Best Neighborhoods in Mykonos
It's not fair to say that some towns are the best neighborhoods in Mykonos. That'll also mean that the other communes are inferior and that's not necessarily true. With that said, there is a handful of towns that are more popular than most. Right off the bat, there's Chora, also known as Mykonos Town. As the capital of the island, it's the busiest part of Mykonos and the center of local life. Little Venice is just as well-known, thanks in large part to its similar design and vibe to the famous Italian city it was named after. You've also probably heard about Ano Mera before too. This is the archetypal countrywide whitewashed town that's common among the Greek Islands.
What is The Best Area of Mykonos to Stay In?
It's pretty safe to say that Chora is the best place for people to stay. It's the most “complete” as far as towns go, with a variety of establishments that offer the most basic to even luxurious needs. But if you want a quieter stay in Mykonos, Ornos & Ano Mera are likely more your fancy.
Agios Ioannis in Mykonos, Greece
Agios Ioannis defines the scenic paradise you'd expect in the Greek Islands. Located to the southwest coast of the island, the town and its namesake beach is a serene oasis of sun, sand, and sea. It's a relatively quiet place, practically a world away from the popular Mykonos nightlife scene and bustling ports. Hence, Agios Ioannis is perfect for a family vacation or a honeymoon. It's a great place to immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine all while enjoying the natural wonders that the Mediterranean is known and beloved for.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ano Mera, Mykonos
Ano Mera is undoubtedly one of the most popular towns in Mykonos. As one of the most populated parts of the island. it gets fairly busy with local life and a consistent barrage of tourists. Yet it doesn't feel as busy as Chora, the island's capital. Why? Because Ano Mera is set against the hillside heart of Mykonos. Parts of the town are separated from the rest by beautiful expanses of lush fields and idyllic meadows. And yet they stay connected to many nearby facilities thanks to the cobbled streets.
What to Do in Ano Mera, Mykonos
Eat, shop, and be merry! These are what the locals do in Mykonos, especially in Ano Mera, so why not you too? The town is a lively area with lots to offer. Check out the slew of taverns and restaurants and indulge in as much Greek cuisine as you want. Go shopping in the local boutiques and dress up like an authentic Grecian goddess. And of course, don't forget about going to the beach and getting some much-needed sun and sea too!
Ano Mera, Mykonos Restaurants
Ano Mera may seem like such a small town at first, but it's pretty busy here. Its culinary scene alone is worth your while! Many restaurants in Ano Mera will tantalize your taste buds. One popular example is The Fisherman - Giorgos & Marina Taverna, which you'll find near the town square. Just as its name suggests, this place is all about scrumptious seafood! Kalammmakia is another great find, especially if you're into kebabs. They arguably serve the best kebabs on the entire island. And what of Tsaf, another beloved tavern in Ano Mera? Well, seafood and pasta are their games and they're pretty good at them too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Chora, Mykonos
Chora, also known as Mykonos Town, serves as the capital of the island. It's the largest town here, complete with a labyrinth of cafes, taverns, pubs, shops, and more. As well as a lively port area with its own strip of hotspots. While it's far from a big city, it feels like one. Chora is practically busy 24/7. At times, there's so much traffic that the town center is completely closed off. And with so many luxury homes on offer, this is arguably the best place for you to stay on the island.
What to Do in Chora, Mykonos
There's so much to do in Chora, Mykonos that you won't know where to start. You can eat to your heart's content in the many restaurants and tavernas in town. Go shopping for fascinating finds in the numerous boutiques, shops, or even in the bustling marketplaces. Hang out by the port and see ferries and yachts sail by. Head on over to the beach to enjoy a day in the sun. And last but not least, put on some comfy shoes and take a stroll all over town.
Chora, Mykonos Restaurants
As the capital of Mykonos, it's no surprise that the town is a treasure trove of culinary hotspots. Among its brightest gems is Mediterraneo. True to its name, this place serves various pasta, pizza, salads, and more. They even sprinkle in some Asian dishes to spice things up! There's also KALITA, a popular restaurant headed by the prominent Chef Vaios Ntoytsias. His Greek menu is filled with beloved classic Greek dishes made with his own modern spin. And let's not forget about Efisia Greek Fine Dining too. Here, both the food and the service are of the highest quality!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kalafati, Mykonos
Truth be told, Kalafati Beach is more popular than the town of the same name. The former is known for being one of the best places to go sailing, surfing, and windsurfing on the island. It never fails to draw in the adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers. And when they've had their fun, they can relax in the idyllic coastal village. The town itself is quiet and peaceful, a great contrast to the busier Mykonos Town and Ano Mera, among many others.
Mykonos' Kalafati Beach
Kalafati Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Mykonos. Known for its breezy winds and lively currents, it's become the go-to shoreline for all sorts of water sports. You'll find many yachting near the coast, enjoying the sun and sea as they bask in the Mediterranean warmth. Meanwhile, adventurers won't second-guess about scuba-diving the shimmering turquoise waters to discover the shipwrecks that have been around for many years. You'll also spot windsurfers having the time of their lives here, especially around summertime.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Little Venice in Mykonos, Greece
Romance is alive and well in Little Venice, one of the hidden gems of Mykonos. Well, it's not necessarily a “hidden” gem it's a pretty popular area in its own right. It is, however, technically not a town. It's more of a neighborhood along the coast of Chora, the island's capital. The place is just so different from the rest of Mykonos Town that it deserves its own mention. It's not even that weird to almost consider it as its town. There's simply no other place quite like it on the island.
