Where to Stay in Mykonos, Greece (For First-Timers 2023)

Mykonos, part of the Cycladic islands in the Aegean Sea, is one of Greece’s most popular destinations. Nicknamed the Island of the Winds, Mykonos is home to golden sand beaches, crystal turquoise waters and white-washed villages. This Greek island is a paradise for all looking for a seaside vacation combined with an awesome party atmosphere and delicious food. Also, it’s an excellent destination for a romantic getaway or honeymoon, thanks to its vibrant Mediterranean charm and luxury resorts.

Although considered a small island, deciding where to stay in Mykonos could be a challenging task. That’s why I created this guide, in which I highlighted the best places to stay in Mykonos for nightlife, honeymoon, beach or no car.

Mykonos is one of the most visited islands in Greece, which means that you need to plan your vacation well in advance in order to find a good place to stay. It is almost impossible to book anything last minute, even the most expensive places are long gone.

While I was planning my trip to the Greek island, I spent hours looking for a place which is close to everything. I didn’t plan to rent a car (traffic on the island is horrible), thus my main priority was to stay as central as possible. I wanted a hotel within walking distance of any of the numerous white sand beaches and close to restaurants and bars.

If you’re travelling without a car and want to be within walking distance of a beach and plenty of restaurants, stay in the area between Paralia Megali Ammos and Mykonos Town (known as Chora).

Looking for the best place to stay in Mykonos, Greece? Then check out Poseidon Hotel Suites – it’s one of the most popular hotels on the Greek island.

Overlooking the iconic Mykonos Windmills, Poseidon Hotel Suites features a perfect location, right between Paralia Megali Ammos and Chora. It’s also just a short walk away from Fabrika bus station, from where you can take a bus to any of the famous beaches (Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paradise and many others).
Why book – quiet central location, awesome pool, room with sea views, comfortable beds, shuttle service

Where to stay in Mykonos, Greece (first time)

• Mykonos Town (Chora) – the best area to stay
• Little Venice and Paradise Beach – for nightlife and party
• Fabrika (Chora) – if you’re travelling without a car
• Ornos and Platis Gialos – for beach
• Best hotels for honeymoon
• Best hotels with private pool

The best place to stay in Mykonos, Greece for first-time visitors is Mykonos Town (Chora). Located in the west, this town is the beating heart of the island. Here you’ll find the iconic Windmills, the pretty Little Venice, many museums and plenty of restaurants and bars. The narrow streets of Chora are lined with cute shops and white-washed houses with bougainvillea flowers. It’s a true Mediterranean paradise!

Chora features two town beaches – Paralia Choras Mikonou and Paralia Megali Ammos. Still, to get to the most popular ones, including Ornos, Platis Gialos and Paradise, you’ll have to take a bus (about 15min ride). Don’t worry, the buses run till late at night, every half an hour in the high season.

I recommend staying in Chora instead at any of the beach hotels located along the southern part of the island for the following reasons:

• all popular southern beaches are easily accessible by a short bus ride during the day (from Fabrika bus station), plus there are 2 town beaches within a walking distance
• you’ll be just a short walk from all restaurants and bars (if you stay at a beach, you’ll be limited in restaurant choices)

However, in case the beach is a top priority for you (or partying at the beach till sunrise), I’d recommend booking a hotel at Paradise, Ornos or Platis Gialos Beach. I’ll list several options with hotel recommendations for beach hotels later in this post.

Whatever your decision is, try to choose a hotel not far from the shore, especially if you’re travelling without a car. Mykonos is quite hilly (and there are no sidewalks), so it could be hard to walk from your hotel to the town and back. And it’s difficult to get a taxi on the island, often they have to be booked even in advance.

Why stay in Chora

• this is the most convenient and central location to stay in Mykonos for first-time visitors
• plenty of restaurants and bars at your doorstep (for dinner go to Busulas Restaurant)
• there are two small city beaches within walking distance – Paralia Choras Mikonou and Paralia Megali Ammos
• easy access to the popular southern beaches Paradise, Ornos and Platis Gialos Beach – a 15min bus ride from Fabrika bus station
• walking distance to the Old Port and a short bus ride to the New Port for island hopping to Delos, Naxos, Syros, Tinos and Paros

Overlooking the Aegean azure sea, Hermes Hotel is located just 5 minutes uphill from Chora and Fabrika bus station. Spacious stylish rooms and an awesome swimming pool with a bar, from which you can watch the sunset.
Why book – short walk to the town, swimming pool and bar, panoramic sunset sea views

