City Guide: Mykonos + Santorini

written by John Philp August 12, 2019

Santorini and Mykonos are two of the most iconic Greek islands, and it’s easy to see why. While they’re often paired together on the same trip, the two islands offer completely different experiences of Greece’s beautiful Aegean coastline — making them the perfect combination for travelers looking to experience both relaxation and nightlife in one vacation.

Santorini is romantic, scenic, and slower-paced. Famous for its whitewashed cliffside villages, blue-domed churches, and dramatic caldera views, the island feels almost surreal at times. Oia and Fira sit high above the sea, offering some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world. Beyond the views, Santorini also has a rich history shaped by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in human history, with ancient ruins like Akrotiri offering a glimpse into the island’s past. Days here are best spent lounging beside infinity pools, wine tasting at volcanic vineyards, sailing around the caldera, or enjoying long dinners overlooking the sea.

Mykonos, meanwhile, is known for its beach clubs, nightlife, and energetic atmosphere. Often compared to Ibiza, the island attracts a younger crowd looking to spend their days at stylish beach clubs and their nights dancing until sunrise. Places like Scorpios, Jackie O’, and Nammos have helped define Mykonos’ glamorous reputation, but there’s also another side to the island. Mykonos Town is filled with winding alleys, boutique shopping, chic cocktail bars, and beautiful waterfront restaurants that make simply wandering around part of the experience.

The two islands also differ quite a bit when it comes to transportation. Santorini is relatively easy to navigate while staying primarily in Oia or Fira, with taxis and transfers handling most transportation needs. Mykonos is much more spread out, with beaches, restaurants, and clubs located across the island. Renting an ATV, scooter, or small car is highly recommended to make getting around easier — especially during busy summer months when taxis can be limited.

Mykonos:

Brunch & Coffee:

*Liberty Breakfast Room – One of my favorite breakfast spots in Mykonos for a slow morning before the beach. From classic brunch plates to their build-your-own açaí bowls, everything feels fresh, healthy, and seriously delicious.
Velanos Mykonos -A super cute little coffee and brunch spot with a laid-back island vibe. Perfect for an iced coffee and an easy breakfast before wandering through town.
*Bowl Cafe – A charming Aussie-style café serving healthy breakfast and brunch favorites, smoothie bowls, and great coffee. It’s also ideal for grabbing something quick before a beach day or ferry ride.
Nice & Easy -Tucked into Little Venice, this cozy spot offers fresh Mediterranean dishes with plenty of veggie and gluten-free options. It’s a great healthier lunch or dinner choice while exploring Mykonos Town.
Marenga Milk Bar – A stylish little coffee shop that’s perfect for a casual morning espresso or afternoon pick-me-up. Cute interiors and great coffee make it an easy stop while wandering town.
Koutsothanasis Bakery – One of the best grab-and-go bakeries in Mykonos for coffee, Greek pies, and pastries. They have an impressive variety of traditional savory and sweet baked goods that are perfect for a quick breakfast or beach snack.

Lunch:

*Nikola’s Taverna – SA Mykonos institution since 1967, this rustic beachfront taverna is one of the island’s ultimate lunch spots. Order the fried baby shrimp, sardines, and taramasalata, then absolutely finish with the banoffee pie — trust me on that one.
*Kiki’s Tavern – One of the most legendary restaurants in Mykonos and completely worth the wait. This no-frills Greek tavern became famous for its incredible grilled dishes and laid-back atmosphere, with guests lining up hours before opening for a table — rosé in hand and one of the island’s best beaches just steps away. I’d recommend getting there at 11:30am — doors for lunch open at 12:30pm!
Frati – A charming all-day Italian spot with beautiful waterfront views and an easygoing atmosphere. It’s perfect for a casual sit-down meal or grabbing pasta and sandwiches to take to the beach.
Kastro’s – Perched right on the water in Little Venice, Kastro’s is known for its cocktails, Mediterranean dishes, and iconic seaside terrace. You’ve probably seen the famous alleyway leading down to the water all over Instagram.
*Pepper – A go-to lunch spot in Mykonos Town serving elevated souvlaki, gyros, and classic Greek comfort food. Quick, casual, and consistently delicious after a long morning exploring town.
Caesar’s – I completely fell in love with this little spot. It’s cozy, charming, and serves elevated Greek comfort food that works just as well for a relaxed lunch as it does for dinner.
Frati – An Italian spot that serves all day! Beautiful views and good for on-the-got (take to the beaches!) too!
Spilia -I’m honestly including this one more as a warning than a recommendation. The setting is undeniably beautiful, tucked right into the rocks above the sea, but the food and service were such a disappointment that we ended up looking up reviews mid-meal and realized plenty of others felt the same way.
Tasos Tavern – A super casual beachfront lunch spot on Paraga Beach between Scorpios and Soho Roc House. It’s perfect for a laid-back afternoon with grilled seafood, Greek salads, and cold drinks straight off the beach.
Kayak – A great little ice cream shop for a sweet treat while wandering through Mykonos Town. Perfect for cooling off after a hot beach day or late-night stroll through the alleys.

Dinner:

*Nōema – One of the chicest dinner spots in Mykonos, blending contemporary Greek cuisine with an effortlessly cool atmosphere. The cocktails, music, and energy are just as good as the food — don’t skip the taramasalata, roasted chicken, or risotto.
Casa di Giorgio – A classic Italian restaurant right in Mykonos Town serving comforting pizzas and pastas that always hit the spot. The menu is huge, making it perfect for groups or anyone craving a break from Greek food.
*La Maison de Katrin Restaurant – Tucked into the charming Diloú quarter, this longtime Mykonos favorite beautifully blends French and Greek cuisine. It’s romantic, elegant, and one of the island’s most beloved dinner reservations.
Tokyo Joe’s – Elevated but unfussy sushi that’s consistently delicious. Come for the fresh rolls and bao buns, stay for the sleek atmosphere and easygoing energy.
Tuya – A vibrant and stylish restaurant serving refined French cuisine in the heart of Mykonos Town. Perfect for a lively dinner with great cocktails and an upscale atmosphere.
Mamalouka – A laid-back Mediterranean restaurant with a beautiful courtyard setting and a menu full of seafood, grilled meats, pasta, and fresh salads. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser for a relaxed dinner in town.
Koursaros – A trendy seafood and sushi spot with a stylish open-air patio and lively atmosphere. Great for upscale seafood dishes, cocktails, and long dinners that turn into late nights.
Matsuihia Mykonos – Nobu Matsuhisa’s iconic Japanese restaurant delivers beautifully executed sushi and seafood tasting menus in a glamorous seaside setting. Definitely a splurge, but one of the island’s most iconic dining experiences.
Coya – A gorgeous Peruvian restaurant serving elevated dishes, creative cocktails, and vibrant energy. The design alone is worth the visit, but the food absolutely lives up to the hype.
Kalita – Refined Greek dining in a romantic garden-like courtyard that feels tucked away from the chaos of Mykonos Town. Upscale without feeling overly stuffy or overpriced.
Roca Cookery – One of the most romantic dinner spots on the island with incredible sunset views overlooking the harbor. Perfect for a slower, more intimate dinner night in Mykonos.
*Interni -A gorgeous restaurant hidden inside one of the island’s most iconic courtyards. The Mediterranean menu is excellent, but honestly, the real reason to come is the atmosphere — by late night, the entire place transforms into one big party.
Ling Ling – From the Hakkasan group, Ling Ling serves Cantonese-inspired small plates and fantastic cocktails in a sleek, high-energy setting. Great for a fun dinner that easily turns into drinks afterward.
Remezzo – A longtime Mykonos classic for seafood and traditional Greek dishes right on the water. The lively atmosphere and harbor views make it a perfect summer dinner spot.
Zuma Mykonos – Located at Cavo Tagoo, Zuma brings its signature upscale sushi and Japanese dishes to one of the island’s most glamorous settings. Come around sunset for incredible views and cocktails before dinner.
*Meraki Restaurant – This luxury Greek restaurant at Cavo Tagoo pairs elevated cuisine with some of the best sunset views in Mykonos. It’s definitely a splurge, but the setting and food make it worth every euro.
Buddha Bar Beach – The iconic Asian fusion restaurant brings its signature cocktails, sushi, and glamorous beach-club energy to Mykonos. A great choice for sunset drinks that turn into dinner.
Sakis Grill House – The ultimate late-night souvlaki stop in Mykonos Town. Cheap, fast, and unbelievably satisfying after a night out.

