Mykonos: the island that never sleeps. Mykonos island in Greece Holidays Mykonos

The shortest possible instructions on how to get to Mykonos by water and by air from Russia or Greece. In this article you will find basic information for tourists: descriptions of routes, prices, many useful links and one photo of Mykonos. But what a one!

How to get to Mykonos: contents of the article

How to get to the island of Mykonos (Greece) from Moscow

It is not possible to get there directly from Moscow or St. Petersburg. The easiest and cheapest way to get to this beautiful island is with a transfer in Athens. In any case, the first thing you need (if you don't already have it).

There are two main ways to get to Mykonos from Moscow or St. Petersburg on your own. Your task is to analyze prices and schedules and choose the best route for yourself.

Method one: buy tickets to Mykonos directly from Russia

From Moscow or St. Petersburg you can fly to Mykonos with a transfer in Athens or Thessaloniki. If you're lucky, you can find excellent flight options from Moscow to Mykonos for $130-150 per person, and the transfer time will be only 3-4 hours.

You can find cheap flights to Mykonos using the service Aviasales.ru. It automatically compares prices across all airlines and finds the best deals.

• Flights from St. Petersburg to Mykonos on Aviasales.ru

Aviasales also has a convenient form that allows you to track the prices of air tickets to Mykonos by month. You can set all the necessary settings yourself:

How to get to Mykonos from Moscow on your own? There are two main ways: either get there by plane on a connecting flight, or fly to Athens and take a ferry there.

Method two: buy air tickets to Athens, and from there get to Mykonos by ferry

If there are no convenient flight options from Russia to Mykonos on the dates you need, it doesn’t matter. You can fly to Athens and from there take a ferry to Mykonos. It's simple and inexpensive.

Ferries from Athens to Mykonos run several times a day from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina, ticket prices start from 30-35 euros. From Athens Airport, each of these ports can be reached either by public transport or by taxi (you will find links to useful information below). Ferry tickets are sold both at port ticket offices and at many travel agencies. If you wish, you can stay overnight in hotels in Athens or Piraeus.

• Our selection of great hotels: and

How to get to Mykonos from Athens

There are two ways to get to Mykonos from Athens - by ferry and by plane.

Method one: Athens - Mykonos ferry

As mentioned above, ferries to Mykonos depart from two Athens ports: Rafina and Piraeus. Departures several times a day from early morning until evening. Tickets cost from 30 euros and are sold at port ticket offices and travel agencies in the city. The journey takes 4.5 hours from Rafina to Mykonos and 5.5 hours from Piraeus to Mykonos.

Basic moments

Mykonos is the most famous island of the Cyclades, a modern luxury resort with a vibrant nightlife, where famous artists, famous couturiers, top models, politicians, pop stars, and financial tycoons vacation every summer. It is famous for the beauty of its landscapes and landscapes, which seem to be woven from a bright blue sky, emerald sea, low rocky hills and sparkling golden sandy shores. There are so many beaches on the tourist-filled island that if you wish, you can always find a secluded corner to relax in solitude.

The people of Mykonos are known for their open and friendly nature. They are loyal to the eccentricities of tourists, intoxicated by the spirit of freedom that reigns here, and are tolerant of extremes in their behavior, which is not surprising, because many of the local residents have made a fortune for themselves in the tourism business.

Romantic winding streets of the main city of the island, snow-white churches in tiny villages, emerald green seas that protect you from the scorching Aegean sun, taverns with excellent food in the open air - these are the images that will arise in your mind when remembering Mykonos. Of course, the experience will be incomplete if one day you do not take to the open sea by boat or sail to travel to the neighboring islands of the Cycladic archipelago, which keep their own attractive secrets.

Lighthouse on Mykonos island

History of Mykonos Island

In Greek mythology, the name of the island is identified with the name of its first ruler - Mykonos, the son of King Anius, whose father was Apollo himself. According to one mythological tradition, giants defeated by Hercules are buried under Mykonos. The name of the Cyclades archipelago, which includes Mykonos, comes from the concept “cyclades”, which literally means “lying around” in Greek. This is exactly how the islands of the archipelago are located relative to the most important of them - the sacred island of Delos, where, according to legend, Apollo and his sister Artemis were born.

