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Mykonos is famed as a cosmopolitan destination amongst the Greek islands and widely recognised as one of the great travel meccas. It is one of the most touristed islands in the Aegean. This means that visitors should be prepared for loud dance clubs on parts of the island, an option to have 'English' breakfasts that could consist of an egg, some bacon and a few rolls with butter, and some over-priced merchandise. Mykonos, along with [wiki=863b84e5b5c4a3476920d71c4a08a259]Santorini[/wiki], is more expensive than other Greek islands.
If you have a room in the centre of town, expect to be woken by people going about their business in the early hours of the morning - this could be people arriving back from a nights clubbing or local bakers who arrive very early for work every day of the week. Although a lot of the streets in the main town are closed to traffic, locals get around on mopeds/motorbikes and on other motorised contraptions, and once again, they make quite a lot of noise in the early hours of the morning if they go past your open window. If you don't have a room that offers air conditioning and you are planning to keep your windows open at night, some ear-plugs might be an idea if you are a light sleeper.
It would appear that on most days of the week, there will be at least one cruise ship docked with people off the ships either driven close to the town via coach or brought into the main harbour by smaller boats. On these days, the small narrow streets of Myknonos get quite crowded. There can be up to three cruise ships in the harbour or anchored near by, but one local shop keeper stated that times have changed and there are not as many ships as there used to be: on a good day in the past, there could be as many as 7 ships docked. Most ships depart before dusk, but for the ones that don't expect the passengers to jocky for position with other tourists in the area by Little Venice to get a view of the setting sun.
Mykonos tends to be extremely crowded with visitors in July and August. The best time to visit Mykonos is mid-May through June (early season, accommodation is much cheaper and it's not that hot), or September through mid-October (post season).
[wiki=bae09da3d6334eaaab33ae4fbdcde6c0]Ibiza[/wiki], [wiki=299f9b17a1d811cd4ba2fa5ee83fc8dd]Gran Canaria[/wiki], [wiki=712353ad7d66e08ff50ac76b38a3913f]Sitges[/wiki] (all in [wiki=907eba32d950bfab68227fd7ea22999b]Spain[/wiki]) and Mykonos are the hottest gay holiday destinations that Europe has to offer. Out of these four Mykonos has the most character. Mykonos is a gay friendly island, featuring a vibrant [wiki=fdd5174c1da55bd2c224abf3749a2c65#Gay bars and nightclubs]gay nightlife[/wiki].
Recently quite a few new gay bars and clubs have opened.
The most popular [wiki=fdd5174c1da55bd2c224abf3749a2c65#See#Beaches]beaches[/wiki] with gay visitors are Super Paradise and Elia. These are not gay beaches, but they have parts where gay men and women congregate. The only gay beach deserving of the title is the small beach between Elia and Agrari.
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Orientation
Mykonos' main communities are Chora, the island's port town and capital, and Ano Mera.
* Mykonos Town (Chora) is a stunningly picturesque Cycladic town with a maze of tiny streets and whitewashed steps lanes, houses and churches, gathered around its harbour in the middle of a wide bay. It is one of the most cosmopolitan and crowded towns of the Aegean. Although the streets are lined with little shops, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, stylish bars and restaurants, Mykonos Town has not completely lost its identity. Despite the island’s rapid growth and development, it’s traditional Cycladic architectural style and character has remained firmly intact, thanks to the island’s strict building regulations. Expect to find shops by Chanel, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and other well known, high-end brands. It would appear that these shops cater more for the tourists that arrive on many of cruise ships that dock nearby.
* Ano Mera is a small village on the middle of the island, and the only inland settlement on the whole of Mykonos, about 7 km east of Mykonos Town. Ano Mera is based around a large central square, which is lined on three sides by a series of Greek tavernas. The monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in 1542, is Ano Mera's most significant highlight.
Other small communities include:
* Agios Ioannis is a small settlement with two taverns, one restaurant and one tiny store. Agios Ioannis is famous as the location for the movie "Shirley Valentine".
* Agios Stefanos with many hotels, good restaurants, taverns and cafes.
* Platys Gialos is a popular tourist resort where small fishing boats transport tourists to the southern beaches of Mykonos.
* Ornos with several choices for staying, food and drink, and a well organized food market with a butcher's shop, bakery, super market and a pharmacy.
* Tourlos is where most of the cruise ships dock, private yachts and fishing boats use the marina and the port receives some of the ferries coming from the mainland or other islands.
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Climate
The climate of Mykonos is characterised by hot, dry summers and mild winters. Like in most of the Aegean islands it hardly ever rains during summer but rain showers can be expected between October and April. Temperatures in July and August range from 30ºC (86ºF) during the day to 22ºC (72ºF) at night. The Cyclades are famous for the constant wind (called meltemi) in July and August that mitigates the heat a bit.
In the whole period mid-May through mid-October it's usually warm and sunny enough to enjoy the beaches.
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Greek is the official language of Greece, and therefore it's spoken by all the permanent inhabitants of the island and most of its visitors, but the foreign visitor will have no problem at all communicating in foreign languages, mainly in English.
