A guide to Mykonos: Beach Clubs & Bars & Restaurants

Mykonos: the Ibiza of Greece. One of the most expensive Greek island’s with its boujee beach clubs, popping parties and expensive yet sensational sunsets. Also worth every penny! If that’s what you want from your holiday. And if it is, then read on for my first timers guide to magical Mykonos: beach clubs, bars, restaurants and even some rooftops. If not and you are looking for a more authentic Greek experience, then discover 9 other incredible islands here.

Is Mykonos worth going to?

Mykonos is a whole vibe. I was going for a 40th and was a bit uneasy at the cost for what could be a lot cheaper on other islands. But what I hadn’t considered was the the Mykonos magic. It’s a thing – a pricey thing but a thing! It’s not known as the Greek party isle for nothing.

It is a very different experience to the other Greek islands I’ve done but if you know what to expect and happy to embrace that then it’s fun and fabulous and everything in between. Perfect for my friends big birthday. Though take note that everyone is celebrating something: a birthday, a big birthday, a wedding, anniversaries and so on… so don’t except any special treatment unless you pay for it…. this is Mykonos, being here itself is the magic for celebrating whatever moment!

Is Mykonos expensive?

Quite simply, yes. If you love to party, the hedonistic lifestyle and live for the Instagram moments then you won’t begrudge spending for it. Which is ironic as it used to be a poor island till after the second world war – then celebs and royals made it famous! However if you are looking for authentic Greek experience but still with the the stone streets, blue domes and windmills then I would skip straight to Paros for a cheaper, quieter Mykonos.

How to get to Mykonos?

Mykonos is one of the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea with an international airport with direct flights in Europe. This makes it super popular as a spring board for island hopping to near by Paros, Naxos and Santorini. You may have even be starting in Santorini as it also has an international airport. In which case Ferry Hopper will be your new best friend.

How to get round Mykonos?

The first thing to know about the island (after taking a loan out to afford it all!) is taxis are sparse. Reportedly only 30 on the island for a population of 15k, which in the summer jumps 3 times! And no Uber! Most hotels will offer you a free transfer from the airport or port but this does mean hanging around when you just want your holiday to start. But I would highly recommend this route. For the rest of your stay there are buses which your hotel can advise on. An it’s not a bus as you’d expect – it’s laid on fully air conditioned coach.

How to get from Platis Gialos beach to Mykonos Town?

Not by taxi if you are on a budget and haven’t pre booked. It is all about the buses. There is one that went every half hour from opposite the Petaos hotel and only costs €1.80! (Note last one back from Mykonos town was 2am… and yes, thanks to my friend we made it!!)

The bus drops at Fabrica square and then you walk the labyrinth of their windy tiny streets. These were built in 13 century to help keep pirates away as they would get so lost in them! And they aren’t the only ones! Google maps was my friend! Though you can just wander and see where you end up.

The streets are littered with the perfect pink blossom, shops galore and beautiful colourful buildings and doors. These originated as they signalled your trade. Blue doors were for sailors, green for farmers and everyone else red.

Is Little Venice worth it?

You cannot come to Mykonos and not see sunset at Little Venice. It is everything you will have seen for sunset and more. More people mainly. And a lot smaller than expected – it’s like Piccadilly Circus on a tiny walkway and this was late Sept! So I would suspect height of summer would be horrible. The path to the bars is treacherous as the sea laps up and makes the path slippery. This is magical to see, not so much to fall over on- which apparently happens at least once a week, on to rocks. Amazingly not me this trip! Not once. I know!! But leave your heels at home if you don’t want to be one of those face planted into sharp stones.

All that said it is a stunning sunset and I can see why it has had all the attention. There are wall to wall bars and restaurants to choose from. Booking is advisable for sunset and expect a minimum spend or deposit to be paid. There are only a few outdoor seats at each bar so it is either first come first reserved or if you are lucky first come gets to stay. However there was a very insta v reality moment (as I had been stalking Little Venice all summer on socials) and what you don’t see so much of is the bustling activity surrounding the area as you sit there. That said, people pass by swiftly, ensuring unobstructed views for all.

Where to stay in Mykonos?