The real history of Mykonos says that in the III-II millennia BC. e. – during the heyday of the Cycladic civilization, the islands of the archipelago were presumably inhabited by people from Asia Minor. However, according to archaeological excavations, the first settlements on Mykonos arose in the 5th millennium BC. e. This allows historians to claim that the Cyclades were the first islands of the Aegean Sea to be settled by people.

The Cycladic civilization did not have a written language, and there are many “blank spots” in its history. However, archaeological research has revealed that the dwellings of the Cycladians were houses of rectangular or round shape, and the islanders themselves were engaged in trade, agriculture, and went to sea to fish. The Cycladians buried their dead in stone sarcophagi, erected domed tombs, and placed marble figurines in the graves. The crafts are known today as “Cycladic idols”. Their size ranges from 5 to 30 cm, but there are meter and half meter statues. Inspiring Picasso and Modigliani with their sketchiness and disproportion, they nevertheless possess features that later shaped the expressive harmony of Greek sculpture. The volcanic eruption on Santorini marked the end of the Cycladic civilization.

Presumably at the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. e. The northern islands of the archipelago, which include Mykonos, were inhabited by Carians and Thracians. Then, having expelled the local inhabitants, the Ionians settled here. In 487 BC. e. the islands came under the rule of Athens, but when the power of the Athenians came to an end, a series of foreign conquests followed. Mykonos was first occupied by the Romans, then it became part of the Byzantine Empire. It is known that during this period the island was often attacked by pirates.

At the beginning of the 13th century, the Cyclades came under the rule of the Venetians, and the islands began to be distributed among noble Venetian families. Mykonos was taken over by Andrea Ghisi, who was related to the Doge of Venice. The island was later ravaged by the Catalans, but in 1390 the power of the Venetians was strengthened here again.

In 1537, ships of Hayreddin Barbarossa, admiral of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, appeared in the waters of the archipelago. Thus, Ottoman Türkiye openly declared its claims to this region. Mykonos was attacked and many of its inhabitants were killed or captured. Those who escaped this fate fled to the neighboring island of Tinos. The island was virtually deserted for a time, but after the Venetians briefly recaptured Mykonos in 1545, the Mykonos returned to their homeland. Later the city changed hands several times.

Since 1715, when the last Venetian fortresses on Tinos and Crete fell under the powerful onslaught of the Ottomans, Mykonos formally became part of the Ottoman Empire. During the Turkish occupation, Mykonos, like its neighboring islands, had a special status - it was granted a certain autonomy, as well as permission to build and arm ships that could withstand pirate attacks.

In 1770, during the Russian-Turkish War, a squadron of Russian warships entered the Aegean Sea. By this time, on the Peloponnese peninsula, the Greeks rebelled against Turkish rule, and the inhabitants of the Cyclades islands also joined them. From 1770 to 1774 Mykonos was ruled by Russian naval officers who supported the local population. After a peace treaty was signed between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, the Russian fleet left the waters of the Aegean Sea, and the uprising was brutally suppressed by the Turks.

The Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire broke out in 1821, and the inhabitants of Mykonos were not left out of historical events. In 1822, they drove the Turks from the island with the support of a landing party from ships built and equipped with funds from Manto Mavrogenos, a brave Greek aristocrat who gave all her fortune to finance the liberation movement. The central square of Mykonos is named after her.

Europeans began to discover Mykonos at the end of the 19th century, when French archaeologists began excavations on the neighboring island of Delos. Their findings were widely reported in the press. Mass tourism began to develop here in the 50s of the last century, although European bohemia discovered this corner of Greece before the Second World War.

Mykonos has long been a symbol of free life. You can often hear from islanders that today Mykonos is no longer the same, celebrities and financial tycoons have changed the atmosphere of the island, but this grumbling seems somewhat disingenuous. The land owned by local residents is today an inexhaustible source of income, and the owners of the local bars, shops and hotels have managed to make substantial fortunes for themselves.

