Mykonos
Mykonos (Greek: Μύκονος) is a popular tourist destination in the Greek islands of the Cyclades group, situated in the middle of the Aegean Sea. Mykonos is located south of Tinos, east of Syros and north of Paros and Naxos.
Understand
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, when accommodations are much cheaper and it's not too hot), or September through mid-October (post season).
Mykonos is a gay-friendly island, featuring a vibrant gay nightlife, ranking among the most popular holiday destinations in Europe among gay travellers. While there are many other destinations around the Mediterranean that see sizeable gay tourist traffic, Mykonos managed to remain refined and romantic rather than rowdy.
If you're gay, get yourself an up-to-date map with all the gay venues. The most popular beaches with gay visitors are Super Paradise and Elia. These are not strictly gay, 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.
Orientation
- Mykonos Town (Chora) is a stunningly picturesque Cycladic town with a maze of tiny, whitewashed streets, 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, its traditional Cycladic architectural style and character has remained firmly intact, thanks to the island’s strict building regulations.
- 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, supermarket 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.
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 30°C (86°F) during the day to 22°C (72°F) at night. The Cyclades are famous for the constant wind (called meltemi) in July and August that mitigates the heat a bit.
Mid-May through mid-October is usually warm and sunny enough to enjoy the beaches.
Talk
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.
Get in
By boat
From the Greek mainland ferries and high speed catamaran services run daily from Piraeus and Rafina. 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 travelers probably don’t even consider Rafina a possible departure port if they are heading to one of the Cyclades, 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 high speed 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 Cyclades. More than once a day there is a boat connection from Syros, Andros, Tinos and Paros. There are daily boat connections from Naxos, Ios, Santorini and Crete. There's a daily overnight ferry, the 'Nissos Mykonos', from Samos (Vathi and Karlovassi) and Ikaria. There are less frequent boat connections from Serifos, Sifnos, Kimolos, Milos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Thirassia and Anafi.
Ferry companies:
- Hellenic Seaways provide a fast hydrofoil connection and regular ferries from Piraeus (Highspeed 5 and Highspeed 6) and Rafina (Flying Cat 3).
- Seajets have a regular schedule in the summer from Piraeus (SuperJet) and Rafina (Seajet 2).
- Blue Star Ferries have a regular daily schedules from Piraeus throughout the year (Blue Star Ithaki).
- Aegean Speed Lines have a daily high speed ferry operating from Piraeus (Speedrunner 3).
Beware that every year at the 15th of Augustus the island of Tinos is a goal for thousands of orthodox pilgrims. Most ferries and highspeeds from Piraeus 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 Pentecost, which is at movable dates but in 2012 will be at the 3rd and 4 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.
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 sidewalk.From the old port it is a short and easy walk along the coast into town.
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, though some cruise ships use the old port.
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. It is likely that the cruise shuttle bus will 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 are arriving at the old port, you will arrive within a 10-minute walk of the heart of Mykonos Town and no bus ride will be necessary or even available.
It is easy to explore Mykonos independently. There's no real need to book excursions. Also the recommended excursion to Delos can be booked independently (guided or unguided).
By plane
Mykonos Island National AirportThere are daily flights from Athens (35 minutes) by Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines. During summer, both Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines also have daily direct flights from Thessaloniki. In high season there are also less frequent flights from Rhodes, Santorini, Crete (Heraklion) and Volos by Sky Express. During the months of July and August, Astra Airlines flies from Thessaloniki.
- TUIfly flies from Amsterdam (AMS);
- AtlasGlobal flies from Istanbul Sabiha-Gökçen (SAW);
- Blue Panorama Airlines flies from Rome Fiumicino (FCO);
- Borajet flies from Istanbul Sabiha-Gökçen (SAW);
- EasyJet flies from London Gatwick (LGW), Geneva (GVA), Milan Malpensa (MXP), Paris Orly (ORY) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO);
- Edelweiss Air flies from Geneva (GVA) and Zürich (ZRH);
- ThomasCook and Jetairfly fly from Brussels (BRU);
- Thomson Airways flies from London Gatwick (LGW) and Manchester (MAN);
- Transavia flies from Amsterdam (AMS) and Paris Orly (ORY);
- Trawel Fly flies from Milan Orio al Serio (BGY);
- Volotea flies from Venice(VCE), Palermo (PMO), Napoli (NAP) and Bari (BRI);
- Vueling 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 from the luggage collecting hall at the airport. This free map is also sold in shops in Mykonos Town.