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By boat
From the Greek mainland ferries and highspeed catamaran services [url=http://www.gtp.gr/]]run daily from [[Piraeus[/url]] and [wiki=05980d9771d947c66aa84cfda22c8800]Rafina[/wiki]. The highspeeds take half the time but cost twice as much.
The journey between the port of Piraeus (Athens) and Mykonos takes between 3h 30min and 5h 15min, depending on the type of ferry you are taking. On a slow ferry a seat in economy class will cost € 32; on a highspeed service expect to pay € 54.50. In Piraeus all the highspeed ferries to Mykonos depart from Port Gate Ε7; the conventional ferries leave from Port Gate Ε1. Most of the ferries connecting Piraeus to Mykonos stop working by end of October and resume by April.
Many travellers probably don’t even consider Rafina a possible departure port if they are heading to one of the [wiki=e554048ef89fa5cd15e1da990f125216]Cyclades[/wiki], but if you are arriving at the airport of Athens you are often better off taking a ferry from Rafina than traveling to Athens and get a ferry from Piraeus. The journey between Rafina and Mykonos takes between 2h 10min and 5h 30min, depending on the type of ferry you are taking. On a regular ferry expect to pay € 23.50 per person for a seat in economy class; on a highspeed catamaran service expect to pay € 52.50. Most of the ferries connecting Rafina to Mykonos stop working by end of October and resume by April.
Mykonos can also be reached directly from other islands in the [wiki=e554048ef89fa5cd15e1da990f125216]Cyclades[/wiki]. More than once a day there is a boat connection from [wiki=f4f6e9856e8f02d35ae7b0c6686f4c23]Syros[/wiki], [wiki=6df3d743b28964b45589729cef858951]Andros[/wiki], [wiki=7e497a15b25f9be54594f5bb4f7e6df8]Tinos[/wiki] and [wiki=8df42fb3247f81ee0422c508ad3953b0]Paros[/wiki]. There are daily boat connections from [wiki=ec463ceae0ca4cd80011c8a810fce3d1]Naxos[/wiki], [wiki=a756d26ca5161ae6fcc2bde4b2bcf169]Ios[/wiki], [wiki=863b84e5b5c4a3476920d71c4a08a259]Santorini[/wiki] and [wiki=5fa39857df317523a03e5aac02ee6b18]Crete[/wiki]. There's a daily overnight ferry, the 'Nissos Mykonos', from [wiki=368ba127551225d540a70657e5dba0d3]Samos[/wiki] (Vathi and Karlovassi) and [wiki=62e98c8f08b40f4b85d1da956f893ab6]Ikaria[/wiki]. There are less frequent boat connections from [wiki=77998ad9f38b45eee654814df496cd16]Serifos[/wiki], [wiki=a59d02216ae20ffa673c663389df9919]Sifnos[/wiki], [wiki=5307540612d61906e56bfe7dcd34fb4b]Kimolos[/wiki], [wiki=9d5fd266bf678e834607f3ab10a9ac95]Milos[/wiki], [wiki=7e70fc3240895ea8d4c378db36e65b00]Folegandros[/wiki], [wiki=6347214ec3896a9bc5646bed24c06072]Sikinos[/wiki], [wiki=ae51e9690d94e157ca4e3c2b1aaadc16]Thirassia[/wiki] and [wiki=38415faf6164d95725958b04fe10aefb]Anafi[/wiki].
Ferry companies:
* Hellenic Seaways [url=http://www.hellenicseaways.gr/]]provide a fast hydrofoil connection and regular ferries from Piraeus (Highspeed 5 and Highspeed 6) and Rafina (Flying Cat 3).
* Seajets [url=http://www.seajets.gr/htm/default.aspx?cul=en/[/url]]have a regular schedule in the summer from Piraeus (SuperJet) and Rafina (Seajet 2).
* Blue Star Ferries [url=http://www.bluestarferries.com/[/url]]have a regular daily schedules from Piraeus throughout the year (Blue Star Itaki).
* Aegean Speed Lines [url=http://www.aegeanspeedlines.gr[/url]]have a daily high speed ferry operating from Piraeus (Speedrunner 3).
Ferry schedules [http://www.gtp.gr/RoutesForm.asp[/url]
Pre-booking of ferries and highspeeds is only necessary from mid-July to late August or just before or after a Greek holiday.
Beware that every year at the 15th of Augustus the island of [wiki=7e497a15b25f9be54594f5bb4f7e6df8]Tinos[/wiki] is a goal for thousands of orthodox pilgrims. Most ferries and highspeeds from Pireaus and Rafina to Mykonos make a stop at Tinos. This means that around this period it is recommended to buy tickets well in advance. Also expect a lot of Greek tourist to visit Mykonos around the weekend of Pentacost, which is at movable dates but in 2015 will be at the 31st of May and 1st of June.
Keep in mind that if you book your ticket online, you will still need to collect the ticket from a travel agency once you get to Greece.
Boat services can be cancelled due to strong wind. Weather cancellations are very rare, though, only a few days over the course of a summer.
