The Queen in the Cyclades is one member of royalty we’re keen to pledge allegiance to. We’re not alone; Mykonos welcomes a loyal following of millions each year, all more than willing to burn their bare feet on the island’s hot sand.
Not only famous for being one of the world’s premier party destinations, it’s also one of its most luxurious; a beautiful island with unique charms. With so many exclusive villas, chic mansions and diversity of accommodation spread across the island, choosing the one that best suits your needs is crucial to your dream holiday going off without a hitch. We’re here to help with that; our 5 factors to consider when choosing a villa in Mykonos.
Beaches…
Location, location, location; surely the defining feature of any holiday. Certainly, this is true for Mykonos. Since you’ve chosen an island for your dream holiday, we’re going to assume you want to be near some sand. Mykonos has more than 25 beaches, most of which tick the idyllic box emphatically. They are, however, hugely variable, ranging from the small to the sprawling, and from quiet coves to hedonistic, 24 hour wild parties on the sand, so choose your villa’s proximity to these places wisely.
If you like an organised beach with beach bars, sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, then head to Elia, Platis Gialos, Kalo Livadi or Ornos. These ones get pretty busy, and noisy from jet skis and pumping beats, but they’re convenient and have a great energy. Be aware that nudism is well accepted in Mykonos and there are specific beaches where birthday suit bathers can enjoy the sea and the sun without any disturbances. The nudist friendly beaches of the island are Paradise, Agios Sostis and Panormos.
Fear not; Mykonos can do secluded spots, too. Ftelia, Fokos and Kapari never get too crowded and have plenty of resorts and top quality villas close by; ideal for a more family friendly feel. And for beachside vibes with great restaurants attached, Nammos at Psarou Beach, Principote at Panormos Beach and Alemagou at Ftelia Beach all have their own restaurants offering great healthy dishes with Mediterranean menus of, primarily, fresh fish and seafood.
…& Bars
Mykonos is a famed party destination, and if you’re looking for a luxury villa holidays close to the action then you’ll want to be positioned close to the island’s capital, because let’s face it, there are times when you’d like to dance with shoes on your feet rather than with sand between your toes. Mykonos Town itself, locally known as Chora, is where most of the livelier partying goes down, with plenty of lovely villas set into the hills overlooking the bay. You’ll find the bars and clubs at ground level right on the water.
If you prefer dancing outdoors, you can go to Cavo Paradiso, the famous night club built on the rocks over Paradise Beach; it’s a 7km from Chora, but regular shuttle buses run there, as well as water taxis.
Room With A View
To most people visiting Mykonos for their summer holidays, being able to see heart-stopping the shimmering Aegean Sea, and watch the island’s famed sunsets is non-negotiable. And rightfully so.
The Cyclades, as well as the other Greek islands, are home to incredible panoramas and the sunsets are as romantic as you like. As such, a west facing villa is probably your best choice, though facing east will see great sunrises each day. This spectacle is at its most striking when viewed from the charming, cobbled neighbourhood of Little Venice, where you can sit with a coffee or something stronger and watch nature’s finest performance go down.
There are some excellent villas in this little corner of Mykonos, particularly on Kampani and its surrounding sidestreets. Mykonos Town’s Old Port offers similar views, though, like Little Venice, it does get busy.
A unique spot with great views is Castle Panigirakis, a little set back from the old town and on a hill, which means the vibe is more peaceful and the views even more uninterrupted. What’s more, the castle now has rooms you can rent; just lovely.
The Size & Functionality Of The Property
How many of you will be spending your holidays at Mykonos? Will it be just you and your partner? The entire family? Large groups of friends? Several couples together? A couple of families with their children who wish to share space, yet, in different mansions? Questions, questions, questions. No matter the case, it’s critical to have your privacy ensured and find a villa that is just the right size for you. Consult reviews accordingly.
Being on top of one another is certainly nobody’s cup of tea, so check the square footage of the property before booking. Make sure it has enough bedrooms and living, dining, and lounging areas for all of you to enjoy. Extra features, such as guest houses with individual entrances and private balconies, are pluses for large groups.
Services Provided
Want to make that Mykonos holiday extra dreamy? Consider enlisting the help of VIP services. You can find properties on the island equipped with things like private infinity pools overlooking the Aegean Sea, spacious dining and living areas, built-in BBQs, a wine cellar, a personal gym, a private theatre, jacuzzis, lovely gardens to enjoy your morning cup of tea, private terraces, fully equipped outdoor pool bars and kitchens, and many more.
Be scrupulous and discerning, because Mykonos more than likely has what you’re looking for. You just have to ask!
Now you’ve got your villa priorities sorted, you better start penning that itinerary of yours. We’re here to help with that, too; our 5 IDEAL attractions in Mykonos well worth seeing.