Geography and climate

The Cycladic islands, which from a distance look like huge deserted gray-brown rocks, are divided into four groups: Northern, Central, Southern, Western. Mykonos, together with the islands of Andros, Tinos, Syros and Delos, is included in the first group. It is quite small in size - it extends 12-15 km in length and 10 km in width. The total area of ​​the island is about 88 km², the length of the coastline is 81.5 km. In the north-west of the island there is the highest point - Ilias Vorniotis (375 m), in its central part rises the Kunaupas hill (275 m), to the east is the Pritis Ilias Anemperits hill (351 m). The coastline of Mykonos is picturesquely indented with numerous bays where emerald water laps near a narrow strip of beach. The island is located 150 km from the capital of Greece, Athens, and just over 3 km from the island of Delos.

On the seashore, an amphitheater is located the capital of the island - Mykonos, or Chora - this is how the capital city is called in Greece if its name coincides with the name of the island itself. Not far from Chora is the main port of Mykonos - Tourlos.

The island is made of granite and the terrain is very rocky. There are no forests or rivers here. Water supply needs are met by a desalination plant located in the area of ​​Korfos Bay, facing north. Much of Mykonos is quite deserted, but in those places where people cultivate the rocky soil, growing grapes and citrus fruits, nature is quite generous. Mostly palm trees, olive trees, cypresses grow here, as well as evergreen drought-resistant shrubs and heat-loving flowers that form colorful carpets on the mountain slopes.

The climate of Mykonos is characterized as typical Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. In summer it rains extremely rarely. The hottest months are July and August, when daytime temperatures exceed +30 °C, and sometimes rise to +40 °C. The water temperature in the Aegean Sea in the summer months is about +25 °C. The heat in Mykonos is somewhat mitigated by strong, dry winds known as meltemi. They start in mid-May and continue until mid-September. The wind usually reaches its apogee in the afternoon, and, as a rule, subsides towards night. Thanks to Meltemi, Mykonos received the nickname “Island of the Winds”.

Summer in Mykonos ends at the end of October, when the air temperature drops and it often rains. However, even in November there are days when you can spend time on the beach during lunch hours. The average daily temperature in November is about + 20 °C, and the water temperature off the coast is approximately the same. At the end of November - beginning of December, the rains intensify; it is humid here even in winter. The coldest months are January and February, when thermometers record temperatures of +10...+15 °C. Warming begins in March, and in April the breath of summer can already be felt. During the day the air warms up to +20 °C, and the first people who want to sunbathe appear on the beaches. The sea at this time is still cool - about +18 °C.

Yacht at sunset

The chic resort of Mykonos, where for the vast majority of glamorous travelers there are two main types of objects - beaches and bars, will willingly show another side of itself to inquisitive tourists. Many colorful churches, traditional villages with a typical Greek way of life, archaeological sites, original architecture - this is the cultural component of the island that shapes its true appearance.

The symbol and, perhaps, the most expressive attraction of Mykonos are the ancient windmills. There are 16 of them on the island, but the most famous are 7 - those located south of the center of Chora, between the picturesque Alefkandra and the Niohori area. Snow-white mills with thatched roofs, lined up on a low hill, face the sea with their blades and dominate the surrounding buildings. The place is always full of people who want to capture themselves against their background. The best time for a photo shoot is in the morning, when it is almost deserted and soft light falls on the buildings.

Chora, where almost every second door is the entrance to a bar, restaurant or nightclub, looks like a snow-white sail against the backdrop of the emerald sea. The bright white color in which the local buildings are painted appears here in all its splendor. Architectural elements painted in blue, green, and red colors are effectively combined with it. The buildings look bright and elegant.

Walking through the narrow labyrinthine streets of Chora, you may well encounter pink pelicans, imposingly strolling among people. The pink pelican is the official symbol of the island of Mykonos. Half a century ago, a local fisherman found a wounded pelican during a storm. On land, people left him, and he remained to live among them. The bird was named Petros. The death of everyone's favorite caused a resonance outside the island. Almost simultaneously, pink pelicans were presented to the Mykonians by Jackie Kennedy Onassis and the Hamburg Zoo. Later, local residents came out with another wounded bird. Today there are three pink pelicans in Mykonos. They are very friendly towards each other, but they treat tourists who are always ready to treat them with something tasty, selectively, and may even pinch them.