Mykonos town and port are hugely popular to stay as it is the centre for much of the Instagram famous bars and restaurants. But in the summer the town will be heaving. You could stay in more secluded areas of the island usually saved for the those needing quiet and privacy but you will need a car or driver. We decided on south west on the island down near Platis Gialos beach. There were a lot of choice for fabulous but affordable hotels in this area and we settled on The George with a rooftop pool. Obviously! It wasn’t on the beach but had a sister hotel that was and only a 4 minute walk which you can use for free – which on this Greek island was a big bonus!

Though for my fellow sun burners – there was no shade on Platis Gialos beach – even with umbrella’s the way the sun hits its really for sunbakers only. Which was a real shame but made the choice of the George even more sweeter – especially as we were upgraded to a room we could walk straight from our room into the pool.

There are 2 pools, and plenty of loungers (if you aren’t lucky as we were to have ours right outside our door!) There’s a small snack area which also serves a modest breakfast and doubles up as a bar for that night cap but it’s not a destination bar. This was a perfect base, an oasis of calm from the craziness of the crowds in town and far enough from the beach, that the only music you can hear is that repeating in your ears.

Which Beach Clubs in Mykonos should I go to?

Like Ibiza, Greek beach blubs in Mykonos are all part of the Myks experience. However with the law that came in 2024 that about sunbeds can only take up 30% of beaches – I imagine will be even more than before.

Nammos Beach Club

The world famous Nammos beach club brand is located just 10/15 minute cliff top walk from Platis Gialos beach. The walk alone is worth it – the views of Psarou beach are stunning – though be warned this beach club apparently has the most expensive champagne in Europe!

Kalua Beach Club

Kalua beach club is just a 15 minute water taxi away from Platis Gialos beach. The water taxi was €15 return and the taxi spot was just below Thea Restaurant. For and extra €5 you can also hop on and off day to various beaches, stopping for a drink on each! One way to decide where you want to invest a whole day at as these beach clubs are not cheap!

We had already decided on Kalha and booked as was one of the cheaper starting at €20 per person (2023) for the sun lounger and a minimum spend starting at €40 – not including eating in the restaurant. With cocktails at €20 that easily disappeared. Highly recommend ‘I love Coco’ cocktail – a watermelon twist on the the classic pina colada!

The service was impeccable from a text the day before confirming our reservation, if we needed to know anything or needed transport. I had asked what the shade situation was – happily this beach there was plenty of options. The only slight strange moment was when we came to pay there was ‘mandatory’ tip, which felt a bit abrupt and wasn’t clear. Shame as we would actually have given more in cash as it had been great service. Other than that minor hiccup, this was an incredibly relaxing and beautiful place to spend a day and the water is simply too amazing to resist.

Scorpios Beach Club

Just along from Kalua is the famous Scorpios beach club. This was a whole experience. We had to download passes on our phone, no tagged photos allowed on their grid, a mug shot requested – so they can greet you personally, I was wary! I’ve heard of some beach clubs round the world refuse entry on your look. But I had over thought it! Like everywhere, everyone was just so friendly.

We arrived as they opened for lunch and wished we were staying till sunset. I would even go so far to say it qualifies as my first beach club rooftop! Well on a cliff top! The food and service was also amazing, so it wasn’t style over substance or paying to be seen here at all, as I had read.

Agios Ioannis Beach

One beach which we didn’t have time for was, Agios Ioannis. This is the beach Shirley Valentine has the famous date with herself is. If you are a fan, then you’ll also want to visit the Hippie Fish restaurant – where she met Costa, also one of Mykonos oldest restaurants.

Where to eat in Myknons?

Meraki at Cavo Tagoo.

The famous Cavo Tagoo that hosts Merki restaurant– where the view and vibe are insane. This required a taxi – €40 each way, as much further north than the town. And this was a whole other sunset sensation. Being the birthday girls 40th we booked the floating beds, sat on top of the infinity pool with sea views stretching as far as you could see, rose in one hand, phones to capture the magic at the ready in the other.

The service was flawless and super friendly. The seemlier chose our wine, and the waitress was thorough to ensure allergies were catered for. My fish even came out on fire and we sat cross legged on this floating bed eating dinner with a setting so spectacular we wondered if it was a dream.

Interni Restaurant

Dinner at Interni is a bucket list must. While it may lack rooftop or sea views, this exquisite open air restaurant, is giving indoor vibes yet under the starts. The evening begins with an air of elegance and sophistication and ends with dancing on tables! Expect tunes, sparklers, and midnight napkin waving. The cuisine is divine, and the ambiance is electrifying.