From the airport to Mykonos Town
Many Mykonos hotels offer airport transfers, at rates that can be anything from free to more than a taxi. Best chance for a free transfer is when you book your room directly with the hotel. A transfer by your hotel is the easiest way to get to your hotel, so check with your hotel before arrival.Taxis are usually waiting at the airport, at the taxi rank opposite the terminal building, but competition for them can be keen. If there is no taxi waiting you can see the sign with the phone numbers of the taxi radio office so you may call. A taxi from Mykonos airport to town costs about € 8, a few euros more if you are carrying luggage.
During high season there is an infrequent public bus service from the airport to the southern bus terminal, Fabrika, in Mykonos Town. A bus ticket costs € 1.60. The bus leaves the southern bus terminal in Mykonos Town at 12:15PM and 1:45PM, and then is scheduled to go back from the airport to Fabrika 10 minutes later. As the schedule changes every two weeks those times might change a little. It is not really worth waiting around for a bus unless it is already there. This bus service is not useful if you have to go to the (old or new) port.
Get around
- Airport 4.2 (€ 5.90)
- Agios Ioannis 4.5 (€ 5.90)
- Agios Stefanos 3 (€ 4.00)
- Agrari 7.5
- Ano Mera 8 (€ 6.90)
- Elia (€ 11.40)
- Kalafatis 11 (€ 10.50)
- Kalo Livadi 10
- Ornos 3.5 (€ 4.40)
- Paradise 6 (€ 7.20)
- Paranga 5
- Platys Gialos 5 (€ 5.90)
- Psarou 4.5 (€ 5.90)
- Tourlos 2 (€ 3.70)
By bus
There is a bus network 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) 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 necessary) 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.
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 quite reasonable. 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.By boat
The Plati Yalos Boat Service 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.
From June to September there are also infrequently boats leaving from the harbour in Mykonos Town to Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia.
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.
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phone: +30 22890 23572address: Platys Gialos
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phone: +30 22890 23210address: Kato Mili, Mykonos Town
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phone: +30 22890 23761address: Agios Stefanos
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.
See
Attractions in Mykonos Town
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The Windmills
address: Mykonos TownFrom 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. -
Little Venice
address: Mykonos TownA 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. -
Panagia Paraportiani
address: Mykonos TownOf 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.
Museums
All museums are open from April to October, except the Archaeological Museum which is open year round. Most people keep the museums for a rainy day, but the Archaeological Museum is worth a visit.-
Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
phone: +30 22890 22325address: Mykonos TownThe exhibition of the museum includes a large number of vases, ranging from the prehistoric to the late Hellenistic period (25th-1st century B.C.), grave statues, stelae and funerary urns from the nearby island of Rheneia (Delos' necropolis). There are very few finds from Mykonos. -
Folklore Museum
phone: +30 22890 22591address: Mykonos TownThe Folklore Museum, housed in an 18th-century sea captain's house, brings together a number of collections of furniture, icons, pieces of sculpture, folk musical instruments, costumes and textiles. -
Lena's House Museum
phone: +30 22890 2239address: Tria Pigadia, Mykonos TownLena's House Museum, a branch of the Folklore Museum, is an authentic 19th-century middle class Mykonian house, completely restored with furnishings. -
Aegean Maritime Museum
phone: +30 22890 22700address: Tria Pigadia, Mykonos TownA collection of nautical instruments and ancient vessels. -
Agricultural Museum
phone: +30 22890 22390address: Apono Mili, Mykonos TownA collection of traditional agricultural tools. -
The Boni Mill
phone: +30 22890 26246address: Mykonos TownA 16th century windmill, overlooking the town. The mill has been maintained and is fully functional featuring its customary wood-burning stone oven.
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.
South coast
PsarouThis upmarket beach is popular amongst Greeks. Lots of hotels, apartments and restaurants. Psarou is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town. Get off the bus one stop before the last stop, Platys Gialos.
Platys GialosBusy family and tourist beach. Lots of hotels, apartments, restaurants and beach bars, lining the long sandy beach. Jet ski rentals are available. Bus service from Mykonos Town is very frequent and takes about 15 minutes. Platys Gialos is the starting point for regular boat services to the other southern Mykonos beaches.