Situated a 10min walk from Chora and Fabrika bus station, Vencia features an infinity pool with sunset views. The pool bar and the high-end restaurant offer fabulous sea views. There you can enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine, blended with Greek and local touches.
Why book – short walk to the town, infinity pool with sunset views, lounge bar and restaurant with sea views, luxury Spa

Perfect location, just a few steps away from Little Venice, the Windmills, Megali Ammos Beach and Fabrika bus station. Rooms are elegantly refurbished with spacious balconies.
Why book – a few steps away from town, swimming pool with sunset views, excellent breakfast buffet

Resting on a hilltop of Chora, Portobello boasts panoramic sunset views of the Aegean Sea and Chora. The delicious breakfast, featuring local products, is served on a terrace, where you can enjoy sea views of the Old Port.
Why book – a few steps away from town, excellent buffet breakfast with daily homemade local flavours

Perched on a slope in a quiet but central corner of Chora, this 5-star hotel occupies a former family mansion. Easy walk to everything – restaurants, bars, shops and Megali Ammos Beach.
Why book – great location right in the town, swimming pool with crystal water, a great Spa

The TownHouse is set in an 18th-century aristocratic manor house, right in the heart of the picturesque Chora. The hotel features a great rooftop bar, where you can enjoy a cocktail while watching fabulous sunsets over the Aegean sea.
Why book – top location right in the town, rooftop SKYBAR with sunset views

Nested in the heart of Chora and surrounded by a beautiful garden, Mykonos Town Suites is the perfect place to experience the Greek way of life. Close to everything – restaurants, bars, shops, including the two small beaches in the town.
Why book – central location right in the town, terrace with garden views, well-equipped kitchen

Mykonos is legendary for its nightlife and party clubs. There are countless bars and clubs to choose from, including the world-famous Tropicana and Super Paradise Bar.

If you’re in Mykonos to party, there are two areas to choose from – Little Venice (Chora) or Paradise and Super Paradise Beach. Little Venice is a better option if you’re looking for upscale restaurants and fancy bars. However, keep in mind that you’ll be a short drive (or a bus ride) from the popular beaches.

If you prefer to spend your whole day sunbathing and then partying all night on the beach, then head to Paradise and Super Paradise Beaches.

Little Venice is a small neighbourhood in Mykonos Town, located right at the seafront. It is one of the most picturesque places on the island with its tiny pedestrian-only lanes, white-washed houses and bougainvillea flowers. You’ll also find plenty of boutique shops, designer labels, fancy restaurants and bars.

Why stay in Little Venice

• the best place to enjoy a sunset cocktail on the island
• plenty of nightclubs and bars, ambient wine bars and cocktail lounges (go to Alley Cocktail Bar, Galleraki Cocktail Bar, 54 Cocktail Bar & Sunset Lounge or Skandinavian Bar)
• two small city beaches within walking distance – Paralia Choras Mikonou and Paralia Megali Ammos
• easy access to the popular party beaches Paradise and Super Paradise – a 15min bus ride from Fabrika bus station

Perfect location, near Little Venice, the Windmills, Fabrika bus station and within walking distance to all restaurants, bars and shops. Modern spacious rooms with comfy beds.
Why book – a short walk from Little Venice and the Megali Ammos Beach, sea views, a hot tub and an infinity pool

Ideally situated in the heart of the town, close to restaurants, bars and Megali Ammos Beach. The hotel features a nice restaurant with live music, a pool bar and a Spa area, where you can relax with a Turkish hammam, or a massage session.
Why book – quiet central location, sea views, heated pool with a bar and a hot tub, great Spa

Want to spend your days soaking up the sun on the beach and partying from early afternoon till late at night? Then Paradise and Super Paradise Beach are the places to be. These two world-famous beaches in Mykonos feature lavish parties with local and international DJs. Parties start early (at around 4PM in the afternoon) and continue till sunrise.

Paradise is a better option than Super Paradise Beach if you’re travelling without a car. The bus between Paradise and Chora runs every half an hour, while to Super Paradise – once an hour.

