Travel guide for MYKONOS

Information

Climate

During the summer it’s very hot (30 to 35 oC), but the north wind well known as meltemi (especially during the August) eases the feel of it. The best period to visit Mykonos is the second half of July. Avoid August if you can (too many visitors).

Location

Mykonos is a small island in Greece, part of the Kyklades complex in the central Aegean sea.

Money Issues

The formal currency is euro. There are many ATMs and exchange offices in central places of the main town (Chora). You can find some of them around the main square. As for the prices, they are high. Mykonos is a popular destination for many celebrities and rich people, so it’s an expensive island (a simple drink costs 10euros). Be prepared…

How to get there

You have two options, by plane or by ship, both from the capital city of Athens. If you choose the plane, you have to go to the International Airport of Athens “Eletherios Venizelos”. The flight is around 40 minutes. If you choose to travel by ship, then you have two alternatives: the high speed ship which brings you to Mykonos in almost 3 hours, and the slower one which needs 5 hours to get there. Keep however in mind that if you choose the high speed ferry, the ticket is more expensive…

Trasportation

The island offers you public transportation; however the majority of people prefer to rent a bike or a car. There are many spots where you can rent them. The prices are low because of the competition among the locals and the big availability. But don’t hesitate to bargain the price!! As for the roads, generally they are in good condition. Be very careful while driving because there is a lot of traffic, especially from 15 July until 15 August. During the night you must be extra careful. It’s an island of unlimited entertainment, so people drink a lot! Keep in mind that the local police are very strict and perform many alcohol tests to drivers, with very high fines in case you exceed the limit…

While there

Accomodation On-line hotel reservations in MYKONOS

Mykonos is one of the most popular destinations to go during the summer. So, you’d better make a reservation before you reach the island, especially if you are planning to visit it in the so called high season (15thJuly-15th August). You can find many big hotels of high quality with plenty of facilities, but the prices are high…If you want a more economic solution, then look for rooms to let. I stayed in one of these and I didn’t regret it. It was very clean with its own bathroom and the most important it was in the centre of the city! As for the price, it was 25 euro per person (summer 2007). In the worst case that you haven’t made an earlier reservation, you can find locals who rent rooms in the harbour whenever a ship arrives. But as I mentioned before it may be a little difficult to find available rooms during high season. However always bargain the price!!

Children

I wouldn’t recommend this island for children. It’s a noisy place where at nights everyone drinks and has as much fun as he/she can…

Food

You can find whatever you want: expensive restaurants, traditional Greek tavernas, and of course the well known Greek souvlaki and pita gyros. If you can afford the money, try fresh fish from the Aegean Sea in one of the many fish taverns.

Amusement

Mykonos is the paradise of clubbing. There are many night clubs with great music and very beautiful people, which stay open until the early morning!! Everyone dances and drinks, so you can understand what it’s going on…The best for me is the Cavo Paradiso (outside the main town) and the Remezzo (near the main square). Most of clubbers after clubbing prefer to eat fast food in the main square. You can also find many bars in the alleys inside the town. Believe me, they have nothing to be jealous of the big clubs. My favourite is Caprice in the Little Venice! You must also know that Mykonos is a favourite destination for gays. Given this, there are gay bars, so keep it in mind… There are also beach bars in the most known beaches which are like a night club!! Very popular is the Super Paradise where you can do clubbing on the beach in the daylight. Fantastic!!

Beaches

Mykonos has many and very beautiful beaches with cool and clear blue waters. Be careful because they aren‘t shallow. Almost all of them possess the Blue flag (a certification of the beach quality). They are fully organised. They offer you plenty facilities like lifeguards, sea beds, sea sports, restaurants and beach bars. Always keep in mind that Mykonos is an expensive island, so the prices are high…Don’t omit to go to Super Paradise beach. There you can enjoy your bath while hearing the greatest hits from the nearby famous beach bar. I would also recommend Psarou beach and the Kalo livadi.

Activities

Shopping

You can find many little shops in the narrow alleys of the main town; clothes stores with famous brands, jewellers and souvenir shops. Be careful with the prices…

Monuments

Other sights

A very popular sight of the island is the windmills which are situated southwest of Chora, next to the sea. Many people visit them and take pictures. Don't omit also to visit that part of the town where the most western part of it meets the sea. This area is well known as "Little Venice". Here the buildings have been constructed right on the sea's edge with their balconies overhanging the water. Nowadays some of these have become amazing cafe-bars.

Romance

Warning! It’s not a romantic place! Not because it isn’t beautiful but because there are many temptations… Many beautiful women!

Not to miss

Daylight clubbing in Super Paradise and a night visit to the Remezzo club. Walks inside the narrow alleys.

Be Cautious

Be cautious while driving! There is a lot of traffic and people drink a lot. Extra caution during the nights. Always wear your crash helmet and fasten your seatbelt. The police perform many controls and the fines are very high!!

Best routes

A day could begin with breakfast in one of the cafes in the main square and the old harbour. Go for swimming to Super Paradise and when you feel ready begin daylight clubbing in the beach bar! Begin the night with a walk in the narrow alleys with the little shops, continue with a drink in one of the bars you can find there and when you feel yourself ready for clubbing go to Remezzo!

Green Issues

It’s a very clean island, despite the many young visitors. Early every morning the municipal cleanness service cleans the mess from the night. Well done.

Value 4 money

Forget it! You must be prepared that that you will not save money. A simple drink costs 10 euros!

Wish it had

Because of the excellent clubbing, you wish the night were longer, so that you could never stop clubbing!!

Impressions

Mykonos is the summer heaven for clubbing. If you want to have unlimited fun with your friends or to meet a new girlfriend, then you have to visit it…After the first visit your opinion about the nightlife will never be the same again! It’s a life experience!!