Top five bars in… Mykonos, Greece
By Melita KielyFrom drinking and dancing in all-night beach clubs to chilling out on sensational sands, the Greek island of Mykonos has something for everyone. And that includes serving up world-class cocktails.
The Ibiza of Greece, Mykonos is where hedonistic holidaymakers, sun worshippers and fashion aficionados gather for one big summer party. But thereâs more to this Cycladic island than the thumping bass lines and allânight raves itâs become famous for.
Thereâs something utterly charming about Mykonos, from its whitewashed cubed villas that speckle the desertâlike landscape, to the boutique stores and narrow lanes that meander through the town â all overlooked by the islandâs iconic windmills. Not to mention the topaz waters that lap at Mykonosâs shores.
Sun seekers shouldnât overlook Ftelia beach, popular with windsurfers for the cooling breeze that sweeps across it. But the sea here is wonderfully warm and the sand sizzles beneath your feet, so sit on a sunbed and take in the panoramic sea views that wrap around you. Nearby is Ftelia Beach Club, which serves rustic Mediterranean cuisine and refreshing libations.
Beach parties aplenty can be found at Parnormos. The islandâs beach clubs get started in the afternoon and the music keeps playing until dawn, so expect little to no sleep between June and September.
For a preâdinner cocktail while watching the sun disappear over the horizon, head to iconic gay bar JackieOâ Town Bar just before dusk. But mind you donât stand too close to the waterâs edge or be prepared for a soaking as rogue waves have been known to crash onto the promenade. Head to sister site JackieOâ Beach Club to continue the merriment, with nightly drag shows and worldâclass DJ sets.
A short drive from Mykonos town, or Chora, to Paraga Beach is Scorpios, which has become one of the most soughtâafter beach clubs on the island. Youâll find everything here to transition you from day to night, including beaches, sunâprotected lounge areas, killer cocktails, exquisite cuisine, DJs and dancing. From the ultraâchilled to the serious reveller â Mykonos has something for everyone.
Click through the following pages to see our top bars in Mykonos, Greece.Â
*These venues have reopened with safety measures and restricted capacity due to Covid-19
JackieO’ Town Bar
Plateia Karaoli Dimitriou, 846 00
Named in honour of the US First Lady and wife of Aristotle Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, JackieOâ is one of the hottest gay bars on the island. All are welcome to this seaside drinking den, which plays loud beats until the early hours while serving showâstopping cocktails, from classics to house specials.
Catari
Agia Anna, 846 00
Follow the winding streets of Mykonos town inland and youâll stumble across this semiâal fresco Italian gem. Packed with palm trees and flower pots, not only does this restaurantâbar serve the best pizza and pasta in town, its cocktail menu is sure to thrill.
Queen of Mykonos
Enoplan Dinameon, 846 00
Just a stoneâs throw from the town centre, or Chora, Queen of Mykonos is where the islandâs elite gather to sip Champagne and cocktails. Itâll cost you a pretty penny, but the signature serves â particularly those topped with the French fizz â are worth it.
Galleraki
Skarpa, 846 00
This cafĂ©âcumâbar means youâll be sipping coffees and fresh juices while the sunâs up, but switching to Gallerakiâs signature Frozen Daiquiri, the Katerinaki Cocktail, after sun down. Situated in the Little Venice area of Mykonos, Galleraki is set across two floors that date back to the late 1880s.
Scorpios
Paraga, 846 00
Unrivalled nightlife combined with an artistic and holistic day programme make Scorpios an unmissable stop while on Mykonos