Mykonos Island Guide

Mykonos the “the Island of the Wind”; its traditional Cycladic architecture, golden sandy beaches and exceptional beauty makes it an earthly paradise.

Visitors will be quick to realise its hallmark white-washed houses and dark blue windowsills. The small verandahs add the finishing touch, keeping it in sync with the architecture of its sister islands. Mykonos deservedly has a reputation of a party place and is the only island that attracts so many VIPs both from the domestic and the international scene.

Clubs and bars in every corner of the town guarantee partying till the early hours of the morning. But for gentle souls, watching the “red” sunset in Alefkantra can be equally fulfilling.

See and Do

Little Venice Quarter - Alefkantra
This section of Mykonos town - on the eastern side of the port - is renowned for the peculiar houses near the sea with their balconies extending over the blue Aegean waters. This design has its roots going back to piracy, when Mykonians found it more useful building homes by the sea to load and unload their merchandise. The Little Venice quarter of Mykonos has inspired many poets and painters. Nowadays, pavement artists inspired by the beauty of Alefkantra can be found everywhere drawing this scenic landscape on canvass.

Windmills
The Windmills
The Windmills are one of the most famous attractions in Mykonos and are found everywhere on the island. Reminders of the 16th century; the Windmills preserved in their original state are interesting showpieces of previous times. Photographs taken next to the snow-white buildings with the cone-shaped roofs are highly recommended.

The Castle quarter and the Church of Paraportiani
Paraportiani Church The Church of Paraportiani is located near the main entrance of the port and is part of the “Kastro” (“Castle”) area –the oldest section of the main town. Built in the 15th century B.C, the church is a two level building comprising of five worship halls that communicate with each other in the interior. What is special about this church is that the roofs of the four halls located in the ground floor constitute the base of the fifth hall which, in it turn, creates the main domed roof for all five halls. Impressive remnant of Cycladic architecture, the church of Paraportiani is one of the most famous landmarks of Mykonos.

Delos Island Delos Island
Delos (uninhabited island) is located 2km to the west side of Mykonos and is readily accessible. Boats depart from Mykonos port to Delos on a daily basis. Apart from its natural beauty and legendary past, the island also houses some of the most amazing temples and sanctuaries of Greece. For this reason, Delos has been declared a national museum and a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site.

The Nautical Museum
Tel: +30 228-902-2700

Located in the centre of town, near “Tria Pigadia” the Nautical Museum was founded in 1985. Its main purpose is to look at and educate the public in Greek nautical history. You can find original nautical documents and instruments as well as a collection of coins with marine engravings on them dating back to the 5th century B.C. There is a big library that houses 5,000 books as well as rare historical photographs and a garden where representations of shipwrecks can be found engraved on headstones.

The Archaeological Museum
Tel: +30 228-902-2325

The findings currently housed in the Archaeological Museum (a neoclassical building built in 1905) were found in Dilos. Remnants of the Hellenic period and even prior to this, the discoveries include a very big collection of vessels and a variety of ceramics and sculptures dating from the Geometrical times till the 6th century B.C.

Accommodation

A variety of hotels are found all over the island. Most of them are built to the usual Cycladic style and overlook Ornos beach. For the budget conscious Madalena offers good access to pubs and bars whilst being centrally located. For a more quiet retreat the recently renovated San Stefanos is ideal, it’s a short drive from the lively Mykonos Town and has a great view of the beach. Please note that availability of hotels during winter is limited.

For more details and immediate online booking at great rates, click here.

Transport

To and from the Airport

Mykonos airport is about a 5 minute drive from the city centre. Tel: +30 228-907-9000/9010.

by Bus
Unfortunately there are no buses from the airport to the centre of town. The bus stop is some distance from the airport so getting there on foot with luggage can be very tiring (especially during the hot summer months).

by Taxi
It costs EUR7 to the city centre with an additional EUR0.30 charge for each luggage. You can book a taxi in advance if you have an early or a very late flight. Tel: +30 228-902-2400/3700.

Cruises To and from the Port

You can travel from Athens (Piraeus) or Rafina to Mykonos by ferry. Both ports offer daily ferry services to and from Mykonos Island during summer time. A return stint can cost EUR58 to Athens and EUR40 for Rafina. Both journeys will take approximately 5 hours one way. Also, boats from Mykonos to Delos depart on an almost daily basis during the summer season for excursions.

by Bus
KTEL buses provide daily services with journey times taking no more than 5 minutes to the centre. EUR1.20 one way.

by Taxi
A taxi willl charge approximately EUR6 to the city centre. Tel: +30 228-902-2400/3700.

Local fishing boats Public Transport

There are three major bus stations on Mykonos Island. The first bus station is located next to the Telephone office (OTE) and provides regular service to Ano Meria, Kalafati and Elia at a cost of EUR1.50. The second bus station is located near Fabrika Square and offers regular service to Platis Giallos, Ornos, Psarou, Ag. Ioannis, Paradise, Paraga at a cost of EUR1.20. Finaly, the third bus station is situated in Palio Limani and offers daily service to the Neo Limani and Agios Stefanos (Cost: EUR1.20). The buses run on a regular basis and you can buy your ticket on the bus. KTEL. Tel: +30 228-902-6797.

Driving and Car Rental

All major international car rental firms have their representatives on Greek islands. The minimum driving age is 18 years old and a driving license is always required when renting and/or driving cars. Remember driving in Greece is always on the righthand side of the road (overtake on the left). Roads tend to get slippery during rainfall.

