Mykonos: Beautiful, High-Energy, and Worth Every Penny
Mykonos is exactly what everyone says it is — beautiful, high-energy, incredible food, and expensive. All of it, at once. That's not a warning, it's just part of the experience, and if you're planning a trip here you probably already know that going in. What we can tell you is where all of it actually delivered, and where it didn't.
Mykonos harbor, where sailboats, ferries, and cruise ships all share the same postcard view.
Where We Stayed: Mykonos Riviera Hotel
We cannot say enough good things about this place. The staff, the grounds, the room itself — all excellent. We had an upgraded room overlooking the marina, with Little Venice visible in the distance. The hotel's daily shuttle into town was perfect — easy, convenient, and one less thing to think about.
Once in town, we walked through the whitewashed streets and lost ourselves in it completely. The bars, shops, and restaurants are all walking distance from the center. Let yourself get lost in the city — it's worth it.
The view from Mykonos Riviera Hotel — infinity pool overlooking the marina.
Get a Car. Seriously.
Same advice as Paros and Santorini: rent a car. Taxis in Mykonos are scarce, and without your own wheels you'll spend a lot of your trip waiting instead of exploring. A rental lets you move at your own pace and actually see the island, not just the town center.
Where We Ate
Kastro's is a fantastic seaside spot — a bit of a hole-in-the-wall, and a little hard to find. But once you find it, you won't forget it. The food was exceptional; try any of the seafood dishes and pair it with one of the local wines. You won't be disappointed.
Sunset through the window at Kastro's — worth finding, worth remembering.
Negrita Bar is a whole different kind of great. It's a short walk through the city after dinner, and the vibe hits you the second you arrive. There's a seaside patio right next to the water — the energy, the people, the music, all of it was exactly what we wanted to feel in Mykonos.
The entrance says it all — Negrita's vibe starts before you even sit down.
Scorpios: The Sunset Scene
Scorpios is where the beautiful people go for the music and the sunset. It's a genuinely fun place to people-watch, and the sunset views are excellent. Dinner, though, was a different story — mediocre at best, and rushed. The restaurant was packed, but the music and overall vibe carried the evening. Go for the sunset and the scene, keep your expectations for the food in check.
Golden hour at Scorpios — the sunset scene everyone talks about.
Beach Clubs: Principote, Super Paradise, and Nammos
Principote is an upscale, beautiful beach club — the DJ kept the energy going all day, the staff was incredibly attentive, and the food and drinks were delicious. All of that comes at a price; when we say upscale, we mean expensive. Still, a fun beach day we don't regret.
Jennifer taking in the view — an upscale beach day at Principote.
Super Paradise is a different pace entirely. It sits in a cove that's protected from the strong winds Mykonos is known for, with a beach covered in tiny pebbles of yellow sand. We went early and it was perfect — low-key, music playing softly in the background, and the water was pristine and actually warm.
Super Paradise's cove — calm, low-key, and worth the early start.
Nammos is glamour and high-end, all in one. Nammos Village is where Louis Vuitton, Gucci, YSL, and most other luxury brands have set up shop in this small, quaint village. Keep walking toward the water and it opens up into a magnificent beach club and restaurant. This place is pure luxury — go prepared for the expense.
Jennifer at Nammos Village — Dior, Fendi and Chanel just steps away.
What We Missed (and Won't Next Time)
Mamalouka has a dinner show that looked like a lot of fun, and we missed it. It's already on the list for when we're back on the island.
The Honest Take
Mykonos earns its reputation — the energy, the food, the beach clubs are all everything people say they are. But it's not a budget island, and it's not meant to be. Go in knowing you'll spend more here than almost anywhere else in Greece, and let that be part of the experience rather than a surprise. Rent the car, book the beach club, and let yourself get lost in the town at least once.
Planning your own trip to Mykonos? Book your stay early, rent a car the day you land, and set aside a real budget for the beach clubs — Mykonos is worth it.