Top 8 Best Areas to Stay in Mykonos

One of the most beautiful islands in Greece and the whole of Europe, Mykonos is synonymous with windmills, beaches, sunsets, and delicious Greek food. The island is packed with gorgeous sights and activities to fill your days and you’ll have plenty of things to do.

But the first question that you need to address is exactly where to stay in Mykonos? Especially if this is your first trip then choosing the best place to stay in Mykonos can feel overwhelming. Once you’ve found your ideal town and booked the perfect hotel, you can start to plan the rest of your Mykonos itinerary

Mykonos is known as a party island but it’s equally popular with honeymooners, families, and budget travelers. To help you find your feet, this post collates all of the best areas to stay in Mykonos with pros and cons for each location and my personal recommendations on which hotels to check out.

*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 member of the Cycladic islands in the Aegean Sea. Situated around 153 km (95 miles) from Athens, Mykonos measures 85.5 square kilometers (33 square miles).

The western half of the island is more populated with towns, villages, and hotels. Over on the east, choices are more limited but you will find villas and self-catered accommodations dotted around the more remote beaches.

Before we dive into the complete guide, here is an overview of the best areas to stay in Mykonos with hotel recommendations for each town or village.

AreaRecommended Hotels
Mykonos Town & Old Port (first-time visitors, attractions, shopping)Riva Suites
Little Venice (nightlife, restaurants, sunsets)Absolute Mykonos Suites & More
Ano Mera (history, local vibe, tradition)Olive Mykonos Villas
Ornos (budget-friendly, family-friendly, beach lovers)Osom Resort
Platis Gialos (family-friendly, watersports, restaurants)Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux
Elia (luxury, honeymoon)Greco Philia Hotel Boutique Mykonos
Kalo Livadi (beach lovers, nightlife)Mykonos Bliss
Kalafatis (honeymoon, watersports)The Wild by Interni

Best Areas to Stay in Mykonos

If you’re looking for more in-depth information about where to stay in Mykonos then this section is for you. The following guide contains my recommendations in terms of area and hotel as well as the pros and cons for each district. Now let’s go ahead and find the best place to stay in Mykonos for you.

1. Mykonos Town (Chora) & Old Port – Best place to stay in Mykonos for first time visitors

Mykonos Town is the beating heart of the island. It’s situated on the western coast and encompasses the major town and the Old Port of Mykonos.

If you’re visiting the island to ogle the iconic windmills and stroll around whitewashed buildings that rival those of Santorini then this is the best part of Mykonos to stay. This is where you will find the majority of the most instagrammable places in Mykonos, as well as numerous cute cafes and restaurants.

Situated a short drive from both the New Port and Mykonos Airport, you will not have far to transfer to your hotel. In terms of accommodation, there is an abundance of options to choose from that cater to all budgets and desires.

Choose to stay in a luxurious cave-style hotel or choose from some of the best hotels in Mykonos with private pools. And if you’re traveling on a tighter budget, you’ll also find many budget-friendly options as well.

In terms of what there is to see and do, Old Town is one of the best areas to stay in Mykonos for sightseeing. This is where you can meander down the postcard-pretty Matoyianni Street and watch dreamy sunsets over the windmills.

Pros and cons of staying in Mykonos Old Town

PROS

  • Great choice of luxury and budget-friendly accommodation
  • Equally convenient for arranging ferries and flights to the island and hopping on buses to visit beaches and villages further afield

CONS

  • The entire town can get very congested, especially during the peak summer season
  • Mykonos Town is not the best location for beaches so you will need to travel to access the sand 

Best places to stay in Mykonos Town & Old Port

Cavo Tagoo Mykonos
Photo credit: Cavo Tagoo Mykonos

LUXURY – Cavo Tagoo Mykonos

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxurious vacation in Mykonos, look no further than Cavo Tagoo Mykonos. This stunning property is located in close proximity to Mykonos Town and features an infinity pool and sea-view rooms.

