Mykonos for Families: Why You Should Go to Mykonos with the Kids
Mykonos is probably Greece’s most famous party island, and a favorite destination for couples and solo travelers. However, the island is home to pristine and shallow coasts, making it a child-friendly destination. Besides, there are many things to do in Mykonos with kids!
This post has affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Mykonos with Kids
Mykonos can be considered a bit unusual destination for families with kids because it is considered more of a party island. However, it has some fantastic beaches, fascinating museums, and a relaxed vibe that kids will certainly enjoy.
These are some of the best things I did in Mykonos with my kids… that you can do too!
Mykonos is one of Greece’s most famous islands. It belongs to the Cycladic cluster of islands and is in the center of the Aegean. Traditionally, Mykonos is known for its laid-back atmosphere, parties, discos, and fun. However, there’s a lot to do on the island, even for those who don’t go clubbing… such as kids and parents!
We chose Mykonos as a family holiday destination and had a fantastic time. We found stunning beaches and plenty of other things to see and discover.
Beaches in Mykonos for Families
Mykonos needs no introduction. It’s a gorgeous island, and its coast is dotted with fantastic beaches. The island also offers tourist attractions, even for those who don’t go clubbing anymore. There are some fascinating museums, and Greek food is delicious.
Regarding natural landscapes, the island has a beautiful rugged coast that contrasts with shallow bays and turquoise shores your kids will undoubtedly enjoy. Let’s check which are Mykonos’ best beaches if you’re visiting with kids.
Platys Gialos Beach for Kids
Platys Gialos is a wide-open bay with a small harbor from which you can board a boat and visit some stunning, more isolated beaches. The boats depart every hour to different parts of the island.
A great feature of Platys Gialos is that, thanks to the natural shape of the bay, there was no Meltemi wind hitting on us all the time.
The Meltemi is usually a blessing (and on the days the temperature was over 40°C, it would have helped), but we were happy to avoid it because it can be a pain for the kids to leave the beach just because it’s windy (Yes, the Meltemi is that strong at times).
Mykonos’ Agia Anna Beach for Children
There are two beaches by the name of Agia Anna in Mykonos. In this article, I refer to the Agia Anna, located a few meters from Platys Gialos, which you can reach on foot with a short walk.
Agia Anna is a small sandy bay, sometimes affected by the winds, but shallow and great for kids. It can be pretty crowded sometimes, so I suggest arriving early.
The beach is pretty well organized, and an excellent restaurant by the sea (Nikolas Taverna) serves great fish dishes.
Psarou Beach
Cavo Psarou is quite an exclusive, secluded beach, surrounded by luxurious hotels and a favorite of yacht owners.
But you can access the organized beach perfectly and have a good lunch in the local restaurant with great views of the shallow bay.
The secluded shore has crystal clear waters and white sand mixed with tiny, colorful pebbles. It is Stunningly beautiful. You can spend your day relaxing on a sunbed because the beach is safe and protected.
Agios Stefanos Beach
Agios Stefanos Beach is not close to the area we were staying in (Platys Gialos), but if you rent a car, it’s a good place to spend the day. The beach is near the new port of Mykonos, about 15 minutes by car from the chora (Mykonos Town).
The shore is quite popular among residents and tourists, so crowds are expected. However, it’s such an excellent point from where to enjoy the sunset that putting up with the crowds is not that hard after all.
The bay is narrow and shallow, so winds don’t bother you. Kids love it for its shallow shore, fine sand, and clear water.
The beach is well organized, and sports can also be practiced. You can choose among different restaurants or opt for a picnic on the beach, taking advantage of the local convenience store and markets.
Agios Ioannis Beach
The romantic comedy Shirley Valentine made Agios Ioannis famous. Some tourists even call it Shirley Valentine Beach. However, it takes its name from the small chapel of Saint John (Agios Ioannis) that overlooks the bay.
The beach is well-organized, and there are watersports available. Despite some rocky areas, the spot has crystal turquoise waters, making it a favorite place for snorkeling. The beach has fine sand, which makes it suitable for kids.
The beach is within walking distance from Ornos Beach. Buses to Agios Ioannis depart from the area of Fabrika in Mykonos Town.
Ornos Beach
I will add a few words about Ornos Beach here, as I’ve often seen this beach included on lists of family-friendly beaches on Mykonos. Ornos is, in fact, a very noisy beach, dotted with expensive restaurants, and loud music all day.
Young crowds gather here all day (and all night) leaving it often in rather a bad shape (litter and empty bottles are common). Not the most relaxing, and I certainly won’t recommend Ornos for families, but it’s perfect for those who want to be seen.
Elia Beach… for kids!
The atmosphere of Elia Beach is completely relaxing. Besides, the beach is wide enough to allow for different isolated areas.
Elia Beach is gay-friendly, but it’s also genuinely family-friendly. This heavenly beach is located about 50 minutes from Platys Gialos by boat. To reach Elia Beach, you can catch the boat in Platys Gialos port and Ornos Beach or jump on a bus in Mykonos Town.
This is one of the many southern beaches on Mykonos. Naturism is allowed in some areas. Personally, it’s one of my favorite beaches of all the Cyclades.
Mykonos Town with Kids
Little Venice
The quarter of Alefkandra, or Little Venice, was born in the 18th century as the island started developing its commerce and sailing activities.