On your journey through miniature Chora, you will certainly find yourself at one of the beautiful churches. There are about 70 of them in the main city of the island, and many have the status of historical monuments. In the western part of the city, in the old district of Kastro, there is the famous Church of Panagia Paraportiani, which is one of the most ancient and valuable attractions of Mykonos. In fact, it is a two-story complex of five churches, four of which are located on the lower level, forming the basis for the fifth, upper church. One of the lower floor chapels is open to the public. The name of the church translated from Greek means “Our Lady at the Gates,” which is most likely due to the fact that it once stood at the entrance to a medieval fortress, which has not survived to this day. The construction of the church began in 1425, and ended only in the 17th century. This asymmetrical, dazzling white structure is a true masterpiece of architecture, despite the simplicity of its lines.

To the west of the center of Chora there is another amazing place - Alefkandra, or Little Venice. This is the most romantic corner of Mykonos, where snow-white low buildings with covered galleries, wooden balconies, and windows painted in cheerful colors literally grow out of the blue sea waters. Houses began to be built here in the middle of the 18th century; initially their owners were wealthy merchants, captains of merchant ships, and naval officers. Today, many of these incredibly picturesque houses have been turned into bars, souvenir shops, taverns, and art galleries. The chairs in most establishments face the sea, allowing visitors to admire the sunset and the rolling waves. Little Venice is a rather expensive area; prices for drinks and food here are significantly higher than in other parts of Mykonos.

From Chora the roads lead to different parts of the island. If you head north you will reach the towns of Tourlos and Agios Stefanos. Tourlos has a new port where cruise ships call, and Agios Stefanos is called the place with the best beaches.

The road to the east of the capital will lead you to Ano Mero - a traditional Greek city, which consists of several blocks located around the Panagia Tourliani monastery. On the main picturesque square, it’s nice to sit in one of the cafes and order traditional Mykonos snacks and coffee, wine or ouzo.

On November 15, the biggest festival on Mykonos is held in Ano Mero - dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the heavenly patroness of the island. Local daily life is inextricably linked with the monastery, which was founded in 1542 and is considered the spiritual center of the city. In the monastery church you can see a magnificent gilded carved wooden iconostasis, supposedly created in Florence in 1775, and a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, which, according to legend, floated to the surface of the sea off the coast of the island. The icon is considered the work of the Evangelist Luke.

North of Ano Mero, near the ruins of the medieval fortress of Gizi, is the famous convent of Paleokastro. Built in the 18th century on ancient ruins, it is a typical example of Cycladic monastic architecture. The territory of the monastery is perfectly clean, well-groomed and cared for in everything: the walls are whitewashed to a sparkling whiteness, there are many flowerpots with lushly blooming bright flowers hanging everywhere, emerald-colored bushes and trees are planted.

Lovers of history and archeology will be interested to know that near the monastery, under the ruins of a Venetian fortress, archaeologists discovered fragments of the walls of a Bronze Age city, foundations of buildings, traces of funeral pyres, and samples of ceramics. To the west of the Paleokastro monastery, on private property, archaeologists excavated and recovered a massive granite pillar 3 m high. It is believed to be part of an ancient tombstone.

In the north of the island, in the area of ​​Ftelia Bay, a late Neolithic settlement was discovered. Artifacts dating back to the Neolithic era were also found in the Mavrospilia cave.

While traveling around Mykonos, you will see square or round towers in different parts of it. These buildings date back to both the Hellenistic and Venetian periods.

Museums

The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos is located a few blocks from the tourist center of Chora. It displays exclusive artifacts discovered during excavations on Mykonos itself, as well as on the island of Delos and the neighboring uninhabited island of Rinia. Among the exhibits are sculpture, ceramics, mosaics, weapons, and household items. The collection of jewelry from the Neolithic, Bronze, and Hellenistic periods makes a special impression.

