Your Ultimate Guide to Mykonos

Mykonos has long been a magnet in the Mediterranean for the traveler who is seeking a bit of fun.

The Cycladic island stands out amidst over two hundred inhabited Greek isles for its natural rugged beauty, high-energy nightlife, and glamorous shopping. It’s best known for the side of the island that’s home to lively beach clubs, where champagne flows, and yachts gather until sunset. But few know the other side, which offers peaceful chapels, family-owned tavernas, and stone paths that have stayed the same for generations.

Mykonos’ timeless appeal in part comes from its location. Right in the center of the Cyclades, it’s a well-located starting point for a Greece trip combining time on nearby islands like Paros, Naxos, and Antiparos. You can spend your days exploring hidden coves, swimming in clear water, or visiting Delos, a major archaeological site and the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

Mornings in Mykonos begin best when done at a relaxed pace.

Mornings in Mykonos begin best when done at a relaxed pace. Enjoy coffee in Chora, the island’s main town, a maze of narrow whitewashed streets clustered around the old harbor on the west coast, where boutiques, bakeries, and galleries slowly come to life. Just inland, Ano Mera offers a quieter glimpse of local life, centered around a traditional square and monastery, while areas like Ornos, Psarou, and Platis Gialos trace the southern shoreline with easy access to some of the island’s most recognizable beaches.

By afternoon, attention naturally shifts toward the island’s beach clubs, which have become a defining part of Mykonos’ identity. Set along coves and stretches of sand on the southern coast, a late-afternoon seating pairs perfectly with uninterrupted sea views, lively music, design-forward settings, and a seamless transition into sunset. The appeal lies as much in the atmosphere as the setting itself, where lingering lunches are the entire point, with Scorpios as its own kind of social stage. But, we’re here to remind you that with the introduction of new places to stay, Mykonos has grown up a bit—while there’s plenty of partying if that’s what you’re after, there’s more to it.

The Fouquet’s Evolution Arrives in Mykonos

Those who once split their summers between Saint-Tropez, Capri, Ibiza, and the French Riviera now increasingly include Mykonos in their rotation. The appeal resides in the contrast: sophisticated without being overly polished, energetic without requiring you too move around too much, and glamorous without sacrificing authenticity.

Fouquet’s entrance into Mykonos was unexpected, but when studied deeper, is a clear fit for the French hospitality brand. Fouquet’s started in Paris in 1899 on the Champs-Élysées and soon became a well-known restaurant amongst the Paris social set. Over the decades, it became a key part of Parisian life, welcoming artists, writers, politicians, actors, and trendsetters. Today, it remains linked to French cinema, hosting the César Awards dinner and standing as a symbol of Parisian society.

The Barrière Group itself traces its roots back to 1912, when François André began building what would become one of France’s most influential family-owned hospitality companies.

That heritage attracted the Barrière family, who acquired Fouquet’s and transformed it from an iconic restaurant into a broader hospitality brand in 2006. The Barrière Group itself traces its roots back to 1912, when François André began building what would become one of France’s most influential family-owned hospitality companies. Over four generations, the family expanded from casinos and seaside resorts into a collection of hotels that have helped define what leisure travel in France looks like. Today, under the leadership of Joy Desseigne Barrière and Alexandre Barrière, the group remains privately owned and family-led, allowing it to take a long-term approach to growth rather than pursuing rapid expansion for the sake of growth alone.

That philosophy helps explain why Fouquet’s has such a selective footprint. Barrière has focused on a limited number of highly considered addresses. Significant investment over the past several years—including a comprehensive renovation of Fouquet’s Paris and the launch of new international properties reflects the family’s ambition to reposition the brand for a new generation of visitors while preserving the sense of heritage and spirit that made Fouquet’s iconic in the first place. Mykonos is one of the clearest examples of that strategy. Joining Saint-Barth, Paris, and other Barrière destinations around the world, the hotel brings the brand to one of the world’s most sought-after summer playgrounds.

