Greece
Mykonos
Mykonos is the Aegean at its most exuberant: a cubist tumble of whitewashed lanes, bougainvillea and windmills that transforms, come evening, into the Mediterranean's most glamorous party. Yachts stack the old harbour, beach clubs pulse until dawn, and the people-watching is a competitive sport.
Yet the island rewards those who look past the spectacle. Out-of-season Mykonos is a place of quiet coves, sunset tavernas and the sacred ruins of Delos gleaming offshore. Its luxury hotels — low-slung, bohemian-chic, sea-facing — are among Greece's finest, whichever version of the island you come for.
Best areas to stay
Mykonos Town (Chora)
The island's photogenic heart, with Little Venice's waterfront bars, boutique shopping and nightlife on the doorstep.
Psarou & Platis Gialos
The southern beach strip of celebrated beach clubs and glamorous seafront hotels, the island's see-and-be-seen shoreline.
Agios Ioannis & the West Coast
Quieter bays with sunset views toward Delos suit couples seeking calm within easy reach of the action.
Dining & nightlife
Mykonos dines glamorously, from waterfront seafood tavernas to international fine-dining outposts and beach clubs where lunch dissolves into dancing. Little Venice's cocktail bars own the sunset hour. Book the marquee beach clubs and restaurants well ahead in season.
Travelling as a family
Families fare best in early summer or September, based at resort hotels on calmer southern beaches like Ornos and Platis Gialos. The ferry hop to Delos makes a manageable and memorable cultural outing with older children.
Travelling as a couple
For couples, Mykonos balances hedonism and romance: a sea-view suite above a quiet bay, sunset champagne in Little Venice, a private catamaran day around the island's coves. September's softer pace is especially suited to honeymoons.
Cultural highlights
- The sacred island of Delos, a short boat ride away
- The Kato Mili windmills above the harbour
- Little Venice's balconied waterfront
- Panagia Paraportiani, the island's iconic whitewashed church
The Browntravels Edit
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