MYKONOS
CYCLADES ISLANDS
Mykonos is a beautiful island in the Cyclades, known for its iconic whitewashed buildings, golden beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. While it's famous for its lively nightlife and cosmopolitan scene, the island also offers moments of tranquillity, with charming inland villages, historic sites, and stunning coastal views. Blending traditional Greek character with modern luxury, Mykonos has something for everyone, whether you're after relaxation, culture, or a bit of both. It's the perfect place to soak up the sunshine and experience the charm of the Aegean.
A brilliant tip we got in Mykonos was to check the wind direction before picking your destination for the day. Since the strong summer winds usually blow from the north, we visited southern spots like Ornos to stay sheltered. As the weather adapts and the winds change direction, it’s more enjoyable to check out the other parts of the island.
chora
Chora, also known as Mykonos Town, is the island’s main centre and a great place to start your visit. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with whitewashed buildings, local shops, cafés, and bars, making it perfect for exploring on foot. It’s lively from morning until late at night, whether you're after a relaxed lunch, some shopping, or drinks by the sea. Don’t miss the iconic windmills or a stroll through Little Venice at sunset - one of the most scenic spots on the island.
HOW TO GET FROM THE AIRPORT
There are several convenient ways to travel between Mykonos Airport (JMK) and Mykonos Town (Chora), making it easy to reach the town from the airport.
Shared Shuttle: Around €10 per person, taking approximately 10–15 minutes.
Taxi: Around €20–€30 for up to 4 people, with a journey time of about 10 minutes.
Public Bus: €2 per adult, taking around 15 minutes (cash only).
Each option offers a practical and straightforward way to get into Mykonos Town (Chora), depending on your budget and travel preferences.
The bus you’ll need is the KTEL local bus heading to Fabrika Station in Mykonos Town. While buses may not go directly to every hotel or beach, Fabrika is centrally located, offering easy walking access to much of Chora and frequent connections to other parts of the island.
Tickets are purchased directly from the driver (cash only), and buses usually run every 30 to 60 minutes, though frequency can vary depending on the season and time of day.
HOW TO GET FROM THE PORT
When you arrive on the island of Mykonos, the New Port (Tourlos Port) is located just a short drive from Mykonos Town (Chora), the island’s main hub. If you're staying in or near Chora, the journey is quick, around 10 minutes by car. If you’re heading to other parts of the island, such as Platis Gialos, Ornos, or Paradise Beach, you'll likely need to transfer in Chora, where the main KTEL bus station offers regular routes to popular beaches and villages.
Public buses, operated by KTEL Mykonos, generally meet major ferry arrivals and offer an affordable and reliable way to get around the island. Tickets cost just a few Euros and can be purchased onboard with cash. However, schedules may vary by season and time of day, so it’s good to check ahead.
Taxis are available just outside the port’s arrival area, but they are very limited in number and often in high demand during peak season. If you prefer a more convenient or private option, it's a good idea to pre-book a transfer or shuttle in advance.
The Mykonos SeaBus (water taxi) is another option to travel between Mykonos New Port and Mykonos Old Port, for just €2 per person, this is a fast and effective way to reach Chora. Departures are every 30 minutes, and the journey takes just 10 minutes.
We arrived by ferry into Mykonos, and flew out, as it was our last stop in the Cyclades. As we chose to rent a car for our stay this included pick-up and drop-off at both the port and the airport, which made the logistics seamless. Since we had our own vehicle, we didn’t use public transport during our time on the island, having a car gave us the freedom to explore Mykonos on our own schedule and visit less accessible beaches and villages with ease.
GETTING AROUND
If you’re planning to explore beyond Mykonos Town, renting a vehicle is highly recommended. While the island does have public buses, they can be infrequent and don’t always reach some of the more secluded beaches or villages.
We rented a car during our stay, which gave us full freedom to explore at our own pace. The car was comfortable, easy to drive, and perfect for navigating both the town’s narrow streets and the scenic coastal roads. We booked our rental ahead of time online, and the pickup process at the port was smooth and hassle-free.
Visiting in May 2025, we hired from Assimomitis and paid around €40 per day for a Kia Picanto (plus fuel). The rental included pick up and drop off from the port/airport which was really convenient and saved us additional expenses. The staff were really friendly and accommodating. Having a car really enhanced our trip, letting us visit quieter beaches and charming villages off the beaten path. Highly recommended if you want to see more of Mykonos beyond the usual hotspots.
Parking can be tight in busy spots like Mykonos Town and popular beaches, but having a car still made getting around much easier, especially for carrying beach items and shopping bags. There aren’t many free parking areas in Mykonos town, and valet car parks are expensive. Although some beaches did have free parking, we did find that some only offered valet / paid parking. We found a few car parks in Mykonos town which were free and we would recommend. I have added a Google Maps pin for each location.
Firstly, directly behind the Windmills, there is a small car park with a limited number of spaces. A popular car park for those wishing to be closer to the Windmills. Spaces are first-come first-served and spaces fill up quickly, due to the size of the car park, it is also extremely tight to park here.
The two largest car parks are next to each other adjacent to the Old Port. These are also very popular, and often have people queueing for spots in the evenings and on weekends. In the evenings, most people tend to stick to the first car park, not realising the second car park next to it is also free of charge. The top car park is closest to the port and has signs leading you to the entrance. The bottom car park is just past the first entrance, and follow the road around to the second car park. Both are completely free and first-come first-served. We found the bottom car park much quieter, and both were just a short 10 minute walk from the main town of Chora.
Also, important to note, there are free toilets in the Port, adjacent to the top car park - these were the only free toilets we found in Mykonos, with all others costing between €1-€2 to use.
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at the Regency Villa: Sunset Suites, which we booked through Airbnb, and it was everything we could have asked for and more. This newly renovated luxury accommodation is situated just a short drive from central Mykonos, within a small, private complex of only six suites, offering a peaceful and exclusive atmosphere.
Our suite featured a private patio and hot tub, with access to a shared outdoor pool and gym. One of the standout features was the daily three-course breakfast, freshly prepared by a private chef, and tailored to any dietary requirements. While the location is a bit outside of town (<10 minute drive), we highly recommend having a car or moped to get around. Fortunately, free on-site parking made this very convenient.
The service was truly 5-star from start to finish, and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again if I return to Mykonos. Highly recommended!
Other popular areas to stay while visiting Mykonos include:
Chora - The island’s lively main town, perfect for first-timers. Known for narrow cobbled streets, iconic windmills, and buzzing nightlife. Full of boutique hotels, upscale shops, cocktail bars, and restaurants. A small beach lines the waterfront. Easy to get around with buses and taxis.
Ornos - A laid-back beach resort just 10 minutes from Mykonos Town. Easy beach access and calm, shallow waters make it ideal for swimming and paddleboarding - a popular spot for families. A great mix of beach clubs, tavernas, and convenient transport links makes it a firm favourite.
Platis Gialos - A lively beach area with plenty of hotels and tavernas lining the waterfront. It’s the perfect base for those who want sun, sea, and easy access to other southern beaches. Water taxis regularly run from Platis Gialos to popular spots like Paraga, Paradise, and Elia. There’s also reliable public transport connecting you to Mykonos Town, making it easy to explore both beach and town life.
Ano Mera - A traditional village set inland from the beaches. Ano Mera offers a genuine local atmosphere, with tavernas and the stunning Panagia Tourliani Monastery. Perfect for travellers seeking peace away from the busy crowds, yet just a short drive from the island’s main attractions.
FOOD AND DRINK
Rhino Vegan Beat - Located in Mykonos Town is a vibrant vegan eatery offering delicious plant-based street food. I particularly enjoyed the White Rhino Salad (lettuce, grilled mushrooms, tomatoes, white rhino sauce, nuts, parmesan, chips) and the Chick n Fitty souvlaki wrap (chicken-style tofu nuggets, white rhino sauce, lettuce, tomato, potatoes). Their Frappe Iced Coffee was also delicious. We enjoyed it so much we returned a second time. A fantastic spot that appeals to both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Tokyo Joe - Tucked away in Mykonos Town, Tokyo Joe serves up fresh, flavourful Asian fusion with a focus on sushi, poke bowls, and stir-fried dishes. I especially enjoyed the Pineapple Fried Rice – a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. Service was quick, making it a great spot for a casual, satisfying meal. If you're planning to go for dinner, book ahead as it's a popular spot and gets busy.
Pasta Fresca Barkia - Nestled in Mykonos Town, this family-run Italian restaurant has been serving up authentic flavours since 1978. Known for its handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas, it offers a cosy atmosphere and attentive service, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times.
Mikel The Coffee Company - A popular spot in Mykonos Town for great coffee and tasty snacks. Known for its frappes and cappuccinos, it has a cosy outdoor patio perfect for relaxing and people-watching. Friendly service and fair prices make it a go-to café for both locals and visitors. The iced vanilla latte with almond milk was a personal favourite, and the perfect treat after a hot day at the beach.
Platis Bakery - A cosy spot in Platys Gialos offering delicious Greek pastries, savoury snacks, and great coffee. Open early and late, it’s perfect for a quick bite or relaxing break while exploring the area. Their freezer full of mini ice creams was also a great addition.
THINGS TO DO / DAY TRIPS
Windmills - One of the island’s most recognisable landmarks. Set on a small hill overlooking Chora and the sea, the windmills were once used to grind grain and are now a popular spot for photos, especially at sunset. It’s a short walk from the centre of town, and the views from the top are well worth it.
Little Venice - One of the most picturesque corners of Mykonos Town, where colourful buildings with wooden balconies sit right on the edge of the sea. It’s a great spot for a drink or dinner with a view, especially as the sun sets over the water. The waves sometimes splash up onto the walkways, adding to the charm. Keep in mind this area gets very loud on a Saturday night due to the bars lining the waterfront.
Ornos - Just a short drive from Mykonos Town, Ornos is a sheltered bay with soft sand and calm, shallow waters – ideal for families. Lined with sunbeds, stylish restaurants, and cafés, it has a lively but relaxed feel. Its easy access and full facilities make it a popular choice for a laid-back beach day. We chose to walk along the beach and followed the rocks around the bend, where we found a secluded spot away from the crowds – a peaceful place to relax, far from the beach bars and noise.
Platys Gialos - A popular beach on the south coast of Mykonos, known for its golden sand and clear, shallow waters. It’s lined with beachfront hotels, sunbeds, and relaxed tavernas, perfect for a full day by the sea. The beach has a laid-back feel but still offers everything you need, including water sports and boat taxis to nearby beaches like Paraga and Elia. The nearby town had a variety of places to eat, including Souvlaki Mykonos, and Platis Bakery which also served a selection of mini ice creams.
Kalo Livadi - A peaceful beach on Mykonos’ southeast coast, known for its soft sand, clear waters, and laid-back vibe. With a few chic beach clubs and tavernas, it’s perfect for a relaxed day by the sea, away from the crowds.
Agia Anna Beach - A small, tranquil spot near Paraga, ideal for a quiet escape. With clear waters, a relaxed vibe, and a couple of tavernas, it’s perfect for a peaceful swim and a laid-back lunch by the sea.
Panormos Bay - A stylish yet relaxed beach on Mykonos’ north coast, blending natural beauty with a chic vibe. Calm waters, soft sand, and trendy beach clubs make it a great spot to unwind in a more laid-back, upscale setting.
KEEP READING TO EXPLORE MY PHOTOS, ALONG WITH MY HIGHLIGHTS, AND TOP TIPS FOR VISITING MYKONOS.
KEEP READING TO EXPLORE MY PHOTOS, ALONG WITH MY HIGHLIGHTS, AND TOP TIPS FOR VISITING MYKONOS.
MY HIGHLIGHTS + TOP TIPS:
Depending on your preferred pace, 3 to 4 days is the ideal amount of time to experience the best of Mykonos without feeling rushed.
If you are able to, visit Chora on a weekday when it is less busy, so you can enjoy the narrow streets with less people.
Watching the sunset over the waterfront, as the sun reflects off of the buildings in Little Venice.
Hiring a car / other means of transport - this helped us get around the island with ease.
If you're visiting Tokyo Joe, watch your step when entering the restaurant, especially after dark. There are stepping stones over water that blend in a little too well at night…I ended up taking an unexpected dip (along with many others, apparently). A hilarious memory in hindsight, but definitely a bit of a hazard - so tread carefully!
If you need to top up on essentials, head to the local supermarket Masoutis, they offer great prices not just on food but also on sunscreen, toiletries, and more.
Currency: Euro (€)
Plug Sockets: Type F
Drive: Right-hand side of the road.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory by law when riding a quad bike or moped.
Visiting during the shoulder season (April–May or September–October) offers the perfect balance of milder weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.