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Fact: If Ibiza had a Greek alter ego, it would be Mykonos. This fascinating Greek island combines a wild party scene and ultra-luxurious hotels with pristine beaches and traditional Cycladic architecture. What more could one ask for?
But, if you think that Mykonos is just parties and expensive hotels, you’re dead wrong! We’re about to let you in on every secret of planning a holiday to Mykonos. All you need to do is read on. Let’s go!
Adored by many celebrities, like Grace Kelly, Liz Taylor, Jackie O, Maria Callas, Mykonos is a place where you’re very likely to be sitting next to your favorite Hollywood actor or rubbing shoulders with your favorite singer. In Mykonos, everything is possible!
This island also has enduring history, thanks to which it’s rich in archaeological sites and museums – there is a whole heap of interesting places to explore!
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Well, the answer is pretty obvious: for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and epic parties. A holiday to Mykonos is an experience you’ll remember forever. Millions of people from all over the world visit Mykonos every year -not only to party-party-party, but also to enjoy its unique Cycladic charm.
Mykonos Town, the capital of the island and the most cosmopolitan capital of the Cyclades, is where the heart of Mykonos beats! Narrow stone-paved alleys, luxurious designer boutiques, excellent restaurants, glamorous bars, and whitewashed buildings create a mesmerizing atmosphere that charms visitors!
Although one may think that the island is all about partying, Mykonos has a lot more to offer. Idyllic beaches, hills dotted with dazzling white houses, ultra-luxurious hotels, and mesmerizing sunsets are some of the things that characterize this magical island! Whether you’re a party animal or a more laid-back type, in Mykonos, you’ll find both cosmopolitan places and quiet spots to escape the crowds.
Because, after all, Mykonos is a place for everyone!
Mykonos is a Greek island sitting in the center of the Cyclades island complex, in the heart of the Aegean sea. It is close to famous Greek islands, such as Santorini, Paros, and Ios, which makes it a perfect base for island hopping in Greece. Mykonos is a bit more than 140 km away from Athens (Rafina), meaning it takes 2 to 6 hours to reach it by ferry. As for the distance from the nearby islands, Mykonos lies 120 km away from Santorini, 45 km away from Paros, 40 km away from Naxos, and 80 km away from Ios.
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The best time to visit Mykonos is between spring and early fall (April to October). Summer is the most crowded season in Mykonos, as the island overflows with moguls and celebrities. However, summer is the best season for those who want to visit the gorgeous Mykonos beaches, as the water is warm during this time of the year. July and August are the peak months of the tourist season, so Mykonos tends to be overcrowded -especially Mykonos Town. To enjoy a more laid-back version of the island, opt for April, May, September, and October.
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Autumn (September to November)
Highest: 81 F/ 27 C Lowest: 52 F/ 11 C
Winter (December to February)
Highest: 55 F/ 13 C Lowest: 43 F/ 6 C
Spring (March to May)
Highest: 73 F/ 23 C Lowest: 46 F/ 8 C
Summer (June to August)
Highest: 86 F/ 30 C Lowest: 64 F/ 18 C
The mascot of Mykonos is a very friendly pelican named Petros. Petros the pelican was originally found wounded by a fisherman in 1958 and died shortly after. However, since then, several other pelicans have taken his place, so you’ll always find one on the island.
Mykonos is known as one of the craziest party destinations in the world. Every night (and day) Mykonos bursts with life and parties. Mikri Venetia, Matogiannia, Super Paradise, Psarou, and Ornos are some of the best places to party in Mykonos! Get ready for super DJ sets, endless dancing, cocktails, shots, and of course, meeting new people. In Mykonos, everything is possible!
There’s no denying it that Little Venice is the best spot to watch the sunset in Mykonos. Located in Mykonos Town, this picturesque neighborhood oozes romantic charm in abundance. The houses in Little Venice are built right on the sea, similar to the houses in Venice in Italy, creating a unique setting! Sit at one of the seaside bars and restaurants and watch the sun sinking in the vast Aegean sea, sip on a cocktail or savor delicious Greek dishes. Pure bliss!
