Mykonos may be the most famous island in the Cyclades, known for its beaches, architecture, party scene and the international crowd that vacation here, however their most luxurious item is their hospitality. Few pleasures can top a memorable stay in the island. It’s hard to decide if it is the chill out soundtracks, the cuisine, the staggering sunset views by the pool or the beauty of every single detail that makes this place magical and a must visit destination. Most of all it is their people, their genuine kindness that create an aura of home and family, comfort and beauty, experiencing everyday life in this place. Below you will find some of my favorite places to go, keep in mind that reservations are highly recommended to book beach chairs and restaurant seats as most beaches work with beach services and it's very hard to find a spot on the sand on your own.
Beach Time
Beach: Panormos
Where: Principauté de Mykonos Panormos
www.panormosmykonos.gr
A beautiful place to see and be seen, great food, good small shop (look for the brand Ancient Kallos - it’s Greek and they have beautiful embroidered kaftans and blouses). Arrive for late lunch and stay till early night. DJ, party scene.
Beach: Paraga
Where: Scorpios
www.scorpiosmykonos.com
The most beautiful place where the bohemian vibe can still be found. Great food, Caravana has a shop there, one of the best places in Mykonos to see the sunset! DJ, sunset rituals, party scene. Check their website to see what DJ is playing or what specific event they have on that day.
Beach: Paraga
Where: Nikolas Taverna
http://www.nikolas-taverna.com/en/about/
One of the best home made Greek food you will find on the beach, rice with squid ink is a must try! Fresh grilled fish too! You can also have lunch here first, hang on the beach for a while, swim across to the rock formation in the ocean, then go to Scorpios!
Beach: Ftelia
Where: Alemagou
http://www.alemagou.gr/
My personal favorite! Your to go place on a windy day! Food is good and the vibe is incredible! It is a hidden gem with a calm beach to swim. Nice little shop in a tent, the DJs performing there are all incredible! Great to be there until sunset! So many places in Mykonos have a lot of people, loud music and scene but this one is much smaller, hidden, and you still find locals hanging on the beach with their families. I love this place!
Beach: Ornos
Where: Kuzina
http://www.kuzinamykonos.com/
Your windy day choice to go! It is on a bay! A good place to eat there is Kuzina where you can also book beach chairs! Ornos is a little town on its own.
Beach: Super Paradise
Where: Jackie O.
http://jackieobeach.com/
Fun, beautiful party place! Go for late lunch and stay the whole afternoon.
Food is great! There is a pool overlooking the ocean and most days at 7pm they have a drag queen show, just a little taste to prepare for the night ahead.
Beach: Psarou
Where: Nammos
http://www.nammos.gr/
The most famous fancy Greek style beach scene! No shortage of big boats and show-offs here. The whole see and be seen atmosphere can get tiring. Clear your table around 5pm because everyone will start to dance atop. Not my personal favorite but you have to visit at least once. They have the best dessert, a chocolate black and white mousse! To die for...
Beach: Kalo Livadi
Where: Solymar
http://www.solymarmykonos.com/
Easy parking with valet, go all the way to the end and park at Solymar. Get beach chairs there in advance and eat late lunch! Traditional greek food. Music (and people) get louder as the afternoon ends. Sometimes too loud.
Beach: Agia Anna
Where: Spilia
http://spiliarestaurant.gr/the-restaurant/
People say this is a cave restaurant but it is not really in a cave, just a little part of it. The set is beautiful, near the water, on the rocks. You can always stop by just for drinks and the views.
Beach: Agios Ioannis
Where: Hyppie Fish
http://www.hippiefish-mykonos.com/
Lovely place with good food. A little hard to find, you will have to drive all the way down the road almost getting to the beach and then find a valet parking lot. Great small shop there!
Beach: Agios Sostis
Where: Kiki’s Tavern
A famous hidden gem! They only have grilled meat, fish or chicken. You choose one of them and choose sides. All made there! They used to have no power until recently.The line for lunch is huge! So arrive early, like 12:30pm, put your name down and some people wait in line while others can go see the beach below where there is no service, so bring your own towel. Perfect for when you get tired of music and parties!
Beach: Fokos
Where: Fokos Taverna
http://www.fokosmykonos.com/
Far but a quiet unspoiled beach, just in case you got tired of partying and loud music. There is no beach service, which can be a blesseing some days so bring your own towels, water and umbrella. The family owned taverna serves simple but delicious Greek food.
Nightime
Katrin Mykonos
@katrinmykonos
Authentic greek food in one of the cutest part of town, family run, been there for more than 45 years. Pricey but really great food! Can’t leave without trying the stuffed zucchini flowers and moussaka.
A legendary place since 1967, it was relaunched with a fine dining Greek cuisine. Stunning night views over town.
You will be amazed by the tree view as you enter this restaurant. Food is Mediterranean with an extensive wine list and it is conveniently located in the heart of town.
Nobu Matsuhisa at The Belvedere
@matsuhisamykonos
Located inside the Belvedere Hotel, the Mykonos outpost of the famous Japanese restaurant sits alongside the pool. You will find global favorites and special Myconian dishes straight from the Aegean Sea. No doubt the best sushi in Mykonos.
Bill&Coo Restaurant at the Bill & Coo Hotel
@billandcoowayoflife
One of the best places to see the sunset in the island. Maybe the only high gastronomy place in the island if you choose to indulge in the Mediterranean culinary adventure at Gastronomy Project, otherwise the everyday menu or just drinks are worth the visit. Also one of my favorite places in Mykonos.