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I’ve been trying so hard to find one sentence that will not sound like a cliche about Mykonos.

If you want an easy recipe to write about this island, you just mix a bit of “island-that-never-sleeps” with two or three cups of  “{insert celebrity’s name} has been here” and Voila! You have your description.

And I am not kidding when I say, you would be right on point.

In general, Mykonos is the place for you if you are into limitless partying all day long, bumping into celebrities from all over the world and being around glamorous, shiny people in fancy places. It also is one of the most gay-friendly destinations not only in Greece but all over the world.

Mykonos is considered a world leader among the LGBT community and I can promise you that in case you’re traveling as a gay couple, there will be no weird looks, whenever and wherever. (Yes, Shakira was there too).

So let’s take a look at the must-visit hotspots when it comes to Mykonos nightlife.

The Best Bars in Mykonos & Nightlife Favorites

Have you ever heard the word “crescendo”? Crescendo is a gradual increase in the loudness of a sound. And that is pretty much how we are going to explore Mykonos’s nightlife.

We will start low, by exploring the lowkey unruffled bars, where you can chill and enjoy the Aegean view and Cycladic island style.

Next, we will start adding a bit more loudness and move on with the wild nightlife of Mykonos, where you can stay awake until the morning dancing the night away.

Last but not least, you might find it weird, why the names of some bars and clubs don’t ring a bell, as in Mykonos everyone knows the most recommended places more or less.

Due to the island’s expensive character, I tried to add some budget-friendly solutions here and there, which are not the typical tourist attractions. So keep an eye out for those as well!

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Scorpios – Paragka beach

We are starting with a celebrity that has been on the island for the last few years. And no, I am not referring to a visitor, but to Scorpios itself.

Inspired by two German entrepreneurs, Thomas Heyne and Mario Hertel, Scorpios is considered the chicest and must-visit places to go for nightlife on Mykonos.

Seafood gourmet dishes, world-famous DJs, an idyllic setting with an incomparable design: all of it make Scorpios what it is.

Prices are, of course, higher than seeing The Weeknd on tour. However, if you can afford it you shouldn’t leave the island before visiting.

Address: Paraga Beach, Mykonos 846 00

Buddha-Bar

Just check the view of this amazing bar and burst into tears. I allow it.

Buddha-Bar is a bar, restaurant, hotel franchise, and a guarantee of what to expect in terms of flavors, service, and ambiance.

The bar is elevated above Santa Marina’s private beach. It provides a captivating setting for first-class dining and inspired cocktails.

Address: Ornos Bay, Mykonos 846 00

Montparnasse Piano Bar

Montparnasse – The Piano Bar is definitely a different type of Mykonos bar in Little Venice. There, you can accompany your drink and the view with live music, talented musicians, and skilled entertainers.

There’s no way that you will not have fun or not feel welcome in Montparnasse. It might differ from the rest glamorous and busy bars in Mykonos, but that’s exactly why there’s a point in visiting it.

Its visitors are usually looking to avoid celebrities and social media stars, and just want to have a fun evening at one of Mykonos’ most laid-back bars.

Address: Ag. Anargyron 24, Little Venice, Mykonos, 846 00

Katerina’s Bar

In 1990 Katerina Xydaki decided to turn her family house into a restaurant and cocktail bar. If my family is reading this, I hope they are already packing.

The bar has a privileged location with a direct view of the sea and the windmills. The cocktails are refreshing, and prices are fair for this part of Mykonos.

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This relaxed Mykonos bar is definitely recommended for cozy drinks and chilled mood!

Address: Little Venice, Mykonos, 846 00

Kastro Bar

It was about time we added a budget-friendly option for those that are not of royal descent (myself included!).

Kastro Bar is located in Chora, near the Panagia Paraportiani Church. It’s a cafe-bar with a wide selection of cocktails at low prices. 

If you are looking for the perfect place to watch the sunset on a budget, we have you covered. Gentle music, fine drinks, friendly staff, and a stunning view. I recommend that you try the Strawberry Daquiri with fresh strawberries!

Of course, I need to clarify at this point, that “low prices” in Mykonos, mean low prices for Mykonos. You cannot really find anything that can be objectively considered budget-friendly on the island, but this is about as good as it gets!

