If your idea of a glorious Greek isles getaway looks like whitewashed buildings, cobblestoned streets, and draping bougainvillea with live music after dark and the scent of sizzling seafood in the air– then look no further than magical Mykonos Town, aka Chora.
While the beach club crowd flock to Psarou and Paradise, and those seeking a more chilled vibe that’s all about sun, sea, and sand love the beaches of Elia, Ornos, and Platis Gialos, if you want to be truly immersed into Greek local life, then a stay in the heart of town offers a front-row seat to the town’s traditional tavernas, vibrant boutiques, charming chapels, and labyrinth of laneways – and the Myconian Collection offers four fabulous properties in the centre of the action.
The island’s beating heart
Unlike the quieter beachside spots, Mykonos Town truly comes alive in the evening. The streets and squares buzz with energy as locals and visitors alike gather in the town’s lively pedestrianised areas. Start your evening with sunset drinks in Little Venice, where the golden light reflects off the sea, creating a magical ambience for pre-dinner frivolity. From here, wander to one of the town’s many tavernas or restaurants to indulge in fresh, local produce and delectable Greek pastries for dessert.
Nightlife like nowhere else
When in Mykonos, do as the Myconians do, and party until sunrise. Chora is famous for its nightlife, and the action starts late. So, settle in for a lazy, long dinner where you might find the tables pushed aside to make way for a dance floor. Otherwise, hit one of the town’s countless bars for a sophisticated nightcap – George’s Bar and Bacos Bar are highly recommended – or head to a club to dance until dawn.
Shop and stroll
During the day, Mykonos Town is a shopper’s delight, packed with one-of-a-kind boutiques alongside designer favourites and unique art galleries. Guests of the Myconian Collection properties who are planning on piling up their purchases can ask their hotel concierge for a private shopping tour or have someone collect their purchases and unpack them back at home base ready to wear for dinner. Early risers can catch the Pagka market at the Old Port, an authentic slice of Mykonos life where you can buy fresh fish and farm produce alongside locals.
A cultural hub
Mykonos Town is not just about fun, sun and food; it’s steeped in history too. Compact and easily walkable, visit the iconic 15th-century Panagia Paraportiani church or meander through the vibrant Kastro neighbourhood. For something truly special, catch a movie under the stars at Cine Manto, an open-air cinema where you can enjoy a plate of meze with the fragrance of jasmine lingering in the air.
An adventure gateway
Staying in Mykonos Town means you’re never far from the action. The town is well-connected by bus, with regular services to popular beaches like Platis Gialos and Ornos. If you’re up for a bit of exploration, why not hike to the lesser-known Kapari Beach or Kalo Livadi Beach? And don’t miss the chance to take a boat trip to the sacred ruins of Delos – a UNESCO World Heritage site just a short ferry ride away. Prefer to travel in style? Myconian Collection guests can book a charter yacht with a private guide for a first-class Delos experience.
Suggested day trips from Mykonos Town
Mykonos Town also serves as the perfect launchpad for exciting day trips that showcase the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage:
Tragonisi Caverns: Set off on a boat trip to the rocky island of Tragonisi, where you’ll discover stunning caverns and caves surrounded by crystal-clear waters. It’s an ideal spot for snorkelling and exploring the underwater world.
Agios Panteleimonas Monastery: Nestled in the rural village of Marathi, this serene monastery offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling town. Explore the historic site and take in the tranquil atmosphere that defines this hidden gem.
Tirokomio Mykonou Dairy Factory: Head to Ano Mera, a charming inland village, to visit this family-run dairy factory. Here, you can indulge in cheese-tasting sessions featuring traditional Mykonian cheeses. It’s a delicious way to experience local flavours and hospitality.
Stay here, explore everywhere
So, to experience everything the island has to offer, with easy access to blissful beaches, marinas full of yachts and popular party spots, picturesque and perfectly situated Mykonos Town is the only place to stay. The Myconian Collection boasts four first-class properties in Mykonos Town with guests able to move freely between them to enjoy facilities including pools, restaurants, bars and spas:
DEOS Mykonos: Named for the awe-inspiring beauty of its natural setting, Deos is poised on a hilltop above Mykonos Town with panoramic views from the famous windmills in the old harbour, across the neighbouring islands of Delos, Syros, and Tinos. The vibrant street life of Chora is a scenic five-minute walk away.
Rooms at DEOS feel like a private residence with a warm, minimalist style showcasing natural textures and rustic local stone. Ample marble bathrooms are discreetly screened from the elegant living areas opening out onto generous, shaded terraces with either a private pool or jacuzzi.
Dining at on-site restaurant Epico is a decadent affair either indoors or alfresco under the stars. The menu celebrates Greek culinary culture and showcases homegrown ingredients and seasonal produce. DEOS’ dedicated wellness spaces include a fully equipped gym, luxurious spa, indoor pool, and relaxation area with a sauna and steam bath. Signature treatments showcase infusions and essential oils from locally harvested botanicals specially created for the hotel’s guests.
Myconian Korali: Situated atop the hills above historic Mykonos harbour, this Relais & Chateaux hotel is just moments from the nightlife of Mykonos Town and the quaint cafes and tavernas of Little Venice.
Luxurious rooms and suites feature streamlined furniture with colourful accents and handpicked art. Summer living is made easy in private pools and jacuzzis or stretching out on shaded loungers on the pool deck. Kitrino Bar is the place to be for sun-kissed afternoons, spellbinding sunsets and signature cocktails, while the Satory Spa is the ideal destination to unwind and spoil yourself with a frangipani salt scrub, superfood pro-radiance facial, or dip in one of five heated thalassotherapy pools.
Local produce is exclusively grown for Myconian Korali’s fine dining restaurant, Baos, where the chef dishes up a bold blend of haute cuisine and farm-to-table dining for an unforgettable experience.
Myconian Kyma: The birthplace of the Myconian Collection portfolio, where the first stone was set down more than 40 years ago, Myconian Kyma, a member of Design Hotels and favourite among the jet set pairs trendy with traditional in an intimate setting with lush gardens, private terraces, and vast views of windmills, Little Venice and the Aegean Sea.
Each luxurious room and suite is a slice of paradise with crisp, whitewashed interiors and a cool combination of marble, wood, glass and stone, with the cream of the crop sporting sparkling private jacuzzis and infinity pools.
The shaded pool deck sunbeds enjoy 360-degree island views, while the iconic George’s Bar serves up aperitifs and pre-dinner nibbles by night. Noa Greek Restaurant is renowned for its floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views, and incredibly fresh Mediterranean fare including seafood exclusively caught for guests. At the Satory Spa, five heated thalassotherapy pools take centre stage, while a state-of-the-art fitness room includes gym rooms and private studios for Pilates and yoga.
Myconian Naia: Overlooking Chora and the glittering Aegean, Myconian Naia is an elegant boutique property just steps from the timeless charm of Mykonos Town. Secluded and striking, the hotel’s architecture is inspired by the ancient stone structures of Mycenae.
Home to 18 luxury adults-only suites, Myconian Naia is a peaceful retreat with stone walls, marble floors and king-sized beds – private pools and jacuzzis completing the picture. The elegant infinity pool deck offers magnificent views, while Bacos Bar is a hive of activity at sunset.
Dinner is something different with guests invited to sample an array of Japanese delicacies alongside reinvented Greek flavours at Kinjo Japanese Restaurant.