Hotel Alkyon
Photo credit: Hotel Alkyon

MID-RANGE – Hotel Alkyon

Featuring an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the sea, Hotel Alkyon is located only a 10-minute walk from Mykonos Town. There is also a pool bar on-site and guests can enjoy the views from the spacious rooms with balconies.

Island Mykonos Suites
Photo credit: Island Mykonos Suites

BUDGET – Island Mykonos Suites

Island Mykonos Suites offers accommodation with a garden and air-conditioned rooms. It’s located close to Mykonos Town but the area is quiet enough to relax.

2. Little Venice – Best place to stay in Mykonos for nightlife

Little Venice, Mykonos

Little Venice is in fact a neighborhood within Mykonos Town. However, it deserves a special mention for any party lovers out there: vibrant Little Venice is the best part of Mykonos to stay for the nightlife. 

The seafront area just south of the Old Port is lined with all kinds of bars and nightclubs where you can let your hair down and dance until dawn, with many clubs remaining open until 5.30 am.

If you are looking for something more relaxed then you will also find a solid selection of ambient wine bars and cocktail lounges. Besides the bars and clubs, Little Venice is also a terrific area to indulge in a special meal and catch a magical sunset behind those oscillating windmills. 

While Little Venice deserves a spot on any Mykonos itinerary, I do not recommend this as the best location to stay in Mykonos if you prioritize your shut-eye over late nights!

Pros and cons of staying in Little Venice

PROS

  • Strong potential for nightlife and dining out  
  • One of the best areas to stay in Mykonos for sunsets

CONS

  • Noisy and the bars fill up quickly during the peak summer season
  • The combined cost of accommodation and entertainment is expensive 

Best places to stay in Little Venice

Bluetopia Suites
Photo credit: Bluetopia Suites via Booking.com

LUXURY – Bluetopia Suites

Located in the picturesque Little Venice, only a 6-minute walk from the beach, Bluetopia Suites is the perfect choice if you love waking up to stunning views. Each room is air-conditioned and equipped with a private bathroom.

Little Venice Suites
Photo credit: Little Venice Suites via Booking.com

MID-RANGE – Little Venice Suites

If you’re traveling without kids, this adults-only hotel is a perfect choice. Situated only a 2-minute walk from the beach, most units at the property feature a spa bath or an outdoor hot tub overlooking the iconic windmills and the sea.

Marietta's
Photo credit: Marietta’s via Booking.com

BUDGET – Marietta’s

Offering exceptional hospitality and clean rooms, Marietta’s apartments are located only 50 meters from the famous windmills. Guests can enjoy the sunset from the sun terrace and most units also overlook the sea.

3. Ano Mera – Best place to stay in Mykonos for experiencing local life and traditional culture

Ano Mera, Mykonos

Ano Mera stands out as unlike the rest of the locations on this list, the town is situated inland rather than along the coastline. Situated pretty centrally on the island, Ano Mera is a 15-minute drive from the airport and 20 minutes from Mykonos Town.

The town is a tumble of traditional stone buildings comprising tavernas, cafes, and shops. If you are looking to sink your teeth into Greek tradition then you can pay a visit to the Panagia Tourliani and Paleokastro monasteries which are each accessible on foot from the town. 

This is the best part of Mykonos to stay if you are not fussed to be within easy walking distance of the beaches and party areas but would rather immerse yourself in traditional Greek heritage and observe the local culture.

Another plus is that besides the occasional day-tripper passing through, not many tourists choose to stay in Ano Mera. 

Pros and cons of staying in Ano Mera

PROS

  • Quiet and peaceful with few other tourists to contend with even during busier months 
  • This small town is packed with history and stunning architecture as well as conveniences

CONS

  • Beaches are not accessible without transportation 
  • A limited supply of accommodation options 

Best places to stay in Ano Mera

Koukoumi Vegan Boutique Hotel
Photo credit: Koukoumi Vegan Boutique Hotel via Booking.com

LUXURY – Koukoumi Vegan Boutique Hotel

Koukoumi Hotel features a restaurant, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center in Ano Mera. The accommodation offers a bar, 24-hour front desk, and room service for guests.

