Mykonos: Ornos Beach

We dreamed about visiting Greece for a long time before we went. The pandemic made that dream seem as though it would never happen, but in September 2021 we left the US armed with a folder full of documents (vaccinations, Covid 19 tests, PLCs, and more) and headed to Greece. After a long flight from NJ to Athens, we boarded a 30 minute flight to Mykonos, found a taxi and headed to our apartment in Ornos. We picked Ornos because reviews said it had the best beach on the island. The reviews were right.


Mykonos is crowded and hot in July and August. By September, Ornos Beach is perfect. The weather is warm and breezy and you can have your pick of beach lounges if you are willing to pay 30 euros for two chairs and an umbrella. If you're not, there is section of beach where you are free to park your towel and enjoy the same gorgeous views for free.

The beach itself was family friendly and there were ample restaurants at every price point. After scrutinizing menus, we opted for the seafood temptations of Kostantis. With seats overlooking the water, we spent the late afternoon into the evening enjoying appetizers, sharing main dishes, and delicious Greek wine. We sampled grilled octopus, sea urchin salad (which isn't really salad), fried zucchini, and grilled vegetables with cheese. Everything was fresh and delicious.

The water was calm and the views of the harbor kept changing as boats came and went. You could hop on a charter which would take you to one or more nearby islands. We chose to relax and swim or work on our tans on our lounges and order cool drinks with friendly wait staff happy to deliver them.
Ornos Beach is popular with locals, as well. Right after we left this appeared in the local papers. A famous Greek singer performed at a local wedding and decided to hang around for a few days. It wasn't the last time we just missed a celebrity on this trip. After we left Athens, none other than Sting showed up with Eric Burden! So close!!!