MYKONOS FAQ'S

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

There are good bus links and taxi services to Chora (Mykonos Town), which is about two and one half miles from the Mykonos Airport. A taxi from Mykonos airport to Chora costs approximately 10€, a bit more if you have luggage.

How do I get from the port to my hotel?

Mykonos now has two ports:the old port in Mykonos Town, and the new port at Tourlos, about 1 mile 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.

From the port to Mykonos Town: During high season there is an infrequent public bus service from the new port in Tourlos to Mykonos Town. It is best to take a taxi. It is possible to walk from the new port into town, but it will take around 45 minutes along a busy main road without a pavement.

From the old port: It is a short and easy walk along the coast into town.

Please Note: It's a good idea to get a transfer service of some type (either bus or taxi) as most hotels in Mykonos town are a challenge to find. Most streets do not have their names posted and maps do not always show the small, twisting streets - and Mykonos is full of small, twisting streets!

When do the hydrofoils operate between the islands?

Boat travel in Greece is common and relatively inexpensive. Timetables change according to seasonal demand and boats may be delayed by weather conditions, so your plans should be flexible. That being said, ferries and hydrofoils for the Greek Islands only operate between May and September due to annual weather changes including rough seas and high winds. For travel beyond these months, your itinerary will include transportation by flight between the islands.

Note: The Athens airport authority advises you to allow a minimum of 45 minutes to make a flight connection; which should be adequate if you arrive and depart from the main terminal and do not have to clear Customs. Allow at least 60 to 90 minutes if you have to clear Customs or if you arrive or depart from the satellite terminal. At present, many charter flights use the satellite terminal.

How do I get around the city using public transportation?

Chora has been declared an architectural landmark and motorized traffic is prohibited on its streets. The best ways to get around town are to walk or ride a bike (although locals get around on mopeds and motorbikes). Many of Chora's hotels are located around the peripheral road and a good transportation system serves most of the rest of the island.

Mykonos has one of the best bus systems on the Greek islands. The buses run frequently and on schedule. Depending on your destination, a ticket costs between 1€ and 4€. There are two bus stations in Chora: one near the Archaeological Museum and one near the Olympic Airways office (follow the blue signs). There is no bus connection between the two bus stations, and it is about a 20-minute walk through town from one station to the other. Buses in Mykonos are almost always full during the busy parts of the day as the bus driver will squeeze in as many passengers as he possibly can.

Additionally, caïques (small wooden boats) to Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia depart from Platis Yialos every morning, weather permitting. There is also service from Ornos in high season (July-August) only. Caïque service is highly seasonal, with almost continuous service in high season, but no caïques from October through May. Excursion boats to Delos depart from the west side of the harbor near the tourist office.

Where can I rent a bicycle or moped in Mykonos?

One of the most popular means of getting around the island is by moped or bicycle. Bikes are cheap to rent, you can park them almost anywhere, and it is cooler than a car sitting in the hot sun all day. Rental agencies can be found at the ports and in the business districts. Expect to pay about 15€ to 30€ per day for a moped, depending on the engine size. It's a good idea to check the brakes and steering before you ride off. Greek law now requires wearing a helmet, but not all agents supply one. Also, don't wear shorts or sandals; and get a phone number, in case of a breakdown.

Warning: Take great care when driving as island roads can be dangerous. Local drivers take the roads at high speed and visiting drivers usually aren't sure where they're going. At night, you may be sharing the roads with motorists returning from an evening of drinking.

How do I call/hail a taxi?

Taxis are the most convenient means of transport because you can visit many places on the island quickly. However, it is the most expensive. There are two types of taxis in Mykonos: standard car taxis, for destinations outside town, and tiny, cart-towing scooters that whiz through the narrow streets of Chora. To hire a car taxi in Chora just walk to Taxi (Mavro) Square, next to the statue of Mantos Mavroyenous, and join the queue. In Mykonos, people use taxis very often so you should not be surprised if there is a long wait to get one. The rates are fixed every year and are different for different seasons. There are no meters, but the rates are standard according to the destination and are displayed on a signboard. Alternatively, you can call Mykonos Radio Taxi (tel. 22890/22-400). Calling for a radio taxi costs 1.30€ extra as well as an appointment fee of 5€ in addition to the fare.

Please Note: Before getting into a taxi, carefully check the rates for your destination (if they are not on display ask the driver). Being informed is crucial since there are no taxi meters.

I will have a car in Mykonos, where can I park?

Hiring a car is an option to get around Mykonos as it will provide the most freedom and comfort for travel. However, during the summer, the roads become very hectic since many drivers are visitors to the island and do not know their way around, while locals tend to drive at full speed. Get a map if you intend to travel. But get a Greek language one as well as an English one as the Greek place names are more likely to correspond with the local road signs. And be aware that many maps can have little or no relation to the roads, especially in rural areas. Road edition maps are usually the most accurate.

If you rent a car be aware that cars are not permitted in Chora (Mykonos town). There is a huge public parking area next to the old port as well as parking areas on the outskirts of town, but during peak season finding a parking space is quite a challenge.

Please Note: If you park in town or in a no-parking area, the police will remove your license plates, and you, not the car rental office, will have to pay a hefty fine to get them back! Free parking is available on the port's north side, although it is usually full.

Warning: Drive with caution, especially at night, when you will undoubtedly be sharing the roads with motorists returning from an evening of drinking.

Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency of Greece is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for euros upon arrival. Commercial Bank and National Bank of Greece are located near the harbor, two blocks west of Taxi Square. Bank hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm. Additionally, ATMs are available throughout town. For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in Greece by clicking here.

I don't speak Greek. Will many people speak English?

English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. Greeks do have great regard for those that try to speak Greek so it is a good idea to learn a few phrases. We suggest you get a good English-Greek guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

What is Greek food like? What is the standard for tipping?

Greek food comes in many shapes, forms and varieties to keep even the most demanding traveler satisfied! Mykonos has its own culinary specilaties and food products. Don't be afraid to sample the best each island has to offer.

A service charge of 15 percent is usually included in the bill, but if service is good, then it is customary to leave 10 percent.

Can I drink the water?

Yes, but many find it bitter as it usually has a high mineral content.

Where can I buy necessities like bottled water and toiletries?

Most villages have small markets where you can buy water and food and other household items. Greek pharmacies are usually excellent with a qualified doctor or medic on staff (who usually speaks some English), but medicines can be more expensive than at home.

What are the best beaches in Mykonos?

The mild weather of Mykonos allows for almost year round sunbathing. The beaches on the island's south shore have the best sand, sea views and wind protection. However, these days they are so popular that you'll have a hard time finding a place to sit. A few (Paradise, Super Paradise) are known as party beaches and guarantee throbbing music and loud revelry until late at night. Others (Platis Yialos and Ornos) are quieter and more popular with families. Psarrou has gone from being a family beach to being the trendiest beach of them all (for visiting Athenians mostly). With all the south coast beaches, keep in mind that most people begin to arrive in the early afternoon so you can avoid the worst of the crowds by going in the morning. The north coast beaches are less developed but just as beautiful. The buses and caïques don't yet make the trip there, so you'll have to rent a car or moped, but it's well worth the trouble considering the quiet peacefulness and the lack of commercial development. Please visit our dedicated page on Mykonos beaches for more information.

Please note: It is common for women to go topless on beaches. And while public nudity is illegal in Greece, every island has at least one beach where nudity is allowed.

Warning: We recommend you avoid the beaches at Tourlos and Korfos Bay because of pollution, noise and crowds.

What are the most popular clubs in Mykonos? Where are they located?

Mykonos is a party - all day AND all night! Beach parties dominate during the day; the most famous happening at Psarrou beach, where a hopping bar/club keeps the (mostly) Athenian crowd in high spirits. On Paradise beach, the Tropicana Bar and the Sunrise Bar cater to a more mixed crowd, and at Super Paradise, two loud bar/clubs on opposite sides of the beach cater to gay and mixed crowds, respectively.

Back in Chora, things are more subdued and sophisticated around sunset. Caprice has been the island's sunset institution for over 25 years, with chairs lined along its narrow porch overlooking Little Venice, the windmills and the sea. After sunset, most return to their rooms for a quick shower and change of clothes before heading out for dinner and late-night clubbing. Busy Matoyanni Street is a great place for an after-dinner drink and some of the finest people-watching on the island. Try Astra, a legendary bar and elegant lounge, featuring hip modernist rooms with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, and the perfect place to begin the night!

To experience the real nightlife (after hours), head for Paradise beach (take the bus from town), to either Cavo Paradiso, on the hill (cover 25€-50€ depending on DJ and event; nightly 2-10am), or to Paradise Club, a large club by the beach (cover 15€-20€; nightly 2-6am). Both clubs are extremely popular, with rotating international DJs, theme nights, huge pools and great views. If you last until closing time, you can just go for a swim and begin the day all over again.

What else is there to do on Mykonos besides clubbing?

There is more to this tiny island than partying! With its rich history, unique architecture and other attractions, there is plenty to keep you busy! Mykonos offers water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing and windsurfing as well as many hiking trails. The archaeological site of Delos, an UNESCO World Heritage Site is just a short boat trip away and a must see for any visitor to Mykonos. We also recommend exploring the various smaller villages, churches and museums.

What are the best areas for shopping?

There is no shortage of shopping opportunities on Mykonos! A fantastic selection of fine jewelry can be found in Chora including an exquisite jewelry line by native Mykonian designer Ileana Makri. Mykonos is also well known for its locally designed sandals in many colors and styles as well as for its world-famous vegetable-dyed, hand-loomed weavings, especially those of the legendary Kuria Vienoula.

Mykonos is home to a large artists' colony so there are a number of fine galleries offering original works. Scala Gallery, 48 Matoyianni (tel. 22890/23-407), is one of the best galleries in town. All the artists represented are from Greece, many of them quite well known. There is a selection of jewelry, plus an interesting collection of works by Yorgos Kypris, an Athenian sculptor and ceramic artist.

Culinary goods can be found at Skaropoulos (tel. 22890/24-983), 1 mile outside of Chora on the road to Ano Mera, featuring the Mykonian specialties of Nikos and Frantzeska Koukas. Try their famed amygdalota (an almond sweet) or the almond cookies (a personal favorite of Winston Churchill). You can also find Skaropoulos sweets at Pantopoleion, 24 Kaloyerou (tel. 22890/22-078), along with Greek organic foods and natural cosmetics.

What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?

Mykonos Health Center (tel. 22890/23-994 or 22890/23-996) handles routine medical complaints; serious cases are usually airlifted to the mainland.

The tourist police (tel. 22890/22-482) are on the west side of the port near the ferries to Delos; the local police (tel. 22890/22-235) are behind the grammar school, near Plateia Laka.