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Whether it's bouzouki, jazz, mainstream dance, or techno, the nightlife on Mykonos beats to an obsessive rhythm until undetermined hours—little wonder the world’s gilded youth comes here just to enjoy the night scene. That scene centers around two places: Mykonos Town and the southern beaches.
Nightlife begins in the late afternoon at the beach bars that dot Paradise, Super Paradise, and Paranga, whereas the bars and clubs along Little Venice and throughout Mykonos Town start to fill up after 11 pm, as patrons sip their first drinks of the night. The gay scene is still alive on Mykonos, but things are very mixed now, to the regret of some. Those who prefer a quieter lounge-type experience remain seated outside a sea-view café with a glass of wine, watching it all go by.
For the true night owls, much happens after midnight. You can either choose to club-hop around town or head south to the glamorous, outdoor arena–style clubs along Paradise and Super Paradise beaches. In the summer, posters and leaflets flung throughout Mykonos Town advertise which of the hottest international DJs are booked to spin each night. That and the promise of a packed, friendly, flirtatious young crowd gets the international partygoers ready for the beach well into the night. What is "the" place of the moment? The scene is ever-changing, so you'll need to track the buzz once you arrive but there are some ever-popular options.
The favored spot for sunset worshippers is built on the remains of an abandoned castle and offers views of the town, the windmills, Rineia, and across the Aegean. A multitiered terrace with boho cushions on the lower level serves cocktails and food platters to a soundtrack of chilled-out beats. Live performers often accompany the sunset and reservations are necessary to secure the best cliffside tables.
Small and perfectly formed, since 1987 ASTRA has kept up its exclusive, somewhat mature elegance. The clientele is upscale, and the drinks are pretty and expensive. Supermodels, rock stars, and royalty have been known to swing by when they're in town, while the DJ spins house and funk, which is danceable, and not unbearably loud.
Babylon, next door to Jackie O', is its rival; Stratos and Jose have had bars on Mykonos for years. This one, with its electronic feel, attracts the lively and energetic. Everything from its drag shows to its theme parties will get the crowds roaring and dancing. DJs spin techno, high-energy, and chart toppers. When it gets too crowded the party spills into the street.
This sleek and chic sunken garden setting in the heart of town is shaded by large trees and greenery, adding some color to the monochromatic design. A restaurant in the early evening hours, after 11 pm it fills with glamorous drinkers who appreciate the cool surroundings. A dream for social media gadflies, it is wallet-bustingly expensive and always extremely busy, but somehow it works.
A small empire has grown out of this bar just below Paraportiani church. Nicely decorated, it is a great spot to watch the sunset and drinkers remain to catch the nightly drag shows. Less outrageous than it used to be, it is still a fun place to be. If you have not had enough, visit their beach club on Super Paradise, eat at their cantina, even take a ride on their private boat.
Rhapsody is a cozy bar on Little Venice that never seems to get as packed as its neighbors, but still benefits from the same windmill views. Popular with locals, Greek music is often mixed in with the international hits.
A staple of the Mykonos bar scene since 1978, the renowned Skandinavian encompasses two buildings and an outside seating area. The music in the three bars ranges from classic rock to pop to dance, but it is always rowdy, crowded, and great fun. Dancing on the bar at 3 am is a Mykonos rite of passage.