ParangaSandy beach. There are some rocks in water, but many places where you can enter over sand. There is a camping, some hotels and some nice beach bars and restaurants. Also popular with gays. Nudity is quite common, especially on the right end (facing the sea). At about 5PM the beach gets really noisy with several beach bars. On the right side Paranga also has a large, more quiet stretch of sandy beach without deck chairs and parasols and without restaurants and bars.
Paranga is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town or with a regular boat service from Platys Gialos (first stop). It is also an easy walk from Platys Gialos (15 minutes) or Paradise (10 minutes).
On your way walking from Platys Galios you will pass by the beach of Aghia Anna, an enchanting little cove nearby Paranga Beach with only a handful of rental umbrellas and lounge chairs. At this golden sand beach there are two lovely restaurants nearby, a more modern Greek restaurant (Santanna) and a traditional-style Greek tavern (Nikolas).ParadiseProbably the most popular beaches known for its parties. At about 4PM the music will get really loud. Paradise is easily reached by bus from Mykonos Town or with a regular boat service from Platys Gialos (second stop).
Super ParadiseRestaurants, beach bars and some hotels. The right side of the beach is mostly nude and gay. At about 4PM the music wil get really loud and there will be music from both the left side (Super Paradise Beach Bar Club) and the right side (Coco Club); for some time to leave, for others time to party. There is no bus service to Super Paradise, but it is easily accessible with a regular boat service from Platys Gialos (third stop). You can also take the bus to Paradise from Mykonos Town and then continue walking for 20 minutes over the hill to Superparadise. From June to September there is a boat from the harbour in Mykonos Town to Super Paradise, leaving in the morning and returning around 4:30PM in the afternoon. With your own transport it is a difficult winding road from Mykonos Town.
AgrariAgrari Beach is less popular than its neighbour Elia and much calmer. Well organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, with many watersports. If there are enough passengers, the boats from Platys Gialos will make a stop at Agrari. Otherwise, it is an easy 5-minute walk over the rocks from Elia Beach. With you own transport it is a quite difficult road from Mykonos Town.
EliaElia is one of the larger beaches on Mykonos. It is a well organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, and various water sports (ski and jet-ski). Three restaurants and taverns. Also popular with gays, especially the small rocky beach between Elia and Agari. Nudity is permitted but not as common as at Paradise, Super Paradise and Paranga. Nudity is concentrated at the right and nicest part of the beach (towards Agrari). Elia is most easily reached by a direct local bus from Mykonos Town’s northern bus terminal, but also with a regular boat service from Platys Gialos beach (fourth and last stop). Last boat back is at 6PM, but after that time two buses are still running (leaving at 6:30PM and 7:30PM).
East coast
Kalo LivadiA quiet, long stretch of sandy beach. It offers some taverns with good food, and a few small hotels and villas. Best reached with your own transport, but you can get there by bus. Take the bus to Elia and get off the bus at the top of the hill where it turns to go to Elia Beach and walk for about ten minutes downhill to your left.
KalafatiA very large, beautiful and less developed beach and a favourite with windsurfers due to the offshore breeze. A variety of water sports are available here, including jet ski, water ski, wakeboard and tube rides. Kalafati can be reached by bus from Mykonos Town, but this bus only runs a few times a day. Immediately next to Kalafatis are the sandy beaches of Draoumia and Tafarnis.
LiaAn uncrowded, sandy beach. Deck chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. Some tiny houses of fishermen from a little settlement, with two taverns and a beach bar. To get there you need your own transport or you can walk from Kalafati.
North coast
FokosA small beach with coarse sand, not known by many people. This beach has no facilities like sunbeds and umbrellas, but it offers a very good tavern. To get to Fokos you need your own transport. Follow the signs for Fokos from Ano Mera.
FteliaThis beach faces the north and thus it is affected by the strong summer northern winds, which make it ideal for wind surfing, but not for swimming or sunbathing. Ftelia is an isolated, very tranquil place and even during July and August not very crowded, because it is often quite windy and dusty. To get there you need your own transport. From Ano Mera follow a weaving road down to the beach.
PanormosOn the north side of the island and facing east onto Panormos Bay is the long and beautiful Panormos Beach. Two restaurants, one hotel and a trendy beach club serve this otherwise remote area. Panormos Beach is nudist beach mostly in the right side. To get to Panormos you need your own transport.