Olive Mykonos Villas
Photo credit: Olive Mykonos Villas via Booking.com

MID-RANGE – Olive Mykonos Villas

Boasting an outdoor pool, Olive Mykonos Villas in Ano Mera features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. Fitted with a patio, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer.

Hotel Anatolia
Photo credit: Hotel Anatolia via Booking.com

BUDGET – Hotel Anatolia

Located in the village of Ano Mera in Mykonos, Hotel Anatolia is 2 km from the sandy beaches of Elia and Kalafatis. It features a fitness center with a hot tub and rooms with a furnished balcony overlooking the swimming pool and gardens.

4. Ornos – Best place to stay in Mykonos for budget travelers

Ornos Beach, Mykonos

Ornos is located in the southwest of the island on an isthmus between two wonderful beaches. To the north, you have ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The southern beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. 

Ornos offers a mixture of luxury and more affordable accommodations, by Mykonos standards of course! Look beyond the beach to find the most budget-friendly hotels in one of the best locations to stay in Mykonos on a budget.

Another perk of booking a place to stay in Ornos is that you’re a 10-minute drive from the airport and there is a reliable bus service to and from Mykonos Town.

You can also hop on a ferry to visit the archaeological site of Delos from here rather than schlepping up to New Port and relying on water taxis to visit other beaches on the southern coast. 

Owing to the safe conditions and shallow waters of Ornos Beach and family-friendly accommodations, Ornos is another strong contender for the best places to stay in Mykonos for families.

Pros and cons of staying in Ornos

PROS

  • There is a spread of accommodations to suit all budgets and travel styles 
  • A top choice for families with younger children 

CONS

  • Ornos Beach is extremely popular and is prone to crowding 
  • Lots of children which does not suit travelers seeking a quieter spot

Best places to stay in Ornos

Mykonos Ammos Hotel
Photo credit: Mykonos Ammos Hotel via Booking.com

LUXURY – Mykonos Ammos Hotel

Situated right on the sandy Ornos Beach, Mykonos Ammos Hotels – Small Luxury Hotels of the World is one of the top choices when it comes to luxury hotels in Ornos. The property offers stylishly decorated rooms and also has an outdoor pool and a wellness and beauty center.

Deliades Hotel
Photo credit: Deliades Hotel via Booking.com

MID-RANGE – Deliades Hotel

Overlooking Ornos Bay, Deliades Hotel features large rooms with free WiFi, a swimming pool with hydromassage, and a poolside restaurant. The Cycladic complex is only 50 m from the beach.

Navy Blue Suites
Photo credit: Navy Blue Suites via Booking.com

BUDGET – Navy Blue Suites

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Ornos, you have to check out Navy Blue Suites. Featuring a large pool with a sun terrace overlooking Korfos Bay, the property offers studios and apartments in different sizes.

5. Platis Gialos – Best place to stay in Mykonos for family-friendly vacations

Platis Gialos Beach, Mykonos

Occupying a sheltered cove in the southwest of the island, Platys Gialos is the next major resort town from Ornos and is one of the best places to stay in Mykonos for traveling families.

The beaches in the area are protected by the cliffs and offer tranquil swimming conditions that are suitable for younger children. 

The town is well prepared for an influx of holidaymakers with plenty of restaurants to choose from as well as facilities and shops. If you are seeking somewhere to practice watersports such as paddle boarding, jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing then this is a fantastic match.

Platys Gialos is only a 10-minute drive from the airport and well connected in terms of public transport to Mykonos Town and other villages and beaches. 

Pros and cons of staying in Platis Gialos

PROS

  • Safe swimming conditions and heaps of watersports on offer 
  • Excellent amenities in terms of shops and transport to other nearby beaches

CONS

  • It feels more touristic than other towns
  • The main beach gets very crowded during summer and most of it is taken up by sun loungers that you’ll need to pay for

Best places to stay in Platis Gialos

Nissaki Boutique Hotel
Photo credit: Nissaki Boutique Hotel via Booking.com

LUXURY – Nissaki Boutique Hotel

Built with an exceptional view over Psarou Beach, Nissaki Boutique Hotel enjoys an ideal location on the island of Mykonos. It overlooks the blue Aegean Sea and is within a short stroll from sandy Platis Gialos beach.

Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux
Photo credit: Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux via Booking.com

MID-RANGE – Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux

Overlooking the popular beach of Platis Gialos, the Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux provides excellent spa and wellness facilities, and a huge outdoor swimming area. The stylish rooms at the Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux have Aegean-Sea views.

Art Hotel Pelican Bay
Photo credit: Art Hotel Pelican Bay via Booking.com

BUDGET – Art Hotel Pelican Bay

Inspired by the beauty of the Cyclades’ landscape, Art Hotel Pelican Bay offers elegant accommodation with an outdoor pool. All rooms are soundproofed and have a balcony or terrace with a left-side sea view.

6. Elia – Best place to stay in Mykonos for luxury and seclusion

Elia Beach, Mykonos

As one of the liveliest and most happening islands in Greece, you might wonder where to stay in Mykonos if you want to escape the crowds? Elia is a small beach town situated on the south-central coast of the island.

Ano Mera is a 10-minute drive away while Mykonos Town is 30 minutes by car.

If you want to beach hop to nearby spots such as Super Paradise Beach or Ornos then bear in mind that there aren’t any roads linking the towns so you’ll need to drive or take the bus inland or take the water taxi. Buses and water taxis are available to connect you to other parts of the island.

Elia Beach is one of the longest beaches on the island and features soft sand and pleasant swimming conditions. There is a designated nudist area at the western end of the beach if you’re after an even tan!

Elia is equipped with immaculate hotels that make it one of the best areas to stay in Mykonos for couples and honeymooners seeking privacy. Besides sunbathing, swimming, and watersports, you can spend your time luxuriating in your resort.

Essentially, Elia is the place to stay if you are seeking a getaway. 

Pros and cons of staying in Elia

PROS

  • Secluded yet well connected via public transport when you want to explore
  • Pristine luxury hotels will make you feel like a superstar 

CONS

  • Very few amenities, shops, and restaurants locally
  • Renting a sunbed on Elia Beach is expensive compared to other beaches 

Best places to stay in Elia

Myconian Utopia Relais & Chateaux
Photo credit: Myconian Utopia Relais & Chateaux via Booking.com

LUXURY – Myconian Utopia Relais & Chateaux

Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, the traditionally built Myconian Utopia Relais & Chateaux is located on a hill, just 100 m from Elia Beach. It features tastefully decorated accommodation with Aegean Sea views and free WiFi.

Arte & Mare Elia Luxury Suites & Vllas
Photo credit: Arte & Mare Elia Luxury Suites & Villas via Booking.com

MID-RANGE – Arte & Mare Elia Luxury Suites & Villas

The beachfront Arte & Mare Elia Luxury Suites & Villas boast luxurious suites with pool or Aegean Sea views and a tasty breakfast served by the sea. The elegant suites offer beautiful views, either of the complex pool or the Elia beach and the Aegean Sea.

Cova Mykonos Suites
Photo credit: Cova Mykonos Suites via Booking.com

BUDGET – Cova Mykonos Suites

This stunning aparthotel offers budget-friendly accommodation only 250 meters from Elia Beach. Besides air-conditioned rooms and continental breakfast, the property also has a seasonal outdoor pool.

7. Kalo Livadi – Best place to stay in Mykonos for beach lovers

Kalo Livadi, Mykonos

Sandwiched between Elia and Kalafatis, Kalo Livadi is another more remote beach town situated a 5-minute drive southeast of Ano Mera.

The long and sandy beach is one of the nicest on the island which makes Kalo Livadi one of the best locations to stay in Mykonos for beach lovers.

Remote doesn’t mean quiet in the case of Kalo Livadi! The resort has a fairly buoyant nightlife that is second only to the bars and clubs you will find in Little Venice and Mykonos Town.

