What are the best family hotels in Mykonos?

Chora, otherwise known as Mykonos Town, is the island's busy capital full of lively bars, Greek tavernas and narrow alleyways lined with whitewashed buildings and cobalt blue doors, framed by colourful flowers. It's famous for many things but its romantic sunsets, iconic windmills and Little Venice of Hora, are its star attractions.

Elsewhere this Greek island boasts long stretches of buttery-soft beaches - perfect for both sunbathing and sandcastle-building - charming villages, and fascinating museums detailing the island's rich history and traditions. Don’t miss a day trip to the nearby island of Delos, said to be the birthplace of Apollo.

If you’re wondering where to stay, then we can help. We’ve consulted ever-knowledgeable Mumsnetters on our holiday forum to select the best places to stay in Mykonos, whatever your budget.

For more Greek holiday inspo, we've got guides to the best family hotels in Greece, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini and Crete, as well as the best TUI BLUE hotels in Greece.

1

Best overall hotel

Santa Marina, Ornos

Check availability on Booking.com Check availability on Hotels.com

What we like

Children’s play area and saltwater kids’ pool are perfect for younger guests
The hotel’s Buddha Bar is one of the hippest addresses on the island
Huge range of accommodation with some great options for families
Enthusiastic concierge can organise anything from sailing tours and horseback riding to private drivers and yacht transfers

What we don't like

Make sure to book your babysitting well in advance, particularly during busy times

Our verdict

Luxury hotels and children don't always go hand in hand but at Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, the two are successfully combined to ensure that both parents and kids are happy.

Perched on a hillside in the southernmost corner of pretty Ornos Bay, well-heeled Santa Marina is best known for its stylish Buddha Bar Beach restaurant, one of the most sought-after addresses on the island. Fortunately, the hotel offers babysitting so you can happily join the fashionable crowds for cocktails.

For families there are a range of room options including a Family Sea View Suite with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. For more space, choose one of the 13 private villas that have up to four bedrooms. In addition, there are two generous-sized infinity pools and a dedicated saltwater pool for kids, a sandy private beach, a separate play area, and the only private beach in Mykonos.

Nearest beach: Direct access to a private beach

Nearest airport: Mykonos Airport (2 miles)

2

Best budget hotel

Agia Anna Beachfront Boutique, Agia Anna

Check availability on Booking.com

What we like

Great value
Family-run and intimate
All balconies face the sea
Set right on the beach

What we don't like

Some of the bathrooms are quite basic
Rooms sleep up to three so better suited to small families

Our verdict

Set right by Agia Anna beach on the southeast coast of Mykonos, Agia Anna Beachfront Boutique is a small family-run hotel where you'll feel properly looked after. The rooms are fairly basic but in keeping with the island's traditional architectural style so you'll find arches, curves and whitewashed walls, and all balconies face the sea. It's better suited to smaller families as the accommodation sleeps up to three in triple rooms.

A major perk is that the hotel can arrange airport pick ups and drop offs when booked in advance. And Mykonos Town is less than a 20-minute drive away.

There's no pool or on-site amenities but it offers easy beach access and good value for money, something that is often hard to come by in Mykonos.

Nearest beach: Right by Agia Anna beach

Nearest airport: Mykonos (7 miles)

3

Best luxury hotel

Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort, Ayios Yiannis

Check availability on Booking.com Check availability on Hotels.com

What we like

Set on one of the island’s quieter beaches
Yoga and Pilates take place in the resort’s very own amphitheatre
Beautiful spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms overlooking the sea
Seps from Hippie Fish, an acclaimed open-air seafood restaurant

What we don't like

The main swimming pool has a shallow end for younger kids but there are no other dedicated facilities for children (although they do offer babysitting)

Our verdict

Picture the perfect Grecian hotel and it will probably look like the Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort. Located on Agios Ioannis Beach and boasting its own private stretch of sand, this member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World is a joy.

The hotel is spread over several levels and, at its heart, lies a large, free-flowing seawater swimming pool commanding stirring sea views over the blue-green waters below and the sacred island of Delos beyond. Said to be one of the sunniest spots in the world and the legendary birthplace of Apollo, Delos can be visited on a day trip.