Agios SostisThis beach faces the east of Panormos Bay. Agios Sostis is one of the more remote beaches on the island, without rental lounge chairs and umbrellas. Void of accommodation and crowds this beautiful beach offers not only peace and quiet, but also a very good small restaurant. Nude bathing tolerant. To get there you need your own transport. Take the road beyond Panormos beach.
West coast
Agios StefanosA well developed, sandy beach next to the new harbor. Agios Stefanos is very popular and gets very crowded during summer time. This beach is about the length of a soccer pitch. Agios Stefanos is reachable by bus from Mykonos town.
TourlosA small beach near the new port of Mykonos. The actual beach of Tourlos is not used much anymore since the construction of the new port and marina, but is still a busy area.
Mykonos town beachThere's a small beach at the harbour front (Aghia Anna, one of several by that name on the island). Unless you are waiting for a boat leaving from the old port, there is no reason staying there. Much better beaches are within easy reach.
Megali AmmosThe nearest beach to Mykonos Town, just a 10-minute walk from Mykonos Town along the coast into the direction of Ornos (or hop on the bus to Ornos). The beach is next to the central road. There is a huge slab in the sea which makes it a little difficult to swim. The beach has no umbrellas and sunbeds due to the strong northerly winds. There are a few hotels and apartments and a wonderful tavern, Joanna's Niko's Place.
OrnosBusy family and tourist beach. It gathers many for its sunbeds and umbrellas, and bars and restaurants. The sandy beach slopes gently into the sea. There are schools for sea-skiing and surfing.
Ornos is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town (or walk along the coast road for about 30 minutes).
2km north of Ornos is the beach of Korfos, suitable for wind surfing, but not for swimming or sunbathing.Agios IoannisAgios Ioannis is a small beach with snorkeling opportunities. The beach never gets over crowded and deck chairs are available to rent. Great tavern and cocktail bar very close. The beach offers a beautiful view towards the nearby islands of Delos and Rheneia. Agios Ioannis is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town.
Next to Agios Ioannis is the small beach of Kapari, with a small nude section. This hidden beach is located north of Agios Ioannis, behind Agios Ioannis chapel, and then a steep walk downhill.
Do
- Delos, 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 organized 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.
- From Platys Gialos you can take a cruise on a GlassBottom Discover Boat, a boat with a glass floor at the bottom through which you can view underwater life. There are beach-to-beach cruises (€ 35), sunset cruises (€ 25) and cruises to Delos and Rhenia (€ 35).
- Check the ferry schedules well, but it is possible to make daytrips to the islands of Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos.
Buy
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.
Eat
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
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Antonini's Taverna
phone: +30 22890 22319address: Manto Square, Mykonos TownAntonini's is one of the oldest of Mykonos' restaurants. This popular, small restaurant serves simple and tasty Greek food at very reasonable prices. -
phone: +30 22890 27086address: 11 Mavrogenous, Plateia Goumenio, Mykonos TownMexican-european food, relaxed atmosphere and also a great place for cocktails.
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Aqua Taverna
phone: +30 22890 26083address: Little Venice, Mykonos TownA little Italian restaurant serving Mediterranean-style food. -
phone: +30 22890 22298address: 27 Kalogera Street, Mykonos TownExcellent 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.
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phone: +30 22890 78121address: 84 Lakka, Mykonos TownModerately priced Greek eatery.
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Caesar
phone: +30 22890 23104address: Plateia Goumenio, Mykonos TownSmall restaurant. Reasonable prices. -
phone: +30 22890 78571address: Aghia Anna, Mykonos TownTradional Italian pizzeria.
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phone: +30 22890 22160address: Plateia Goumenio, Mykonos TownHome cooked Greek and international dishes in a beautiful garden and roof setting. Dining room inside for windy nights. Excellent service and good atmosphere.
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Joanna's Niko's Place
phone: +30 22890 24251address: Megali AmmosA fabulous taverna with tasty Greek food at very reasonable prices. A marvellous place to sit in the evening and watch the sunset. Reservation recommended. -
phone: +30 22890 23010address: Periferiakos, Drafaki, Mykonos TownOne 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.