To Drink:

180º Sunset Bar – Horrible name, but a great spot to get cocktails and watch the sunset! Located in the Mykonos Castle Hotel!
Guzel Garden – A hidden little garden bar with a great patio atmosphere that stays lively well into the night. Perfect for relaxed drinks before heading deeper into the Mykonos nightlife scene.
Jackie O’s (Town Bar) – The town outpost of the famous beach club brings the same fun, high-energy vibe right into Mykonos Town. Expect great cocktails, music, and a lively crowd every night.
Astra – One of Mykonos’ most iconic nightlife spots, blending the feel of a chic cocktail lounge with an ultra-cool nightclub. It’s glamorous, stylish, and always packed late into the night.
Moni – A private nightclub tucked into Agia Moni Square that feels intimate, exclusive, and effortlessly cool. It opens at midnight and quickly turns into one of the hottest late-night spots in town.
Caprice – A legendary Mykonos cocktail bar right on the water in Little Venice. Come early for sunset drinks, but expect the energy to quickly shift into a full-on party as the night goes on.
Cavo Paradiso – One of the most famous clubs in Europe, perched dramatically on the cliffs above the sea. Massive DJs, sunrise sets, and the iconic poolside dance floor make this a bucket-list Mykonos nightlife experience.
Skybar & 54 Cocktail Lounge – A chic rooftop-style lounge perfect for sunset cocktails, live music, and panoramic views over Mykonos. It’s a great spot to start the evening before heading into town.

Beach Clubs:

for all beach clubs, make sure to have reservations as most don’t accept walk-ins!

*Scorpios – This is one of my favorite spots, it’s a lifestyle. Owned by the same people who have San Giorgio, the vibe is again Tulum-inspired meets chic Greek. It’s a tranquil and vibey spot during the day and turns up at night. They also have one of my favorite dinners on the island! Pricy but so worth it!
Alemagou Beach Bar – A top destinateon….
*Ftelia Beach Club – This is a newer beach club as it wasn’t here last year. It’s a great place for lunch and an afternoon beach hang. It’s located on the same beach as Alamagou and fun to watch the windsurfers and kitesurfers in the cove.
*Principote – I would say this is one of my favorites and when I think of rich Europeans throwing down for magnums of rose, this spot comes to mind. If you make it to Kiki’s Tavern for lunch, I would aim to go here after as they are quite close.
*Jackie O’s Beach Club – With a bar in the city and a beach club on Paradise Beach, this is such a fun spot that always has good energy and great music. Be sure to catch an iconic drag show here!
Liasti – This is definitely a more casual and cheaper beach club, but such a great sand beach! Was really fun swimming and climbing the rocks at this beach! Their club sandwiches and burgers were great!
Nammos – Flashy complex with luxury shopping, a seafood restaurant & a chic beach bar with sun loungers.
Beaches:
- Capari Beach
- Fokos & Mirsini Beach
- Solymar Beach
- Super Paradise Beach
- Paraga Beach
- Ftelia Beach

To Do:

Windmills of Kato Mili – See the iconic windmills on the edge of town.
Stroll around Chora and watch the sunset from Little Italy!
Rent a car – while an ATV might look fun to bop to some of the further beaches & restaurants, I’ve found it’s much better to rent a small car. You can talk to each other and listen to your own music in it – also faster and safer!
Wine tasting at Mykonos Vioma or Mykonian Farm
Catch a movie at Cine Manto, the open-air cinema in town
Shopping:
- Interni – The restaurant’s interior shop
- ART by Kelly Vorrea – Interior shop
- Nammos Village – have a collection of high-end designer stores
- Free Shop – Men & Women’s apparel
- Off-White – “apparel”
- Simple Gallery – Luxury apparel
- Bollicine – Men & Women’s Apparel
- Yard Resort – Men’s apparel
- Apriasti – Jewelry store
- Marika’s – Men & Women’s linen
- Optique Boutique – Great selection of glasses
- The Jars of Brands – Apparel
- né en août – Minimal menswear
- Salachas – Men & Women’s linen
- Bluemint – Men’s resort wear
- Enny Di Monaco – Women’s Apparel
Sunset cruise with Mant Yachting

Stay:

Soho Roc House (membership only) – Soho House’s Mykonos offering is truly a favorite. I stayed at this property in 2019 before they had purchased the site from San Gorgio and love what they’ve done with the place. They have a fantastic restaurant and pool set-up as well as a fun dock to dive into the ocean!
Bill & Coo – Located within walking distance from the city. If you don’t end up staying here, it’s a great place to grab sundowners at!
WILD hotel – By the Interni group! This boho-chic hotel has some beautiful interiors here and it happens to have one of the best and most-chill beaches on the island!
Cavo Tagoo Mykonos – One of the more remarkable properties on the island. This luxury hotel has an eclectic and elevated design and stunning each room comes with it’s own private dipping pool and incredible views!
*Rhenia Mykonos – Just up the hill from the New Port, the stay at Rhenia was cute and comfortable! Each room is it’s own villa in
Lovia – Situated between the Old Port and the New Port, this chic stay in their all-white rooms with incredible views looking back down at the city
*Myconian Avaton – A member of Design Hotels! Set on a private section of Mykonos’ Elia Beach, Myconian Avaton Hotel combines Cycladic architecture with timeless authenticity and stunning sea views.
Myconian Korali Relais & Châteaux – This privileged spot that claims the island’s most iconic views onto the old port of Alefkandra and 16th-century windmills on the edge of the city of Mykonos, also happens to be the site of the first hotel built by George Daktylides in 1979.
*Katikies – This is a rather small, beautiful 5-star hotel with 35 rooms is one of the nicest and most romantic resorts on the island!

If you’re visiting Mykonos during peak season, the traffic on the island can get pretty hairy. Mixing day drinking at a beach club or out at night and driving is never the move – but can sometimes feel like the only option in Mykonos. Here are two ride-share apps that are used on the island that we used: Aegean Taxi and iMove Taxi. I’d highly recommend downloading these apps before your trip (they also work in Santorini, too!)

Santorini:

To Eat/Drink:

*Ademi – A relaxed local Greek restaurant serving comforting traditional dishes in a casual setting. Great for a laid-back meal away from some of the bigger tourist crowds. You’ll have to coordinate a boat with the restaurant to get you there! So worth it!
Sunset Ammoundi Taverna – Sitting right on the water below Oia, this seafood taverna lets you pick your fish fresh from the day’s catch as fishermen pull boats in and out beside the restaurant.
Sphinx Wine Restaurant – A romantic Greek restaurant with incredible caldera views and an excellent wine list focused on local Santorini wines. Perfect for a slower sunset dinner in Fira.
Melitini -A charming little Greek tapas spot in Oia serving traditional small plates, local wines, and cozy terrace views. Great for a more casual dinner while still soaking up the Santorini atmosphere.
Ambrosia – One of Santorini’s most iconic romantic restaurants, known for candlelit dinners and breathtaking sunset views over the caldera. It’s definitely a splurge, but ideal for a special occasion dinner.
1500 BC – A laid-back seafood restaurant with beautiful water views and fresh Mediterranean dishes. It’s especially great for a long, casual lunch paired with wine and sunshine.
Forty-one 41 – If you find yourself at Perivolos Beach, this upscale beachfront Greek restaurant is a fantastic dinner option. Expect fresh seafood, stylish interiors, and a more refined beach-club atmosphere.
Tango Bar – A fun cocktail bar perched above the caldera with some of the best sunset views in Santorini. Come for drinks before dinner and stay for the lively atmosphere once the music picks up.
*Armeni – A gorgeous waterfront seafood restaurant tucked below Oia and accessible by boat or a steep walk down the cliffs. The fresh fish and unbeatable setting make it one of the island’s most memorable lunch spots.
Petra – An elegant cliffside restaurant with stunning caldera views and elevated Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for a romantic sunset dinner with wine and seafood.
Veranda – A charming Greek restaurant with a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea. The atmosphere feels classic Santorini — relaxed, romantic, and ideal for lingering over sushi dinner.
Aroma Avlis – A winery restaurant pairing Santorini wines with fresh Greek dishes in a relaxed vineyard setting. One of the best spots on the island for a wine tasting lunch or early dinner.
Penelope’s Tavern – A cozy traditional taverna with incredible views and classic Greek comfort food. It’s one of those simple, charming spots that feels authentically Santorini.

To Drink:

*Veranda -A laid-back cocktail spot with beautiful terrace views overlooking the caldera. Perfect for sunset drinks and a slower, romantic evening in Santorini.
Tango Bar – One of the island’s most iconic cocktail bars, known for its incredible sunset views, strong drinks, and lively atmosphere. It’s the perfect pre-dinner stop before a night out in Fira.
*Hassapiko – One of my favorite bars! A fun, energetic bar with great music, cocktails, and a crowd that keeps the party going late into the night. Expect a more casual, upbeat nightlife vibe right in the heart of Santorini.
Seaside – A stylish beachfront restaurant at Perivolos Beach known for fresh seafood, cocktails, and chic sunbeds. Perfect for transitioning from a beach day straight into dinner and drinks.
Casablanca – A cozy little cocktail bar with DJs, dancing, and a fun late-night crowd. It’s one of the better nightlife spots in Fira if you’re looking to keep the night going.
Koo Club – Santorini’s most famous nightclub, combining open-air dance floors, DJs, and high-energy late-night crowds. If you’re looking for a true party night on the island, this is the spot.

To Do:

Sunset sail with Sunset Oia
Take a pottery lesson at Earth & Water
Explore the Byzantine Castle Ruins
Hike the Santorini volcano – If you’re looking to do an adventurous activity on the island, a hike to the island’s volcano. You can rent a boat and get to the center for a half-day adventure.
Visit the Atlantis Bookstore
Visit Santo Winery
Explore the Castle of Pyrgos Kallistis

Stay:

Katikies Hotel – One of Santorini’s most iconic luxury hotels, perched dramatically along the cliffs of Oia with breathtaking caldera views. The whitewashed suites, infinity pools, and romantic atmosphere make it feel like the Santorini postcard come to life.
Canaves Oia – A stunning luxury hotel carved directly into the cliffs of Oia, blending classic Cycladic architecture with sleek modern interiors. Expect incredible service, dreamy sunset views, and some of the most beautiful suites on the island.
Istoria Hotel – A minimalist, design-forward boutique hotel located right on Perivolos Beach, offering a completely different side of Santorini from the caldera crowds. Calm, stylish, and serene, it’s perfect for travelers looking for a more relaxed beach escape about 40 minutes from Oia.

Together, Santorini and Mykonos create the perfect Greek island itinerary. Santorini offers romance, scenery, and relaxation while Mykonos delivers nightlife, beach clubs, and nonstop energy. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a friends trip, or simply looking to experience two very different sides of the Greek Islands, both islands more than live up to the hype.

Stay Risky,

– John