Mykonos

Mykonos 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 is famed as a cosmopolitan destination amongst the Greek islands and widely recognised as one of the great travel meccas. It is one of the most touristed islands in the Aegean. This means that any visitors should be prepared for loud dance clubs, English breakfasts and over-priced merchandise. Mykonos, along with Santorini, is more expensive than other Greek islands.

Mykonos tends to be extremely crowded with visitors in July and August. The best time to visit Mykonos is May through June (early season, accommodation is much cheaper and it's not that hot), or September through mid-October (post season).

Ibiza, Gran Canaria, Sitges (all in Spain) and Mykonos are the hottest gay holiday destinations that Europe has to offer. Out of these four Mykonos has the most character. Mykonos is a gay friendly island, featuring a vibrant gay nightlife. Recently quite a few new gay bars and clubs have opened. If you're queer, get yourself an up to date map with all the gay venues. The most popular beaches with gays are Super Paradise and Elia. These are not gay beaches, but they have parts where gays congregate. The only gay beach which deserves that name, is the small beach between Elia and Agrari.

Cities

Mykonos' main communities are Chora, the island's port town and capital, and Ano Mera.

• Mykonos Town (Chora) is a stunningly picturesque Cycladic town with a maze of tiny streets and whitewashed steps lanes, 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, it’s 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.

Getting there

By boat

From the Greek mainland ferries and highspeed catamaran services run daily from Piraeus and Rafina.

The journey between the port of Piraeus (Athens) and Mykonos takes between 4h 30min and 5h 15min, depending on the type of ferry you are taking. On a slow ferry a seat in economy class will cost € 30,50. All the ferries to Mykonos depart from Port Gate Ε7. 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 € 21 per person for a seat in economy class. 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. There are frequent boat connections from Syros, Andros, Tinos, Paros, Naxos, Ios and Santorini. There are less frequent boat connections from Crete, Rhodes, Chios and Lesvos. Not more than twice a week there is a time consuming boat service from Samos.

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. All cruise ships use the new port and most of the ferries as well.

Ferry companies:

• Hellenic Seaways

• Seajets

• Blue Star Ferries

By plane

Mykonos has an airport (IATA : JMK) , about 4km away from the main town. There are daily flights from Athens airport (35 minutes) by Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines . In 2009 Athens Airways started flights from Athens to Mykonos, but only in high season. In high season there are also less frequent flights from Rhodes, Santorini and Crete (Heraklion) by Sky Express .

From May till October charter airlines fly directly to Mykonos from many European airports.

• Air Berlin flies from Berlin Tegel (TXL), Düsseldorf (DUS) , Hamburg (HAM), Hannover (HAJ), Munich (MUN), Nuremberg (NUE), Stuttgart (STR), Vienna (VIE) and Londen Stansted (STN);

• EasyJet flies from London Gatwick (LGW), Milan Malpensa (MXP), Paris Orly (ORY) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO);

• Edelweiss Air flies from Zurich (ZRH);

• Lauda Air flies from Vienna (VIE);

• German Wings flies from Cologne/Bonn (CGN);

• Meridiana flies from Milan Orio al Serio (BGY), Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Verona (VRN);

• ThomasCook and Jetairfly fly from Brussels (BRU);

• Transavia and Arkefly fly from Amsterdam (AMS);

• Trawel Fly flies from Milan Orio al Serio (BGY).

Taxis are usually waiting at the airport, at the taxi rank opposite the terminal building, but competition for them can be keen. A taxi from Mykonos airport to town costs about € 8. Many Mykonos hotels offer airport transfers.

During high season there is a public bus service from the airport to the southern bus terminal, Fabrika, in Mykonos Town. The bus leaves the southern bus terminal in Mykonos Town at 9:30AM, 10:30AM, 11:50AM, 12:15PM, 1.45PM, 3PM, 4:30PM, 5:30PM, 6.30PM, 7:30PM and 8:30PM 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. This bus service is not useful if you have to go to the port.

Take a free and useful Mykonos Sky Map from the airport. This free map is also sold in shops in Mykonos Town.

Traveling around

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, Paraga, Paradise, Ornos and Agios Ioannis. From the northern bus station, Remezzo, which is not very far from the old port ferry quay, buses can be taken for departures to Ano Mera, Elia and Kalafatis. Frequencies of buses are higher in high season. Departure times are clearly marked at the bus stations. There are also night buses from Mykonos to Platis Gialos and Paradise leaving every hour.