The museum is open daily from 8:30 to 15:30, except Mondays and holidays. The entrance ticket costs 2 €.

In the Kastro area, a few meters from the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, the Ethnographic Museum is located in a beautiful building from the 18th century. It includes six halls housing collections of antique furniture, clothing, products of local artisans from different eras, Byzantine icons, photographs, and musical instruments.

The museum is open from April to October from 16:30 to 20:30, except Sundays.

The branch of the Ethnographic Museum, the so-called Lena House, is also worth a visit. Housed in a 19th-century mansion and named after its last owner, Lena Scrivanu, the museum is small. The original interiors have been preserved here, and the furnishings typical of the century before last, characteristic of houses in which representatives of the wealthy class and nobility lived, have been recreated. Beautiful carved antique furniture, antique mirrors, tapestries, engravings, elegant trinkets can be seen if you look into Lena’s House in the evening, from 18:30 to 21:30 - this is the unusual time the museum is open.

Not far from Lena's House is the Maritime Museum. It is small, but the exhibits displayed within its walls are very interesting and reflect the history of navigation in Greece. Here you can see models of ships that plied the Aegean Sea, from the early Minoan period to the last century, ancient nautical charts, engravings, and navigational instruments. The museum displays finds raised from the bottom of the sea; some artifacts date back to the 2nd-1st centuries BC. e.

One of the interesting exhibits of the Maritime Museum is the mechanism of the Armenistis lighthouse, built on the rocky shore of the northern cape of Mykonos in 1891. The height of the lighthouse tower is 19 m, and at one time it was considered a technical miracle. Today the lighthouse is a tourist attraction. Climb up to it along a steep, winding mountain path, and one of the most amazing panoramas will open before you. Dress warmly - a strong wind blows here tirelessly, literally knocking you off your feet.

Beaches of Mykonos

Mykonos has countless sandy beaches. Almost all of them have cafes, taverns, and restaurants. Most beaches have sun loungers and umbrellas. You can rent a set of two sun loungers and an umbrella without beach towels from 13 €. On public beaches you can sit on the sand for free, sitting on your own towel.

The most popular beaches are located on the southern coast of the island, protected from strong northern winds. When choosing a beach in another part of Mykonos, pay attention to the direction of the wind, which can cover you with sand or splash you with sea water. It would be a good idea to ask local residents for advice.

In the south of the island there are several resorts with beaches of the same name. As you move away from the main city, they are located in the following order: Agias Iannis, Ornos, Platis Gialos, Psarou, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. The first one is 3 km from Chora, the last one is 10.5 km. The most crowded of them is the spacious public beach of Platis Gialos. Mostly families with children and those over fifty vacation here. Boats depart from here to other beaches on the southern coast of Mykonos.

Psarou Beach, adjacent to Platis Gialos, has become a favorite among the elite. The glamorous public, who do not miss the opportunity to “look at people and show themselves,” enters the sea here along wooden paths and drinks refreshing cocktails from extravagant glassware in the shape of halves of coconut and mango. Near the beach there are palm gardens that are open to vacationers around the clock.

Paradise Beach is a separate world where young people rule. People come here not only to sunbathe, but also to dance and have fun. Actually, this beach is reminiscent of Ibiza. Rhythmic music plays here around the clock, but the main fun with dancing on the bar counters begins from 15:00-16:00. After a night's disco, many stay overnight right on the beach beds.

This place is not suitable for children: girls sunbathe here mostly topless, nudists relax on the edge of the beach. In the sea, 20 meters from the shore, there is a concrete breakwater, and in order to get to the depths, you need to get over it. By the way, it is overgrown with algae and sharp shells.

The neighboring Super Paradise beach is small, with fine clean sand and a rocky and pebble entrance to the sea. There is also fun here, with music and dancing starting after lunch.

Super Paradise Beach

Paraga Beach is also popular among young people; it is conventionally divided into two parts: the southern one is quite quiet and calm, the northern one is crowded and noisy.