Mykonos has two ports: the old port in Mykonos Town, and the new port at Tourlos, about 2 km north of Mykonos Town. Check before you travel which port your boat will use. Most of the ferries use the new port. The highspeed catamaran services still use the old port in Mykonos Town.
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By cruise ship
Mykonos is a popular stop on cruise ship tours of the Greek Islands.
Almost all cruise ships dock at the new port in Tourlos, some cruise ships use the old port, and if several ships visit at once, one or more may have to moor/anchor off-shore.
If you are arriving at the new port, make use of the cruise shuttle bus to Mykonos Town. You can also take a taxi yourself, but with so many people arriving at the same time it won't be easy to catch one. The cruise shuttle bus will likely drop you off at a parking area not far from the northern bus station in Mykonos Town. It is less than a 10-minute ride. From there everything is within walking distance.
If you dock at the old port or tender in from your anchored/moored ship, you will arrive within a 10-minute walk of the heart of Mykonos Town, and no bus ride will be necessary or available.
It is easy to explore Mykonos independently. There's no real need to book excursions. Also the recommended excursion to [wiki=fdd5174c1da55bd2c224abf3749a2c65#Do]Delos[/wiki] can be booked independently (guided or unguided).
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By plane
Mykonos has an airport [url=http://www.mykonos-airport.org/],]about 4km away from the main town. There are daily flights from [[Athens[/url]] airport (35 minutes) by Olympic Air [url=http://www.olympicair.com/Home.aspx?a_id=549]]and Aegean Airlines [url=http://en.aegeanair.com/Default.aspx[/url].]During summer both Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines have daily direct flights from [[Thessaloniki[/url]].
In high season there are also less frequent flights from [wiki=3dd9ab27e061fb4fab78e42511023a08]Rhodes[/wiki], [wiki=863b84e5b5c4a3476920d71c4a08a259]Santorini[/wiki], [wiki=5fa39857df317523a03e5aac02ee6b18]Crete[/wiki] ([wiki=f6665e2a9ab77abefd148781e4dd135c]Heraklion[/wiki]) and [wiki=e2c4604fcc0987b469233cbb52d4e488]Volos[/wiki] by Sky Express [url=http://www.skyexpress.gr/].]During the months of July and August Astra Airlines [url=http://www.astra-airlines.gr/[/url]]flies from [[Thessaloniki[/url]].
From May till October charter airlines fly directly to Mykonos from many European airports.
* Air Berlin [url=http://www.airberlin.com/]]flies from Berlin Tegel (TXL), Düsseldorf (DUS) , Hamburg (HAM), Munich (MUC), Nuremberg (NUE) and Vienna (VIE);
* Atlasjet [url=http://www.atlasjet.com/AtlasjetWeb/atlasjet.kk?lang=EN[/url]]and Borajet [url=http://www.borajet.com.tr[/url]]fly from Istanbul Sabiha-Gökçen (SAW);
* British Airways [url=http://www.ba.com[/url]]flies from London Heathrow (LHR)
* Blue Panorama Airlines [url=http://www.blu-express.com/en/index.html[/url]]flies from Rome Fiumicino (FCO);
* EasyJet [url=http://www.easyjet.com/[/url]]flies from London Gatwick (LGW) and London Luton (LTN), Geneva (GVA), Milan Malpensa (MXP),Berlin Schonefeld(SXF) Paris Orly (ORY), Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Manchester (MAN)
* Edelweiss Air [url=http://www.edelweissair.ch/e/[/url]]flies from Geneva (GVA) and Zurich (ZRH);
* Lauda Air [url=http://www.laudaair.com/[/url]]flies from Vienna (VIE);
* German Wings [url=http://www.germanwings.com/[/url]]flies from Cologne/Bonn (CGN);
* Meridiana [url=http://www.meridiana.it/en/[/url]]flies from Bologna (BLQ), Milan Malpensa (MXP), Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Verona (VRN);
* ThomasCook [url=http://www.thomascook.be/[/url]]and Jetairfly [url=http://www.jetairfly.com/en/[/url]]fly from Brussels (BRU);
* Thomson Airways [url=http://flights.thomson.co.uk/[/url]]flies from London Gatwick (LGW) and Manchester (MAN);
* Transavia [url=http://www.transavia.com/[/url]]flies from Amsterdam (AMS) and Paris Orly (ORY);
* TUIfly [url=http://www.tuifly.nl/[/url]]Flies from Amsterdam (AMS).
* Volotea [url=http://volotea.com/[/url]]flies from Bari(BRI), Naples (NAP), Palermo (PMO) and Venice (VCE);
* Vueling [url=http://vueling.com/[/url]]flies from Barcelona (BCN) and Madrid (MAD).
At the arrival area of the airport you may find an ATM, shops, a cafetaria, public phones, a post box, an office of the Mykonos Hoteliers Association, an Olympic Air office, an Aegean Airlines office and many car rental companies.
In the terminal building on the first floor there is a duty-free shop for departing passengers selling tobacco, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, travel accessories and gift items.