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Katrine’s
phone: +30 22890 22169address: Ayios Gerasimos, Mykonos TownOne of the most famous and oldest restaurants on the island, with classic French and Greek cuisine and excellent service. Stylish and expensive. -
Kounelas Fish Tavern
phone: +30 22890 28220address: Svoronou, Mykonos TownA 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. -
Lotus
phone: +30 22890 22881address: 47 Matogianni, Mykonos TownSmall, romantic spot, seating under a canopy of vines. Good food and full bar. -
To Ma'ereio
phone: +30 22890 28825address: 16 Kalogera Street, Mykonos TownA small reasonably-priced tavern serving excellent traditional Greek dishes and Mykonian specialties. Almost always full. -
Marco Polo
phone: +30 22890 22126address: Lakka Square, Mykonos TownGreek tavern. -
Niko's Taverna
phone: +30 22890 24320address: Ag. Ioanninou, Agias Monis Square, Mykonos TownA very popular restaurant which is always packed. An extensive menu of good, authentic Greek food at very reasonable prices.
Ano Mera
The town square offers several traditional restaurants.
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Vangelis Taverna
phone: +30 22890 71577address: Ano MeraExcellent bistro and though not cheap value for money.
Kalafatis
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phone: +30 22890 72470address: KalafatiThe fish restaurant, taverna, ouzeri and bar Aneplora is one of the best places in the south east side of Mykonos at Kalafatis beach with a view over the beach of Aghia Anna. A huge variety of traditional Greek food.
Ornos
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Konstantis Taverna
phone: +30 22890 22837address: OrnosAn elegant beach restaurant serving fresh fish.
Platys Gialos
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Atlantida
phone: +30 22890 26618address: Platys GialosExcellent restaurant belonging to the Hotel Acrogiali. Great variety of Greek and Italian dishes, all served on a seaside terrace, at reasonable prices. -
phone: +30 22890 78100address: Platys GialosExcellent restaurant. Great variety of international and Greek dishes, all served on a seaside terrace.
Psarou
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phone: +31 22890 22440address: PsarouA 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
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Agrari Restaurant
phone: +30 22890 71295address: Agrari BeachA traditional beach restaurant with a green garden. -
phone: +30 6945828561address: Fokos BeachMeat, 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.
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Kiki's Taverna
address: Agios SostisA 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 -
La Luna Beach Taverna
phone: +30 22890 72150address: Lia BeachThis remote Italian bistro is worth the drive, for the sea and the cuisine. -
Lia
phone: +30 22890 71015address: Lia BeachTraditional fish tavern. Fisherman owner serves his day’s catch. -
Nikolas
phone: +30 22890 23566address: Agia Anna BeachA family-run beach tavern with traditional Greek dishes at affordable prices. They have been there since 1967! -
phone: +31 22890 23002address: Paranga BeachA very popular, moderately-upscale fish tavern.
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Vasoula Taverna
address: Agios StefanosA nice little fish taverna overlooking the sea.
Drink
Mykonos is famous for its intense nightlife as evidenced by a vast number of bars and nightclubs. Drinking can be quite expensive in Mykonos.
Bars in Mykonos Town
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phone: +30 22890 28766address: Manto Square (1st floor), Mykonos TownFriendly club with loud dance music.
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phone: +30 22890 24767address: Tria Pigadia, Mykonos Town
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phone: +30 22890 23541address: Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos TownLocated 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.
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Katerina's Bar
phone: +30 22890 23804address: Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos TownKaterina'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. -
Madoupas Cafe-bar & Restaurant
phone: +30 22890 22224address: Mykonos TownHave a drink or meal at the terrace in the harbour and watch the people walk by. -
phone: +30 22890 23719address: 24 Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos TownMontparnasse, 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.
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phone: +30 22890 22669address: Agion Ioannis Barkia, Mykonos TownSkandinavian 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 - not unimportant - drinks at the best prices (large beer € 5).
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Thalami
address: Mykonos TownPopular bar with Greek music.
Gay bars and nightclubs
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Babylon
phone: +30 22890 25152address: Paraportiani waterfront, Mykonos TownA new gay dance club, opened in 2009. There's a dance floor and drag shows. Babylon is less crowded than its neighbour Jacky O'. -
phone: +30 22890 79167address: Paraportiani waterfront, Mykonos TownThe most popular gay dance club, opened in 2009. The party goes wild at about 2AM till sometimes 7AM. Inside there's a really crowded dance floor and shows by drag queens. During peak summer nights, hundreds of people are hanging out outside at the waterfront. Recommended.