Why stay in Paradise and Super Paradise

• the best place for beach parties, featuring international DJs
• some of the best clubs in the world are here (head to Cavo Paradiso, Tropicana, and Paradise Beach Club)
• both beaches are great for sunbathing and cocktails during the day
• a 15min bus ride to Mykonos Town

Fantastic quiet location, just 100 meters from Paradise beach. The hotel features a great restaurant with sea views, a relaxing Spa centre and several pools, including two infinity pools with a bar.
Why book – next to the beach, panoramic Aegean sea views, two infinity pools with bar

This beachfront hotel features one of the most popular beach bars in Mykonos – the Super Paradise Beach Club. Easy access to the beach and the infinity pool, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay.
Why book – right on the beach, outdoor infinity pool, beach bar, free parking

Mykonos is considered a small island, but if you’re travelling without a car, it’s important to choose the right location for your stay. Taxis are hard to get and usually have to be booked in advance. Also, the island is quite hilly (with no sidewalks), so walking from one point to another could be challenging.

The best place to stay in Mykonos without a car is Mykonos Town (called Chora), near the Fabrika bus station. This is the main town on the island and its central transportation hub. It is situated in the west, between the New Port and the famous southern beaches.

In fact, Chora with its maze of narrow streets, packed with whitewashed houses and bougainvillea trees, is quite picturesque! So you’ll not only get the authentic Greek island vibe but also a convenient location.

Fabrika bus station is the main bus station and it’s located on the edge of the Old Town. From here you can easily reach the New Port (if you’re arriving by ferry) and the airport by bus in less than 15min. Also, there are regular buses to most of the popular beaches along the southern coastline.

Why stay in Chora (near Fabrika bus station)

• within walking distance of restaurants, bars, shops and two small city beaches – Paralia Choras Mikonou and Paralia Megali Ammos
• the famous southern beaches Paradise, Ornos and Platis Gialos Beach are just a 15min bus ride
• walking distance to the Old Port and a short bus ride to the New Port for island hopping around the Cyclades

This hotel has the ultimate location – right on Megali Ammos beach and a 10min walk to the famous Windmills and Fabrika bus station. You can also enjoy a nice restaurant with delicious Greek food and a pool lounge bar with sunset sea views on site.
Why book – right on the beach, pool with sunset views, private outdoor hot tub

Very central location, just a short walk from Chora, Fabrika bus station and the city’s beach – Paralia Megali Ammos. The hotel also features a good restaurant with live music, a pool bar and a nice Spa area.
Why book – quiet central location, sea views, heated pool with a bar and a hot tub, great Spa

The island has dozens of beautiful beaches tucked away along the coast. The beaches located in the southern part of the island are less windy than the ones in the north. The most popular ones are Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise and Elia.

Paradise and Super Paradise are party beaches, so unless you’re coming to Mykonos to party 24 hours a day, I wouldn’t recommend staying there.

The best places to stay in Mykonos for beach are Ornos and Platis Gialos. Both beaches are connected to the town by bus and they are also on the water taxi route. With the water taxi, you can get from Ornos to Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. The water taxi runs during the summer months (from June to September) from late morning to early evening.

Overlooking a sheltered bay, Ornos Beach features calm turquoise waters, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. There are sunbeds and umbrellas available for day use, as well as numerous restaurants right on the beach.

Ornos Town, a small fishing village, where you’ll find plenty of authentic Greek restaurants, is just a short walk away. North of the town lies Korfus Beach, famous for its kitesurfing, due to its high winds.

Why stay in Ornos

• great beach with calm turquoise waters
• perfect location – right next to a small fishing village with plenty of seafood restaurants and bars
• a 5-minute walk to a second beach, Korfus Beach, popular with kite surfers
• Ornos Beach is the starting point of the water taxi, which will take you to the party beaches Paradise and Super Paradise
• easy to reach Chora, the main island town (a 10min ride by bus)

Overlooking the sandy beach of Ornos, Adorno Beach Hotel, features a relaxing atmosphere and beautiful views over the Aegean Sea. With its whitewashed walls and pastel-coloured shutters, the hotel perfectly combines boho chic luxury with the Cycladic style.
Why book – next to the beach, outdoor pool, jacuzzi and a bar, sea views, free private parking

This boutique beachfront located right on the sandy Ornos Beach boasts a private beach and a bar. You can also enjoy an outdoor pool and a relaxing Spa area, with natural elements and bamboo woods. The two restaurants on-site, Kuzina and Pasaji, offer delicious meals with Mediterranean flavours.
Why book – right on the beach, sea views, secluded Spa area, outdoor pool, private parking

Located a little further south of Ornos Beach, Platis Gialos boasts calmer waters and a more relaxing atmosphere. Besides sunbathing, you can also enjoy numerous water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding and many others.