Take a free and useful Mykonos Sky Map [http://www.skymap.gr/?ElementId=36198[/url] from the luggage collecting hall at the airport. This free map is also sold in shops in Mykonos Town.
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With a length of 12 to 15 km and a width of 10km, Mykonos is one of the smallest of the Cyclades islands. On Mykonos you can get around by bus, taxi, car, scooter, ATV or boat.
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By bus
There is a bus network [http://www.mykonosbus.com/index.en.html] that takes you around the island. There are two bus stations in Mykonos Town, each on different sides of Mykonos Town. From the main southern bus station, Fabrica, buses can be taken for departures to Platys Gialos (every half hour), Paraga (every hour), Paradise (every half hour), Ornos and Agios Ioannis. There are also night buses from Mykonos to Platys Gialos and Paradise leaving every hour. From the northern bus station which is not very far from the old port ferry quay, buses can be taken for departures to Ano Mera, Elia (departing at 11AM, noon, 2PM, 4PM, 6PM and 7PM, returning 30 minutes later), Panormos and Kalafatis.
Departure times are clearly marked at the two bus stations and the end of the bus routes. Bus schedules change a bit about every two weeks. Frequencies of buses are higher in high season.
There is no bus connection between the two bus stations. From one bus station to the other will take about 20 minutes of walking through the streets of Mykonos Town.
It is possible to buy your bus ticket from the bus driver (have exact change ready), but you can also buy your bus tickets before boarding the bus. Bus tickets can be bought in advance from a bus ticket vending machine (euro coins necesary) and can be purchased at kiosks, mini-markets and tourist shops as well. There are no return tickets available; for a return trip you simply need two single tickets. Hand over your ticket to the bus driver and he will "validate" it by simply tearing your ticket. There are ticket stamping machines in the bus, but they simply don't function. Don't be surprised if a man that is already on the bus near the bus driver will check your "validated" ticket a few minutes later. Even though your ticket is just teared and not stamped, he will inspect your ticket thoroughly, looking for counterfeited tickets. Bus tickets are € 1.60, except for the further destinations of Elia and Kalafatis which cost € 1.70. Tickets for night buses are € 2. Buses in Mykonos are almost always full during the busy parts of the day; the bus driver will squeeze in as many passengers as he possibly can.
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By taxi
On the entire island there are only about 30 taxis, which means that depending on taxis for transport can be an exercise of great patience. In Mykonos Town the main location for taxis is in Manto Square (also called Town Square or Taxi Square), on the harbour front near the statue. You have to wait in line and sometimes you can wait for hours in the taxi queue. In the evening it can be very difficult to find a taxi. Taxis do not use meters, but there's a notice board giving rates for each destination. Fares are reasonable, however some drivers may try to rip you off. Calling for a radio taxi costs € 1.30 extra, and an appointment € 5 in addition to the fare. Contact telephone numbers are 22400 and 23700.
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By boat
The Plati Yalos Boat Service [url=http://www.mykonos-cruises.gr/index.php?PageLang=english]]provides a good and fun way of getting to the southern beaches of Mykonos.
* From Platys Gialos small fishing boats converted into tourist transport leave every hour or less to the beaches of Paranga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. First departure 10:15AM until 4:15PM every hour. Last return to Platys Gialos from Elia at 6PM and from Super Paradise at 8PM.
* From Ornos boats leave for the beaches of Platys Gialos, Paranga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. Boats leaves from Ornos at 10AM, 11AM, noon and 1PM.
Price for a return ticket is € 5 for Paranga and Paradise, € 6 for Super Paradise and € 7 for Agrari and Elia. Boat services can be cancelled due to strong wind, but with the exception of Super Paradise all of these beaches can be reached by bus from Mykonos Town as well.
* There is also short cruises [url=http://www.voiliergrece.com/Cyclades.htm[/url]]possibilities to Delos - Naxos - Paros and back (1 to 4 days)in nice traditional yachts[http://www.greecebysail.com[/url], but is need to book before.
From June to September there are also infrequently boats leaving from the harbour in Mykonos Town to Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia.
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By car or by motorbike
Mykonos has an extensive public transport system from Mykonos Town. By public transport it is easy to get to all the southern beaches, which happen to be the nicest beaches as well. Renting a motorbike or a car is the way to go if you want to explore the rest of the island, especially the more remote beaches at the north coast. Motorbike and car rentals are readily available around the island. In Mykonos Town the highest concentration of rent a car - motorbike agencies is in and around the area of the southern busstation, where you will find a wide range of choices. The other area of Mykonos Town with rent a car - motorbike agencies is near to the old port, behind the Archaeological Museum.
*
*
*
If you rent a car be aware that cars are not permitted in the town of Mykonos. There are parking areas on the outskirts of town, but during peak season finding a parking space is usually a challenge. You can always try the huge public parking area next to the old port. Considering Mykonos is a very small island, renting a bike might be a better choice, unless you are planning to stay far out of town and from beaches. Bikes are cheap to rent, you can park them almost anywhere, and it is cooler than a car standing in the hot sun all day. Anyway if you have decided to rent a car and are arriving at the Mykonos airport keep in mind that there are a lot of car rental companies at the airport.
