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by
Dina Essawy
Dina Essawy
Mykonos is one of the Greek Cycladic Islands in the Aegean Sea and is one of the most famous Greek holiday destinations. A holiday in Mykonos means cosmopolitan vibes, breathtaking views, splendid beaches, iconic landmarks, fine weather, world-class restaurants, pulsating nightlife, and more.
This travel guide presents everything about a holiday in Mykonos. Below, you will find hotel recommendations, top beaches, the best things to do, transportation means, and much more. Keep reading, and get ready for an unforgettable holiday.
Table of Contents
Visa Requirements
Since Greece is one of the 27 countries that make up the Schengen Area, having a Schengen Visa is a requirement for entry. However, you do not need to apply if you are a citizen of the 62 countries that can enter Europe without a visa. A reminder, though: starting from 2024, citizens of these countries will need to register for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before taking off to Greece. An ETIAS can be valid for three years, and within these three years, you can enter Greece multiple times for either tourism, transit, business, family visits, or medical treatment and stay for up to 90 days for each entry.
To enter Greece from other countries excluded from the Schengen area, you need a Schengen Visa. The official Schengen Visa Info website has all the documents and details for a Greece Schengen visa.
All documents required for the Greek Schengen visa must be completed or translated into English or Greek.
How to get to Mykonos?
Mykonos has an airport with regular direct flights to Athens and receives international flights during the summer months. You can fly directly to Mykonos from London, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Vienna, and more. When direct flights are unavailable, you can fly to Athens and then take a domestic flight to Mykonos or the ferry.
From the main ports of Athens (Piraeus and Rafina), there is a daily ferry to Mykonos all year round. There are also regular ferries to/ from other Greek islands of the Aegean Sea, including the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Crete. Two types of ferries depend on their speed: High-speed and conventional ferries. There are two ports on Mykonos about 1.5 kilometres apart: the Old and New Port.
Best Time to Visit Mykonos
Mykonos has a Mediterranean climate, meaning summers are hot and dry and mild winters. The island has a year-round flow of tourists, but it gets the busiest in the peak holiday period between June and September. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average daily maximum of 29 C and an average low of 23 C. So, the best time to visit Mykonos is from April to mid-June and from mid-September to the end of October. It is when the weather is mild, and the rates are reasonable.
Recommended Hotels in Mykonos
There is a huge variety of hotels in Mykonos, ranging from popular hotels to secluded ones and from luxurious hotels to affordable ones. Here are five recommended hotels to stay at while in Mykonos:
1- Andronikos Hotel Mykonos
Being a 14-minute walk from the beach, Andronikos Hotel Mykonos is a great place to stay as you experience everything Mykonos Town offers. It is located on a small hilltop overlooking Mykonos Town. Rooms at Andronikos Hotel Mykonos are provided with a TV, a minibar, and air conditioning. The hotel also boasts a fine restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool.
Andronikos Hotel Mykonos Amenities:
- Free Parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Pool
- Gym
- Free breakfast
- Babysitting
- Airport Transportation
- Business Centre with Internet Access
2- A Hotel Mykonos
Located outside the centre of Mykonos Town, A Hotel Mykonos offers a quiet vacation away from the crowded spots. The hotel has a sophisticated design, spacious rooms and suites, and a dazzling atmosphere. The rooms have TVs, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi access.
A Hotel Amenities:
- Car Parking Area
- Swimming Pool
- Spa
- Garden
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Airport Transportation
- Beauty and Wellness Treatments
3- Nissaki Boutique Hotel
Located very close to the famous beach of Platis Yialos, the Nissaki Boutique Hotel is one of the hotels with scenic views in Mykonos. It offers excellent views over the pristine waters of Psarou Beach and Platis Yialos as well as a panoramic view of the Cyclades scenery. The rooms have a TV, air conditioning, a minibar, soundproof windows, and free Wi-Fi. The luxury executive and the romantic Honeymoon suites offer a separate Jacuzzi room with a sea view. There is also a villa with a private terrace and an outdoor Jacuzzi that guarantees a soothing holiday.
Nissaki Boutique Hotel Amenities:
- Free Parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Swimming Pool
- Gym
- Spa
- Free Breakfast
- Beach Access
- Pets Allowed
- Free Airport Transportation
4- Semeli Hotel
Semeli Hotel is situated in Mykonos town, only 500 meters from the beach. It is a sophisticated hotel with relaxing accommodations, sea, town, or garden views, and a swimming pool. The rooms have a small lounge area, a balcony, a minibar, air conditioning, and a TV. Suites include a private outdoor pool and hydro-massage bathtub.
Semeli Hotel Amenities:
- Free Parking
- Sweet-water Swimming Pool
- Poolside Bar
- Restaurant
- Lounge Bar
- Fitness Centre
- Spa with Jacuzzi
- Airport Transportation
- Pets Allowed
5- Bellevue Hotel
Located in Tourlos, close to Mykonos Town, Bellevue Hotel is built on the seafront, 5 minutes away from the New Port and 15 minutes away from the airport. The hotel has a nice view of the Aegean Sea and the breathtaking Cycladic sunset. In addition to its convenient location, the hotel is unique for its minimalist decoration style. The rooms and suites of Bellevue Hotel are provided with air-conditioning, a TV, Wi-Fi, a minibar, and a coffee maker. The hotel also boasts a large central swimming pool and sunbathing beds.
Bellevue Hotel Amenities:
- Free Parking
- Swimming Pool
- Pool Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Breakfast
- Beach Access
- Airport Transportation
- Pets Allowed
- Babysitting (extra charge)
Check out more and book from here.
Top 5 Things to Do in Mykonos
1- Stroll around the Town and Visit Little Venice
The capital Town of Mykonos, Chora, is a traditional Cycladic village built around a bay. It has whitewashed Cycladic houses with wooden doors right by the sea. Strolling through the town during the morning is one of the best things to do in Chora. Cars are not allowed in the heart of the town for most of the day, which makes strolling more enjoyable. While strolling through the town, you can shop at the boutiques or have a refreshing drink at the cocktail bars.
Little Venice is the most unique and beautiful area in Mykonos Town. With waterfront houses frequently greeted by the waves of the Aegean Sea, Little Venice boasts a magnificent seascape and a romantic atmosphere.
2- Watch a movie Under the Stars
If you are a movie enthusiast, nothing compares to an open-air movie night under the stars on a summer evening. Cine Manto offers the experience of a starlit screening in a spacious garden in the heart of the Chora. The cinema usually operates throughout the tourist season, featuring classic and blockbuster movies with two daily screenings. It also offers a bar-restaurant to cater to its guests with delightful meals and refreshing drinks.
3- Take a Boat Trip to Delos & Rhenia
Boat trips are some of the most fun experiences in the Greek islands, and many consider them the highlight of their Greek holiday. You can set sail from Mykonos to the nearby uninhabited islets, such as Delos and Rhenia, for a day’s visit and enjoy a BBQ lunch.
Delos, a 40-minute boat ride from Mykonos, is a central religious pilgrimage location and a political centre. You can tour and glimpse some of the archaeological findings that are still intact in their original locations in Delos.
Rhenia islet, which is only a few hours boat ride from Mykonos, is also highly recommended for a day trip. Rhenia once served as a necropolis to Delos, and they both have interwind pasts and the ruins of ancient temples. However, Rhenia is mainly visited for its crystal-clear waters, which make it a perfect spot to swim and snorkel.
4- Go Island Hopping
The port of Mykonos is connected to almost every other port in the Cycladic islands. During the summer, there are frequent ferries to and from other islands. So, Mykonos is a perfect starting point for island hopping. Some of the Cycladic islands are:
Santorini
Santorini is one of the top destinations in the Cyclades and probably the most common island-hopping destination from Mykonos. This romantic island is best known for its breathtaking sunsets and spectacular volcano views. There are more than 5 ferry crossings every day between Santorini and Mykonos.
Naxos
Naxos is the most oversized island in the Cyclades and home to Mount Zas, the highest mountain peak in the Cyclades. This island is known for its spectacular beaches, mountainous villages, interesting archaeological sites, and the excellent quality of the local agricultural products. Being one of the most popular destinations, several ferry crossings connect Naxos to Mykonos daily.
5- Visit and Swim at the Beautiful Beaches
Mykonos has some of Europe’s most beautiful sandy beaches that attract thousands of visitors. Some beaches are taken over by umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, while others are still quiet and unspoiled. Beaches on the island’s southern coast are protected from the winds and more popular than the less crowded beaches on the northern coast. However, all beaches offer an excellent swimming experience in calm, pristine waters and are perfect for water sports. The beaches also offer outstanding facilities, including lively beach bars.
The following section in this article presents some of the most beautiful beaches in Mykonos.
10 Best Beaches in Mykonos
1- Platys Gialos Beach
Platys Gialos, or Platis Yialos, is one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos, and thousands of visitors visit it during the summer. This beach features golden sand and excellent turquoise crystalline waters that are perfect for refreshing swims. It also offers sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports facilities, and many restaurants and bars serving meals and drinks throughout the day. In addition, many hotels are lined in front of the beach, right by the sand, facing the sea.
Platis Yialos can be reached by a local bus that leaves every half an hour from the capital. It is also a good starting point for discovering other beaches on foot or by regular taxi boats.
2- Psarou Beach
Psarou Beach is the trendiest and the most exclusive beach in Mykonos. This sandy beach with clear turquoise waters is known to be the favourite of the rich, and it attracts celebrities from all over the world. Everything on this beach is expensive, such as sunbeds, water sports facilities, restaurants, and beach bars. In addition, several luxurious hotels and suites provide accommodation close to Psarou. However, it is worth the experience if you can afford it, and it is an ideal option for honeymooners.
Psarou Beach is located on the southern coast of Mykonos near Platy Gialos. It is only 5 kilometres from Mykonos Town and can easily be reached by local bus.
3- Super Paradise Beach
Super Paradise Beach is one of the most famous partying beaches in Mykonos. It boasts calm, crystal-clear waters, soft golden sand, and magical views. The beach is also dotted with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Being a famous beach, it gets crowded and loud during peak season. However, it is a top destination for families and couples on honeymoon.
Super Paradise Beach is 15 minutes away by car from Mykonos Town. It can also be reached from Platis Yialos by taxi-boat. There is no public bus to Super Paradise Beach.
4- Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is a famous party beach in Mykonos that turns into a huge nightclub at night with music and people dancing on the sand until dawn. It is a beautiful, flat beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, parking lots and many other facilities. It is a good spot for swimming and doing some water sports such as diving, water skiing, and jet skiing. Behind the beach is a fully organized camping area and many hotels and apartments available for rent. Many beach clubs and bars also host parties and events in Paradise, making it crowded during summer.
Paradise Beach is located in the south part of Mykonos, next to Super Paradise Beach. It can be reached by car within 20 minutes of the town. There are also frequent bus connections to Mykonos Town until late at night. In addition, it is within walking distance from Platys Gialos.
5- Kalafatis Beach
Kalafatis Beach is best known as an ideal destination for windsurfing and other watersports. It is an active beach popular among windsurfers and families. Located by a tiny fishing village, this beach is less developed than other famous beaches in Mykonos, but it has a few hotels and restaurants. There is a hut on the beach from which you can find facilities for water activities such as snorkelling and diving. There is also a windsurf centre and a watersports centre for jet skiing.
Kalafatis Beach is a 25-minute drive from Mykonos Town. The Old Port is also accessible by bus, but the bus is infrequent.
6- Agios Sostis Beach
Agios Sostis Beach is one of Mykonos’s quietest and most unspoiled beaches. It is a secluded beach located a bit far from the famous southern beaches of Mykonos. However, it gets a little bit crowded in peak season. The golden shore stretches over 250 meters long and features pristine waters great for swimming. The beach gives visitors a feeling of freedom since it is in an area without amenities.
Agios Sostis Beach can be reached by car, and it is about 15 minutes away from Mykonos Town. There is no public transportation or buses to Agios Sostis.
7- Elia Beach
Elia Beach is the largest and longest sandy beach in Mykonos. It is a quiet beach, less crowded than others like Super Paradise. Elia is a fully organized beach offering a wide choice of taverns, bars, and water sports facilities. During summer, much of the beach is taken over by umbrellas and sunbeds, but there is still a sunbed-free section.
Elia Beach is 12 kilometres from the capital and takes about 25 minutes to reach by car. It can also be reached by bus, which departs every 2 hours from the Old Port station.
8- Fokos Beach
Fokos Beach is the most remote and least visited beach in Mykonos. It is located on the island’s northern side, away from the developed southern beaches. It is almost the most peaceful place on the island. Even during peak season, Fokos Beach remains secluded and calm because of its remote location. Fokos is a sandy beach with no facilities except for a good restaurant. Although not the best for swimming, this beach offers a spectacular natural landscape and a fantastic atmosphere.
Fokos Beach can be reached only by car, as there are no buses to Fokos. It is located right after the artificial lake of Marathi, 20 minutes from Mykonos Town.
9- Megali Ammos Beach
Megali Ammos is the closest beach to Mykonos Town and the only one within walking distance. It is a quiet beach with few visitors, mostly staying at the hotels nearby. A few hotels and apartments near the beach and a tiny tavern exist. The weather in this area is sometimes windy, perfect for windsurfing, but the beach has no umbrellas due to the winds. This sandy beach is a good spot for relaxation and sunbathing, and it has a view of the iconic windmills of Mykonos.
Megali Ammos Beach is only a 10-to15-minute walk from the centre of Mykonos Town, heading to the south of the Fabrika bus terminal.
10- Ornos Beach
Ornos Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos among families, young people, and couples. It is a beautiful beach featuring fine sand, calm waters perfect for swimming, and a nice view over the houses perched on the cliff. The beach also has some schools for diving, sea-skiing, and windsurfing. On the shore of the bay, several attractive hotels, resorts, and various restaurants and bars exist. Ornos is also a frequent stop for boats and yachts. For such reasons, Ornos is often overcrowded, especially in July and August.
Ornos Beach is in front of a small fishing village about 3.5 kilometres south of town. Local buses frequently leave the Fabrika terminal, and a car within 10 minutes from Mykonos Town can also reach it.
How to Get around in Mykonos?
It is easy to get around in Mykonos with various available options, including:
Public Buses
Public buses are the cheapest means of transportation around Mykonos. A comprehensive network of buses covers the island. The central bus stations are Fabrika and Old Port, where several buses depart frequently. The bus routes cover almost all places around the island, especially the tourist areas.
Taxi
Taxis are a more comfortable means of transportation than buses, but they are a much more expensive alternative. Taxis can be found in Chora at the airport and the new port. The taxi station in Chora is located in the central square of Mykonos Town, next to the statue of Manto Mavrogenous. Although taxis transfer you to your destination fast, they are in short supply during the peak season, and you may have to wait for them for quite a long time.
Car
A car allows you to explore the island at your own pace and access the most secluded areas. If you don’t have a vehicle, it is simple to rent one, either from a well-known agency or a local vendor. However, there is much traffic in Mykonos, especially during the peak season.
Sea Bus and Water Taxi
The Mykonos Sea Bus runs a speedy service linking the New Port with the Old Port of the island. Some other sea buses connect the Old Port with Paradise Beach and Delos Island, with intermediate stops in between. In addition, small boats link the most popular beaches on the south coast with hourly service during the summer season.
