MYKONOS - GETTING AROUND

By Car

If you intend to stay on the island for more than 4 days, hiring a car 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-parkingarea, the police will remove your license plates, and you, not the carrental office, will have to pay a hefty fine to get them back! Freeparking is available on the port's north side, although it is usuallyfull.

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

By Bus

Mykonos has one of the best bus systems in the Greek islands. The buses run frequently and on schedule. Bus frequency varies according to the tourist season (low or high). In high season they leave every 20 minutes. You will have no problem catching a bus during the day and early evening in the summer season. Make sure to check with the driver for bus times.

Depending on your destination, a ticket costs between 1€ and 4€. There are two bus stations in Chora which service tourist transportation at the most popular villages and the well-known beaches (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.

North station
Located behind the archaeological museum, near the telephone company building.
From this station you can go to north and east part of the island: Agios Stefanos ,Tourlos, Kalafati, Elia, Kalo Livadi, Ornos, Kato, Livadi beach, Kalafatis and Ano Mera.

South station
Situated in the square Fabrika, near the Olympic airway office.
From here you can visit Ornos, Agios Yannis, Plati Gialos, Psarou, Paraga, Paradise Beach and Airport.

Mykonos Bus Service
www.ktelmykonos.gr (KTEL)
phone: (+30) 22890 23360

By 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 sign board. Alternately, 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.

A taxi from Mykonos airport to Chora costs approximately 10€, a bit more if you have luggage.

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.

Mykonos Taxi Service
Phone: (+30) 22890 22400, (+30) 22890 23700

Radio Taxi Service
Phone: (+30) 22890 23700/(+30) 22890 22400

By Small Boat ('kaiki' or caique)

This is the ideal means to visit the beaches at the south and west part of the island. Schedule information and tickets are available at the travel agencies in the port.

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 October through May. Excursion boats to Delos depart from the west side of the harbor near the tourist office.

By Bicycle or Moped

One of the most popular means of getting around the island is by moped or bicycle. You’ll be able to cover more distance on a bike, plus you’ll indulge in Mykonos’ laissez-faire atmosphere. 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 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.