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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.
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.