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Attractions in Mykonos Town
From as early as the 16th century, the windmills are one of the most recognized landmarks of Mykonos. Once this island was a great producer of wheat and bread. The area of the windmills has a splendid view on Little Venice and is the most popular place in Mykonos to watch the sunset.
* A district located at the sea, famous for its picturesque medieval two and three storey houses, which stand like a wall above the sea, and their colourful wooden balconies. Little Venice is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the whole of Mykonos and offers a fantastic sunset. A favourite activity is drinking a cocktail in one of the many bars and cafes while watching the sunset on the seashore. You will reach Little Venice walking from the windmills down the stairs. It is only a five minute walk from Fabrika bus station and there is a sign for it on the other side of the square.
* Of all the churches on Mykonos, the most impressive is
Panagia Paraportianí, a true Byzantine jewel. This whitewashed church, which building dates back to 1425 and was not completed until the 17th century, is the most popular and most photographed of the 400 churches on the whole island of Mykonos. It is made up of four chapels at ground level with another one above. Only one of the chapels on the ground floor is open to visitors, from early morning until sunset. The church is located in the Kastro district, the oldest section of Mykonos Town.
* Petros the Pelican, the island's mascot, can sometimes be found at the waterfront or even up in town. Originally the pelican was found wounded off the coast of Paranga shore after a storm back in the 1950s by a local fisherman. The pelican was nursed to health and remained on the island supported by locals. It soon adopted the name “Petros”. To great disappointment by locals and tourists alike, Petros was hit by a car on 2 December 1985 and failed to recover. After Petros died in 1986 he was so popular that a new pelican was introduced as a successor. Now there are three pelicans inhabiting the island. This means that the Petros you meet, can be a Petra. Well, this is Mykonos.
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Beaches
Most of the beaches have tavernas and restaurants and are well equipped with deck chairs and parasols. Most common price is € 12 for a set of two deck chairs and an umbrella. The best beaches are on the south side of the island and sheltered from the prevailing northern wind. On the more popular beaches, it is not uncommon for people to walk down the beach selling probably illegal goods such as DVDs, fake bags, clothes, jewellery and watches. They come right up to you and it can be somewhat annoying but they are easily pushed away with a simple 'No, thank you'. Also, many beaches, even the more family-orientated, are often populated with the 'european' style of sunbathing - i.e. topless.
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[wiki=598f91835d6d68e051fdf17c7a6a711f]Delos[/wiki], a small uninhabited island close to Mykonos, is a UNESCO world heritage area known for its important archaeological sites. There are daily excursions from Mykonos Town except Monday, when the archaeological site is closed. Boats leave at 9AM, 10AM and 11AM from the pier at the west side of the harbour, right behind the little church of Agios Nikolaos. The boat trip takes about 30 minutes. Boats return at 12:15PM, 1:30PM and 3PM. Boat trips to Delos are also organised from Platys Gialos and Paranga Beach. The excavations are open from 8:30AM to 3PM, so have an early start if you really want to see it all. The cost is € 17 for the boat trip plus € 5 for entrance (though free for students and € 3 for those over 65). A guided tour, departing at 10AM from the pier in Mykonos, will cost € 40 (including boat trip and entrance fee). Delos is a must for all visitors.
* Check the ferry schedules well, but it is possible to make daytrips to the islands of [wiki=7e497a15b25f9be54594f5bb4f7e6df8]Tinos[/wiki], [wiki=f4f6e9856e8f02d35ae7b0c6686f4c23]Syros[/wiki], [wiki=8df42fb3247f81ee0422c508ad3953b0]Paros[/wiki] and [wiki=ec463ceae0ca4cd80011c8a810fce3d1]Naxos[/wiki].
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Tours
Tours, Excursions, Sightseeing Tours & Things to do on Mykonos Island.
* Catamaran tours, from Ornos bay (south of Mykonos town) you can step on a sailing catamaran to discover the surrounding islands of Delos and Rhenia or the south beaches of Mykonos. You will sail towards unspoiled coves with turquoise waters [url=http://www.mykonoscatamaran.com/].]Day, sunset and full day tours all summer.
* Mykonos Private Cruises to Delos and Rhenia Island [url=http://www.mykonos-web.com/tours-excursions/mykonos-private-cruise.htm[/url],]with traditional Greek sailing boat.
* From Platys Gialos you can take a cruise on a GlassBottom Discover Boat [url=http://www.glassbottom.gr/[/url],]a boat with a glass floor at the bottom through which you can view underwater life. There are beach-to-beach cruises (€ 45), sunset cruises (€ 35) and cruises to [[Delos[/url]] and Rhenia (€ 45).
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You can go shopping or window shopping in the fabulous little boutiques which carry exclusive name brands, among them outstanding Greek jewelers, souvenirs as well as works of art. Bring money and credit cards. Most shops are open seven days a week, but will be closed from 2PM to 5PM. Many tourist shops will remain open late into the evening. In case you are looking for department stores, as some cruise tourists do, there aren't any.
