Hotels in Mýkonos City

Mýkonos City: Chora, Windmills, and the Aegean Shore

Mýkonos City — locally called Chora — is the capital of Mýkonos island in the Cyclades, roughly 150 km southeast of Athens by sea. The settlement grew around a 13th-century Venetian kastro, and its labyrinthine whitewashed alleys were deliberately confusing to deter pirates. Today the same maze shelters boutiques, chapels, and café terraces within walking distance of the waterfront. The seven Kato Mili windmills, dating to the 16th century, stand on a low ridge above Little Venice — the row of colourful houses whose balconies extend over the water — and serve as the town's most recognisable silhouette.

Where to Stay in Chora

Most hotels cluster in three zones. Matogianni Street and the lanes around it place guests at the centre of nightlife and shopping. The Little Venice quarter suits travellers who want sea views and quieter mornings. The Fabrika area, just inland from the main port, offers easier parking and slightly lower rates. The island's main ferry terminal at Old Port is a 10-minute walk from Matogianni.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Mýkonos Airport (JMK) is 4 km from Chora; taxis take roughly 10 minutes.
• Ferries: High-speed catamarans from Piraeus take about 2.5 hours; book ahead in July–August.
• On the ground: The town is pedestrian-only at its core — leave luggage at the hotel before exploring narrow alleys.
• Season: Most properties open April–October; peak rates apply mid-June through August.