Agrari Beach is popular with tourists who prefer a calm environment. There is no music here, the water is crystal clear, and the atmosphere is conducive to relaxation. Five minutes from Agrari there is a long beach called Elia. It is not too crowded, but well equipped. Nudists and gays like to sunbathe in its outlying areas. The resting place of the latter is marked with a flag with a rainbow image.

Agrari Beach

The most famous resorts located in the west of Mykonos are Megali Ammos, Tourlos and Agios Stefanos. The first one is located almost next to Chora. Holidays in this beautiful area with an excellent Greek restaurant will be pleasant if the wind blows from the south, but the north wind may prevent you from calmly entering the sea. Tourlous and Agios Stefanos are small, quiet beaches with beautiful views of cruise ships entering the port, white sand and minimal sea swell.

Kalafati Beach, located in the eastern part of Mykonos, is popular among surfers and couples with children; there is a playground for children. There is an area on the beach with free sun loungers. Near Kalafati there is a very small cozy Lia beach - an excellent place for a secluded holiday.

The beaches located in the north of the island are exposed to strong winds; it is not very comfortable to sunbathe and swim here, but these places are best suited for windsurfing. The exceptions are the luxurious, very picturesque Panormos beach, located in a bay protected by rocks from the wind, and Agios Sostis - wild and secluded, located far from tourist centers.

Agios Sostis beach

Leisure

For tourists who prefer an active lifestyle, Mykonos has excellent conditions, and the opportunities for water sports are almost endless. There are excellent diving centers on the island, where those interested are taught windsurfing, scuba diving, water skiing, and ski jumping. The most famous centers are located on the beaches of Paradise, Psarou, Kalafati, Platis Gialos.

On almost all beaches of Mykonos you can go wakesurfing, wakeboarding, parasailing, and water skiing. The northern coast of Mykonos is most suitable for windsurfing.

The island has several tennis courts, many beaches have volleyball courts and playgrounds for children.

Entertainment

Travel agencies in Mykonos organize a variety of excursions for guests of the island. For 35 € you can go on a tour visiting the beaches and villages nearby Chora. To get a better idea of ​​the island, visit its remote areas and wild beaches, you can join a jeep safari excursion (from 65 € per person). Horseback riding excursions are also offered here.

Sightseeing sea excursions are popular, including visits to nearby islands, swims in picturesque, mysterious grottoes and caves (from 65 € per person).

Those who want to admire Mykonos from a bird's eye view can book a helicopter tour. For 10 minutes of such pleasure you will have to pay from 300 € per person, for 30 minutes - from 900 €.

Mykonos, often called the “second Ibiza”, is famous for its vibrant nightlife. As the sun sets, partygoers head to the nightlife venues according to their musical preferences. Techno fans flock to the Astra club or to the Paradise Beach area, where the famous Cavo Paradiso nightclub is located, one of the top 10 such establishments in the world. This club, famous not only for its show programs, but also for its location - on the edge of a cliff in the open air, is often visited by celebrities vacationing in Mykonos. The elite also gather at the Remezzo club, one of the oldest on the island.

Lovers of Greek, European and American popular music head to the Guzel club in the port area. Professional DJs and dancers perform at the Space Mykonos Dance Xperience club.

There is no dress code in the clubs of Mykonos, and it is quite acceptable to wear a swimsuit and sunglasses to the beach clubs.

Local kitchen

In Mykonos you can taste dishes of any national cuisine; prices in most establishments are quite affordable. A hearty lunch or dinner with a bottle of wine will cost 50-55 € for two. If you choose dishes that do not contain seafood, you can easily keep it to 35 €.

Of course, you won't be able to experience the local flavor unless you avoid the traditional Greek taverns and try the delicious handcrafted cheeses that are only made in the Cyclades.

Among the iconic establishments with Greek cuisine is the Focos tavern. The fish here is divinely prepared, as well as a local delicacy - Mykonos ham according to an old recipe. Dinner with wine will cost from 80 € for two. Restaurants with national cuisine such as Avli Tou Thodori, Kikis Tavern, Nikos are also well known.

Among budget establishments in Mykonos, the extremely popular cafe Piccolo, where you can grab delicious sandwiches and salads, as well as To Maereio, where they serve inexpensive set lunches.

