Mykonos, Greece

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

Mykonos is known not just for its Greek parties but as much more than that and stands out as one of our absolute preferred places to visit in Greece. Mykonos features stunning beaches, quaint specialty shopping spots, picturesque whitewashed structures, luxury accommodations, and lively beach clubs and nighttime scenes. However, the club moments are easy to circumvent if you’d rather concentrate on swimming, browsing, and great cuisine. If island hopping interests you (and it very well should) then Santorini,Naxos, and Paros are just a few hours away by ferry boat.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mykonos

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Where is Mykonos?

Mykonos is an island in Greece, part of the Cycladic group located in the Aegean Sea. Mykonos lies approximately 150 km southeast of Athens, 150 km North of Santorini, and 230 km north of Crete. Flights to Mykonos take around 4 hours from London, 3.25 hours from Paris, 2 hours from Rome, and 40 minutes from Athens.

How big is Mykonos?

The island of Mykonos has a population of almost 12,500 residing within an area of around 86 square kilometers (roughly 1.5 times the size of Manhattan). The length of the island is approximately 10 kilometers, and it measures around 15 kilometers at its widest point. Driving from one end of the island to the other takes around 40 minutes.

What is the history of Mykonos?

According to myth, the formation of Mykonos was linked to the legendary conflict between Zeus and the Giants. After being victorious in the battle, Zeus` son Hercules fatally struck down the Giants and tossed them into the ocean; their bodies solidified into stone and came to compose what is now Mykonos. The island was given its first name after its ruler, Mykonos, who depending on various accounts, was either the child of the king presiding over neighboring Delos Island or the offspring or grandchild of Apollo. Delos Island, reachable by a brief ferry ride, was reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

Mykonos was initially inhabited by Carians from southwestern Anatolia, followed by Ionians, Romans, Byzantines, Catalans, Venetians, and Ottomans. Mykonos has traditionally relied on sailing, fishing, and textiles as the island was nearly deserted after World War I. Tourism later dominated the economy around the mid-twentieth century, initially owing to archaeological excavations at Delos. Mykonos is now among the richest islands in Greece and globally.

How do I get to Mykonos?

Passage from Athens to Mykonos takes between 2 to 5 hours typically, subject to the mode of transport. Ferries connecting Mykonos to the islands of Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Folegandros, Santorini, and Crete usually make multiple stops and can take 30 minutes to 5 hours. Flights from Athens to Mykonos usually last around 40 minutes, while direct flights from western Europe (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Venice) take 2 to 4 hours.

When is the best time to go to Mykonos?

Mykonos has a shorter travel season than the nearby island of Santorini. Hotels in Mykonos tend to open later in spring and close earlier in fall. The prime time to visit Mykonos for pleasant weather, nightlife, swimming, sunbathing, and sailing is from late June to early September. If swimming and hot weather are not essential and you’re more focused on sightseeing, history, dining, and archaeology then late April, May, and October are also great times.

What are the main towns in Mykonos?

The primary town on Mykonos, where the vast majority of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops, and hotels are found, is called Mykonos Town or Chora. Mykonos Town is home to the evening activity and dining center Little Venice, the landmark Kato Mili Windmills, and the romantic Old Port.

The two other major regions frequented by visitors include family-friendly Ornos and Platis Gialos Beaches, overflowing with eateries, beach clubs, and resorts. Mykonos Town is connected by regular buses to Ornos and Platis Gialos Beaches. Ornos and Platis Gialos are connected to each other by a busy water taxi route that serves most beaches on the south side of the island.

Additional popular beach destinations with an adequate number of hotels and dining include Megali Ammos (the closest beach to Mykonos Town), Agios Stefanos, Psarou, Elia, Paradise, Super Paradise, Paraga, Agios Ioannis, Kalo Livadi, Kalafati, Panormos, and Agios Sostis.

Aside from Mykonos Town, the sole additional village on Mykonos is Ano Mera, which sits approximately in the center of the island. Ano Mera boasts an appealing central square, a gorgeous 16th-century monastery, and several authentic local eateries (informal, nearby restaurants). Ano Mera is more of a residents’ area with only a handful of budget accommodations, no high-end resorts.

What are the best beaches in Mykonos?

Our most enjoyed beaches on Mykonos are Ornos Beach and Platis Gialos Beach. Both are great for families, with many great restaurants, resorts, and beach clubs nearby. It’s easy to visit both of these beaches from Mykonos Town by bus, but staying on the beach is a great option for those who would prefer to avoid the busy Mykonos Town nightlife scene.

Other well-known Mykonos beaches include Megali Ammos (an easy amble to Mykonos Town), Agios Stefanos, Psarou, Elia, Paradise, Super Paradise, Paraga, Agios Ioannis, Kalo Livadi, Kalafati, Panormos, and Agios Sostis. There exists a water taxi that plies between Agia Ioannis Beach to Elia Beach, stopping at most beaches along the island’s southern shore, making it effortless to stay at one beach and visit another.

Do I need a car in Mykonos

Having a vehicle in Mykonos can be helpful, but it is not entirely necessary. The island`s public bus network provides dependable and low-cost service between Mykonos Town, the central hub, and all major beaches, with increased frequency during peak summer months. While travelers have the option to rent a car in Mykonos for a more flexible schedule or to explore remote areas, picking it up at the airport is advised, even for those arriving by ferry. License holders from abroad must have an International Driving Permit in Greece. There are only thirty taxis on the island and Uber is unavailable, so arranging private transportation from the airport or ports through your hotel or car service is best.

Where should I stay in Mykonos?

For most visitors, the top places to lodge in Mykonos are in the village of Mykonos Town or on the beaches of Platis Gialos and Ornos for a good balance of relaxation, dining, nightlife, and exploration. These regions are easily connected by bus or water taxi, and within the regions everything is just a brief walk away. Visitors seeking to get away from the crowds may enjoy the more remote locations of Agios Ioannis, Agios Sostis, Elia, Psarou, or Kalo Livadi Beaches. Those looking for continuous beach parties should consider staying in Paradise, Super Paradise, or Paraga Beaches.

What are the best things to do in Mykonos?

Some of the best attractions in Mykonos include dining, shopping, drinking, and dancing in the cosmopolitan town of Mykonos, swimming and sunbathing at famous beaches worldwide, exploring the archaeological ruins of Delos Island, taking in the sights of the traditional village of Ano Mera, and catching the sunset from Armenistis Lighthouse, Boni’s Windmill, Little Venice, or the cliffs overlooking Mykonos Town with views of the Old Port. And no trip to Mykonos would be complete without stopping to capture the iconic Kato Mili – the windmills that stand guard at Mykonos Town’s southern edge – with a selfie.

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How many days should I spend in Mykonos?

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What currency is used in Mykonos?

Greece is part of the European Union, so the currency used in Mykonos is the Euro (€). Most major shops and restaurants on Mykonos accept credit cards, but it is wise to have some cash available for bus rides and small purchases like bottled water and snacks. ATMs are easy to find in Mykonos Town and all of the major beach towns.

Is Mykonos expensive?

Mykonos is known for its high-end hotels, exclusive beach clubs, designer shops, and overpriced cocktails, but it’s easy to visit Mykonos with a limited budget. There are no all-inclusive resorts or all-inclusive holidays or vacation packages providing everything included. To save money, simply opt for hotels and restaurants that are not directly on the waterfront. All beaches are open to the public and free to visit, buses and water taxis are affordable, and great low-cost hotels in Mykonos are easy to find in almost any part of the island.

about me

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!