Mykonos comes into its own at night. From the many prime positions from which to view a deep orange and purple sunset, to the number of sophisticated cocktail bars and the choice of dance clubs to head to in the small hours, it seems like the island was made for partying.
Any night is a good night out (it doesn't get any quieter just because it's a Tuesday, for example) and there's no such thing as a quiet pub, so if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Most bars are open every day during the season, which usually runs from mid-April to the end of October. Please contact the bars directly for exact times, especially if you are visiting out of peak season.
For more Mykonos inspiration, check out our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants, activities and beaches.
Find a bar by area
Mykonos Town
BAOs
As one of many bars along the waterfront in Mykonos' most attractive area, Little Venice, BAO's advantage is an unobstructed view of the sea. With the famous windmills on your left and the outline of houses built on stilts in the water, it is an excellent place for a sunset. The inventive cocktail menu includes most of the classics, but also try one of their signatures, such as The Mandarin, with fresh mandarin juice, gin and lime. The interior is chic, with whitewashed walls and ceilings contrasting with bright blue wooden beams, low-hanging rattan lampshades and curved benches lining the windows. But you want to sit on a table outside; they are popular so get here early. The music is of the generic Euro-dance variety, although people get up and dance as the evening goes on (and it gets louder).
Galleraki
Located just along the waterfront from BAO's, Galleraki's main selling point is its first-floor terrace, so you double your chances of getting a good view. The decor is less ostentatious, with blue and white accents and white-painted wooden chairs and tables, but because it's more tucked into a corner it avoids the worst of the wind blowing from the sea. They have an extensive range of cocktails made with fresh fruit - try the irresistibly sweet Peach Daquiri - as well as more classic cocktails and champagne cocktails, plus alcoholic coffees. The music here tends towards the relaxed, at least at the beginning of the evening.
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Contact: instagram.com/galleraki
Prices: £££
Lola
An intimate jewelery box of a bar, tucked away on a small side street in Chora (Mykonos Town). The decor is predominantly pink and purple, with a chic, flamboyant crowd to match. The signature slushy, salt-rimmed, strawberry Margarita naturally follows the color theme; Enough of that and you'll be dancing to the pumping house music, along with the best of them. But there are enough tables tucked away in the corners to create a romantic atmosphere, if you want. Needless to say, it's one of many LGBT+ friendly establishments in Mykonos, but it appeals to a mixed clientele.
Scandinavian bar
An institution from Mykonos. Spread across a small square near the Old Port, this bar has been attracting dance-loving drinkers since the 1970s. It consists of two compact bar areas - although most people try to get an outside table for better people-watching - and a 'disco' accessed by stairs, with a DJ overseeing the turntables to provide crowd-pleasers. playing from the likes of Rihanna and Taylor Swift. The cocktail list offers the usual suspects, from Aperol Spritz to Martinis, and they also make a range of lurid titles. The cheerful atmosphere is attractive for all ages, and when it comes to dressing up, anything goes...
Jackie O'
Jackie O' (sister location to the popular beach club on Super Paradise) is located right on the waterfront, around the corner from the old harbor. It is one of the best gay bars and clubs in the city, but appeals to a mixed crowd. Inside it looks as if it has been carved - stylishly - out of a cave, with a round, whitewashed stone bar and serpentine seating. There is also a small upper floor. Black and white photos of his namesake, Jackie Onassis, are scattered everywhere, but all eyes are turned forward as the dance music gets louder, signaling the entrance of the nightly drag act. The bar menu ranges from local beers to classic cocktails.
Queen of Mykonos
Billed as a 'champagne and cocktail bar', this attracts the big spenders; appropriate because it is located on a street - Enoplon Dynameon - full of eye-wateringly expensive jewelers and designer boutiques. Perrier Jouet (ideally with the magnum) is the order of the day, but you can also enjoy Veuve, Dom Pérignon, Bollinger and Moët, and there are dozens of cocktails to choose from. If you have a yacht - or just want people to think you do - then this is the place for you. Most people stay outside (easier to see and be seen), on stools or Louis Ghost chairs.
Ornos
Buddha Bar
A stylish, sophisticated option in quieter, more family-oriented Ornos - and part of the exclusive Santa Marina resort, tucked away at the far end of the beach - this is more about having good quality Mediterranean and Asian fusion food, accompanied by top-notch drinks than partying until the wee hours; But thanks to occasional live DJ sets you can do that too. The atmosphere is relaxed, the decor is a mix of modern wicker furniture, brightly colored cushions and orchids in huge vases. Wash down sushi, black cod with miso, or Wagyu beef with a Japanese Old Fashioned (made with Japanese whiskey and Umeshu) or a White Princess (gin, lemongrass-infused sake, and passion fruit, topped with vanilla foam).
Aperanto Galazio
Situated at one end of the wide bend of Ornos beach, this is a relaxed, easy-going place to have a few drinks. You can sit at a table on the sand, or in the airy interior, which embraces the island's natural aesthetic - all bamboo roofing, simple, white-painted furniture, glass lighting, jam jar-like shades, and of course, sea views. The cocktail list is more inventive than most - how about a smoked daiquiri with mezcal, rum and lime, or the Greek passion, with the ubiquitous mastic liqueur, basil, jasmine and cucumber?
Agios Ioannis
Katikies lounge on the lower deck
This small but charming terrace bar on the first floor of the chic Katikies Mykonos hotel in Agios Ioannis is perfect for an aperitif or for a few refined drinks, if you plan to eat elsewhere. Tables are evenly spaced across the poured concrete floor, illuminated by hanging lampshades made from curved pieces of wood. The signature cocktail includes fresh strawberry juice and champagne, but there is also a more classic list to choose from, as well as wine and beer. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful - soft music provides a subtle backdrop - perfect for a break from the party element in Chora.
Psarou
Nammos
This luxury resort on Psarou Beach consists of a beach bar and restaurant, as well as a range of small boutiques (in what is known as Nammos Village). The exclusive feel has seen a host of visiting stars, from Ralph Lauren to Leonardo Di Caprio, Elizabeth Hurley and Mariah Carey. In the evening the music gets louder and the cool crowd drinks cocktails and champagne or smokes hookahs. Here too you can sit on or near the sand, or retreat to your heart's content on the stylish terrace and star spot.
How we choose
Every bar, venue or experience on this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who's dropped by to give you their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars - to suit every type of traveler - and take service, drinks, atmosphere and price into account in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to stay informed of the latest vacancies and to provide current recommendations.