That being said, the bars do not stay open as late as those in the main town so you’ll still manage to get your beauty sleep. 

Pros and cons of staying in Kalo Livadi

PROS

  • Excellent beach and swimming conditions 
  • There is an ample selection of adult-only hotels to choose from

CONS

  • Beach can feel overwhelmed with visitors due to the popularity of the beach bars 
  • There are no water taxis which means relying on buses or hiring a car to get around 

Best places to stay in Kalo Livadi

Nomad Mykonos
Photo credit: Nomad Mykonos via Booking.com

LUXURY – Nomad Mykonos

Set in Kalo Livadi, 2.9 km from Lia Beach, Nomad Mykonos offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. With a bar, the 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom.

Mykonos Bliss - Cozy Suites, Adults Only Hotel
Photo credit: Mykonos Bliss via Booking.com

MID-RANGE – Mykonos Bliss

Mykonos Bliss – Cozy Suites, Adults Only Hotel provides stylish, sea-view accommodation in Kalo Livadi. The property has a bar, as well as a restaurant serving Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel features an outdoor, infinity swimming pool and free WiFi.

The Summit of Mykonos
Photo credit: The Summit of Mykonos via Booking.com

BUDGET – The Summit of Mykonos

Boasting a garden, and a terrace, The Summit of Mykonos offers great value for the price. All units are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms, while the Presidential Suite also features an outdoor hot tub.

8. Kalafatis – Best place to stay in Mykonos for seclusion and honeymoons

Kalafatis, Mykonos

So where is the best place to stay in Mykonos if you want to escape the parties and indulge in a romantic getaway or honeymoon? Kalafatis is situated on the southeast coast in the next cove along from Kalo Livadi and around 10 minutes by car from Ano Mera. 

Kalafatis Beach is another one of the longest beaches on the island. It’s a mix of sand and small pebbles and more of a watersports base and it doesn’t attract large volumes of crowds. There is a scattering of restaurants around the beach where you can enjoy a windswept meal.

The region is blessed with some of the most tranquil boutique and luxury hotels on the island making it the best location to stay in Mykonos for honeymooners or travelers seeking serenity in paradise. 

Pros and cons of staying in Kalafatis

PROS

  • Ideal conditions for sailing and windsurfing
  • The best area to stay in Mykonos if you want to book scuba diving excursions to local dive sites and shipwrecks
  • Low key with a laid-back vibe yet the nearby hotels are very swanky

CONS

  • A limited supply of restaurants and amenities 
  • Of all the places specified, Kalafatis is the furthest from Mykonos Town

Best places to stay in Kalafatis

The Wild by Interni
Photo credit: The Wild by Interni via Booking.com

LUXURY – The Wild by Interni

Offering a private beach and a spa center, this hotel is built on a cliff over Kalafatis Beach. Built with respect to the traditional, local architecture yet enriched with modern elements, the property offers an outdoor pool with views over the Aegean Sea, while each unit is fitted with handmade floors and design furnishings.

Myconian Crown Suites
Photo credit: Myconian Crown Suites via Booking.com

MID-RANGE – Myconian Crown Suites

This property is a 5-minute walk from the beach. Providing free WiFi, a sun terrace with a swimming pool, a garden, and a bar, Myconian Crown Suites is located in Kalafatis. A hot tub and a car rental service are available for guests.

M-Vibes Luxury Suites Mykonos
Photo credit: M-Vibes Luxury Suites Mykonos via Booking.com

BUDGET – M-Vibes Luxury Suites Mykonos

Located in Kalafatis, M-Vibes Luxury Suites Mykonos provides free WiFi, and guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a shared lounge. A terrace can be found at the aparthotel, along with a garden. Lia Beach is 2 km from M-Vibes Luxury Suites Mykonos.


Planning a trip to Mykonos?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Mykonos. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

Other Amazing Destinations in Greece: Athens | Santorini | Milos | Paros | Naxos


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