The three-story houses that faced the sea were the most expensive in town and used to belong to wealthy merchants and ship captains.
The Windmills
Every house has a main entrance on the street, a back door, and a balcony facing the sea, a source of infinite legends about pirates and hidden treasures. Kids love to hear that mysterious side of Mykonos.
Being years and years old, Mykonos windmills have been fully renovated; some are even museums now, and your kids will love to visit them.
>> Read this article to learn everything about the windmills in Mykonos.
The windmills are a common sight in the Aegean Sea. For instance, you can find this typical Greek landmark on Paros, Santorini, and even Crete islands!
On Mykonos, they are no longer in use. However, they represent a vivid memory of the island’s agricultural past and a continuous reminder of the Meltemi.
The chora and the museums
Taking a walk in the center of Mykonos Town, the Chora, is certainly fun for kids. And parents! First, every alley is pedestrian, so there are no risks, and everyone can relax. It’s crowded at times but never dangerous.
Children like the colors of the doors and windows, the cobblestone streets, and the pretty views created by bougainvillea, souvenirs on sale, and colorful paintings. Besides, there are squares and museums they can also enjoy.
Nautical Museum of the Aegean
The Nautical Museum of the Aegean is in the center of town, in the trendy quarter of Matogianni. It is hosted in what used to be the house of a former ship captain. On display are ancient coins and objects related to the country’s maritime past.
Address: Enoplon Dynamenon street. The museum opens from 6 pm to 9.30 pm. On Sundays, it closes at 9.00 pm.
Lena’s House, Folklore Museum
The folklore museum of Mykonos, Lena’s House, is right next to the Nautical Museum, and the entrance is free. It’s in a beautiful house built back in the 19th century. Inside, kids will be able to learn about houses on the Greek islands in the past.
They can see how rooms used to be, the main tasks men would do in the fields and women in their homes, and which tools they would use.
A few meters from the two buildings, your children can also check the Tria Pigiada, three wells that would provide water for the inhabitants of the chora.
The young women who stopped to fill in their buckets would drink water directly from the well since the legend said this was the fastest way to get a husband!
Panagia Paraportiani
You will easily find the church of Panagia Paraportiani (well, five churches, in fact) walking past the art galleries and shops in Little Venice.
I clearly remember wanting to get the best possible pictures of the area, so I got up early and visited the neighborhood of Kastro.
It was a sunny day, very early in the morning, before cruise ships arrived on the island. Its dazzling white walls seemed to dance against the blue skies, shimmering along with the blaze of the sun.
The strong scent of incense invaded the streets, mixed with the litany of Mass, and the smell of salt from the sea. All of them are authentic snapshots of Mykonos.
Not the regularly portrayed one, not just an island for all-night-long parties. You can get that too if you want. But there is also so much more.
Where to Stay in Mykonos with Kids
We chose to stay out of the old town and near a family beach. Kids were still small, so the basic organization needed to be covered.
Just a few minutes away from the capital, Mykonos Town, we had a great time on a reasonably quiet beach, Platys Gialos (meaning “Big Beach” in Greek). The bay was shallow, and the area was perfect for kids.
We stayed at Hotel Akrogiali, it was right on the beach. The rooms were in individual bungalows surrounded by a tranquil Cycladic garden. It was a perfect location that made it easy to go down for breakfast by the sea and spend the rest of the morning playing with the kids on the sand. Our umbrella was already waiting for us!
The hotel was recently renovated. The quality of the service and the friendly staff make this hotel stand out on the island. They were extremely helpful and provided a free-of-charge airport shuttle which was super convenient for traveling with kids. They were waiting for us upon arrival, and a few minutes after, every one of us was on the beach.
I eagerly recommend Akrogiali Hotel for your holiday in Mykonos. The quality of service is flawless and it has a very fair price on a very expensive island.
More Info Here – If you find availability, don’t hesitate to book; you will adore it!
Mykonos: Gay-Friendly Island
Mykonos, the cosmopolitan pearl of the Aegean, has been a gay tourism destination since the 60s. It’s a touristic sector in continuous expansion on the island, which currently counts with exclusive beaches, events, and cruise ships. On the island, there are gay-friendly hotels for every budget, pleasing a happy public to find themselves in a joyful, safe environment without being judged.
Despite Greece being a deeply traditional country, where the values of religion are pretty much alive, Mykonos is quite an exception. The gay community accounts for much of Mykonos’ striving economy and prosperity, and the local community acknowledges that.
Elia Beach is one of Mykonos’s most famous gay-friendly beaches, remaining rather low-key. We personally support beaches for everyone. Our family has always felt comfortable with sunbathing naked or couples of the same sex. But I’m aware that not all families are created equally.
It’s all up to you, of course. According to us, gay is okay. We think diversity can only enrich our lives. We understand there’s nothing wrong if our sons play with children with two dads or two moms.
Since this is an article for families planning a holiday on Mykonos, parents should exercise their judgment on deciding whether to take their kids to beaches such as Paraga or Super Paradise.
Pin for Later!
Things to Do in Mykonoswith the Family
Gabi Ancarola
I have been living in Chania, Crete, since 2016. This has given me an intimate knowledge of Greece. In Crete, I’m a travel writer and also host culinary experiences. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete. I write about Crete at Crete Insider and about Greek food at My Cretan Recipe.