Mykonos is home to a large artists' colony, so there are a number of fine galleries offering original works.
Of course, you will also find the shops you need to fill all your basic needs and comforts. There are mini-markets, green grocers, butchers, kiosks, bakeries, liquor stores, a few small supermarkets (and bigger supermarkets out of town), many pharmacies, a dry goods shop, bookstores, photo and electronics shops.
ATM's are available throughout town. There's a concentration of ATM's near the southern bus station.
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In Mykonos Town you will find most of the restaurants and eateries. All over town there are various gyros and souvlaki shops and creperies where you can eat quite well for just a few euros. Mykonos offers dining options catering to a range of tastes and budgets. You can have good Greek food at reasonable prices, but it also easy to spend a fortune. Almost all restaurants (and many bars) post their prices on menus at the entrance, so as you walk around you can take a look to see which places offer appealing food in your budget range. Restaurants facing the harbour or the sea (especially in Little Venice) tend to have significantly higher prices, because you are also paying for the location and the view. Restaurants in the streets deeper in the heart of town tend to be more reasonably priced.
====Mykonos Town====
* Mexican-european food, relaxed atmosphere and also a great place for cocktails.
* A little Italian restaurant serving Mediterranean-style food.
* Excellent Greek food, not exactly cheap, but well worth the price. You can sit inside, at the small terrace overlooking the street or in the garden.
* Moderately priced Greek eatery.
* Excellent oriental fusion restaurant, serving both Thai and Chinese cuisine. The restaurant has views of the sunset and a great atmosphere.
* Small restaurant. Reasonable prices.
* Tradional Italian pizzeria.
* Home cooked Greek and international dishes in a beautiful garden and roof setting. Dining room inside for windy nights. Excellent service and good atmosphere.
* A fabulous taverna with tasty Greek food at very reasonable prices. A marvellous place to sit in the evening and watch the sunset. Reservation recommended.
* One of the best restaurants in Mykonos, on the outskirts of Mykonos Town. Gourmet restaurant with modern deco and great views of the town and the sea. Superb Italian food.
* One of the most famous and oldest restaurants on the island, with classic French and Greek cuisine and excellent service. Stylish and expensive.
* An extensive menu of good, authentic Greek food at very reasonable prices.
* A small fish tavern in a garden setting. Fresh fish accompanied by Greek salads at a reasonable price. You can select your dish from the limited menu or choose your seafood from the catch of the day. Often full.
* Small, romantic spot, seating under a canopy of vines. Good food and full bar.
* A small reasonably-priced tavern serving excellent traditional Greek dishes and Mykonian specialties. Almost always full.
* Greek tavern.
* A very popular restaurant which is always packed. An extensive menu of good, authentic Greek food at very reasonable prices.
* Very good Greek cuisine with a little twist. Dining on the porch is great for people watching.
* An elegant restaurant. Quiet atmosphere, fine cuisine and a good wine selection.
====Ano Mera====
The town square offers several traditional restaurants.
* pure service and high prices in food.
====Kalafatis====
* Asian cuisine.
====Ornos====
* An elegant beach restaurant serving fresh fish.
====Platys Gialos====
* Excellent restaurant belonging to the Hotel Acrogiali. Great variety of Greek and Italian dishes, all served on a seaside terrace, at reasonable prices.
* Excellent restaurant. Great variety of international and Greek dishes, all served on a seaside terrace.
====Psarou====
* A beautiful, all white restaurant for the "rich and famous" and known for its celebrity spottings. Mediterranean cuisine. Very expensive, but some say you get what you pay for.
====Beach Taverns====
* A traditional beach restaurant with a green garden.
* Meat, grilled fish, cooked dishes (one per day, and good) and a large variety of salads. A bit remote, but the tavern itself is worth the trip.
* A hidden gem. There is seating for perhaps two dozen people at most, and because there’s no electricity, the restaurant closes just before dusk. Everything is really tasty and fresh, cooked on an outdoor grill, served with fresh homemade salads.
* This remote Italian bistro is worth the drive, for the sea and the cuisine.
* Traditional fish tavern. Fisherman owner serves his day’s catch.
* A family-run beach tavern with traditional Greek dishes. They have been there since 1967!
* A very popular, moderately-upscale fish tavern.
* A nice little fish taverna overlooking the sea.
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Mykonos is famous for its intense nightlife as evidenced by a vast number of bars and nightclubs. Drinking can be quite expensive in Mykonos.
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Bars in Mykonos Town
Friendly club with loud dance music.
*
* Located on the edge of the sea wall in Little Venice, with entrances at the front and back, Caprice Bar can be packed wall to wall. Here you can enjoy the music, cocktails and a trendy party atmosphere.
* Katerina's Cocktail Bar is built on two levels and each level has a balcony that hangs over the sea in Little Venice, making it good spot to view the sunset over a cocktail.
* Have a drink or meal at the terrace in the harbour and watch the people walk by.
* Montparnasse, with a balcony hanging over the sea, is another favorite spot for watching the sunset and having a cocktail. But more important, from 10PM to 2AM it turns into an exceptional piano bar with cabaret entertainment. Straight friendly and highly recommended.