Most rooms can sleep up to three people and most of the suites can accommodate four guests. The Mykonos Grand Villa is the latest addition to the property, an enormous retreat with four bedrooms, lounge and dining area, and private rooftop terrace with a pool.

Nearest beach: Direct beach access

Nearest airport: Mykonos Airport (2 miles)

4

Best for self catering

Leonis Summer Houses, Ornos

Check availability on Booking.com Check availability on Hotels.com

What we like

First rate service; nothing is too much trouble
Option to self-cater is always helpful, particularly when travelling with young children
Hotel can help organise a range of activities including quad bike rental, traditional cooking lessons, horse-riding, and boat cruises

What we don't like

There’s not much that we don’t like but if you’re looking for organised child-friendly activities then this is not the right place for you

Our verdict

This pretty family-run retreat was first started by Joanna and Orfeas who fell in love with the island on their travels and subsequently opened a hotel in 1991. Today their son, Leonidas, is at the helm and continues to create a friendly and warm environment that guests love.

The property comprises four houses, three studios, two suites and one villa set around a central swimming pool and overlooking the beaches of Koreas and Ornos. The largest villa has two bedrooms and can accommodate a fifth person on a sofa bed in the living room. The three two-bedroom houses can also accommodate five people. All rooms come with a kitchen.

Nearest beach: Ornos beach (10-minute walk)

Nearest airport: Mykonos Airport (2 miles)

5

Best in Mykonos Town

Semeli Hotel, Mykonos Town

Check availability on Booking.com Check availability on Hotels.com Check availability on TUI

What we like

Location just outside the pedestrian only zone in Chora is hard to beat if you really want to experience Mykonos’ many restaurants, shops and bars
Rooms and suites are surprisingly spacious given its location
Karma, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, is excellent

What we don't like

The central swimming pool can feel a bit cramped and sun loungers are limited at peak times
The main swimming pool is also not heated (but there is a second, smaller pool, that is)

Our verdict

In the heart of Mykonos town, this five-story family-run boutique hotel offers a wide range of accommodation, a pretty and compact central pool and some of the island’s best dining at the hotel restaurant, Karma. Bougainvillea-lined pathways lead to a variety of rooms and suites, the largest of which can sleep six guests. Baby cots are available, and babysitting is on hand.

While the hotel welcomes guests of all ages, the dominant clientele tends to be couples so you may want to look elsewhere if travelling with younger kids. Teens, on the other hand, will absolutely love this hotel and its location just moments from some of the best restaurants, shopping and bars in Mykonos Town.

Nearest beach: The small beach near the Old Port is 500 metres away. The beach at Ornos is 2 miles away.

Nearest airport: Mykonos Airport (1 mile)

6

Best beach resort

Mykonos Blanc, Ornos

Check availability on Booking.com Check availability on Hotels.com

What we like

One of only a handful of hotels on Mykonos that caters to guests with mobility issues with a wheelchair accessible room and an elevator
Guests at Mykonos Blanc have access to the public beach club, Pasaji
Direct beachfront access, with an area reserved for hotel guests, is a winner
Water taxis leave from near the hotel and travel to different islands or you can hire a boat for the day and create your own island-hopping itinerary

What we don't like

This is one of the island’s busiest beaches and can feel crowded

Our verdict

At the eastern end of golden Ornos Beach, one of the island's most popular beaches, this stylish, whitewashed boutique hotel offers a kidney-shaped saltwater swimming pool, generous day beds and buttercup-yellow sun parasols, all overlooking the beachfront.

Families travelling with younger children will appreciate the wide corridors and ramp ways for pushing buggies and the Friends & Family Suite that can accommodate four people in two separate rooms - one of which comes with an outdoor hot tub. There are no dedicated kids' activities at Mykonos Blanc but the warm sands and shallow clear waters of Ornos Beach will keep kids of all ages entertained for hours.