Eclipse Rooftop Restaurant

Eclipse rooftop restaurant on Platis Gialos Beach was a stunning spot with sea views for miles and had shade. Not the best food or service but a light lunch of a classic Greek salad – for those views, was worth it.

Avil Tou Thodori Restaurant

Avil Tou Thodori was a stunning spontaneous stop. Sat right at the waters edge on beanbags, food was great and wine delicious. If bean bags aren’t for you then there is a vibrant indoor restaurant too.

Thea restaurant

Thea – surprisingly reasonable for the area and if you can bag a sea view table then I’d highly recommend it. As most of the other restaurants round the beach are all set back behind the sunbeds so this was a sunset treat.

Nice n Easy Restaurant

Nice n Easy for a nice and easy lunch in Little Venice. (Really did what it says on the tin though maybe more fine and average but in a great location) We had tried to make a reservation but no one answered or replied to our emails so we chanced it and as we were the shoulder season it was fine.

Where are the best bars in Mykonos?

Negrita Bar

Negrita is probably the most well known bar in Little Venice for partying, the insta sign and flowers to pose under and the water lapping at the tables. We had to see for ourselves if was worth the hype but chose not to book for sunset as there was a minimum spend and the reviews were dreadful.

What we did do was stop for spontaneous bubbles in the afternoon and came back after 11pm, for a very different vibe of DJs and dancing! And I have no idea why the reviews were bad as we were so well looked after and hadn’t booked.

Veranda Bar

Veranda was another bar in Little Venice I loved. Right at the end looking back to the famous windmills – it was perfect pit spot for cocktails with a view.

Bao Bar

We booked Bao for the Little Venice sunset as their chairs face front (some don’t!) and we wanted to guarantee the perfect sundown spot! We were not disappointed. Tunes playing, happy vibes everywhere – reminded me a lot of the Mambo sunset in Ibiza. The light an hour after sun down was still burnt orange and golden – definitely a must when in Mykonos.

Sky Bar

Rooftops aren’t your normal rooftops in Mykonos – more cliff tops bars, beaches and restaurants (which totally count!) but if you are looking for a classic rooftop bar then look no further than Sky Bar on top of Townhouse hotel. Sweeping views of the town and ocean, another perfect for sundown and like most places. For more on the rooftop bars click here

180 Bar

180 another famed by the gram, that has been exploited to make money but it was worth it! We decided to walk up from the town to 180…. this wasn’t the brightest idea but definitely cheaper than booking a private car or risking not finding a taxi. If you do this then take water and go the road way. It feels a little precarious as no side walk but a lot less of a work out than the steps from the town.

On arrival all is forgiven from the hike. It’s like walking into a fairy’s castle of magic. This is a date night dream. There were birthdays, proposals, dancing and a long line for the insta worthy spots! And when sun down happened they play ‘It’s time to say goodbye’ which was equally funny and emotional. It’s truly an experience.

Anios Bar

Down on Platis Gialos Beach we found this after hours gem. We had just got back Mykonos Town (yes at 2,30am) and heard music on the beach…. so we followed the sound of the disco ball and ended up at Anios. It was the end of the season so quieter than usual but a super popular time for weddings. So yes, we crashed a wedding party and danced till dawn with our new friends! (This photo is not from that night – no one needs to see those). But turned out they are usually open late, so one to note!

Final thoughts on Mykonos

This is without doubt the priciest Greek island – and yes you could go to a neighbouring island and the same a sunset will cost €5 for a drink: You pay for the vibe, the DJs and for the gram. Leave the heels at home or pack a first aid kit or have a driver and maybe a hairdresser as this is the windy isle though wasn’t as bad as we were prepared for.

Take reviews with a pinch of salt and a shot of tequila. It seems to very polarising for some of these places but we couldn’t have found more friendly, fun and kind people. I would highly recommend booking everywhere, especially if going in high season! Yes most of ‘the’ places have a steep minimum spend but you’d only end up with a big bill at the end anyway but not in prime position. I gulped as we booked some of these but actually this way you can at least budget and stay on budget – this was my first trip I was bang on and a few places were less than quoted.

If you love to party, need to fill your feed with Insta worthy places, have the cash or just want to soak up some amazing moments then you will love this island. It completely stole a piece of my heart… rather unexpectedly. The Mykonos magic was a thing!