* Skandinavian Bar is one of the 'landmark' party places on Mykonos since 1978. Comprised of an outdoor square with seating all around, two smaller downstairs bars and the upstairs disco overseeing it all. Friendly atmosphere, excellent service and drinks at the best prices (large beer € 5).
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Beach bars
A beach bar overlooking the beach. Attracts a gay crowd. *Update 6/12/2013: CLOSED. Being Replaced by a new Jacky O's. Looks awesome but wasn't ready to open yet. They told us a few more days. Pink's Beach Bar down on the beach was a nice, but expensive substitue.
* By day, this bleached-white beach bar serves good local cuisine at decent prices. Come 6PM though, the DJ strikes up and the dancing begins. By midnight until the early hours it’s a wild scene.
* A trendy beach bar and tavern, that changed Panormos Beach into a more cosmopolitan beach.
* The party starts in the afternoon and continues until late at night, with the peak in July and August.
* A beach bar that mostly attracts the young crowd. By day, a brazilian dance show takes place and at night you will find a quite unique and crazy body paint party.
*
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Nightclubs
Although Mykonos´ nightlife focuses mainly on bars, there are a number of notable dance clubs to be found on the island, some of them attracting world-famous DJs.
* Cavo Paradiso, an Ibiza-style open-air mega club, has a fantastic view of the sea and a huge swimming pool in the middle of the club, where you can party and dance till well after the sun comes up. The party doesn't start until at least 2AM. Clubbers from all around the world voted for Cavo Paradiso as one of the 10 best clubs of the world. [url=http://www.top100clubs.com/]]Famous DJ's, like Roger Sanchez, David Morales, Paul Oakenfold, Sander van Doorn and Tiësto, play here every summer and various music events are hosted frequently. Very expensive!
* The biggest nightclub on the island and voted for as one of the 100 best clubs of the world. [http://www.top100clubs.com/[/url] With three stages and a swimming pool. Famous DJ's, like Moby, Bob Sincar, Fedde Legrand, David Guetta and Armin van Buuren, play here every summer. The party starts every day around 4:30PM, with the peak in July and August. The daily party can run into the night.
* A house-music club. Space Nightclub is the only large club in town and is popular with a young crowd. The party doesn't start until well after midnight and continues till around 6AM.
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Mykonos has a well developed tourist infrastructure with countless hotels, studios, apartments and rooms for rent. Accommodation can be found in and around Mykonos Town and nearby the beaches. Compared to other Greek islands accommodation in Mykonos is expensive. The price of accommodation varies greatly according to season. Mentioned from-prices are for low season. Expect prices to double in high season. Mykonos becomes overcrowded from mid July to the end of August, so be sure you have a room waiting if you go during that period. Beware that every year a lot of Greek tourist visit Mykonos around the weekend of Pentecost, which is at movable dates but in 2012 will be at the 3rd and 4th of June.
Most of the hotels will close at the end of October and will open again at the end of April or the beginning of May.
A lot of the locals rent rooms and they will be waiting for you when you arrive at the port or the airport, waving pictures of their rooms. They will be there in peak season as well. Most of them are from small establishments that aren't listed on the internet. If approached to let a room, make sure you don't end up in an isolated apartment up on the hills around the town. Outside high season it is also easy enough to look around in Mykonos Town for yourself. There are 'rooms' signs everywhere. Wandering around with a suitcase or backpack you will be approached.
*This luxury Mykonos Villa with private pool in Lia region can host 14 guests in total comfort. The garden is rich in native flora, the secluded pool is in the middle of the estate with 10 sun beds and a barbecue area.
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Camping
For the young and most budget conscious travelers there are two campgrounds, both situated at popular beaches:
* Mykonos Camping extends out on a headland overlooking the sea. A camping with a self-service restaurant, cafe-bar, swimming pool, mini market and bike rental. Paraga Beach Hostel is part of this camping (or it might just be rebranding). A good choice if you want a more relaxed camping, though not quiet.
* A pretty much self contained camping with a self-service restaurant, snackbar, beach bar, mini market, boutique, internet and bike rental. A good choice if you want a more developed camping and are looking to meet other young backpackers and party all night long.
Both are reachable by public bus from Mykonos Town or by boat from Platys Gialos. Both offer shuttle bus transportation to and from the airport and ferry boat ports.
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Budget
* A family run hotel located at a traffic crossing a little outside Mykonos Town (a 15-minute walk). The bus to Paradise Beach and Paranga Beach stops in front of the hotel.
* A small, family run hotel with 14 rooms.
*
*Offers double and triple hotel rooms.
* Self catering studios and rooms.
* In a quiet area, but a bit of a trek up the hill (15 minutes). The Vouniotis Pension complex constists of 15 rooms, comprised of a fridge, a TV, a private bathroom and a veranda.
* A charming 16th-century stone building in the heart of town.
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Mid-range
A family-run hotel with comfortable rooms, many of which have a view. The owners and staff will make you feel at home. Value for money.