Address: Agion Anargyron 1, Little Venice, Μύκονος 846 00

Notorious

Alert! We have another budget-friendly bar in Mykonos here!

Notorious is a small, not known by many, bar in Agia Kuriaki. It’s a cozy place, with cocktails and drinks at fair prices, something that is a pleasant surprise to travelers usually.

Don’t expect anything fancy, and make sure you’re a cat person before visiting. My fluffy favorite animal tends to hang out a lot around the place. (Extra reason for me to like it; the allergic may feel differently!).

Address: Kampani str. Ag Kiriaki 3, Mykonos 846 00

Lola Bar

Lola Bar is a place with special aesthetics, as it reminds something of an old cabaret. It’s a gay bar, with elegant style and great cocktails at reasonable prices. It’s also one of the best-rated bars on Tripadvisor, something that is quite rare for Mykonos!

One thing is for sure. Either you will love it or you will hate it. There is not a middle ground.

Another research has also shown, that once you love it, you will definitely visit more than once.

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Lola is one of those places where everyone is welcome, but also feels like he/she is welcome. If you ask me, it’s definitely one of the most Instagrammable night-out bars in town.

Address: Zanni Pitaraki 4, Mykonos 846 00

Best Clubs in Mykonos for Nightlife

The moment we were all waiting for. Club time!

Night outings in Mykonos begin around 18:00 in the afternoon and end at 6:00 o’clock the next morning. I hope you find the energy to keep up with this schedule and try to not overdose on a mix of coffee, Red Bull and vodka.

As previously mentioned, your gay friends are going to love this part of the trip. And if you don’t have gay friends, don’t worry, you’re gonna make some in Mykonos!

I suggest you give both fancy-swanky and crazy-wild clubs a try. You’re in Mykonos after all!

Try to leave any prejudice behind, embrace the vibe where everyone is welcome, accept your own weirdness, and become a real Mykonian!

Astra

Keith Richards has been drunk here!

What did I tell you earlier about Mykonos? No matter the place, some celebrity has 100% stepped foot there. But ok, I’d rather mention Keith Richards than anybody else.

Astra is one of the most popular clubs, and the place to be for celebrities, socialites, models, rockstars, medium-famous, wannabe-famous… it goes on and on. You are welcome to go there right when the clock strikes 00:00, with your dancing shoes and good mood on.

I have to warn you that if you are ideologically against dress codes, you’re not gonna like this place, as there is usually a strict one at the door. In order to get in, dress well or… be Keith Richards.

Address: Tria Pigadia, Mykonos 846 00

Cavo Paradiso

By this point, the party animal in you should be already awakened. So…

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Release the Crack-en! (Just a joke, stay sober, please)

We have a world-famous club here. Famous DJs have enjoyed the sunset here, during their small break from entertaining their 3,000 attendees.

If you are looking for an amazingly beautiful setting, with techno sounds and a very active crowd, this is the place for you.

Address: Paradise beach, Mykonos 846 00

Super Paradise

Name a more iconic club. I’ll wait.

If you are from Greece, you have definitely connected Mykonos with these two words. Super Paradise. It is a beach club and a living legend. It’s where young adolescents state they will party, once they get into university. (Maybe that was just me).

The name is connected with wild entertainment, VIP guests, high profile DJs and… girls dancing on the bar.

Sunbeds cost and depending on how close to the shore they are located, this price increases. Estimate approximately 30-50€.

Party starts usually early and lasts until the late evening.

Address: Super Paradise beach, Mykonos 846 00

Tropicana

I swear that I have never been confused and ended up in Tropicana, while my friends and I wanted to go to Super Paradise. No sir, no. Never.

Who on Earth would confuse Paradise beach with Super Paradise beach? That’s completely stupid!

I guess by now you’ve realized how I got to know Tropicana. (Let my mistake be a lesson for you).

But Tropicana is anyway one of the most successful beach clubs in Mykonos. And I am grateful I got to be there and experience such a party!

I’d say Tropicana is more suitable for the younger ages (18-25 years old). And the ultimate highlight is the coolest Italian DJ, called Sasa. You’ll notice him walking around the club with just a male elephant-string on!

I’m not gonna add more details, discover the rest for yourself!

