with its reputation for being a party paradise, favoured by celebrities and international a-listers, mykonos is a small island in the cyclades which has acquired a big reputation over the past few decades.
a summer destination just 40 minutes flight time from athens, it offers beautiful beaches, frenzied nightlife, high-end restaurants and superb accommodation ranging from cliff-top villas to boho boutique hotels. this is also an island with a strong lgbt culture and a destination where anyone who is someone has a designer villa, or at least knows where the most exclusive hotels are. fashionistas and socialites fly in discreetly and stay in privé hideaways or hang out in their super yachts in one of the island’s well-known bays while paparazzi bring out the telescopic lenses for superstar headshots.
the jenners and hadids can be seen vying for attention with the likes of the ultra rich, be that footballers like ronaldinho, fashion icons like georgio armani or hollywood stars like hugh jackman. paradise and super paradise beaches are the places to hang out while ornos, psarou and platis yalos are also known for being celebrity faves, surpassing the now très passé ibiza. dining is an elevated pastime on mykonos, with all-day restaurants like scorpios offering chilled-out cabana style ambience and fresh seafood while interni is for cosmopolitan foodies who like to overindulge on ceviche and champagne.
matogianni street boasts designer boutiques and chic cafés while the scenic waterfront spot known as ‘little venice’ sports colourful verandahs hanging over the lapping waves. mykonos offers a myriad of experiences and a wander through its pretty bougainvillea bedecked alleyways evokes a real sense of island life mixed with sophisticated vibes.
set into the hillside above kalo livadi, chiara is a substantial estate that follows the natural contours of the landscape while commanding uninterrupted views across the aegean sea. arranged across a series of interconnected levels, the property is composed of whitewashed volumes and natural stone elements that sit comfortably within the terrain, creating a strong sense of permanence and connection to the island setting.
its elevated position allows expansive views over the bay and the coastline beyond, while the eastern orientation captures the changing light from sunrise across the water. throughout the property, the relationship between architecture and landscape remains central, with nearly every principal space oriented towards the sea and the open horizon beyond.
the interiors are defined by a restrained interpretation of cycladic architecture, combining clean lines, natural materials and a calm, contemporary atmosphere. white timber ceilings, pale oak floors and stone detailing create continuity throughout the house, while large openings ensure that daylight and sea views remain integral to the experience of the interiors. the principal living spaces unfold across a series of interconnected areas, allowing both openness and privacy within the overall layout.
the accommodation is distributed across several independent sections of the estate, creating a natural separation between the principal suite and guest bedrooms. each area maintains a strong connection to the surrounding landscape through carefully positioned openings and private outdoor spaces, while the overall design prioritises comfort, privacy and uninterrupted views.
outdoor living forms an essential part of the property. a series of terraces extends across the hillside, creating multiple vantage points towards kalo livadi and the wider aegean. the architecture steps naturally with the terrain, allowing each level to benefit from openness, sunlight and the prevailing sea breeze. stone pathways and layered terraces connect the various parts of the estate, reinforcing the sense that the property has been shaped by the landscape rather than imposed upon it.
despite its privacy, chiara remains within easy reach of some of mykonos’ most recognised beaches, restaurants and waterfront destinations. the elevated setting provides a sense of seclusion while maintaining convenient access to the island’s amenities and coastline.
as the light shifts across the bay during the afternoon, the changing colours of the sea become the defining feature of the view, with the coastline unfolding quietly below and the horizon extending uninterrupted towards the neighbouring islands.