*Amazing View Hotel is located in Agios Stefanos, just 500 metres away from the sandy beach of the area, facing Mykonos Town and offering views of the Aegean Sea.
* Apsenti is dedicated to couples and honeymooners only. Traditional design Mykonos boutique hotel with great service and intimate atmosphere.
* Family-run Carbonaki offers 21 modern and comfortable rooms at a superb location in the middle of town. Open the whole year around.
* A gay only 4-star hotel. The Elysium promotes itself as a 'luxury' hotel, but the rooms have small beds and minimal amenities. An attractive pool area. Friendly staf. The hotel is at a steep hill, with views to the sea, city and sunset. Like everything else that is "exclusively" gay, this hotel is very pricey, especially the food and drinks in the hotel.
*This is a charmingly modern boutique hotel, offering spacious, well-designed rooms.
* A luxury gay hotel (exclusively male) with views to the sea, city and sunset. Provides services category, large garden and swimming pool with breakfast bar and appetizers. The hotel has rooms, studios, apartments and a villa.
* An exclusive luxurious boutique hotel.
* A charming pension, Mykonian style, with 10 rooms surrounded by a garden with a small swimming pool and terraces with beautiful views.
* Offer studios and apartments with sea views. Open the whole year around.
* This new luxury hotel overlooking Panormos Bay, offers comfortable and modern accommodation.
* This family-run hotel has 10 recently renovated rooms with their own private terrace, offering a view of the picturesque port and the sunset.
*Hotel Panormos Village is a family owned Mykonos resort, located directly on the sea front on the north coast of Mykonos island. The whitewashed stone studios and apartments with private verandas are surrounded by gardens built on different levels.
* A 3-star hotel only 200m (a 10-minute walk) from Mykonos town center. Located on a steep hill, so it is bit of a climb. It has an amazing panoramic view of Mykonos Town and port.
* A 4-star art luxury boutique hotel.
* A 3-star hotel with 17 recently refurnished deluxe rooms and suites and 41 standard and superior rooms. A good choice in this price range.
* A family run 3-star hotel with comfortable rooms, most of which have a view. Serves breakfast till 1PM. With a swimming pool and pool bar. Rochari has a baby sister hotel, Little Rochari [http://www.littlerochari.com], in the School of Fine Arts district.
* The San Marco Hotel is built in authentic Cycladic style with traditional whitewashed walls and deep blue wooden shutters.
* Wonderful place to stay near town, and an excellent value. Recently renovated, it has a pool with a great view and a bar with a relaxed atmosphere. The owners are incredibly hospitable.
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Splurge
A 5-star hotel. One of the most popular boutique hotels. The Belvedere has wonderful sea views but the rooms at the rear of the hotel have traffic noise.
* Proud member of Small Luxury Hotel of the World
* A beautiful boutique hotel. All rooms offer great views of Mykonos Town and the Aegean Sea.
* A 5-star luxury hotel with many different room and suite types. All rooms and suites feature views of Elia Beach and the Aegean Sea.
* A 5-star beach front hotel offering 100 deluxe rooms and suites.
* A 4-star seafront hotel with 52 rooms offering either sea view or garden view. Conveniently located, just a 5-minute walk to the shops, bars and restaurants in the centre of town.
*
*
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Telephone
The cheapest way to call someone abroad is - and this is really cheap - to use a pre-paid calling card and call from a land line anywhere (also from your hotel room). Pre-paid calling cards are sold in many shops and kiosks in Mykonos Town. The calling card is not much more than a phone number and a pin code, which you dial prior to dialing the usual phone number. If you want to call internationally , ask for a international calling card. For one euro you can call for about 45 minutes, so buy a card in the cheapest value (which is about 3 euros). Calling someone for half an hour is cheaper than sending one email from an internet café. Cards expire usually 90 days after first use.
You can use this pre-paid calling card also at public phone boxes, which are widely available in Mykonos Town, though there are a lot of broken phone boxes as well.
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Internet
Mykonos' most popular internet cafe.
*
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Mykonos is generally a safe island, with the only problem of dangerous and drunk driving. Be aware in case you want to rent a motorbike or quadbike, because its roads are sometimes narrow with sudden twists that need driving experience and extra care.
*
* The public hospital in Mykonos has a 24-hour emergency service with pathologists, surgeons, pediatricians, dentists, and X-ray technicians.
*
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Move on by boat to [wiki=8df42fb3247f81ee0422c508ad3953b0]Paros[/wiki], [wiki=ec463ceae0ca4cd80011c8a810fce3d1]Naxos[/wiki], [wiki=a756d26ca5161ae6fcc2bde4b2bcf169]Ios[/wiki] or [wiki=863b84e5b5c4a3476920d71c4a08a259]Santorini[/wiki].
The nearby islands of [wiki=f4f6e9856e8f02d35ae7b0c6686f4c23]Syros[/wiki] and [wiki=8df42fb3247f81ee0422c508ad3953b0]Paros[/wiki] can be used as transport hubs to further [wiki=bb4bf0e91793c4877a20aa0e7feb2540]Greek Islands[/wiki].
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