Mykonos: An Insider’s Guide to Beaches, Dining & the LGBTQ+ Scene

Chora (Mykonos Town)

Wander through the labyrinthine cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, art galleries, and vibrant bougainvillea. Aim to arrive in the late afternoon; "Golden Hour" is the perfect time to explore when the heat has faded, and the light is perfect for photos. Getting lost is part of the experience, but eventually, all paths lead back to the waterfront just in time for sunset.

Sunset rituals: Little Venice & Kato Mili

Experience the island’s most iconic view by sipping a cocktail at a waterfront bar in Little Venice, where the balconies hang right over the waves. Because this area gets incredibly crowded, a great alternative is to head up the hill to the Kato Mili windmills. Standing near these 16th-century landmarks offers a fantastic panoramic view of the town and the Aegean as the sun dips below the horizon.

Trip to Delos

Take a 30-minute boat trip from the Old Port to explore the vast ruins of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. While you can roam the ancient temples and mosaics freely with a map, hiring a licensed guide is highly recommended to bring the piles of marble to life with historical context.

Tip: The ferry fare and the site entrance fee (€20) are separate. There is almost no shade or water on the island, so bring a hat and a large bottle with you!

Beach clubs

Mykonos is synonymous with world-class beach clubs that blend gastronomy, sun-soaked relaxation, and high-energy sunset parties. While Nammos is the go-to for ultra-glam "Champagne popping" and celebrity spotting, my personal favorites offer a different kind of magic.

Scorpios (Paraga Beach)

Scorpios is the epitome of "barefoot luxury." The vibe here is organic and earthy, set to a soundtrack of deep, hypnotic Afro-house.

• The food: Unlike many party spots, the Mediterranean food here is genuinely fantastic, served family-style, and full of fresh, bold flavors.

• Tip: For sunbeds or a dinner table during the sunset rituals, booking is essential. Use your hotel concierge; their local connections are often the only way to secure a prime spot during peak season.

• The alternative: If you can’t get a bed, have a long lunch at Scorpios, then stroll next door to the more laid-back Paraga Beach to soak up the atmosphere as the day ends.

Jackie O’ Beach Club (Super Paradise)

A fun, inclusive, and vibrant destination, Jackie O’ is a cornerstone of the island's LGBTQ+ scene. This section of Super Paradise was a famous gay beach long before the club opened, and the brand itself started as a bar in Chora.

The vibe: The restaurant is surprisingly excellent-high-end dining with a glamorous yet unpretentious atmosphere.

Don't miss: Stay for the daily Drag Show at the end of the afternoon. It’s light-hearted, high-energy, and creates a wonderfully friendly party atmosphere that brings everyone together.

Beach hopping

While I’ve already mentioned Paraga and Super Paradise, Mykonos offers an incredible variety of other coastal escapes. Most of these southern beaches are easily accessible via the fun water taxi from Ornos or Platis Gialos, but to reach the more secluded northern spots or the watersports hubs, you will definitely want to rent a car.

The all-rounders (family & convenience)

Ornos: A beautiful, sheltered bay with calm, shallow waters. It’s packed with great restaurants and is the most convenient choice for families or those staying close to town.

Platis Gialos: One of the island's most popular hubs, offering crystal-clear water and a bustling resort atmosphere. It’s also the main departure point for the water taxis.

The glamour & the classics

Psarou: This is the island’s most exclusive “see-and-be-seen” beach. It’s home to the famous Nammos, where luxury yachts anchor in the turquoise bay and the fashion is as high-end as the prices.

Paradise Beach: The original party beach that many remember from the 90s. While it’s now very commercial, it still holds a high-energy vibe with a young, global crowd.

The wide-open spaces & watersports

Elia Beach: The longest stretch of sand on Mykonos. It offers a wonderful mix of organized sunbeds and plenty of “free” space to lay a towel. It remains a long-standing favorite for the LGBTQ+ community, right at the end of the beach.

Kalafati: A much more laid-back, athletic spot. After a morning of windsurfing, head to Yiammis for a relaxed meal, or visit the stunning Spilia—a unique seaside restaurant perched above the sea on a natural rock platform.

The hidden gem

Agios Sostis: You’ll need a car to reach this northern beauty, but it’s worth the drive for the raw, natural scenery. There are no sunbeds or music here, just peace. While you’re there, you must eat at the famous Kiki’s Taverna—the food is grilled over an open fire and the views are unmatched.

Over the years, Mykonos has developed an amazing dining scene, ranging from simple tavernas to world-renowned international brands. Here are my top picks.

Mykonos Town (Chora)

• Phoebus: My absolute favorite—I go every single time I’m on the island. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for consistent quality in this small restaurant.

• M-eating: A beautiful boutique restaurant serving creative, high-end Mediterranean dishes in a stunning Chora setting.

• Matsuhisa Mykonos: Located at the Belvedere Hotel, this is Chef Nobu’s iconic spot for world-class sushi and Japanese fusion.

• Nolan: A cool, modern eatery offering a unique blend of Greek and Asian flavors—perfect for when you want something a bit different.

• Kastro: Famous for its prime location near Little Venice, offering romantic views alongside refined Greek cuisine.

• Noa Greek Taverna: A great spot for elevated traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.

• Kavos Taverna: A classic choice on the waterfront, perfect for fresh seafood and a traditional Greek feel.

Agios Ioannis

• Hippie Fish: A chic, bohemian beach restaurant famous for its seafood and Mediterranean influences.

• Beefbar: The place to go for serious meat lovers looking for a luxurious, high-design dining experience by the sea.

• Vasilikos: If you are staying in the area, don’t miss this. It’s unpretentious, serves fantastic traditional Greek food, and offers very good value compared to the town’s hotspots.