Mykonos
The island of the winds ↓
The Island of the Winds
Mykonos is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Cyclades — a sun-drenched island where whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and winding marble lanes meet golden beaches and the deep blue of the Aegean. Famous for its iconic windmills, the romantic quarter of Little Venice and a glamorous, welcoming spirit, Mykonos blends authentic Cycladic beauty with world-class beaches, dining and nightlife.
At its heart is Mykonos Town (Chora), a maze of narrow pedestrian streets designed centuries ago to confuse pirates and tame the island’s famous winds. Today those same lanes are lined with boutiques, galleries, cafés and tavernas. Mykonos Beach Hotel sits on Megali Ammos, the closest beach to Chora — just a two-minute walk from all of it.
Sea & Sand
The beaches of Mykonos
From lively beach-club shores to quiet, family-friendly coves, Mykonos has a beach for every mood — almost all with crystal-clear, swimmable water and golden sand.
Best Beaches on the Island
Megali Ammos — the nearest beach to Mykonos Town and home to Mykonos Beach Hotel. A relaxed, sandy bay with shallow water and sunset views, within walking distance of Chora.
Psarou & Platis Gialos — organised, upscale beaches with golden sand, beach clubs and excellent tavernas; a hub for water sports and boat connections to other beaches.
Paradise & Super Paradise — the island’s legendary party beaches, known for beach bars, music and a buzzing atmosphere.
Ornos — a sheltered, family-friendly bay close to town with calm water and plenty of amenities.
Elia, Kalo Livadi & Kalafatis — longer, more laid-back sandy beaches on the south coast, great for families and water sports.
Agios Sostis & Fokos — unspoilt, undeveloped beaches for those seeking natural beauty and tranquillity away from the crowds.
Weather & Climate
Mykonos enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with long, dry, sunny summers and mild winters. The main season runs from late April to October, when warm temperatures and clear skies make it ideal for swimming and exploring.
Summer (June–August): hot and dry, with daytime temperatures of 28–32°C, very little rain and sea temperatures perfect for swimming. This is also when the famous meltemi — the strong, cooling north wind that gives the island its “island of the winds” nickname — blows hardest, keeping things fresh.
Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October): warm, pleasant and quieter, with temperatures of 20–27°C — many travellers’ favourite time to visit for swimming without the peak-season crowds.
Winter (November–March): mild but windier and wetter, with temperatures around 10–15°C. Many businesses close for the season, and the island takes on a quiet, local character.
Famous Places
Things to see & do
Wander the lanes of Chora, watch the sunset from Little Venice, photograph the windmills and set sail for ancient Delos — the island’s landmarks are as photogenic as they are storied.
Famous Places to Visit
Little Venice (Alefkandra) — a row of elegant 18th-century captains’ houses built right at the water’s edge, with balconies hanging over the sea. The most romantic spot on the island for a sunset drink.
The Windmills (Kato Mili) — the iconic whitewashed windmills standing on the hill above Chora, the postcard image of Mykonos.
Panagia Paraportiani — one of the most photographed churches in Greece, a striking white cluster of five chapels by the old harbour.
Matoyianni Street — the lively main street of Chora, lined with boutiques, jewellers, galleries, bars and restaurants.
Ano Mera — a traditional inland village with a central square, tavernas and the historic Panagia Tourliani Monastery.
Delos — the sacred, uninhabited island and UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, an unmissable half-day boat trip. Read our full guide to Delos.
Museums & Culture
Archaeological Museum of Mykonos — near the Old Port, displaying finds from Delos and the nearby island of Rinia, including pottery, jewellery and grave monuments.
Aegean Maritime Museum — dedicated to the seafaring history of the Aegean, with ship models, nautical instruments and maritime artefacts in a charming Chora townhouse and garden.
Folklore Museum of Mykonos — housed in a 19th-century captain’s mansion, preserving furniture, textiles, ceramics and the everyday heritage of the island.
Lena’s House — a beautifully preserved 19th-century middle-class Mykonian home, kept exactly as it once was.
Getting There & Around
Mykonos is easy to reach. Mykonos International Airport connects directly to Athens and, in season, to many European cities. Ferries — both conventional and high-speed — link the island to the port of Piraeus (Athens) and Rafina, as well as to neighbouring Cycladic islands such as Tinos, Paros, Naxos and Santorini.
On the island, a local bus network connects Chora with the main beaches and villages, and taxis, car, scooter and ATV rentals are widely available. From Mykonos Beach Hotel on Megali Ammos, the centre of Mykonos Town and the Old Port are just a short, scenic walk away — and our team is always happy to arrange transfers and tips for getting around.
Stay on Megali Ammos — the closest beach to Mykonos Town, since 1975.
Stay at Mykonos Beach Hotel