Town is walkable. Beaches are a bus. The rest is reservation timing and not pretending this is a cheap island in August.
Stay in Chora
You can walk to the windmills and Little Venice. Beach hotels make town a taxi project after dinner, and taxis queue when the clubs empty. If nightlife is the trip, still sleep in town unless you want a beach-club dawn.
Book summer early
July and August rooms and popular restaurants go first. Shoulder season is easier on both. Peak Mykonos is among Europe’s priciest island stays — budget accordingly or come in June.
Cash, boats and buses
Carry some cash for small cafés. Confirm ferry times the night before — wind can shuffle the Cyclades. Beach buses from Fabrika are the cheap way to Ornos and beyond; buy the ticket and expect standing room in August.
Pace and noise
If you want sleep, choose a room off the main bar streets. Little Venice is beautiful and loud. Earplugs are a packing item, not a joke, in peak season.