Little Venice in Mykonos Town
As mentioned previously, Little Venice is a neighborhood in Mykonos Town. Located along the beautiful Alefkandra Beach, the area lives up to its name. There are no canals that replace the cobbled streets here, but its overall structure and rustic appeal are reminiscent of the beloved Italian city it's named after. The coastal homes even feature balconies that hover above the sea, much like how the balconies in Venice look over its serene canals. With such romance and tranquility to offer, it's one of the best places for anyone moving to Mykonos to settle down.
Little Venice, Mykonos Restaurants
Another thing that Little Venice has with its namesake Italian city is that there are a couple of great restaurants here. Vegera is one as it's one of the best seafood places in Mykonos Town. You'll want to eat here when you're craving grilled fish and fresh lobster! Kastro's is another highlight too, which offers deliciously modern spins on authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. And if you haven't tried Raya yet, you're missing out on a lot! In a nutshell, it's one of the most romantic restaurants in Mykonos.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Old Port, Mykonos
Nothing says Greek—or Mediterranean, for that matter!—quite like an Old Port. The one in Mykonos is pretty famous too. For one thing, this is where most tourists (and many celebrity visitors) start their stay on the island. As you'd expect, the area is a lively cavalcade of delicious food, great drinks, and lots of fun. Technically, the Old Port is part of Chora, the capital of Mykonos. But similarly to Little Venice, the place is just so distinct that it's widely regarded as a separate area altogether.
Mykonos Old Port Restaurants
What's truly worthwhile about the Old Port of Mykonos is that it's one of the best places to go on a foodie tour. Practically the entire dock is lined with tavernas, restaurants, bars, bistros, and more. Don't miss the famous Cantina Street Food store, a great place to indulge in the most authentic Greek delicacies. The Pelican Restaurant, on the other hand, is a seaside hotspot that's perfect for a romantic date. Even with its heaviest Mediterranean dishes, you're sure to still enjoy your lovey-dovey time here. As you would in Captain's, arguably the best seafood place at the Old Port.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ornos, Mykonos
At first glance, Ornos looks and seems like another run-of-the-mill whitewashed town on a Greek Island. Once you've seen one, you've seen them all, right? Well, that's not technically fair to say about Ornos. Sure, it's a coastal villa like the rest of them, but it's unique in its own right. For one thing, the place is popular for its exciting shorelines. With its lively winds and strong currents, it's become one of the go-to places to do all sorts of sports on the island. It's not uncommon to see people windsurfing and snorkeling around here.
What to Do in Ornos, Mykonos
As already mentioned, Ornos is a great place to get some thrills! On its beautiful beach, you can go windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba-diving, ride a jet ski, or even fly a kite. And that's all on just one part of the scenic coast. On other parts, you can just lie around and get a tan. Perhaps even do a little swimming here and there to cool off. And if you have friends with you, why not play some beach volleyball while you're at it? The town of Ornos itself is a great place, but all the excitement is truly at the beach!
Mykonos' Ornos Beach
The beach by Ornos isn't exactly the most famous on the island, but it's definitely among the many highlights. This shoreline offers the best of both worlds! On one end, there are exciting water sports on offer, and on the other, a serene beach where relaxing is the name of the game. What more could you ask for?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Platis Gialos, Mykonos
Much like Ornos, Platis Gialos is as famous for its beach as it is for its town. Located along the coast of a sheltered bay, it's no surprise that this place draws in locals, tourists, and even celebrities alike. It's a Mediterranean seaside town through and through, complete with waterfront bars, beach clubs, and other hip hotspots. There are more peaceful areas when you go further into town, but all the action is by the shore.
What is Platis Gialos, Mykonos Like?
In many ways, Platis Gialo upholds Mykonos' reputation as a party island. It's not as bustling as Chora, though, but there's still a lot going on. During the day, there are lots of people frolicking on the beach, playing beach volleyball, hanging out, and getting some sun. Come nightfall, the establishments that line the coast light up and the parties start. Bars are flowing with drinks, nightclubs are playing loud music, and everyone is having a ball. This is the Mykonos that the rest of the world is more familiar with.
Platis Gialos Beach in Mykonos
Platis Gialos Beach is a must-see in Mykonos! You already know about its seaside strip of hotspots, right? In truth, these places won't be popular if not for the stunning coast. Since it's a sheltered bay, it's not exactly the best place to go scuba-diving and all those adventurous activities. Instead, this is the kind of beach where you can just hang out, play with friends, enjoy a swim, get a tan, and just have a good time. Again, this is the Mykonos the world knows and loves!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Learn more about Mykonos by checking out this neighborhood guide! It'll introduce you to the most popular towns on the island, areas where you'll want to spend time, and who knows? You might just bump into a celebrity in one of them!
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