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Diva
phone: +30 22890 27271address: Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos TownDiva Bar is a cozy, intimate bar, with the sea lapping at its doorstep located in Little Venice. The owner Vangelio is a colorful character and it takes only a few lively souls to create the party here. Lesbians very welcome. -
phone: +30 22890 23072address: Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos TownKastro offers a magnificent sunset view in a relaxed and romantic atmosphere with classical music. It is a cocktail bar, but their most notorious drink is the Kastro Coffee (secret recipe, but you will taste some Metaxa). The arrangement of tables and benches is such that it’s almost impossible not to get engaged in conversation with strangers. Only busy early in the evening, till about 10PM. Recommended.
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Lola
phone: +30 22890 23072address: 4 Zani Pitaraki, Mykonos TownOpened November 2009. This new bar has a very cabaret, theatrical feel. -
Porta Bar
phone: +30 22890 27087address: Ionni Voinovich, Mykonos TownPorta Bar in Mykonos is in one of the backstreets of Mykonos Town, so you may have to ask around to locate it. Otherwise use the back entrance, easy to find between Nikos Taverna and Skandinavian Bar. Since 2010 unrecognizably renovated and change of management. Since 2011 French bartender Sophie rules the place again and has brought back the party atmosphere.
Beach bars
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Coco Club Bar
address: Super Paradise BeachA beach bar overlooking the beach. Attracts a gay crowd. -
Kalua Beach Bar
phone: +30 22890 23927address: Paranga BeachBy 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. -
Panormos Beach Bar & Restaurant
phone: +30 22890 27640address: Panormos BeachA trendy beach bar and tavern, that changed Panormos Beach into a more cosmopolitan beach. -
phone: +30 22890 23023address: Super Paradise BeachThe party starts in the afternoon and continues until late at night, with the peak in July and August.
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phone: +30 22890 23582address: Paradise Beach
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.
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phone: +30 22890 27205address: Paradise BeachCavo 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. 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!
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address: Paradise BeachThe biggest nightclub on the island and voted for as one of the 100 best clubs of the world. 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.
Sleep
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.
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phone: +30 22890 24540address: Mykonos TownAt the Mykonos Hoteliers Association you can book a room on the spot (no bookings in advance). The association also operates a Tourist Information and Accommodation Desk at the airport.
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Mykonos Association of Rooms, Studios & Apartments
phone: +30 22890 24860address: Mykonos TownBooking of a room on the spot (no bookings in advance). -
phone: +30 22890 23160address: 10 Enoplon Dynameon (upper floor), Mykonos TownHelps visitors finding mid-range and top-end accommodation and also functions as a tourist information center. Gay friendly.
Camping
For the young and most budget conscious travelers, there are two campgrounds, both at popular beaches:
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phone: +30 22890 25915address: Paranga BeachMykonos 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.
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Paradise Beach Resort and Camping
phone: +30 22890 22852address: Paradise BeachA 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.
Budget
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phone: +30 22890 22174address: Platys Gialos
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phone: +30 22890 22470address: Anargyros Koukas, Drafaki, Mykonos TownA 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.
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phone: +30 22890 22626address: School of Fine Arts district, Mykonos TownA small, family run hotel with 14 rooms.
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phone: +30 22890 22174address: 6 Agiou Artemiou, Niohori, Mykonos Town
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phone: +30 22890 26636address: Paradise BeachOffers double and triple hotel rooms.
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phone: +30 22890 23801address: Agioi Apostoloi, Platys Gialos (2 km away from both Platys Gialos and Mykonos Town)Self catering studios and rooms.
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phone: +30 22890 26758address: Vrissi, Mykonos TownIn 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.
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phone: +30 22890 28657address: Mykonos TownFully-appointed, spacious apartments for 2 to 5 persons, close to the old port in Mykonos Town, and Nikos Apartments located in Megali Ammos.
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phone: +30 22890 22167address: 30 Nik. Kalogera Street, Mykonos TownA charming 16th-century stone building in the heart of town.
Mid-range
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phone: +30 22890 22434address: Bida Street, Mykonos TownA 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.
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phone: +30 22890 24015address: Agios IoannisApsenti is dedicated to couples and honeymooners only. Traditional design Mykonos boutique hotel with great service and intimate atmosphere.
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phone: +30 22890 24124address: 23 Pananchrantrou Street, Mykonos TownFamily-run Carbonaki offers 21 modern and comfortable rooms at a superb location in the middle of town. Open the whole year around.
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phone: +30 22890 24670address: 31 Nik. Kalogera Street, Mykonos TownThis is a beloved gay friendly hotel, offering spacious, well-designed rooms.
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phone: +30 22890 28657address: School of Fine arts district, New Ring Road, Mykonos TownA 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.
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phone: +30 22890 28980address: Mykonos TownAn exclusive luxurious boutique hotel.
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phone: +30 22890 23670address: Agiou Ioannou & Evagelistrias, Mykonos TownA charming pension, Mykonian style, with 10 rooms surrounded by a garden with a small swimming pool and terraces with beautiful views.
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phone: +30 22890 25625address: Platys GialosOffer studios and apartments with sea views. Open the whole year around.
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phone: +30 22890 24032address: Agios SostisThis new luxury hotel overlooking Panormos Bay, offers comfortable and modern accommodation.
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phone: +30 22890 23328address: Tagoo, Mykonos TownThis family-run hotel has 10 recently renovated rooms with their own private terrace, offering a view of the picturesque port and the sunset.
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phone: +30 22890 25182address: PanormosHotel 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.
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phone: +30 22890 23454address: Mykonos TownA 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.
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phone: +30 22890 26620address: Platys GialosA 4-star art luxury boutique hotel.
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phone: +30 22890 22437address: Fabrica, Mykonos TownA 3-star hotel with 17 recently refurnished deluxe rooms and suites and 41 standard and superior rooms. A good choice in this price range.
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phone: +30 22890 23107address: Koustathanas, Mykonos TownA 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, in the School of Fine Arts district.
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phone: +30 22890 271725address: Houlakia BayThe San Marco Hotel is built in authentic Cycladic style with traditional whitewashed walls and deep blue wooden shutters.
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phone: +30 22890 22611address: TagooWonderful 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.
Splurge
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phone: +30 69728 61425address: EliaA well equipped villa where 5 guests can be accommodated. There are many facilities available like bbq, free wifi and a large a pool with sea view.
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phone: +30 22890 25122address: Lakka Rochari, School of Fine Arts district, Mykonos TownA 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.
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phone: +30 22890 23952address: School of Fine Arts district, Mykonos TownA popular gay 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 staff. The hotel is on a steep hill, with views of 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.
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phone: +30 22890 25381address: Tagoo, Mykonos TownA beautiful boutique hotel. All rooms offer great views of Mykonos Town and the Aegean Sea.
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Myconian Imperial Resort & Thalasso Center
phone: +30 22890 79500address: EliaA 5-star luxury hotel with many different room and suite types. All rooms and suites feature views of Elia Beach and the Aegean Sea. -
phone: +30 22890 25555address: Agios IoannisA 5-star beach front hotel offering 100 deluxe rooms and suites.
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phone: +30 22890 22230address: Kato Mili, Mykonos TownA 4-star seafront hotel with 52 rooms offering either sea view or garden view. Just a 5-minute walk to the shops, bars and restaurants in the centre of town.
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Saint Johns Hotel Villas & Spa
phone: +30 22890 28752address: Agios IoannisA beautiful 5-star hotel with 136 deluxe rooms. Most rooms offer either sea view or a partial sea view. -
phone: +30 22890 72570address: EliaA new boutique hotel sitting on an unspoiled cliff almost 150 meters from Elia beach.
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address: Fanari
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phone: +30 22890 72038address: Elia BeachAt the edge of the cliffs with traditional architecture, this boutique hotel with views of the Aegean Sea has Deluxe Suites and villas featuring main pool, restaurant, pool bar, gym and spa.
Connect
Telephone
Truly the cheapest way to call abroad is 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 an international calling card. For 1 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.Internet
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phone: +30 2289 027644address: Old Port of MykonosBy far the fastest wifi in Mykonos (20+ Mbps), with a pleasant staff, decent food, and a great view of the harbour.
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Angelo's Internet Cafe
phone: +30 22890 24106address: Mykonos TownMykonos' most popular internet cafe. -
Net+Plus Internet Cafe
phone: +30 22890 28617address: Enoplon Dynameon Street, Mykonos Town
Stay safe
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Mykonian Health Private Medical Centre
phone: +30 22890 27407-27464-24211address: Dexamenes, Mykonos Town -
Mykonos Hospital
phone: +30 22890 23998address: Mykonos TownThe public hospital in Mykonos has a 24-hour emergency service with pathologists, surgeons, pediatricians, dentists, and X-ray technicians. -
Police
phone: +30 2289 22235