Getting lost in the narrow alleys of Mykonos Town is one of the best things to do in Mykonos! Mykonos Town is where the heart of the island’s nightlife beats: It’s full of bars, clubs, and restaurants for all tastes that overflow with international tourists every night. If you don’t like overcrowded places, though, your best bet is to stroll around Mykonos Town in the morning, do some shopping at the luxurious designer boutiques, and discover picturesque corners.
Delos is an archaeological site located on Delos island, just a short boat ride away from Mykonos island. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this island is not inhabited by people, but it is home to one of the most impressive ancient towns in the world. In Delos, you’ll have the chance to explore the remains of a town developed after 166 B.C by the Romans. There, you’ll find well-maintained sculptures, temples, mosaics, an ancient theatre, as well as the Archaeological Museum of Delos.
Mykonos beaches are famous not only for their cosmopolitan flair and legendary beach parties, but also for their natural beauty and clean waters. If you are in the mood for a beach party, then Psarou and Super Paradise beaches are ideal options. But, if beach parties are not your jam, head to Ornos, Agios Ioannis, and Platys Gialos. Almost all Mykonos beaches are organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, and many facilities!
Mykonos windmills are the trademark of the island. Besides, it is not a coincidence that Mykonos is also known as “the island of the winds”. Hundreds of years old, the beautiful whitewashed windmills used to grind the local grain in the past. Today, they are one of the most popular attractions in Mykonos. They sit on a hill by the beach between Alefkandra and Niohorio, southeast of Mykonos Town -they are the absolute spot for taking super instagrammable photos!
The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos is located in Mykonos Town and it is a must-visit for history buffs! It was originally built to host the findings of the excavation carried out in the “Purification Pit” and the necropolis of Rhenia. In the museum, you’ll find- among others- vases dating back to the Prehistoric age and the Hellenistic period, ceramics from the Geometric period, and the famous Mykonos pithos: a big vessel beautifully decorated with scenes from the Trojan war.
Panagia Paraportiani is one of the most beautiful and most-photographed churches in the world. Sitting in the Castro neighborhood in Mykonos Town, Panagia Paraportiani consists of 5 smaller churches, Agios Efstathios, Agios Anargyros, Agios Sozon, Agia Anastasia, and Virgin Mary church. Gradually constructed between the 14th and the 17th century, Panagia Paraportiani boasts a unique architecture and has the characteristic Cycladic whitewashed exterior.
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Shops in Mykonos Town (Chora) are open from 9 am to 10 pm throughout the week. However, in other areas outside Chora, shops might close earlier.
Population
10,134 (2011)
Currecy
Euro
Language
Greek
Average Temperatures
Warmest Month: July (86 F/ 30 C)
Coldest Month: January (43 F/ 6 C)
Tipping
There are no rules about tipping in Mykonos. How much you’ll tip is up to you, depending on how satisfied you are with the service. We advise you to tip in cash so that the money will go straight to the person that served you.
Loved by
LGBTQ community, party animals, groups of friends
Mykonos took its name from Mykonos, the son of the King of Delos, a nearby islet which was an important religious center in antiquity. According to the historian Herodotus, the first inhabitants of Mykonos were the Carians. After the Carians, followed the Ionians, the Romans, the Venetians, and the Ottomans, until the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Mykonos played an important role in the national revolution against the Ottomans in 1821, mainly thanks to its fleet. One of the most important Mykonian personalities that contributed in the revolution was Manto Mavrogenous, a local aristocrat who funded the Greek cause and helped in the organization of the Greek revolution.
Getting to Mykonos is easy! You can travel to Mykonos either by ferry from Athens to Mykonos (and other islands of the Aegean) or take a flight to Mykonos. Let’s see both options!
Taking the ferry from Athens to Mykonos is the cheapest way to get to the ‘Island of the winds’. Frequent ferries link Athens to Mykonos, so there’s no way you won’t find the one that serves you the best!
Ferries from Athens to Mykonos depart from the two main ports of Athens, Piraeus port and Rafina port. Traveling from Piraeus is a better option if you already are in Athens city center and are moving by public means of transportation. On the other hand, Rafina port is a better option if you have a car, as Rafina is 40 km away from Athens city center and 10 km away from Athens International Airport.
