Mykonos

Mykonos is a small island in the Cyclades, about 150 km south-east of Athens. It is known for its whitewashed town, its windmills, its south-coast beaches and the ancient island of Delos just offshore. The airport is 4 km from the town, and ferries from Piraeus and Rafina arrive at the new port at Tourlos, just north of it.

We list villas around Mykonos town, on the south coast at Ornos and Plintri, and inland. Below: what each area is like, who it suits, the best beaches, how to get here and when to come.

Town, south coast or inland: where to stay

Mykonos town, also called Chora, is a maze of white lanes, small churches and boutiques around the old harbour. Little Venice, a row of old houses built right on the water, faces the sunset, and the windmills stand on the hill above it. The old port is also where boats leave for Delos. It suits people who want restaurants, bars and nightlife within walking distance. Most of our villas on the island are in and around the town, many on the hills above it with views over the sea.

The south coast has the island's best-known beaches, and it is sheltered from the meltemi, the strong summer wind from the north. Ornos, about 3 km from the town, is a calm, sandy bay with tavernas, popular with families. Plintri is close to the beaches of Psarou and Platis Gialos. Further east are Paradise, Super Paradise and Elia. It suits beach holidays and families.

Inland, Ano Mera is the island's second village, built around the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, with tavernas on its square and a slower pace than the town. It suits quieter stays, with the beaches of both coasts a short drive away.

The north coast faces the meltemi. Its beaches, such as Ftelia, are wilder and windier, and popular with windsurfers.

The best beaches on Mykonos

South coast, sheltered from the north wind

• Ornos: a calm, sandy bay close to the town, with shallow water. Good for children.
• Psarou: a small bay of fine sand with clear water, known for its upmarket beach clubs.
• Platis Gialos: a long, wide beach in a south-facing bay, and the main stop for the water taxis to the beaches further east.
• Paradise and Super Paradise: sandy beaches known for their beach parties.
• Elia: one of the longest sandy beaches on the island, quieter than Paradise.

North coast

• Ftelia: a wide bay on the north coast, exposed to the meltemi and one of the best spots on the island for windsurfing.

When to go

The sea temperatures below are monthly averages for Mykonos. The water is cooler here than in Crete, because the meltemi stirs up the sea.

May: quiet, with the sea at about 18 to 19°C, still cool for swimming. June: about 21 to 22°C, and the season starts properly. July and August: the warmest sea, about 23 to 24°C, the strongest meltemi and the busiest and most expensive weeks, especially around 15 August, so book well ahead. On windy days, choose a south-coast beach. September: the sea is still about 23 to 24°C, the crowds thin out and prices fall, and many visitors think it is the best month. October: about 21 to 22°C and quiet, though many beach clubs and restaurants close during the month.

How we choose your villa

Villa4You has been renting holiday homes in Greece since 2005. Tell us your dates and we will shortlist the villas that are free.

Browse our villas in Mykonos, or ask for a shortlist.