The upbeat, world-acclaimed Mykonos island is part of the Cyclades island complex of the southern Aegean Sea, located between Tinos, Syros, Naxos and Paros. Its landscape is slightly different from the rest of the Cyclades with its relatively flat morphology, barren hills and hilly landscape. Next to Mykonos lies the small but historically rich island of Delos, a landmark of ancient Greek history and among the top archaeological sites of Greece.
In its prestigious place among the leading travelling destinations of Greece, Mykonos is a deeply cosmopolitan place, a multicultural meeting point . The island gained world reputation throughout the 1960s as a summer resort for hippies, artists and the wealthy. Since then, Mykonos has also become a welcoming destination for gay society and to this day it is considered an oasis for the LGBTQ+ community and party animals.
Mykonos manages to balance its dual identity as a worldwide luxurious, nightlife Mediterranean location and that of a traditionally Cycladic island with sugar-cube houses, traditional windmills, picturesque churches, and paved alleys.
Every summer, this island draws worldwide attention for its unforgettable party atmosphere and vibrant style. In the daytime, people flock the beaches and combine swimming in exotic waters with dancing in the beach bars. The superb bays of Super Paradise, Paradise, Platis Gialos, and Elia boast a multitude of other entertaining activities, including music events, and even beach golf.
In the evening, Mykonos Town (or Chora) gets lively with the cozy bars in Little Venice and the vivid clubs found throughout the paved quarters. Also, make sure to witness the romantic sunset from the windmills on the hilltop above Mykonos Town or from Little Venice for an unforgettable experience in Mykonos.
The natural beauty and beautifully preserved architecture of Mykonos have inspired various artists, from cinematographers and painters to music bands like Fleet Foxes who wrote a beautiful song called Mykonos. Many movies have also been set in Mykonos, including the famous Shirley Valentine (1987).
Moreover, while Mykonos Town and the southern beaches get crowded in high season, the rest of the island remains serene and secluded. A drive around this untouched Mykonian part reveals private coves for swimming, interesting monasteries and fabulous spots with sea view.
As one of the world-renowned Greek islands, Mykonos flaunts its unique, vibrant and perky character along with its party-oriented personality. It courts with the top island destinations of Europe’s charts annually. Let’s take a brief look at the top reasons why this Cycladic jewel should be in your bucket list, right below. Why visit? In brief:
Mykonos is a Greek island in the southern part of the Aegean Sea and belongs in the Cyclades complex. It is in close proximity to the islands of Tinos, Paros, Syros, Naxos. For a better look, check out our map of Mykonos.
While Mykonos starts expanding its tourist season to cover more months of the year, the most ideal time frame to visit the intriguing Cycladic island is from May to mid September. The weather is at its finest, with hot days and summer winds balancing the summer temperatures. Read more about best time to visit.
Staying between 2-4 days is nice when you want to keep a tight itinerary, but 5-7 days can work out splendidly as island-hopping bundles will enhance your vacation in the Aegean. Discover our suggestions for 1,2,3 days.
Browse through more than 5.000 photos of Mykonos island! From the picturesque villages of Chora and Ano Mera, to the pristine seashores (Paradise, Elia and more), the emblematic windmills among many more.
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Interestingly, Mykonos was named after the Delian King’s son in antiquity. The history of the neighbouring islands of Delos and Rhenia are intertwined with that of Mykonos since ancient times. Nonetheless, its modern history is equally significant, as it contributed a great deal to the Independence War of Greece. For more fascinating details, take a look at the full section and enjoy an alternative side of Mykonos.
This section includes every landmark and important museum on the wonderful Mykonos. Learn about its region’s exquisite history, with many Delian and Rhenian artifacts preserved.
Explore the intriguing castle ruins and orthodox churches dotting the island.
With an area of approximately 90 sq km, Mykonos is a relatively small island. It has quite a few bays and is rather flat and barren. In the past it was known for its granite rocks. The highest peak of Mykonos is Prophet Elias Vorniotis, standing at 372m tall.
Mykonos is a profoundly Cycladic island, where the traditional cubic, low-ceiling buildings are preserved by law. The pure white is contrasted by colorful details added and the elaborate mini-gardens around them. The beautiful wooden balconies of Little Venice in Chora and its colored houses create a harmonious exception in the white village.
Mykonos is the second most visited island of Greece. As such, it has a rich variety of available tours and activities to book and partake in, enhancing your Mykonian vacation. Take a more detailed look and get inspired about your upcoming Greek summertime.
Travelling to Mykonos is easy and comfortable. The popular island hosts a buzzing International Airport with direct flights from Europe along the domestic ones. Additionally, its port is connected via daily ferry routes from Athens (Ports of Piraeus and Rafina) and many Aegean islands. Check this section for more details and booking arrangements.
Mykonos is a relatively easy to explore island even with its bus transportation. The bus stations in Mykonos Town are accessible and easy to spot, while the personnel can assist with bus stops and schedule inquiries. Buses and water taxis cover the core bays of the island but for totally free movement, renting a vehicle is the best option.
An excellent option every visitor can partake in, is the festive atmosphere of the Mykonian cultural and religious events that annually take place. The festivities last day and night, with traditional dances, music and a wide variety of finger-licking local delicacies to feast upon.
Mykonos produces a delicious variety of local specialties, from homemade sausages with excellent spices and herbs, to onion pies with cheese and others to keep you craving more. On a different note, the island’s handcrafted jewelries are an exquisite souvenir to cherish.
As one of the main aspects of Mykonian summertime, the wild nightlife needs no introduction. World-acclaimed clubs and buzzing cocktail bars to keep you dancing all night, make this island a Cycladic party hub. Indulge in its cosmopolitan attitude and have the most memorable Greek vacation!
More: Weather | Map | Useful Phones
Want to discover Mykonos with ease and totally carefree? Take an organized island hopping tour!
Want to make your own island-hopping trip? Book your ferries online and view more services that can help you organize your trip.
Mykonos is the second top destination in Greece, right after Santorini. It gets very busy in summer (high season in July-August) as it provides an interesting mix of beaches, expensive shopping and party nightlife plus a site of immense architectural importance in the nearby island of Delos.
The main town named Mykonos Town (or Chora), is situated on the western coast and the primary port of the island lies at approximately 2 km from Town, in the region of Tourlos.
Due to its small size and the sufficient public transportation getting around Mykonos is relatively easy. The famous, touristy beaches are located on the southern side of the island, while in the evenings Mykonos Town becomes the center of nightlife.
If you visit during July or August, keep in mind that the seasonal meltemi winds do raise waves after midday and until dusk in some seashores of Mykonos. These winds, although slightly inconvenient for sunbathing, are ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Take a chance to try out these adrenaline-boosting sports for an enhanced sea experience.
Read also: Gay-friendly Mykonos: the other side of local tourism | Mykonos or Santorini?
Arriving at the port
There are two ports in Mykonos: the old port and the new port. The old port is located in Mykonos Town and is nowadays a mooring place for fishing boats and private yachts. No ferries arrive there. Only excursion boats depart from the old port and go to beaches around the island and to Delos.
The new port is located in Tourlos, 2 km north of Mykonos Town and only one bus stop away. In this port, ferries arrive from Athens and from other islands. Cruise ships also dock there. To go to the Town or other regions on the island, take the bus (very frequent itineraries), a taxi or the seabus. There is a taxi rank outside the port.
Arriving at the airport
The airport is located 4 km south of Mykonos Town. It receives many domestic and charter flights. Outside the airport gate, there is a taxi rank and bus stop. Many car rental agencies are also available there.
Cost
Be prepared for an expensive visit. Mykonos is not a cheap island. Especially restaurants are bit expensive, so the cheapest food option is the souvlaki/gyros stores that you will find in many places around the island.
Road network
The roads are in good condition but be aware of scooters and other motorbikes. There are many accidents with tourists driving scooters.
How to go to the beaches
By bus or boat from Mykonos Town. There is a bus connecting Mykonos Town to the southern beaches and another connecting Mykonos Town to Agios Stefanos (northern island). Bus itineraries are very frequent, from 06:00 am till 02:00 am.
Mykonos is one of the top Greek and Mediterranean islands for partying and shopping. With its own beautiful style, the island combines the Cycladic culture with cosmopolitan attributes, in a mesmerizing result. Explore its pristine beaches, nearby islands, the delicious cuisine and island hop to even more Aegean destinations.
Mykonos is excellent for couples as it combines luxurious facilities, great entertainment options and delicious cuisine. It flaunts many acclaimed and popular bars, clubs, as well as alternatives for those who want to delve into the local history.
If you plan on dining out and going on shopping sprees, try to consider about 400€ per person, per day. If you want to keep it moderate with the occasional sunbed and drink, about 100€ per person per day will suffice.
Yes, Mykonos is a safe island with almost nonexistent crime. You can safely walk in the streets late at night as long as you keep your personal belongings on you. Petty crime is usually committed by other tourists during high season.
Mykonos has an area of 85.5 sq km (33 sq mi) and is considered as a small island. It is located in the southern Aegean Sea and belongs in the Cyclades complex. A rental vehicle will suffice in exploring Mykonos island entirely in a few days.
A very convenient transportation option for Mykonos is renting a car or bike. This way you avoid relying on the overcrowded buses for your daily commute, as well as the rare taxis. Booking a car a few months before your arrival in Mykonos will ensure everything goes smoothly.
Mykonos is a rather expensive island of Greece, as it has been established as a cosmopolitan travel destination. Many celebrities and even billionaires visit Mykonos every summer, while many haute couture houses have opened their boutiques in Chora for an absolute shopping experience. If you wish to avoid spending a lot, shoulder and low seasons should be considered.
Two days are hardly enough time to savor Mykonos, let alone visit the core landmarks and Delos, Rhenia islands. For the absolute minimum, 3 days will do, but for a more relaxed approach consider 4 to 6 days.
Mostly characterized by its bustling party scene, nightlife and LGBTQ+ welcoming ambience, Mykonos is a must-visit Greek island. The luxurious facilities and beach bar-clubs enhance the mesmerizing summer experience.
While it is primarily known for its wild party scene, Mykonos offers luxury, history, top-notch cuisine, shimmering shores and unique tours and activities. Thanks to its location, Mykonos is also an island hopping leading destination.
The top two most popular Greek islands are quite different in style and character. While Santorini offers breathtaking sunset and volcanic vistas, Mykonos ensures you will party like never before, both at its posh clubs as well as its excellent beaches. Read also in our blog: Santorini or Mykonos?
The western side of the island is the most touristically developed. Mykonos Town offers a plethora of lodging options, allowing for easy access to the area’s shops, bars and clubs. Alternatively, accommodation can be found near the beaches of Paradise, Super Paradise, Platis Gialos and others. Depending on your style, you can select the one that suits you better. Discover the best hotels!
Most locals can speak English at a moderate to advanced level, facilitating your stay in Mykonos. The seasonal staff of hotels, shops and restaurants are in their majority fluent in English so there will be no language barriers encountered.
While Mykonos is rather flat and does not have great hiking trails compared to other Cycladic islands, a promenade at the Alevkandra and Little Venice areas, along with walking on its sandy beaches will satisfy the need.
Tap water is not drinkable in Mykonos but every kiosk, convenience store and supermarket sells bottled water at low prices.
If you visit during summertime, make sure to have proper attire, mainly for your protection. Sandals, hats and sunglasses are a must for your immediate sun protection. Linen, cotton and viscose clothing fabrics are the top options for a Greek summer. T-shirts, loose skirts and pants along with light shawls would be the ideal summer wear.