Shopping

On the island of Mykonos you will not find large shopping centers, but there are apparently a variety of shops and boutiques where you can buy fashionable clothes sold under famous world brands, as well as products from Greek designers. The Little Venice area is famous for its best shopping.

The famous shopping streets of Mykonos are Matogianni and Zougali. Here tourists usually buy souvenirs, such as woven hand-embroidered clothes, handmade sandals, and tapestries. Interesting jewelry is sold in the LaLaoUnis store, antique items are sold in Delos Dolphins.

In small shops, local craftsmen sell trinkets and jewelry made of leather, decorated with amethyst, turquoise - rings, bracelets. In specialized stores you can buy organic cosmetics based on olive oil.

Popular tasty souvenirs include amygdalota almond candies and sumada almond milk drink.

Where to stay

In the super resort of Mykonos, even two-star hotels are beyond praise. What can we say about luxury hotels - Grecotel Mykonos Blu Exclusive Resort, Miconian Ambassador Hotel, Royal Miсonian, Miconian K Hotels & Talassa Spa. The best hotels are located along the southern coast of the island and have their own beaches and international-level thalasso centers. A week's stay in 5* hotels usually costs from 2000 to 3000 € per apartment. Rooms must be reserved in advance.

Lovers of a luxury holiday can also stay in villa hotels, which are built right on the seashore and can accommodate 2-12 people. One of the most popular hotel complexes is Paradise Beach Resort and Camping, which is located near Paradise Beach. Accommodation in a hotel room will cost from 200 € per day, in a villa right by the sea - from 400 €.

3* and 4* hotels in Mykonos offer tourists almost the same list of services as five-star hotels, only they have smaller rooms, it will take longer to get to the beach, and you will also need to pay for the use of sun loungers and umbrellas (5-8 € per day) . The cost of daily accommodation is from 200 to 300 €.

Tourists on a budget usually stay in hotels located on the 3rd coastline. In this case, you need to pay from 40 to 70 € for a room. True, you will have to walk about half an hour to the sea, or use transport, which will require additional spending of money.

Transport

Mykonos has a well-developed transport infrastructure. Buses, taxis, scooters, boats and even ATVs can reach almost every corner of the island.

There are two bus stations here, they are in Chora, a 20-minute walk from each other. From the South Station, located on Iralos Square, buses depart every half hour to the areas of the beaches of Paraga, Ornos, Agios Ioannis, Paradise. At night, you can go to Platys Gialos and Paradise from here (buses leave every hour). From the Northern Bus Station, located in Piazza Rimezzo, buses take tourists almost throughout the island, stopping even in its most remote corners.

Bus schedules may vary and depend on the season. Tickets are sold in kiosks, shops, and mini markets and cost from 2 €.

There are few taxi cars in Mykonos, so you should book the service by phone in advance. You can stop the car in the central square of Chora or at the Southern Bus Station. Fares here are fixed. For example, a trip from the airport to the center of Chora will cost 6 €. Calling a taxi costs 1.30 €.

The most popular form of transport in Mykonos is boats. This is not surprising, since, firstly, not all buses can reach beaches that are located in secluded bays, secondly, water transport will take you to the right place faster, and, finally, such a trip will allow you to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the island. Boats depart from piers located on all beaches and in the harbor of Chora. The first ships depart from Chora at 10:00 (interval - 1 hour), the last ones return at 20:00. Ticket price – from 8 €.

Many tourists prefer not to depend on public transport schedules and rent cars or motorcycles. You can rent transport in any part of the island. Rental services are provided by both international and local companies. The rental price depends on its duration and season. To rent a middle class car you will need to pay 30-35 €, premium class – 100-110 € per day. For 25 € you can rent a small car.

Please note that there are very few parking spaces in the historical part of the main town of Mykonos, and you will have to leave your car away from the center.

Cruise ship in the port of Minokos

How to get there

There is an airport 4 kilometers from the main town of Mykonos, but there is no direct connection between Russian cities and the island. To get here by air, Russian tourists will need to fly with one or two transfers in one of the European countries. You can fly to Athens or Thessaloniki, and from there take a domestic flight to Mykonos.