Depending on the type of the ferry (regular or high speed), the trip from Athens to Mykonos may last from 3 to 6 hours. As for the cost, a ferry ticket from Athens to Mykonos costs around 20 € to 60 €.
The Greek ferry companies that serve the itinerary from Athens to Mykonos are Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, SeaJets, and Fast Ferries.
There are frequent direct flights to Mykonos airport from countries such as England, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and many more. If you want to explore Athens before heading to Mykonos, though, then the best option is to catch a flight from Athens to Mykonos. During the summer, there are about 15 daily flights from Athens to Mykonos.
The traditional dazzling white houses, the narrow paved alleys, the whitewashed windmills, and the cosmopolitan atmosphere make Mykonos Town (or Chora), the capital of Mykonos, a beautiful place to stay. Perfect for those who love to be in the epicenter of activity and enjoy the island’s glamorous flair, Mykonos Town has a wide variety of luxurious hotels and villas that cater to every taste.
In Mykonos Town, you’ll find a wide selection of refined restaurants, taverns, bars, and designer boutiques that will keep you entertained all day long. The most picturesque and romantic spot in Mykonos Town, though, is Little Venice. It’s a seaside neighborhood with houses built on the sea, which now operate as bars and restaurants. Eat and drink with seductive views of the Aegean sea, marvel at the sunset, and don’t forget to strike a pose in front of the famous windmills!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Mykonos Town are: Aeolos Resort, Mykonos Bay Resort & Villas, Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge, and Damianos Mykonos Hotel.
Ornos, a cosmopolitan resort located 2 km away from Mykonos Town, is one of the best areas to stay in Mykonos. Full of luxurious hotels and restaurants, Ornos is the perfect alternative to the often overcrowded Mykonos Town.
As for Ornos beach, it is one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos. It is big, sandy and protected from the winds, so it’s a great option for families, too. Lay under the sun, relax, and then sit at one of the seafood restaurants to eat fresh fish and seafood. And, of course, don’t miss the legendary parties that take place at Ornos’ beach bars!
Tip: Water taxis connect Ornos beach with nearby beaches, such as Psarou, Paradise, Super Paradise, and Elia.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Ornos are: Mykonos Cactus, Adorno Beach Hotel and Suites, Mykonos Ammos Hotel, and Leonis Summer Houses.
Platis Gialos is a beautiful seaside settlement located 4.5 km away from Mykonos Town. It has a wonderful natural setting and is full of luxurious restaurants and seaside hotels.
Platis Gialos beach is the biggest and one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Long, sandy, and with many facilities, including water sports, this beach has something for everyone! Platis Gialos has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment and it’s a brilliant base for exploration.
Tip: You can reach the famous Super Paradise beach by car or boat from Platis Gialos beach. There are also water taxis that connect Platis Gialos with the best Mykonos beaches.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Platis Gialos are: Trinity Mykonos, Mykonos Drops, Branco Mykonos, and Argo Hotel.
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The best way to get around Mykonos is probably on foot! But, when it comes to longer distances, a bus, a taxi, or a car are the best options.
Walking is the best way to explore the inland. Strolling around Mykonos, especially Mykonos Town (Chora), and the picturesque Little Venice is a unique experience. There are hardly any vehicles in Mykonos Town, so walking is the only way to get around. This is why Chora’s narrow alleys often get overcrowded.
The local bus service (KTEL) in Mykonos comprises buses that connect Mykonos town with many beaches and villages. More specifically, there are two main bus stations in Mykonos Town, the southern one (Fabrica) and the northern one (Remezzo). From the first bus stop, you can take the bus to many beaches, like Paradise, Ornos, and Platis Gialos. From the latter, you can take the bus to Kalafati, Elia, Ano Mera, and other villages. The bus is the cheapest means of transportation in Mykonos, as a single bus ticket costs 1-2 euros.
Water taxis are an ideal way to reach the island’s beaches, especially to those that can’t be reached by car. Water taxis connect Platis Gialos beach with other popular beaches, like Paradise, Super Paradise, and Paranga. If you prefer a private cruise or a personalized itinerary, you can book one at one of the many cruise-organizing companies on the island.