Taxi

The taxi stand is located in Mykonos town, next to the statue of Manto Mavrogenous. Strangely enough the taxis run on standard prices since taximeters are not available in any taxi. The requested price for each route should be specified on some kind of catalog outside the taxi stand enabling you to know in advance how many euros you will be charged. Make note that the taxi drivers are busy most of the times but waiting should not last long. Tel: +30 228-902-2400/3700. Shopping

Local paintings You can’ t go too far without stumbling across jewellery shops and boutiques. Mykonos seems to excel in selling the shiny stuff at reasonable prices. For quality jewellery try Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Shop (14 Polykandrioti St. Tel: +30 228-902-2444). Items are produced in Lalaounis workshops in Athens and exhibited at this stylish shop. All pieces are made exclusively of gold by using techniques such as granulation and hand hammering. For jewellery inspired by Greek, Byzantine, Archaic and modern times, Gold Star Jewellery shop (Manto Maurogenous Square. Tel: +30 228-902-2119) is the one to visit.

There seems to be a penchant for hand made wares and goods. For intricate handmade sandals pop into Mykono’s Sandals - Rabia’s Shop (2 Venetias St, Skarpa. Tel: +30 228-902-2010). Opened first in 1948, it has become a major attraction on the island. You will be surprised to see how many pairs of sandals a little shop can hold. Kontizas Hand Made (between Tria Pigadia Square and Laka Square. Tel: +30 228-907-1218) is famous for its shawls made from wool and cotton. Handmade cotton bags and hats can also be purchased. Located in Lakka, the shop offers a variety of clothes produced from different materials. You can ask the owners to craft your ideal souvenir!

For the conventional bods on holiday, a wide variety of trendy clothes, beachwear, accessories, hats, shoes and formal wear can be found at Armonia Clothes (9 Voriou Ipirou St, Mykonos. Tel: +30 228-902-3930).

Food & Drink
Surprisingly there is wide range of cuisine on offer on this small island.

For a conventional Greek culinary experience try the Interni restaurant, in Mykonos town. Housed in a multi-storey building it is a brilliant place to relax and enjoy Greek dishes. And for those who enjoy a quiet drink the restaurant bar offers a great variety of appetizing cocktails. The unmissable Katrine’s restaurant also serves traditional Greek food. The great selection of wines gives it that edge over other establishments.

Located on the beach Camares is more than a mere bar-restaurant. The highly sophisticated décor and the tasty dishes will not fail to please. Delicious Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, relaxing music, a captivating view to the port of Mykonos town and excellent service is what Camares Bar-Restaurant guarantees its patrons. For more elegant and casual settings head towards Panormos Beach Bar. The Cycladic architecture works well with the eastern decor. Don’t forget to order the cretan salad with anthotiro, and chicken roll with pesto mozzarella.

For Thai and Chinese food, Blue Ginger is the one. Located in Argirena the experienced chefs prepare popular cuisine and offer Beijing duck and Thai curries as their specialities. Having your meal on the verandah with a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea is a good idea. For the die-hard romantics try vanilla ice-cream with mango sauce whilst you watch the sun set.

Interni Restaurant,Steno Malamatenias, Matogiannia. Tel: +30 228-902-6333.
Katrine’s Restaurant, 1 Drakopoulou & Nikiou St, Matogiannia. Tel: +30 228-902-2169.
Camares Bar-Restaurant, Manton Square. Tel: +30 228-902-8570.
Panormos Beach Bar, Panormos Bay, +30-228-902-2890.
Blue Ginger, Argyraina. Tel: +30 228-902-7602.

Entertainment
Mykonos holds the scepter of nightlife with numerous nightclubs and bars dotted all over the island. However it does have its quite and romantic side. At the Open Air Cinema - ‘Cine Manto’, located in Mykonos town centre, you can watch a movie or two beneath the stars.

Cavo Paradiso has set the standard in endless partying. The place is an ongoing, Ibiza-style party that will fascinate even the most stay-at-home personalities. It’s the biggest club on the island (3,000 square meters!) oftened refered to it as a “small town”. If you come across an unusual amount of people wearing sunglasses…it will probably be their second or even third night in a row without having slept at all!

The Music Café has a spectacular view of the port. It’s ‘transformed’ into a café in the morning, a restaurant in the afternoon, a bar in the evening, and a club at night. This all-encompassing place also hosts a Wi-Fi Hot Spot with wireless and high-speed internet connection, available to customers without charge.

Oneiro Café (Dream Café) guarantees an all-day lounging experience. The café offers a grand breakfast by the sea and mouth-watering cocktails at night till you drop. A place where perhaps dreams really come true…

Open Air Cinema - ‘Cine Manto’. Tel: +30 228-902-6165.
Cavo Paradiso, Paradise Beach. Tel: +30 228-902-7205/6124.
Music Café, Mykonos Beach. Tel: +30 228-902-7625.
Oneiro Café, Mykonos Town. Tel: +30 228-902-6626.

Useful information

Telephone Dialling Code

International dialling code: + 30
Regional code: 228

Currency

Euro (EUR). EUR1=100 cents

Emergency numbers

First Aid Hospital
Argyraina
Tel: +30 228-902-3994/3998

Police Station
Tel: +30 228-902-2716

Tourist office

Tourist Information Office of the EOT (G.N.T.O)
Mykonos seafront, next to the Town Hall
Tel: +30 228-902-5250

Tourlos
Tel: +30 228-902-8790

Bank