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.

Buy you bus tickets (go and return) before boarding the bus. You can buy them at kiosks, mini-markets and tourist shops. 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 (and don't try to explain why) if a man that is already on the bus near the bus driver will check you "validated" ticket a few minutes later. Even though your ticket is just teared and not stamped, he will inspect your ticket thoroughly. Bus tickets are € 1.40, except for the further destinations of Elia and Kalafatis which cost € 1,70. Tickets for night buses are a little bit more. Sometimes it is possible to buy a ticket from the bus driver, but a lot of times it is not (depending on the mood of your bus driver, your face and circumstances). Buses in Mykonos are almost never full; 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. Contact telephone numbers are 22890, 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, 11PM, noon and 1PM. Price for a return ticket is € 5 for Paranga and Paradise, € 6 for Super Paradise and € 7 for Agrari and Elia. Boat services can be cancelled due to strong wind, but with the exception of Super Paradise all of these beaches can be reached by bus from Mykonos Town as well.

From June to September there 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.

See

Attractions in Mykonos Town

• The Windmills, Mykonos Town, western part of town, From 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 (Alefkandra), Mykonos Town, most western part of town, A 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. You will reach Little Venice walking from the windmills down the stairs.

• Panagia Paraportiani, Mykonos Town, most western part of town, Of 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.

• Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, +30 22890 22325, Open daily from 8:30AM to 3PM, except Mondays, Mykonos Town, near the northern bus station, The 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, +30 22890 22591, Open daily from 4:30PM to 8:30PM, except Sundays, Mykonos Town, a few meters from Paraportiani, The 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, Open daily from 6:30PM to 9:30PM, except Sundays, Tria Pigadia, Mykonos Town, next to the Maritime Museum, Lena'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, +30 22890 22700, +30 22890 22700, Open daily, from 10:30AM to 1PM and from 6:30PM to 9PM, Tria Pigadia, Mykonos Town, centre of town, A collection of nautical instruments and ancient vessels.

• Agricultural Museum, +30 22890 22390, Open daily from 6:30PM to 9:30PM, except Sundays, Apono Mili, Mykonos Town, near the windmills, A collection of traditional agricultural tools.

• The Boni Mill, Open daily from June to September, from 4PM to 8PM, Mykonos Town, on the upper east section of town, A 16th century windmill, overlooking the town. The mill has been maintained and is fully functional featuring it's customary wood-burning stone oven.

Beaches

Most of the beaches have tavernas and restaurants and are well equipped with with deck chairs and parasols. The best beaches are on the south side of the island and sheltered from the prevailing northern wind.

• Psarou, south coast, 5km from Mykonos Town, This 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 Platys Gialos.

• Platys Gialos, south coast, 6km from Mykonos Town, Busy 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.

• Paranga, south coast, 6km from Mykonos Town, 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). The beach gets a little noisy in the late afternoon with a beach bar. 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. At this beach there are two lovely restaurants nearby, an Italian restaurant and a traditional-style Greek tavern.

• Paradise (Kalamopodi), south coast, Probably the most popular beach on the island. Camping, self-service restaurant, cafeteria, snack bars, beach bars, mini shops and discos. Nudity is quite common. Paradise Beach is known for its parties. At about 4PM the music wil get really loud. Paradise is easily reached by bus from Mykonos town or with a regular boat service from Platys Gialos (second stop).

• Super Paradise (Plintri), south coast, Restaurants, beach bars and some hotels. Also very popular with gays, especially the right part (facing the sea). Nudity is quite common. At about 4PM the music wil get really loud; 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). With you own transport it is a difficult winding road (7km)from Mykonos Town.

• Agrari, south coast, Agrari 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 minutes walk over the rocks from Elia Beach. With you own transport it is a quite difficult 8km road from Mykonos Town.

• Elia, south coast, Elia 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 buses are still running.

• Kalo Livadi, east coast, 2km from Ano Mera, A 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 about ten minutes downhill to your left.

• Kalafati, east coast, 12km from Mykonos Town, A 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. 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*.

• Lia, east coast, 14km from Mykonos Town, An uncrowded, sandy beach. Some tiny houses of fishermen from a little settlement, with only a small fish tavern. To get there you need your own transport or you can walk from Kalafati.

• Fokos, north coast, A small beach with coarse sand, not known by many people. This beach has no facilities like sunbeds and umbrellas, but is offers a very good tavern. To get to Fokos you need your own transport. Follow the signs for Fokos from Ano Mera.

• Ftelia, north coast, near Ano Mera, southern part of Panormos Bay, This beach faces the north and thus it is affected by the strong summer northern winds (meltemia), which make it ideal for wind surfing, but not for swimming or sunbathing. Ftelia is an isolated, very tranquil place and even during the busy Mykonos months of July and August it is 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.

• Panormos, north coast, On 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 Sostis, north coast, This beach faces the east of Panormos Bay. Agios Sostis is one of the more remote beaches on the island. 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.

• Tourlos, west coast, A 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.

• Agios Stefanos, west coast, 2km north of Mykonos Town, A 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.

• Mykonos town beach, west coast, There'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, there is no reason staying there. Much better beaches are within easy reach.

• Megali Ammos, west coast, 1km south of Mykonos Town, The nearest beach to Mykonos town, just a 10 minutes walk from Mykonos Town along the coast into the direction of Ornos (or hop on the bus to Ornos). Accommodation is also available.

• Ornos, west coast, 3km south of Mykonos Town, Busy 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.

• Agios Ioannis, west coast, 3km south west of Mykonos Town, Agios Ioannis is famous as the location for the movie

Things to do

• Delos, a small uninhabited island close to Mykonos, is known for it's 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 € 15 which includes the boat, the island and the museum. A must for all visitors.

• Check the ferry schedules well, but it is possible to make daytrips to the islands of Syros, Tinos, Naxos and Paros.

• Watermania, near Elia Beach, A popular water park. Watermania consists of many water games, from waterslides of all sizes and shapes, pools, a mini club for children and a diving school.

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 good 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.

Mykonos Town

• Antonini's Taverna, +30 22890 22319, Manto Square, Mykonos Town, 'taxi square', Antonini's is one of the oldest of Mykonos' restaurants. This popular, small restaurant serves simple and tasty Greek food at very reasonable prices.

• Appaloosa Bar & Restaurant, +30 22890 27086, 11 Mavrogenous, Plateia Goumenio, Mykonos Town, centre of town, Mexican-european food, relaxed atmosphere and also a great place for cocktails.

• Aqua Taverna, +30 22890 26083, Little Venice, Mykonos Town, next to Caprice, A little Italian restaurant serving Mediterranean-style food.

• Avra Restaurant , +30 22890 22298, +30 22890 22298, Open from 7PM to 1AM, 10 Kalogera street, Mykonos Town, behind the Alpha Bank on Matogianni street (main street), Excellent 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.

• Blue Ginger Restaurant , +30 22890 27602, +30 22890 27602, Open from 6PM to 1AM, Periferal Road, Argyraina, Mykonos Town, above the main part of town, opposite the Medical Center, Excellent oriental fusion restaurant, serving both Thai and Chinese cuisine. The restaurant has views of the sunset and a great atmosphere.

• Caesar, +30 22890 23104, Platia Goumenio, Mykonos Town, centre of town, Small restaurant. Reasonable prices.

• Eva's Garden, +30 22890 22160, Open from 6PM to 1AM, Platia Goumenio, Mykonos Town, centre of town, Home cooked Greek and international dishes in a beautiful garden and roof setting. Dining room inside for windy nights. Excellent service and good atmosphere.

• Joanna's Nikos Place, +30 22890 24251, Megali Ammos, right on the beach, A fabulous taverna with tasty Greek food at very reasonable prices. A marvellous place to sit in the evening and watch the sunset.

• Gola Restaurant , +30 22890 23010, +30 22890 23010, Open from 7:30PM, Periferiakos, Drafaki, Mykonos Town, Gourmet restaurant with one Michelin star. Superb Italian food.

• Katrine’s (La Maison De Catrine), +30 22890 22169, Ayios Gerasimos, Mykonos Town, corner of Gerasimos & Nikou, Little Venice, One of the most famous and oldest restaurants on the island, with classic French and Greek cuisine and excellent service. Stylish and expensive.

• Ta Kioupia Taverna , +30 22890 22866, +30 22890 22866, Agias Monis Square, Kastro, Mykonos Town, just up and across Agias Monis Square from Niko's Taverna, near Paraportiani, An extensive menu of good, authentic Greek food at very reasonable prices.

• Kounelas Fish Tavern, +30 22890 28220, Svoronou, Mykonos Town, near the harbour, next to Porta Bar, A 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, +30 22890 22881, 47 Matogianni, Mykonos Town, halfway along main street, Small, romantic spot, seating under a canopy of vines. Good food and full bar.

• To Ma'ereio, +30 22890 28825, 16 Kalogera street, Mykonos Town, behind the Alpha Bank on Matogianni street (main street), A small reasonably-priced tavern serving excellent traditional Greek dishes and Mykonian specialties. Almost always full.

• Magic Garden, +30 22890 26217, Tourlianis, Mykonos Town, centre of town, Garden restaurant.

• Marco Polo, +30 22890 22126, Lakka Square, Mykonos Town, Greek tavern.

• Niko's Taverna, +30 22890 24320/28220, Ag. Ioanninou, Agias Monis Square, Mykonos Town, one block off the harbour towards Little Venice, near Paraportiani, A 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.

Kalafatis

• Aneplora , +30 22890 72470, Kalafati, The 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.

Platys Gialos

• Atlantida, +30 22890 26618, Platys Gialos, from the bus station the third restaurant on the beach, Excellent restaurant belonging to the Hotel Acrogiali. Great variety of Greek and Italian dishes, all served on a seaside terrace, at reasonable prices.

• Nikos Gallop, +30 22890 24306, Platys Gialos, from the bus station the second restaurant on the beach, Excellent restaurant. Great variety of international and Greek dishes, all served on a seaside terrace, at reasonable prices.

Psarou

• N'Ammos, +31 22890 22440, Psarou, right on the beach, A beautiful, all white restaurant for the

Beach Taverns

• Agrari Restaurant, +30 22890 71295, Agrari, A traditional beach restaurant with a green garden.

• Fokos Taverna , +30 6945828561, Open from 1PM till 7PM, till 8PM in August, Fokos Beach, Meat, 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.

• Kiki's Taverna, Open from 11AM till 6PM, Agios Sostis, on the steep hill walking towards the beach entrance, Great food. Everything is really tasty and fresh, cooked on the BBQ, served with fresh homemade salads

• La Luna Beach Taverna, +30 22890 72150, Lia, Italian food. This faraway Italian bistro is worth the drive, for the sea and the cuisine.

• Lia, Lia, Traditional fish taverna. Fisherman owner serves his day’s catch.

• Nikolas, +30 22890 23566, Agia Anna, a 2 minutes walk from Paranga Beach into the direction of Platys Gialos, A family-run beach tavern with traditional Greek dishes at affordable prices. They have been there for more than thirty years.

• Tasos Taverna , +31 22890 23002, Paranga, A very popular, moderately-upscale fish tavern.

• Vasoula Taverna, Agios Stefanos, A 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.

Beach bars

• Coco Club Bar, Super Paradise, on the right side of Super Paradise, up a hill, A beach bar overlooking the beach.

• Kalua Beach Bar, +30 22890 23927, Paranga Beach, By 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 , +30 22890 27640, Panormos Beach, A trendy beach bar and tavern, that changed Panormos Beach into a more cosmopolitan beach.

• Tropicana Beach Club , +30 22890 23582/26990, +30 22890 23582/26990, Paradise Beach

Bars

• Argo Bar , +30 22890 28766, +30 22890 28766, Open from 10PM till late, Manto Square (1st floor), Mykonos Town, 'taxi square', above Camares restaurant, Friendly club with loud dance music.

• Astra Bar , 30 22890 24767, 30 22890 24767, Tria Pigadia, Mykonos Town, heart of town

• Caprice , +30 22890 23541, Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos Town, Little Venice, Located 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.

• Katerina's Bar, +30 22890 23804, Open from 10PM to 3:30AM, Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos Town, Little Venice, Katerina'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, +30 22890 22224, Mykonos Town, in the harbour, Have a drink or meal at the terrace in the harbour and watch the people walk by.

• Montparnasse (The Piano Bar) , +30 22890 23719, +30 22890 23719, Open from 8PM to 3:30AM, 24 Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos Town, Little Venice, Montparnasse, 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.

• Skandinavian Bars-Disco , +30 22890 22669, +30 22890 22669, Agion Ioannis Barkia, Mykonos Town, near Nikos Taverna, Skandinavian Bar is one of the 'landmark' party places on Mykonos. 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.

• Thalami, Open from 10PM till late, Mykonos Town, old port, under Mykonos' Town Hall and next to Nikos tavern, Popular bar with Greek music.

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.

• Cavo Paradiso , +30 22890 27205, +30 22890 27205, Open from 1AM, Paradise Beach, on a hill, to the left of Paradise Beach, Cavo Paradiso, an Ibiza-style open-air mega club, has a fantastic view of the sea and a 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. Famous DJ's play here every summer and various music events are hosted frequently. Very expensive! It's only open during the busy months of July and August.

• Paradise Beach Club , , Paradise Beach, on a hill, to the left of Paradise Beach, The biggest nightclub on the island. The party starts every day around 4:30PM, with the peak in July and August. The daily party can run into the night.

• Space , +30 22890 24100, +30 22890 24100, Lakka Square, Mykonos Town, near to the grade school and amphitheatre, A house-music club. Space Nightclub is the only large club in town and is popular with a young crowd. The party doesn't start until well after midnight and continues till around 6AM.

Gay bars and nightclubs

• Babylon, +30 22890 25152, Open from 10AM till late, Paraportiani waterfront, Mykonos Town, old harbour, next to Jacky O', A new gay dance club, opened in 2009. Babylon is less crowded than its neighbour Jacky O'.

• Ikaros, Mantoyianni Street, Mykonos Town, centre of town, 'gay square', Icaros has two bars and a roof terrace, but was closed in 2009.

• Jacky O' , +30 22890 79167, Open from 10AM till late, Paraportiani waterfront, Mykonos Town, old harbour, The 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.

• Coffee Cat , +30 22890-79796, +30 22890-79796, Mantoyianni Street, Mykonos Town, main street in centre of town, 'gay square', Coffee Cat opened in 2008 on the historic site of the old Pierro's. Upstairs dance bar features a vast open balcony that overlooks the street below. During peak summer nights, hundreds of guys are hanging out outside on Mykonos'

• Diva, +30 22890 27271, Open from 10PM till late, Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos Town, Little Venice, near Paraportiani, Diva 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.

• Fresh, +30 22890 24670, 31 Nik. Kalogera Street, Mykonos Town, centre of town, New bar set in the garden of Fresh Hotel.

• Kastro Bar , +30 22890 23072, Open from 7PM till late, Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos Town, Little Venice, next to Paraportiani, Kastro offers a magnificant sunset view in a relaxed and romantic atmosphere with classical music. It is a cocktail bar (no beers), 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.

• Lola, +30 22890 23072, +30 22890 23072, Open from 7PM till late, 4 Zani Pitaraki, Mykonos Town, between Limni Square & Little Venice, Opened november 2009. This new bar has a very cabaret, theatrical feel.

• Pierro's (formerly Manto) , +30 22890 22177, +30 22890 22177, Open from 9PM till late, Mantoyianni Street, Mykonos Town, main street in centre of town, 'gay square', Famous gay bar. Pierro's moved in 2008 just next door to formerly Manto Bar.

• Pierro's Cafe , +30 22890 22177, +30 22890 22177, Open from 9PM till late, Mantoyianni Street (1st floor), Mykonos Town, main street in centre of town, 'gay square', Bar & disco, above original Pierro's. Techno & dance music and a younger crowd. The outdoor veranda overlooks 'gay square'.

• Porta Bar, in an alley just a few meters back from the blue-domed church at the harbour front, Porta Bar in Mykonos is in one of the backstreets of Mykonos town (behind Nikos Taverna), so you may have to ask around to locate it. It is a gay bar, where French bartender Sophie rules the place. They play European and Greek hits. The party usually starts and ends a bit earlier than at some of the other gay spots. Busiest hours are between 11PM and 2 AM.

• Ramrod , +30 22890 24301, Open from 10PM till late, Manto Square, Mykonos Town, 'taxi square', in the old harbour, From the terrace you can have a nice view over the harbour. Inside there's a dance floor and shows by drag queens and go-go dancers.

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 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 season.

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. 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 backpack you will be approached.

• Mykonos Hoteliers Association , +30 22890 24540, +30 22890 24540

• Mykonos Accommodations Center , +30 22890 23160/23408, +30 22890 23160/23408, Open daily, from 9AM to 9PM, 10 Enoplon Dynameon (upper floor), Mykonos Town, end of Matoyianni Street (main street), Helps visitors finding mid-range and top-end accommodation and also functions as a tourist information center.

Camping

For the young and most budget conscious travelers there are two campgrounds, both situated at popular beaches:

• Mykonos Camping , +30 22890 25915-6/24578, +30 22890 25915-6/24578, Paranga, Mykonos Camping extends out on a headland overlooking the sea. A camping with a self-service restaurant, cafe-bar, swimming pool and mini market. A good choice if you want a more quiet camping.

• Paradise Beach Resort and Camping , +30 22890 22852/22129, +30 22890 22852/22129, Paradise, A pretty much self contained camping with a self-service restaurant, snackbar, beach bar, mini market, boutique 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 offer shuttle bus transportation to and from the airport and ferry boat ports.

Budget

• Artemoula's Studios , +30 22890 22174, +30 22890 22174, Platys Gialos

• Drafaki , +30 22890 22470, +30 22890 22470, Anargyros Koukas, Drafaki, Mykonos Town, A family run hotel located at a traffic crossing a little outside Mykonos Town (a 15 minutes walk). The bus to Paradise Beach and Paranga Beach stops in front of the hotel.

• Nazos Hotel , +30 22890 22626, +30 22890 22626, School of Fine Arts district, Mykonos Town, on the edge of town, near the southern bus station, A small, family run hotel, with 14 hotel rooms. Close to the town centre, about a 10 minutes walk up the hill.

• Orpheas Rooms , +30 22890 22174, +30 22890 22174, 6 Agiou Artemiou, Niohori, Mykonos Town, edge of the center of town, between the windmills and the southern bus station

• Paradise View Hotel , + 30 22890 26636, Paradise Beach, 500m from Paradise Beach, Offers double and triple hotel rooms.

• Stavroula's Studios , +30 22890 23801, +30 22890 23801, Agioi Apostoloi, Platis Gialos, Self catering studios and rooms, near Platis Gialos and also in Mykonos Town.

• Vouniotis Pension , +30 22890 22635, +30 22890 22635, Vrissi, Mykonos Town, 600m from the beginning of Mykonos Town, In 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.

• Vista Apartments , +30 22890 28657, Mykonos town, near the old port and the northern bus station, Fully-appointed, spacious apartments for 2 to 4 persons, close to the old port in Mykonos Town, and Nikos Apartments located in Megali Ammos.

• Zorzis Hotel , +30 22890 22167, 30 Nik. Kalogera Street, Mykonos Town, centre of town, A charming 16th-century stone building in the heart of town.

Mid-range

• Apsenti Boutique Hotel , +30 22890 24015, +30 22890 24015, Agios Ioannis, 300m from the beach, Apsenti is dedicated to couples and honeymooners only. Traditional design Mykonos boutique hotel with great service and intimate atmosphere.

• Carbonaki Hotel , +30 22890 24124, +30 22890 24124, 23 Pananchrantrou Street, Mykonos Town, center of town, Family-run Carbonaki offers 21 modern and comfortable rooms at a superb location in the middle of town.

• Contiki Mykonos Resort For ages 18-35. Great beach front location, nightclub, and swimming pool! Perfect for the younger crowd. Contiki is locataed on the other side of the Island from the main city, about 20-25 minutes drive, so keep in mind that unless you have a rented car or motorbike you will depend on the Bus or expensive Taxi ride any time you like to go to town to party or eat.

• Dionysos Hotel - Associated with Bestwestern International and located just 50 meters from Ornos Beach, Dionysos Hotel has 50 rooms.

• Elysium Hotel , +30 22890 23952, School of Fine Arts district, Mykonos Town, A gay only 4-star hotel. The Elysium promotes itself as a 'luxury' hotel, but the rooms have small beds and minimal amenities. An attractive pool area. Friedly staf. The hotel is at a steep hill, with a wonderful view over the town and the sea and with spectacular sunsets. Like everything else that is

• Fresh Hotel (formerly Marios Hotel) , +30 22890 24670, 31 Nik. Kalogera Street, Mykonos Town, centre of town, The Fresh Hotel is a beloved gay friendly hotel in Mykonos Town, offering spacious, well-designed rooms.

• Geranium Hotel , +30 22890 28657, +30 22890 28657, School of Fine arts district, New Ring Road, Mykonos Town, up on a hill 500m from Mykonos Town, A luxury gay hotel (exclusively male) with direct view 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.

• Harmony Boutique Hotel , +30 22890 28980, +30 22890 28980, Mykonos Town, near the port, An exclusive luxurious boutique hotel.

• Omiros Hotel , +30 22890 23328, +30 22890 23328, Tagoo, Mykonos Town, Omiros Hotel has 10 recently renovated rooms with their own private terrace, offering a view of the picturesque port and the sunset.

• Panormos Village Hotel , +30 22890 25182, +30 22890 25182, Panormos, Hotel 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.

• Pelican Hotel , +30 22890 23454, +30 22890 23454, Mykonos Town, School of Fine Arts district, A 3-star hotel only 200m (10 minutes 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.

• Pelican Bay Art Hotel , +30 22890 26620, +30 22890 26620, Platis Gialos, A 4-star art luxury boutique hotel.

• Poseidon Hotel , +30 22890 22437, +30 22890 22437, Fabrica, Mykonos Town, on the edge of town, near the southern bus station, A 3-star hotel with 17 recently refurnished deluxe rooms and suites and 41 standard and superior rooms. A good choice in this price range.

• Rochari Hotel , +30 22890 23107, Koustathanas, Mykonos Town, on a hillside on the eastern edge of town, A 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.

• San Marco Hotel , +30 22890 27172/25375, +30 22890 27172/25375, Houlakia Bay, north of Agios Stefanos, The San Marco Hotel is built in authentic Cycladic style with traditional whitewashed walls and deep blue wooden shutters.

• Tagoo Hotel , +30 22890 22611/27106, +30 22890 22611/27106, Tagoo, Mykonos, Wonderful 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

• Belvedere Hotel , +30 22890 25122, +30 22890 25122, Lakka Rochari, School of Fine Arts district, Mykonos Town, near the southern bus station, up the hill, A 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.

• Myconian Imperial Resort & Thalasso Center , +30 22890 79500, +30 22890 79500, Elia, A 5-star luxury hotel with many different room and suite types. All rooms and suites feature views of Elia Beach and the Aegean Sea.

• Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort , +30 22890 25555, +30 22890 25555, Agios Ioannis, A 5-star beach front hotel offering 100 deluxe rooms and suites.

• Mykonos Theoxenia Hotel , +30 22890 22230, +30 22890 22230, Kato Mili, Mykonos Town, edge of the center of town, between the windmills and the southern bus station, A 4-star seafront hotel with 52 rooms offering either sea view or garden view. Conveniently located, just a 5 minutes walk to the shops, bars and restaurants in the centre of town.

• Saint Johns Hotel Villas & Spa , +30 22890 28752, +30 22890 28752, Agios Ioannis, A beautiful 5-star hotel with 136 deluxe rooms. Most rooms offer either sea view or a partial sea view.

• The Delian Collection Mykonos , +30 22890 23539, The Delian Collection is comprised of three 4-star hotels in Mykonos, the Giannoulaki Village Hotel in Glastros,Elena Studios & Suites in Ornos and Laka Studios & Suites in Mykonos Town

Buy

You can go shopping or window shopping in the fabulous little boutiques which carry exclusive name brands, among them outstanding Greek jewelers, souvenirs as well as works of art. Bring money and credit cards. Most shops are open seven days a week, but will be closed from 2PM to 5PM. Many tourist shops will remain open late into the evening. In case you are looking for department stores, as some cruise tourists do, there aren't any.

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, 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.

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.

Safety

Mykonos is generally a safe island, with the only problem of dangerous and drunk driving. Be aware in case you want to rent a motorbike, because its roads are sometimes narrow with sudden twists that need driving experience and extra care.

• Mykonian Health Private Medical Centre , +30 22890 27407/27464/24211, +30 22890 27407/27464/24211, Open daily, from 8AM to 11.30PM, Dexamenes, Mykonos Town, outside the town centre

• Mykonos Hospital, +30 22890 23998/23994, The public hospital in Mykonos has 24-hour emergency service with pathologists, surgeons, pediatricians, dentists, and X-ray technicians.

• Police, +30 2289 22235

Other communities

• Agios Ioannis is a small settlement with two taverns, one restaurant and one tiny store.

• 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, super market 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.

Contact

• Angelo's Internet Cafe, +30 22890 24106, +30 22890 24106, Mykonos Town, on the road between the southern bus station and the windmills , Mykonos' most popular internet cafe.

• Net+Plus Internet Cafe, +3022890 28617, Enoplon Dynameon Street, Mykonos Town

Get out

Move on by boat to Paros, Naxos, Ios or Santorini.

Nearby Syros can be used as a transport hub to further Greek Islands.