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Mykonos

Mykonos is the great glamour island of Greece and flaunts its sizzling St-Tropez-meets-Ibiza style and party-hard reputation. The high-season mix of hedonistic holidaymakers, cruise-ship crowds, buff gay men and posturing fashionistas throngs Mykonos Town (aka Hora), a gorgeous whitewashed Cycladic maze, delighting in its cubist charms and its chichi cafe-bar-boutique scene.

The island is maxed out with cashed-up (or spendthrift) visitors, hip hotels, beach bars and restaurants. There are a few provisos about visiting here. Come only if you are prepared to pay. And are intent on jostling with street crowds. And sitting bum cheek to cheek with oiled-up loungers at the packed main beaches. Oh, and partying relentlessly. Out of season, devoid of gloss and preening celebrities, Hora basically closes, with nothing but the occasional person and pelican wandering the empty streets.

Mykonos is the jumping-off point for the archaeological site of the nearby island of Delos.

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Mykonos.

  • Beach

    Elia

    This beautiful stretch of golden sand has craggy cliffs on either side and an excellent waterfront restaurant. It's backed by some large resorts and,…

  • Beach

    Agios Sostis

    This gorgeous, wide strip of golden sand receives far fewer visitors than the south coast. There's no shade and only limited parking but there's a popular…

  • Museum

    Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

    A headless, almost limbless 2nd-century BC statue of Hercules in Parian marble is the highlight of this small, well-presented collection. Otherwise it's…

  • Beach

    Paradise

    Clear waters and golden sands make this one of the island's most famous beaches. It's completely lined with noisy beach bars and rows of umbrellas, but…

  • Beach

    Super Paradise

    Flashy, trashy and great for people-watching – Super Paradise is Mykonos' most popular gay-friendly beach. The action is split between the glitzy JackieO'…

  • Church

    Panagia Paraportiani

    Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, Mykonos’ most famous church comprises four small chapels – plus another on an upper storey reached by an…

  • Monastery

    Tourliani Monastery

    Located in the centre of Ano Mera, the island's other main settlement, this castle-like monastery (founded in 1537 but rebuilt in 1767) has a gorgeous…

  • Beach

    Paraga

    This beautiful crescent-shaped cove became popular in the hippy era and is still known for its beach parties. There's a good selection of tavernas, plus a…

  • Beach

    Megali Ammos

    The best beach within easy walking distance of the centre of town, Megali Ammos has a couple of upmarket resorts and an excellent taverna right on the…

  • Beach

    Kapari

    Scooped out of the surrounding cliffs, this very appealing sandy cove is reached via a short walk along an unpaved track from the western end of Agios…

  • Beach

    Agrari

    There's lots of free sand to spread out on at this lovely sandy cove, and a beach bar to retreat to if you get parched. There are no buses but it's easily…

  • Beach

    Panormos

    A chunk of this gorgeous sandy beach is given over to a pretentious beach-bar complex, but that still leaves a large expanse of golden sand to spread out…

  • Beach

    Platys Gialos

    One of Mykonos' most popular beaches, this broad stretch of white sand is lined with restaurants and has an excellent water sports centre.

  • Windmill

    Windmills

    Constructed in the 16th century by the Venetians for the milling of wheat, seven of Mykonos' iconic windmills are picturesquely situated on a small hill…

  • Gallery

    Rarity Gallery

    This excellent little gallery is well worth a peek for its temporary exhibitions that showcase contemporary paintings, sculpture and photography.

  • Beach

    Fokos

    This little-visited sandy beach on the north coast has a good taverna, but you'll need an ATV to tackle the rutted road.

  • Beach

    Psarou

    A long stretch of white sand and teal waters, favoured by local cognoscenti. It's a short walk from Platys Gialos.

  • Beach

    Mersini

    Practically deserted sandy beach with calm waters, reachable via an unpaved road.

  • Beach

    Ornos

    Ornos, Mykonos' third-biggest settlement, straddles an isthmus 3km south of Hora. The small south-facing beach is wall-to-wall umbrellas and beach bars…

  • Museum

    Aegean Maritime Museum

    Amid the barnacle-encrusted amphorae, ye olde nautical maps and navigation instruments, there are numerous detailed models of famous sailing ships and…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Mykonos.

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