The flight from Athens to Mykonos will take about 40 minutes (tickets cost 70-90 €). You will fly from Thessaloniki in about an hour (ticket prices range from 80 to 100 €).

You can also get from Athens to Mykonos by ferry. From the port of Piraeus, ferries depart to the island twice a day. Travel time – 7 hours.

The calling card of Mykonos is the stone mill towers. The remaining seven mills now attract tourists, but previously, since the 16th century, they served as the main means of income for the inhabitants of the island. The islanders have long learned to tame the sea wind and use aeolic energy.

And the favorable location of the port of Mykonos made it possible to conduct a successful trade in flour. Now you can stay overnight in one of the mills; there is a hotel there.

Along with the windmills, the most popular symbol of Mykonos is the beloved pelican Petros. Or rather his heirs. The very first pelican, one might say Peter the First, ended up on the island in 1954, during a storm. And so he remained, imbued with mutual sympathy for the residents, until his death. Since then, the islanders have invariably appointed Petros' heir.
The friendly pelican welcomes guests as the rightful owner of the island. Indulgently accepting treats and happily posing for photographs.

Alefkandra. Little Venice.

In the southwestern area of ​​the port there is a very picturesque corner of Mykonos - Alefkandra. The old quarter, built in the 18th century, was the residence of wealthy merchants and captains.

Houses with colorful balconies hang directly above the surf, which is why the area is called Little Venice. Many houses have cozy cafes and restaurants, from whose balconies you can enjoy the beautiful Mykonos sunset.

Residents of the island claim that there are 365 churches on Mykonos, one for each day of the year. But the most amazing thing, undoubtedly, is the Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Paraportiani, built on the site of the exit from the medieval fortress. Don't look for a stone bell tower or tiled dome.

Unlike any other, snow-white, as if sprinkled with powdered sugar, the church consists of five chapels. Four are located on the lower level, the fifth with a massive white dome crowns the amazing structure. Construction continued over several centuries, starting in 1425. Against the backdrop of the endless blue sea and azure sky, the church, not burdened by architectural excesses, radiates an indescribable, unearthly purity.

Mykonos Museums

The Ethnographic Museum is located in the old district of the city, Castro, in a small ancient two-story building. Six halls display a rich collection of household items, national clothing, ceramics, and furniture.
The Archaeological Museum is located on the embankment, near the port. The museum contains funerary statues found on the neighboring island of Rinia, ancient amphorae, the most famous of which dates back to the 7th century. BC e., collections of clay figurines, jewelry. Ticket price - 2 euros.

The Museum of the Aegean Sea awaits visitors in the town of Tria Pigadia. The museum displays evidence of Greece's rich maritime history. Nautical charts, engravings, ship models, ancient navigational instruments, coin collections.

What Mykonos lacks in archaeological sites is more than made up for by the neighboring islet of Dilos. Small, only 3.5 sq. km, Dilos was a sacred place in ancient times.
So sacred that it was forbidden to be born or die here. It was on Dilos, according to myth, that the twin gods Apollo and Artemis were born. Now on the island you can see the few remaining evidence of its former greatness.

Beaches of Mykonos

Most of the popular beaches are located on the southern, sheltered coast of the island.

Ornos. The closest beach to the capital of the island. Its advantage is protection from the wind, developed infrastructure and convenient bus service. Excellent fish taverns offer the freshest seafood.

Platys Gialos. One of the most popular beaches and therefore very crowded. The beach is well equipped, there are small hotels, many bars and cafes nearby. From here you can take a “sea taxi” - small boats - to any beach on the island.
Paranga.

Located 10 minutes walk from Platis Gialos beach. A noisy beach very loved by young people. The southern, quieter part is preferred by nudists.

Psarou. Another cosmopolitan beach with wonderful golden sand and calm sea. A diving center is available on the beach.

Paradise.

The most famous beach of Mykonos. Don't expect to take a peaceful nap here in the sun. There are huge screens right on the sand, music is blaring, and in the evening the beach turns into a huge disco that lasts until the morning. Super Paradise. