Where to Stay in Mykonos: 6 Best Areas & Hotels

Mykonos may be a small island, but figuring out where to stay in Mykonos is a big decision. Each area has its own vibe, from the lively streets of Mykonos Town to the laid-back beaches of Agios Ioannis.

Choosing the right spot can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, letting you focus on the amazing views, beaches, and experiences the island has to offer.

This guide covers the best areas to stay in Mykonos, breaking down the highlights, drawbacks, and who each area is perfect for. Whether you’re here for the nightlife, the beaches, or just to relax, you’ll find the perfect place to stay right here.

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Overview of Where to Stay in Mykonos

Mykonos is a small island with a big personality, and each area offers something unique. Picking the right base is important, as the island’s layout means that some spots are better suited for nightlife, while others are perfect for quiet relaxation.

If you love the buzz of restaurants, bars, and shops, Mykonos Town (Chora) is the center of it all. Agios Ioannis and Ornos are both fantastic options for families or anyone looking for a more relaxed vibe by the beach.

For luxury and high-end beach clubs, Psarou is the ultimate hotspot, while Platis Gialos offers a lively beachfront atmosphere. If you prefer quieter surroundings, Agios Stefanos and Tourlos give you easy access to the New Port and plenty of tranquility.

If you don’t have time to read through the full guide, here’s a quick list of the best areas to stay in Mykonos with their key highlights.

Area	Recommended Hotel
Mykonos Town (Chora) (vibrant nightlife, dining, boutique shops, central location)	Mykonos Bay Resort & Villas
Agios Ioannis (tranquil, scenic views, luxury resorts, family-friendly)	Manoula’s Beach Mykonos Resort
Ornos (family-friendly, great beach, relaxed atmosphere)	Mykonos Ammos Hotel
Platis Gialos (beachfront resorts, water sports, lively atmosphere)	Nissaki Boutique Hotel
Psarou (luxury, high-end beach clubs, celebrity hotspot)	Colours of Mykonos Luxury Residences & Suites
Agios Stefanos & Tourlos (quiet, family-friendly, close to the New Port)	Alkistis Beach Hotel

Map of the Best Areas to Stay in Mykonos

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the best areas to stay in Mykonos, including our recommended hotels for each area.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Where to Stay in Mykonos: Best Areas & Hotels

1. Mykonos Town (Chora)

Mykonos Town, or Chora, is the heart of the island and the best place to stay in Mykonos if you want to be in the middle of all the action. The town’s picturesque, whitewashed streets are packed with boutique shops, trendy cafes, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

It’s also home to some of the island’s most famous landmarks and the best Instagram spots in Mykonos, like the Windmills of Mykonos and Little Venice, where you can enjoy stunning sunset views by the water.

This area is perfect for you if you love having everything at your fingertips – restaurants, bars, and iconic sights are all within walking distance.

Staying here also gives you a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious cave-style hotels to budget-friendly options, making it accessible for travelers on different budgets. Plus, it’s a convenient base to catch buses to explore other parts of the island.

On the downside, Mykonos Town can get crowded, especially in peak season. It’s also not the best location for beaches. Although it has a small free beach nearby, it isn’t very picturesque so you’ll need to travel to enjoy Mykonos’ famous sandy shores. Parking can also be a challenge if you’re renting a car.

2. Agios Ioannis

Agios Ioannis is a tranquil and picturesque area on the southwest coast of Mykonos, perfect if you’re looking for a quieter stay with stunning views.

This area is home to some of the island’s most luxurious resorts and villas, many of which offer incredible views of the Aegean Sea and nearby Delos Island. The beach here is small and peaceful, ideal for families or anyone who wants to relax away from the crowds.

This is one of the best areas to stay in Mykonos if you’re looking for a mix of relaxation and convenience. It’s close enough to Mykonos Town to make day trips easy, but far enough to enjoy a serene atmosphere.

The local tavernas and restaurants are known for their charm and quality, offering a more laid-back dining experience.

However, Agios Ioannis doesn’t have as many dining or nightlife options as livelier areas like Mykonos Town. While the beach is beautiful, it’s smaller than some of the island’s other options, so it might not suit you if you’re looking for long stretches of sand or watersports.

3. Ornos

Ornos is a family-friendly and lively beachside area located just a short drive from Mykonos Town. It’s one of the island’s most popular spots, thanks to its stunning beach with calm, shallow waters and a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and beach bars right along the shoreline.

If you’re looking for a convenient and vibrant place to stay, Ornos ticks a lot of boxes. The beach here is perfect for families, with its safe swimming conditions and plenty of amenities.

Ornos is also a great spot for couples or groups of friends who want a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of dining options. Its location is another big perk – it’s close to the airport and has excellent bus connections to Mykonos Town, making it easy to get around.

The town offers a good mix of accommodations, from boutique hotels to luxury stays, making it suitable for various budgets.

On the downside, Ornos can feel a little too crowded during peak season, especially around the beach area. While it’s close to Mykonos Town, it doesn’t have the same level of nightlife, so you may need to head into town for a livelier evening.

4. Platis Gialos

Platis Gialos is a lively beachfront area that’s perfect if you want easy access to some of Mykonos’ most beautiful beaches. This area is known for its wide sandy shore, clear waters, and an excellent range of beachfront resorts and restaurants.

It’s a fantastic spot for anyone who loves being close to the sea and enjoys a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of dining and entertainment options.

One of the highlights of staying in Platis Gialos is its convenient location. From here, you can hop on water taxis to visit other popular beaches like Paraga, Paradise, and Super Paradise.

It’s also a short drive or bus ride to Mykonos Town, giving you the best of both worlds – beachfront relaxation during the day and the option to experience the town’s nightlife in the evening.

While Platis Gialos is ideal for beach lovers, it may feel a bit too lively if you’re seeking a quiet retreat. The area is less focused on luxury compared to places like Psarou, but it still offers plenty of stylish options for accommodations and dining.

5. Psarou

Psarou is the ultimate destination for luxury travelers and beach club enthusiasts. This high-end area is known for its exclusive vibe, crystal-clear waters, and one of the island’s most famous beach clubs, Nammos, which attracts celebrities and jet-setters from around the world.

Psarou’s beach is stunning, offering soft sand and calm waters, making it perfect for sunbathing and relaxation.

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay with a vibrant social scene, Psarou is the place to be. The area is home to upscale accommodations, including some of Mykonos’ most luxurious hotels and villas.

It’s also well-connected to other parts of the island, so you can easily head to Mykonos Town or explore nearby beaches.

That said, Psarou isn’t for everyone. The area’s exclusivity comes with higher price tags, and it’s not the best option if you’re on a budget. The beach can also get quite crowded during peak season, especially with its popularity among visitors and day-trippers.

6. Agios Stefanos & Tourlos

Agios Stefanos and Tourlos are ideal if you’re looking for a quiet and convenient base in Mykonos. These areas are located close to the New Port, making them perfect for anyone arriving by ferry or planning day trips to nearby islands.

Agios Stefanos is known for its peaceful beach, which is great for families and those who prefer a relaxed vibe. Tourlos, on the other hand, is more practical, offering easy access to transportation and a few local dining spots.

Staying in these areas gives you a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of busier spots like Mykonos Town, while still being within a short drive or bus ride of the island’s main attractions.

Agios Stefanos Beach is small but charming, with calm waters ideal for swimming. Tourlos is less about the beach and more about convenience, especially if you’re hopping on ferries or boats.

While these areas are great for a quieter stay, they don’t have the same level of nightlife or dining options as places like Ornos or Mykonos Town. If you’re seeking a vibrant social scene, you may find these areas a bit too laid-back.