The taxi is a bit expensive means of transportation, but it can be a convenient way to get to your hotel from the port or the airport. You’ll find taxis at several spots around the island, like the ports and Manto Mavrogenous square in Mykonos Town. Keep in mind that due to high demand, especially during the summer, you’ll probably have to wait in line to get a taxi.
If you want to be fully independent, hiring a car is your best bet. Renting a car is the only way to explore every corner of Mykonos, as the public means of transportation can reach only some parts of the island. In Mykonos Town, you’ll find numerous car rental companies, but there are also some of them at the airport.
Mykonos is known as one of the most expensive islands of the Cyclades, so expect to spend a lot on your holiday. Generally speaking, you’re going to spend about 110 € (131 $) per day during your stay in Mykonos. More specifically, you’ll spend 30 € (36 $) on food, 20 € (24 $) on transportation, and 60 € (71 $) per person for a double room in Mykonos.
Tirovolia
Tirovolia (rovolia) is a soft and creamy cheese made of goat, cow, or sheep milk or a mix of them. This delicious salt-free cheese is the main ingredient of handmade sweet and sour pies, but you can also enjoy it as an appetizer.
Louza
Louza is a traditional Mykonian cold meat made of pork. For the making of Louza, the meat stays in salt for a day and then it is sprinkled with plenty of local spices and herbs, like oregano and pepper. Finally, Louza is left to dry in the Mykonian air for 10-15 days before it’s ready to be consumed. It is usually cut into very thin slices and served as an appetizer.
Kopanisti
Kopanisti is another local cheese worth tasting! It is a spicy soft cheese made of local cow, goat, or sheep milk. It goes perfectly with fresh salads, freshly-out-of-the-oven bread, and even sweets. You can also enjoy it plain, with a glass of local raki.
Amygdalota
Amygdalota is a local sweet treat, several versions of which can be found in almost every Aegean island. The Mykonian version is rectangular and made of almonds, water, sugar, and eggs. They are usually roasted and covered with a thick coat of sugar.
The Greek Health Care System is public and provides free treatment to citizens and expats. You can visit a public practitioner for free or a private practitioner with a charge. In both cases, you have to pay for prescribed medicines. You can purchase medicines from the numerous pharmacies in Athens, which you’ll find at almost every corner of the city. In case of emergency, you can call a public EKAV ambulance (166) or the European emergency number (112).
Mykonos is a safe island to visit. However, you should take reasonable precautions and use common sense, like everywhere. First of all, you should always keep an eye on your belongings, especially when you are in crowded places, like bars and clubs. Also, you shouldn’t leave your belongings unattended on the beach. Another thing to be aware of is the drunk people that may get around the streets late at night.
This is one of the most iconic beaches in Mykonos. Particularly popular with the gay community, Super Paradise is usually crowded, and it always hosts epic parties. Although Super Paradise is a small beach, it is covered with umbrellas and sun loungers and has water sports facilities.
Platis Gialos is considered the best beach in Mykonos. And you bet there’s a reason why! Long, sandy, with crystal-clear waters, and many facilities, Platis Gialos offers the perfect setting for an all-day beach experience. From Platis Gialos, you can take a water taxi to other popular beaches in Mykonos.
If you want to party all day with people from all over the world, Paradise beach is your best bet. Famous for its vivid party scene and international young crowds, this beach is home to some of the most popular beach clubs in Mykonos. When the sun goes down, the party starts!
Psarou is one of the most popular and expensive beaches in Mykonos, mainly due to Nammos, the beach’s luxurious beach bar, which is loved by celebrities. From international top models to super-star athletes, you’ll see everyone lounging at the bars or taking a dip in the sea. It’s the best option for those who want to splurge on a luxurious beach day!
Read also: 30 Best Beaches in Greece
A handmade scarf
Amygdalota
A bottle of tsipouro/raki
Leather sandals
Petros the pelican memorabilia
Handmade jewelry
Evil eye keychain
Louza
Does Mykonos sound like the island of your dreams? Yeah, we thought so! So, these were all the basics you need to know before planning your holiday to Mykonos island! How to get to Mykonos: Check. What to do and see:Check. Where to stay in Mykonos: Check.
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