However, the biggest advantage is that there are 3 more beaches within walking distance (between 10-20min) – Psarou, Agia Anna and Paraga beach! It is the best place to stay in Mykonos if you’re planning to spend all your time on the beach.

Why stay in Platis Gialos

• awesome sandy beach with calm waters
• numerous Greek restaurants and bars on the beach
• walking distance to Psarou, Agia Anna and Paraga beaches and easy to reach the rest by water taxi
• well connected to Chora, the main island town (a 15min ride by bus)

This beachfront hotel is situated just steps away from Platis Gialos and from the bus stop to the main town. You can enjoy beautiful sea views from your room and from the breakfast terrace by the beach.
Why book – right on the beach, swimming pool, two bars, private beach with free sunbeds

Featuring an exceptional view over Psarou Beach, Nissaki Hotel is within a short stroll from sandy Platis Gialos beach. You can also enjoy multiple pools and a gorgeous Spa with excellent massages.
Why book – a short walk to 2 beaches, a swimming pool with a bar, hot tub, free parking

With its dreamy sunsets over the Aegean sea, Mykonos is the perfect place for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway. Enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches with turquoise waters during the day and head to Mykonos Town (Chora) for an evening out. Or just relax with a nice cocktail by the pool with your loved one.

I won’t point out a specific location to stay, because the best area depends on what you’re looking for. Instead, I’ll suggest (see below) some excellent boutique hotels, perfect for honeymooners.

In general, if you’re planning to spend most of your time on the beach, I’d recommend you to stay near Ornos or Platis Gialos Beach. They are closer to the main town on the island, and you’ll be a walking distance away from a few smaller beaches. However, if dining out is your thing, stay near Chora, so you can enjoy the numerous great restaurants in the city.

Located right on the sandy Ornos Beach, Ammos Hotel is a perfect place for all honeymooners. The hotel boasts a private beach with a bar, an outdoor pool and a relaxing Spa area, with natural elements. For a romantic dinner, head to Kuzina or Pasaji Restaurants, where you’ll find delicious meals with Mediterranean flavours. Ammos is well connected to Chora by bus and to the other beaches by water taxi.
Why book – right on the beach, sea views, secluded Spa area, outdoor pool

This beachfront, located on Agios Ioannis, features fantastic sunset sea views. Facilities include a superb Spa centre offering a wide range of beauty treatments and a nice restaurant serving fine Mediterranean cuisine. Anax Resort is well connected to the main town, Chora, by bus.
Why book – right on the beach, infinity pool and hot tub, sunset bar, private beach

Boheme is just a stone’s throw from the Mykonian Windmills and the popular Little Venice. It’s a perfect place to stay to enjoy dining out and the lively bars in the town. Plus, Megali Ammos Beach and Fabrika bus station (from where you can take the bus to all popular beaches) are only a short walk from here.
Why book – walking distance to Chora, outdoor hot tub and swimming pool, sea views

There are plenty of great hotels in Mykonos, however, not all of them offer a private pool. And there is nothing better than to enjoy a sunny day with cocktails by your own pool!

If a private pool is what you’re looking for, check out my recommendations below – all of them with excellent locations and reviews. Also, I’d advise you to book as early as you can. Most of the hotels have only a few rooms with a private pool and usually, these rooms are sold out months in advance.

A perfect location for all first-times – right on Megali Ammos beach and a short walk from the famous Windmills, Little Venice and numerous restaurants and bars. The hotel’s restaurant offers delicious Greek food and an excellent breakfast.
Why book – right on the beach, pool with sunset views, private outdoor hot tub and pool

The best location if you’re coming to Mykonos to party – just 100 meters from the famous party beach, Paradise. You can also enjoy a great restaurant with sea views and a Spa centre with several pools, including two infinity pools with a bar.
Why book – next to the beach, panoramic Aegean sea views, private jacuzzi and pool

Just a short walk to Platis Gialos and Psarou beaches, the famous Nammos restaurant and a beach bar. There is an outdoor and an indoor heated swimming pool, a lavish Spa and a fashion boutique on site. And if you book a room with a private pool you can enjoy a floating breakfast in the privacy of your own pool!
Why book – next to 2 beaches, outdoor and an indoor swimming pool, private hot tub and pool