHS website.

How many days do I need in Mykonos?

A long weekend in Mykonos is enough for beach parties and sights such Little Venice and the Paraportiani Church. For watersports, sightseeing Delos and chilling in Ano Mera, book a week or more.

Are there any local customs I need to be aware of?

Be aware that local police can implement heavy fines on drunk holidaymakers. Sip with restraint!

Getting around Mykonos

Regular public buses link Mykonos Town (Chora) to popular destinations like Paradise Beach and Platis Gialos Beach (less frequently outside summer) and there are water taxis to some beaches. Car and moped rental isn’t essential but it’s easily available and well priced.