Mykonos, Greece: 25 Must Know Dos & Don'ts For Your First Visit

MAKE YOUR MYKONOS TRIP HAPPEN ✨

✈️ Flights to Mykonos
🏨 Hotels in Mykonos
🚙 Rent a car in Mykonos
🎫 Activities & Tours in Mykonos
💸 No-win-no-fee flight insurance

Mykonos might be Greece’s wild child, but don’t be fooled by the designer flip-flops and endless champagne.

Underneath the glitz is an island full of surprises so you need to know how to play your cards right.

If you want the trip of a lifetime without blowing your budget or patience, here’s what to do. And more importantly, what not to.

Booking and Accommodation

Table of Contents

Do book your hotel early if travelling June through September

The best spots with sea views and serious style go fast. Six months out is ideal, especially if you want something central but quiet.

🏨 BEST HOTELS IN MYKONOS

Best 5 Star Hotels in Mykonos
Palladium Hotel • Saint John Hotel Villas & Spa • Cavo Tagoo Mykonos

Best 4 Star Hotels in Mykonos
Mykonos Pantheon • Hermes Mykonos Hotel • Amuse Mykonos Boutique Hotel

Best Budget Hotels in Mykonos
Hotel Matina • Ftelia Blue Escape

Don’t assume every hotel has beach access

Mykonos Town has no beach. It’s all charm, no sand. Want a swim out your front door? Look at Ornos, Platis Gialos or Agios Ioannis.

Do check how far your hotel is from town

Some villas are up in the hills, stunning but remote. That ‘10 minutes from town’ might mean a winding road and zero pavements. Ask.

Don’t rely on taxis to get everywhere

There are only a handful of taxis on the whole island. If you’re not hiring a car, make sure your hotel is near a bus stop or has a transfer service.

Transport and Getting Around

Do use the bus system

Cheap, fairly reliable and connects most beaches to town. Yes, it gets busy. Yes, it’s worth it.

Don’t try to hail a taxi on the street

It’s not a thing here. Book in advance through your hotel or a local app. And even then, be patient.

Do rent a quad or scooter if you’re confident

They’re handy for remote beaches and breezy drives. Helmets are essential and roads are chaotic, so only rent if you’re comfortable.

Don’t park randomly in town

The parking police are real and fines aren’t cute. Use the designated lots near the port and walk in.

Beaches & Sun

Do arrive early if you’re heading to popular beach clubs

Beds get snapped up fast, especially on weekends. Book ahead or claim your spot before noon.

Don’t assume all beaches are free

Some sunbeds cost more than your flight. Ask for prices before you sit down or bring a towel and go old school.

Do explore quieter beaches

Agios Sostis, Fokos and Kapari are gorgeous and mostly free of crowds, music and inflated mojitos.

Don’t take photos of strangers without asking

Nudity is common on some beaches. Be respectful and keep your phone to yourself.

Dining and Drinking

Do make dinner reservations in high season

Restaurants with views or great reviews book out nightly. Walk-ins are a gamble, especially in Little Venice.

Don’t judge a place by its sea view

Some of the best food is hidden in backstreets and village tavernas. Follow the smells, not the Instagram tags.

Do try local plant-based dishes

Mykonos isn’t all souvlaki and seafood. Look for traditional lentil soups, fava, vine leaves, tomato fritters and grilled veg.

Don’t expect huge portion sizes

Fancy restaurants serve small plates with big prices. If you’re starving, head to a casual spot or grab a street snack first.

Do drink plenty of water

That sun is no joke. Keep a refillable bottle with you and sip throughout the day.

Don’t overdo it on the beach cocktails

They taste like juice. They hit like a freight train. Space them out and always eat first.

Culture and Etiquette

Do dress appropriately in churches and monasteries

Covered shoulders and knees are the standard. A scarf or light sarong will do the trick.

Don’t wear swimwear in town

No one wants to see your Speedos in a souvenir shop. Cover up when you leave the beach.

Do learn a few Greek phrases

A simple “kalimera” (good morning) or “efharisto” (thank you) goes a long way and often earns a smile.

🏨 BEST HOTELS IN MYKONOS

Best Hotels in Mykonos for Couples
Aeolos Resort • Damianos Mykonos Hotel • Cavo Tagoo Mykonos

Best Hotels in Mykonos for Families
Palladium Hotel • Amazon Mykonos Suites & Spa • Panormos Village Hotel

Best Boutique Hotels in Mykonos
Noima Boutique Hotel • Portobello Boutique Hotel • Aeolos Resort

Don’t assume everyone speaks English

Most do, but not all. Patience and politeness will get you further than volume.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Do explore beyond the designer boutiques

Mykonos has brilliant indie artists and local crafts. Look for handmade ceramics, jewellery and natural soaps.

Don’t wait until the last day to shop

Shops close at odd hours and siesta is still a thing. If you see something you love, buy it when you spot it.

Do pay with card, but carry some cash

Most places take cards, but smaller shops or remote cafés may not. Cash also helps with tipping.

Don’t forget to ask for tax-free shopping forms

If you’re from outside the EU, you could claim back some VAT at the airport. Worth a few minutes at checkout.

Bonus Travel Smarts

Do check ferry times twice

They change often and weather delays are common. Reconfirm 24 hours before and leave buffer time before your flight.

Don’t cram your itinerary

Mykonos is best enjoyed slowly. Build in downtime to wander, nap, people-watch and let the island surprise you.

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