Where to stay in Mykonos

Best for: shopping addicts and barflies

Dubbed ‘Greece’s Ibiza’, Chora is the epicentre of the island’s day-and-night-life, but it’s still possible to find a budget bed close to the main sights at family-run Matina Hotel or Lefteris. Use the guap saved to splurge on chic fits in glam boutiques along 

Chora’s winding whitewashed alleys. Admire your goodies as you unwind with a rum-based melon colada cocktail at feet-in-the-water Scarpa Bar in the historic Little Venice district, and then fill up on fine food at M-eating or Bagatelle before heading out to party at (always packed) Skandinavian Disco Bar or less-crowded DJ club Guzel.

Best for: budget stays and beach days

In the island’s southern half, Ornos’s golden swathe of sand lapped by calm mirror-clear waters has a far more laidback vibe, despite being only an hour’s beach hike – or ten-minute bus ride – from Mykonos town. The ideal spot for beach-lazing after a hard night’s clubbing, Ornos has a handful of family-owned hotels like Deliades and Mykonos Cactus that are bang on beach and offer plenty of bang for your buck.

Since it’s not such an upmarket spot as Psarou further south, whether you chow down on pizza and pasta at Farina or prefer the Mediterranean savours on offer at Apaggio you’ll find plenty of tavernas where you can feast more cheaply, too.

Best for: bougie bar hopping

Although only separated by a narrow rocky peninsula, these two beaches have very different vibes. With its endless blond sands lined with dope cafes, Paradise Beach is a party hangout where international name DJ’s pump out sounds until dawn at venues like Paradise Beach Club or Guapaloca, whilst Super Paradise’s narrow strand, where celebrities come to chill and snack of Med-Asian finger food and fab cocktails at the Super Paradise Beach Club or hang out with the gay crowd at Jackie O, has a more sophisticated vibe. When it comes to accommodation expect a higher price tag at Super Paradise-side boutique beauties Mykonos Flow and Super Paradise Suites. Lowkey hotels like Paradise Beach Resort and Tropicana Hotel over on Paradise are a tad less expensive.

Best for: windsurfers and organic food fans

Peaceful even in the height of summer, the seaside resort of Ftelia, a short stroll from Ano Mera’s narrow café-lined alleys and 16th century Panagia Tourliani monastery seems worlds away from Mykonos town’s frenzied bustle. On the island’s rugged northern flank this tranquil beach attracts windsurfers who come here to have fun with the winds that often whisk the waves to a meringue-y froth, but there are plenty of small coves for tranquil swimming and sunbathing. Accommodation generally centres on a string of self catering apartments – Ftelia View or Koumi Homes are excellent picks – whilst luscious locally-sourced food is served in beach tavernas like Alemagou and Ftelia Mykonos.

Best for: adventurers 

Just under 15 kilometres southeast of Chora town, this hideaway Blue Flag beach resort is about as far off the beaten track as you’re likely to get in Mykonos. With fares at around two euros buses offer a cheap way to get here, but if you don’t fancy the long and rocky ride hire an ATV for the duration of your stay. Once you’ve made it to this golden cove lapped by tranquil waters the effort will seem worthwhile. Even more so if you sup in small tavernas like family-run Thalassa specialising in seafood, or choose to stay in a sumptuous brine-bathed suite at boutique beach babe The Wild by Interni.