Where to Stay 

Designed by Divercity Architects, Fouquet’s Mykonos draws heavily on its Cycladic surroundings from its perch above Paraga Beach on the island’s southern coast. Whitewashed architecture, native stone, and uninterrupted sea views mirror the sweeping views, allowing the setting itself to frame your stay.

The property’s sixty-one suites and three villas were conceived as mineral sanctuaries, shaped by raw stone, sculptural forms, and warm earth tones that echo the island. Interiors remain intentionally restrained, directing attention outward toward the shifting light of the Aegean, while maintaining a residential ease throughout. Villas have an expansive footprint of up to 6,500 feet, with suites offering private pools, terraces, or direct beach access. Wandering the property was built into its design with paths winding between rocky outcrops, sunlit terraces, and tucked-away spots made for lingering.

Meals center around ROKA, set above Paraga Beach, where Japanese flavors meet the easy energy of open-air dining. The robata grill turns out freshly caught seafood, sushi, and grilled favorites, with lunches that stretch into sunset and dinners that play out against sweeping sea views. As evening falls, the Pool Bar draws a crowd, while the private beach stays blissfully quiet during the day.

For wellness-seekers, the Rock Spa is a must-visit. Carved directly into the island’s natural rock formations, it centers restoration and longevity through a highly immersive approach.

For wellness-seekers, the Rock Spa is a must-visit. Carved directly into the island’s natural rock formations, it centers restoration and longevity through a highly immersive approach. Treatments incorporate Dr. Barbara Sturm’s skincare line alongside advanced therapies such as photobiomodulation, molecular hydrogen therapy, oxygen treatments, flotation, and contrast bathing, all set around a dramatic indoor pool filtered with natural light.

Hidden underground, a basketball court carved into the stone adds a playful twist to the scene. In addition to the court, the fitness center at Fouquet’s Mykonos is a sleek, modern training space equipped with premium cardio and strength-training equipment. You’ll find everything needed for a full workout while overlooking the island’s mesmerizing views. As part of the property’s wellness-focused approach, the gym complements a broader recovery and performance program that includes personal training, spa therapies, cold immersion, and other longevity-driven experiences. Throughout the property, design, wellness, and a lively social spirit all feel rooted in the island, offering a take on Mykonos that’s both grounded and full of life.

Where to Dine in Mykonos

Whether you’re craving a traditional taverna experience, inventive ways to enjoy the catch of the day, or simply a setting that will take your breath away, Mykonos’s continuously evolving culinary scene offers vibrant options suited to every palette. Building on the island’s dining culture, every vetted restaurant listed below is a twenty-minute or less drive from Fouquet’s location on Paraga Beach, except for Spilia, which is thirty minutes away.