Nearest Beach: The property is located on Ornos Beach

Nearest airport: Mykonos Airport (1 mile)

7

Best boutique hotel

Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge, Mykonos Town

Check availability on Booking.com Check availability on Hotels.com

What we like

Stylish underground spa perfect for parental pampering
Children's menu available
Despite its style credentials, the hotel warmly welcomes families and organises excursions and activities including hotel games on the odd rainy days

What we don't like

Hotel's sister property, Bill & Coo Coast has its own private beach but is only open to adults
The small beach across the road is good for a dip but you need to navigate the rocks getting into the water so remember your water shoes

Our verdict

This hip boutique hotel has been a hit since it first opened its doors nearly 20 years ago. Located within walking distance of Mykonos Town but far enough away to escape the hubbub, Bill & Coo has taken all the best bits of the island and packaged them into one stylish, nothing-is-too-much trouble, relaxing place to stay.

Children of all ages are welcome, and the hotel offers amenities such as babysitting, baby cots and highchairs. A newish trio of villas offers the best choice of accommodation for families with more than one child with two- and four-bedroom options with private infinity pools overlooking the Agios Ioannis Bay. The three villas can be booked together, which is ideal for multi-generational family holidays.

Nearest beach: The property is a short walk from Megali Ammos Beach

Nearest airport: Mykonos Airport (2 miles)

8

Best villas

AGL Luxury Villas, Agios Lazaros

Check availability on Booking.com Check availability on Hotels.com

What we like

Carefully carved into the cliff edge so that you are unaware of your neighbours
24-hour security and a private path to the beach
Dedicated concierge can organise everything from snorkelling and family cooking classes to kayaking, farm visits and more

What we don't like

The villas are so luxurious and well equipped that you may never want to leave to explore the island

Our verdict

Pretend that you're the owner of your very own luxury Grecian villa when you book a stay at AGL Luxury Villas. This complex of 10 private beachfront villas, each named after a Greek God or a moment from Greek mythology, sits on a clifftop between the golden beaches of Ornos and Psarou.

If you're celebrating with friends or holidaying with grandparents, then this is the ideal place to book. The smallest villa, Elpida meaning "Hope" after the final item in Pandora's mythical box, sleeps six guests and the largest villa, Olympia, has eight bedrooms and an incredible 13 bathrooms. Every villa has its own infinity pool, and some also offer outdoor Jacuzzis and hammams. And of course, if dreams of owning your own luxury Grecian villa don't involve cooking yourself, then chefs and even butlers can be arranged.

Nearest beach: The villas are located on the beachfront.

Nearest airport: Mykonos Airport (3 miles)

What’s the best part of Mykonos to stay in for families?

Mykonos is not a large island - you can drive around its longest road in under an hour - but choosing where to stay when you've got kids in tow matters. Mykonos Town is great for teens but less suited to toddlers for example. Generally speaking, families will want to stay on the beaches and Ornos and Platis Gialos are two of the most popular.

What are the best things to do with kids in Mykonos?

Mykonos is home to some truly beautiful beaches, and you can easily spend your entire holiday paddling and snorkelling in the clear, warm waters. You should, however, dedicate some time to Mykonos Town itself, a labyrinth of narrow whitewashed streets decorated with cobalt blue doors and vibrant flowers. Discover the mysterious island of Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo, and its neighbouring sister island, Rhenia. Mykonos' iconic windmills have been seen in countless holiday snaps but they're more than just a pretty backdrop; discover the history behind the mills on a guided tour.

What’s the best family-friendly hotel in Mykonos?

All the Mykonos family hotels listed above have something special, but we particularly love the Santa Marina for its children's facilities and stunning good looks.

How we chose our recommendations

Because we know that there’s nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet holiday forum to find out what family hotels in Mykonos were being recommended.

We then did some research across the wider web, looking at what family hotels in Mykonos had won accolades or been featured in ‘best choice’ lists across websites, and what customer reviews said about them. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best family hotels in Mykonos at the moment.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.

About the author

Katja Gaskell is a freelance journalist and blogger with over 20 years of experience producing travel content including guidebooks for Lonely Planet, hotel reviews for Mr & Mrs Smith and feature articles for a range of publications including The Telegraph, Wanderlust Magazine and the Mail on Sunday. She's passionate about family travel and loves to explore new places with her husband and three kids, documenting their adventures on her blog, globetotting.com