Address: Paradise beach, Mykonos 846 00

Paradise

Voted many times among the best clubs in the world, Paradise is the synonym for heavy partying.

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Attracting masses of visitors every year, as well as famous DJs, Paradise Club is another must of your Mykonos trip. Avicii, David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Afrojack are just some of the names that have been there and have entertained Paradise’s party guests.

Fun fact: the famous beach of Mykonos, Paradise, started bringing tourism to the island in the 1960s. Back then, it was the number one destination for… hippies!

These were the ones that first introduced nudism to Mykonos (or Mykonos to nudism, we’re not sure about that). Every year, like-minded people went to the same beach, craving freedom. No wonder it was named Paradise.

Nowadays, the hippie character is long gone. Slowly, the happy vibes of Mykonos’s resort spread, and legendary parties took the hippies place.

Address: Paradise beach, Mykonos 846 00

Skandinavian

We should watch out how we talk about this one because it’s been around for about 40 years. We’re just the newbies.

Skandinavian is one of the places that will make you feel comfortable and energetic enough to party. It attracts a younger audience and you’ll find it if you search for smiles all over.

Definitely, a must-visit and don’t forget to focus on the… shots!

Address: Agios Ioannis Barkia, Mykonos Town, Mykonos 846 00

Jackie O’s

Jackie O’s is certainly among the best gay bars in Mykonos.

George Michael has been photographed there at the entrance with his lover, Jean-Paul Gaultier often enjoys drag queen shows, while celebrities such as Thierry Mugler and Alessandro Dell’Acqua make sure to reserve the famous sofa before even landing in Mykonos.

Do I really need to say more?

The place is located on the famous Super Paradise Beach and is known for its exuberant shows, upscale lunches, and party vibes.

Address: Super Paradise Beach, Mykonos 846 00

At54

 At54 has a young crowd, pop tunes, great martinis and cocktails, and endless parties.

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The prices are on the cheap side this time, and there is even a Happy Hour, usually from 21:00 to 23:00, with drinks being 7€, beers 5€, and cocktails 8€.

The best reviews are referring usually to the friendly staff, which is without a doubt something important about Mykonos, where sometimes the locals might not be so much down on Earth. (They work in Mykonos, which is another universe after all).

Last but not least, the couches and outdoor terrazza, destined for party-goers that wish to have some chill moments before entering the party once again, are definitely worth the good review!

Address: Manto Square, Mykonos Town, Mykonos, 846 00

Where to Stay in Mykonos

Budget: If you’re looking for the best place to stay on a budget in Mykonos, I strongly suggest Mama’s Pension in Agios Stefanos (it’s also right next to Limnios Tavern, the best taverna on the island…). The owner, Christina, is so friendly and lovely. She picked me up at the port, sat and had coffee and a chat with me each morning, and was a wonderful resource about Mykonos.

My room was also stunning, well-equipped with everything you’d need and super spacious with a gorgeous sunset view over the sea! It’s a 5 minute walk from the chilled out Agios Stefanos beach, you can walk to Mykonos Town in about 40 minutes, or there’s a bus a few blocks away that’ll take you to the Old Port in about 10 minutes flat. Because of their stellar reputation, they’re often booked up, so reserve your spot well in advance in the high season. Check prices, availability, and guest reviews here.

Mid-Range: For chilled-out bliss overlooking Mykonos Town and harbor with a phenomenal view, check out Bellou Suites. They have minimalist decor utilizing plenty of bright white, natural light, wood tones, and stone elements, giving everything a desert-chic vibe.

They have a variety of room types – from doubles with a balcony overlooking to sea to apartments with a kitchenette – perfect for every type of traveler. With sunset views, lovely design, and an affordable price, Bellou Suites is a great option for the stylish traveler with a mid-range budget. Check prices, availability, and guest reviews here.

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Luxury: Cavo Tagoo is easily Mykonos’ most Instagrammable and stylish hotel, with every feature seemingly thought out for both comfort and photogenicity.

The insane infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean is one of its best features, but the truly dedicated Instagrammers amongst us won’t settle for less than its cave pool suite, pictured above. Whether you get a more standard room or splurge on the cave pool suite, you won’t be disappointed with the 5* service and infinite photographability. Check prices, availability, and guest reviews here.