• Apaggio: Set directly on the waterfront, Apaggio specializes in classic Greek dishes served with uninterrupted Aegean views. Fresh seafood, grilled fish, and traditional mezze anchor the menu, making it a pick for unhurried lunches and sunset dinners. The atmosphere remains refreshingly understated compared to many of the island’s higher-energy venues.
• Limnios Tavern: A longtime local favorite, Limnios Tavern serves traditional Greek cooking with warm, family-style hospitality. Fresh seafood, grilled meats, and regional Cycladic specialties dominate the menu. It’s one of the island’s most dependable choices for an authentic Greek meal.
• Nikolas Taverna: Located on Paraga Beach, Nikolas Taverna has welcomed visitors for decades. Fresh fish, Greek salads, and classic island dishes are served just steps from the sand. The restaurant captures the laid-back spirit of Mykonos before the arrival of international beach clubs and celebrity crowds.
• Baboulas: Focusing on traditional Greek recipes and locally sourced ingredients, at Baboulas, seafood takes center stage alongside hearty meze and island favorites. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal pick for those looking to experience a more traditional side of Mykonos.
• ROKA: Bringing its celebrated robatayaki concept from London to the Cyclades, ROKA utilizes Japanese grilling techniques with Mediterranean ingredients. The menu moves seamlessly between sushi and sashimi, yellowtail and tuna crudo-style plates, and robata-grilled signatures like miso-marinated black cod and wagyu, all served as they come off the grill rather than in formal courses. As Fouquet’s on-property dining and beach club destination, it functions less as a single restaurant and more as a full-day gathering point, just a few minutes’ walk from your suite.
• Zuma: The restaurant is designed around Zuma’s signature open-kitchen format, with a robata grill, sushi counter, and raw bar at the center of the experience, allowing guests to move between dishes prepared à la minute and designed for sharing. The menu embraces its global signatures: miso-marinated black cod, spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, roasted lobster with shiso ponzu, and a wide selection of sashimi and nigiri, alongside seasonal specials that reflect its Mediterranean setting in Mykonos.
• Beefbar: Overlooking Agios Ioannis Bay, Beefbar has established itself as a go-to with the international jetset. Premium cuts sourced from around the world headline the menu alongside lighter dishes and global signatures. It sits above one of the island’s most beautiful bays, with uninterrupted views across the water toward Delos and the surrounding Cyclades. Sunset is the prime reservation time, when the terrace glows in the evening light, and arriving yachts begin to dot the horizon.

• Spilia: Descend a series of wooden walkways carved into the rock before arriving at a network of terraces suspended directly above the sea. The menu is unapologetically seafood-forward. Fresh fish are displayed daily, with local catches such as sea bass, red snapper, grouper, and dentex prepared simply over charcoal or baked in sea salt. Live lobster is one of the restaurant’s signatures, served grilled or tossed with pasta. The cave setting, salt air, fishing boats on the horizon, and simple preparation of exceptional seafood tied to the Cyclades. Feel free to arrive by yacht; you won’t be the only one to do so.
• Interni: One of Mykonos’ defining dinner destinations, Interni is set within a lush garden in the center of Mykonos Town, combining Mediterranean cuisine with an unmistakably social atmosphere. As the evening progresses, the restaurant transforms into one of the island’s liveliest scenes. We love ordering the catch of the day prepared over the open fire.
• Noéma: Modern Greek cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and dishes designed for sharing celebrate the country’s culinary traditions through a contemporary lens are what it’s all about at Noéma. Tucked away in the winding lanes of Chora, behind a red-domed church, the entrance is intentionally understated, almost hidden, and the restaurant is set within a restored open-air cinema in one of Mykonos’s most recognizable courtyards. Reservations here are highly sought after. Your SmartFlyer travel advisor will ensure you secure a table.
• Matsuhisa Mykonos: One of the island’s hot spots since opening in 2003, the restaurant is an open-air Matsuhisa concept, pairing panoramic views over Chora with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature Japanese Peruvian cuisine, including black cod miso, yellowtail jalapeño, rock shrimp tempura, and white fish dry miso. It remains a cornerstone of the Mykonos social scene.

The Mykonos Beach Club Scene

Mykonos beach clubs are less about spending a few hours by the water and more about settling into the rhythm of the island for an entire day. Lunch turns into sunset cocktails, DJs set the vibe, and the line between beach, restaurant, and party all but disappears. Each has its own unique energy, and your SmartFlyer travel advisor can play matchmaker to find your perfect fit.

• Scorpios: Now synonymous with new-era Mykonos, Scorpios blends a vibrant social scene with a dramatic peninsula overlooking Paraga Beach. A Mediterranean-inspired menu complements afternoons spent moving between the sea, sunbeds, and shaded terraces. As sunset approaches, the energy shifts as resident musicians and DJs take over, creating the ritualistic golden-hour atmosphere that has made Scorpios one of the most sought-after reservations on the island, particularly on Sundays; but don’t bother going without a table and a boat to match for the real Mykonian experience.

• Nammos: Located on Psarou Beach, Nammos is one of the most recognizable beach clubs in the Mediterranean and part of a network of exclusive clubs in some of the world’s most iconic destinations, including Cannes, London, New York, and Dubai. Here, champagne service pairs well with a front-row parade of superyachts anchored just offshore. The restaurant specializes in exceptional seafood, premium meats, and lavish presentations that complement the club’s see-and-be-seen atmosphere. During peak summer months, it functions as one of the island’s primary social stages.
• Alemagou: Set on the more rugged and windswept Ftelia Beach, Alemagou offers a different perspective on Mykonos. Built from driftwood, stone, and natural materials, the venue feels intentionally raw and deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. Relaxed yet stylish, Alemagou draws a creative crowd for days anchored by cocktails, fresh seafood, and Mediterranean dishes served just steps from the sand. Unlike some of the island’s larger or more sceney beach clubs, Alemagou maintains a low-key charm that appeals to those seeking a less polished, more authentic side of Mykonos.
• Principote: Located on Panormos Beach, Principote delivers one of the island’s most elevated beach experiences, combining superb service with a sophisticated beachfront setting. Oversized cabanas, handwoven sunbeds, and beautifully designed lounging areas are spread across one of Mykonos’ longest stretches of sand, generating a sense of space that is increasingly rare on the island. Cocktails are crafted around fresh flavors like watermelon, cucumber, basil, citrus, and herbs gathered from the Cyclades. Meals often begin with a crisp Assyrtiko from Santorini or a frozen Paloma, then progress to seafood towers, grilled fish, and rosé magnums delivered directly to the beach, while the music gradually shifts from relaxed daytime playlists to sunset DJ sets.
• SantAnna: With a spacious layout and a lagoon-style pool, SantAnna is a pillar of Mykonos beach clubs. Set along Paraga Beach, it attracts a fashion-forward crowd. The centerpiece is one of the largest seawater pools in Europe, which winds across the property. Expect local seafood displayed market-style alongside dishes such as lobster linguine with fennel and chili, langoustine orzo, king crab tartare, Wagyu carpaccio, and a substantial sushi program. Make sure to head to the private “islands” within the pool. These elevated platforms come with dedicated service, personal lounging areas, and hidden subterranean spaces beneath the pool reserved exclusively for guests.
• Solymar: Solymar’s setup is directly on the sand at Kalo Livadi, with oversized cushioned loungers and beach service that starts early and often continues well past sunset. Tables are best known for being adorned with bottles of Whispering Angel rosé, magnums of Minuty, frozen watermelon margaritas, passionfruit palomas, and oversized spritzes designed for long afternoons in the sun with soundtracks of laid-back Balearic and deep-house music.
• Spilia Beach Club: Attached to the iconic cave-side restaurant of the same name, Spilia Beach Club offers one of the most distinctive seaside settings on the island. Positioned amid the rocky coastline of Agia Anna, guests can spend the day on sunbeds perched above crystalline water before settling in for lunch. The atmosphere is intentionally low-key compared to Mykonos’ larger beach clubs. Arriving by boat is particularly popular, with tenders frequently pulling up directly alongside the club’s wooden docks throughout the summer season.

Getting to Mykonos

Reaching Mykonos typically begins with an overnight flight to Athens or London, Paris, or Zurich, followed by a short connecting flight. During the summer season, expanded air service makes the journey especially seamless, with frequent flights arriving directly into Mykonos from many of Europe’s leading cities, including daily routes from London, Paris, Milan, Rome, and Athens. You can also add another mode of transit to your trip; land in Athens and continue by high-speed ferry, trading a quick flight for a scenic passage across the Aegean. The Mykonos airport is well-connected, with a robust seasonal schedule, making it one of the most accessible islands in Greece.

READY TO BOOK YOUR MYKONOS RETREAT? CONTACT YOUR SMARTFLYER TRAVEL ADVISOR TODAY