Tharroe of Mykonos · Since 1997
The Family Story
A personal story behind a family-run boutique hotel on the hill above Mykonos Town.
— Prologue —
Adventure, imagination, creativity, diversity and simplicity have always been part of Mykonian culture. Inspired by the history and the vibrant energy of this hill, we created a hotel for those who collect feelings.
Olga Papadaki Lytra — Hotel Manager
Chapter I
A Letter from the Manager
A personal welcome from the heart of the hotel.
Welcome to Tharroe of Mykonos.
Dear Guest,
Since 1997, when Tharroe of Mykonos first opened its doors, we have continuously evolved through thoughtful renovations, refurbishments and careful attention to every detail. These years have allowed us to develop the service culture, experience and personal approach that define who we are today.
Here, you are invited to unwind and relax, while our team takes care of every detail to ensure your stay is truly memorable. Enjoy joyful mornings and colourful sunsets by the pool deck, and let the light and energy of the island surround you.
Art is an essential part of Tharroe. You will discover it throughout the hotel and within the guest rooms. We believe that art is not only what one creates, but also what one feels.
For us, luxury is not defined by excess, but by simplicity, authenticity, quality, and true value.
Warm regards,
Olga Papadaki Lytra
Hotel Manager
Chapter II
The Beginning, 1985
How a family-run boutique hotel was founded on the hill above Mykonos Town.
The story of Tharroe of Mykonos began long before its doors first opened.
In the winter of 1985, John Lytras, then a young lawyer based in Athens, arrived in Mykonos for a legal case. It was not the summer version of the island the world knows today. The landscape was quiet, shaped by wind and light. In that moving stillness, he discovered something deeper than beauty. He discovered presence, character and vision.
Together with his wife and life partner, Olga Papadaki, a pharmacist based in Athens, they began searching for land. Their vision was clear: to create a hotel defined not by scale, but by character. A place that would reflect the balance of Mykonos itself: simplicity and intensity, tradition and progressiveness, permanence and movement.
From the archive
— Interlude —
The Hill Remembered
The discovery of a Mycenaean tomb, and the family's respect for the place.
Construction began with care and determination. But during the early works, excavation revealed something unexpected. Beneath the surface lay a Mycenaean tholos tomb of great archaeological significance — one of the earliest pieces of evidence of Mycenaean presence on Mykonos and in the Cyclades.
For nine months, archaeologists conducted careful excavation of the site. Inside, they uncovered offerings, including jewelry, indicating that this tomb was a monument of worship to a figure of great importance, most likely a royal woman. The hill had already been chosen, thousands of years earlier, as a place worthy of memory.
John and Olga supported and financed the excavation, understanding that they were not simply building on land, but becoming temporary custodians of its history.
In August 1997, Tharroe of Mykonos opened its doors. At the time, it was among the very few luxury boutique hotels on the island.
Today, Tharroe remains a family legacy. Two of John and Olga's daughters, both lawyers, have continued this path — ensuring that its original spirit remains intact while guiding it forward. After all, this place feels like home to them.
Chapter III
Evolution Through Time
Values first: care, simplicity, light, culture, and consistency over time.
Since its beginning, Tharroe of Mykonos has been shaped by a clear set of values rather than by constant change. Friendly, attentive service, respect for people and place, and a calm, human approach to hospitality have remained at the core of the hotel's identity.
The hotel's evolution mirrors the character of the hill on which it stands: steady, grounded and timeless. Rather than following short-lived trends, Tharroe has adapted thoughtfully — embracing what adds value while preserving simplicity, light and balance.
This approach allows Tharroe to remain relevant without losing its essence: a place that evolves with time, while staying true to its values, its people and its location.
The story of Tharroe did not begin as an abstract concept.
It was created through conviction, effort, and respect — for place, for history, and for people.
— Continue —
Continue the Story
Become part of a place shaped by memory and care.