Want to Rent a Car for Mykonos?

While not all trips to Mykonos require a car, if you’re staying far from Mykonos Town (Chora) for the local bus station or you want to tour the island independently without going on a guided tour, a rental car may come in handy! [Just don’t drive if you’re going to be drinking, obviously — taxis exist for that reason!]

We’ve rented cars dozens of times in the Balkans through various search engines and have settled on Discover Cars as the best car rental search engine – it searches over 500 trusted rental companies to find the cheapest price for your rental! Compare prices for car rental in Mykonos here.

What to Bring to Mykonos

Mykonos - White houses with pink fowers and red window shutters

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, you’ll want to pack all the normal essentials, but here are a few things we strongly recommend bringing that may not have crossed your mind. For more packing tips, check out our complete Greece packing list.

– A physical guidebook, in paper or on Kindle. We love Lonely Planet Greece for this region and strongly recommend it to supplement blogs. Blogs are great, but a combination of a blog and a guidebook is key to having the best access to information easily at your fingertips.

– A water bottle with a filter. While often, the tap water in Greece is drinkable, there are places where it isn’t, including some popular tourist destinations like Santorini and Mykonos.

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We generally recommend using a water bottle with a purifying filter to reduce your plastic consumption and ensure you won’t drink any funny-tasting water on your stomach that could make your trip unpleasant!

We recommend the GRAYL water bottle – it filters water perfectly in an instant so that you can even drink from lakes, bad taps, etc.

– Motion sickness pills. Very necessary if you’ll be taking a ferry! The ferries in the Mediterranean can be quite choppy. If you have a weak stomach as we do, save yourself and bring some non-drowsy motion sickness pills.

 Travel safety items. We think Greece is very safe to travel, but at the same time, it never hurts to be prepared! Mykonos is rather safe, but is not immune from pickpockets, so be cautious (this goes double if you plan to go to Athens – the metro is notorious for its pickpockets, and a travel blogger friend of ours got his phone stolen on it!). Some people like to carry money belts, but neither Stephanie or I use these. Instead, we both carry the same PacSafe anti-theft backpack.

It has locking zippers, slash-proof construction with metal mesh hidden in the fabric, and tons of other smart security features — all while being cute and stylish enough to be our everyday bag. We recommend it highly for both male and female travelers, as it’s neutral enough to be unisex. We also strongly recommend travel insurance! Our recommendation is at the bottom of the post.

More Mykonos & Greece Travel Resources

Headed to Greece? We have some great travel resources to help you with your trip. First read our guide to planning a trip to Greece, which covers visas, budgets, vaccines, and much more. Next, you’ll want to read our all-season Greece packing list.

Since you’ll be on Mykonos, you’ll likely also want to visit Delos. Here’s our guide on how to do a Delos day trip easily and hassle-free! We also have our Mykonos Instagram guide (and some Mykonos quotes you can use as captions!) and our Mykonos itinerary, as well as our favorite Mykonos beaches!

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If you are still trying to figure out your Greece itinerary, check out our guides on where to go in Greece, the best places for island hopping in Greece, and when is the best time to visit. 

Many people combine a trip to Athens with a trip to Mykonos. Check out our Athens Instagram guide, the best Athens day trips, and our complete Athens hotel guide. We also have Athens safety tips so your trip can be hassle-free. We are currently working on our mega-post of things to do in Athens as well as our itineraries, so stay tuned! 

We publish new content about the Balkans almost every day! For more information about traveling to Greece and the Balkans, bookmark our Greece and Balkan travel pages so you can find out what’s new before your trip.

Finally, Make Sure You Come to Greece with Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that it’s a good idea to have travel insurance for traveling in Greece, the Balkans, or anywhere in the world!

We have both been paying customers of World Nomads for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption.  While Greece is safe, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel like theft or injury, so it’s better to play it safe.

>> Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here <<

Pin this Mykonos Nightlife Guide for later!

Wondering where to party in Mykonos? This guide to the best bars in Mykonos is full of Mykonos nightlife tips, including Mykonos clubs, Mykonos beach clubs, and other tips for where to drink and dance in Mykonos in summer!