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.
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Table of Contents
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.
| AREA | BEST FOR | RECOMMENDED HOTEL | MORE HOTELS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mykonos Town & Old Port | First-time visitors, Attractions, Shopping, Variety of accommodation styles | Hotel Alkyon | More hotels in Mykonos Town |
| Little Venice | Nightlife, Restaurants, Sunsets | Absolute Mykonos Suites & More | More hotels in Little Venice |
| Ano Mera | History, Local vibe, Tradition | Olive Mykonos Villas | More hotels in Ano Mera |
| Ornos | Budget-friendly, Family-friendly, Beach lovers | Osom Resort | More hotels in Ornos |
| Platis Gialos | Family-friendly, Watersports, Restaurants | Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux | More hotels in Platis Gialos |
| Elia | Luxury, Seclusion, Honeymoon | Greco Philia Hotel Boutique Mykonos | More hotels in Elia |
| Kalo Livadi | Beach lovers, Nightlife | Mykonos Bliss | More hotels in Kalo Livadi |
| Kalafatis | Honeymoon, Seclusion, Watersports | The Wild by Interni | More hotels in Kalafatis |
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
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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!
- Top 8 Best Areas to Stay in Mykonos
- The Perfect 3 Days in Mykonos Itinerary for First Timers
- 15 Stunning Hotels in Mykonos with Private Pool
- Top 15 Most Beautiful Instagrammable Places in Mykonos
- Mykonos vs Santorini: Which Greek Island is Better?
Other Amazing Destinations in Greece: Athens | Santorini | Milos | Paros | Naxos
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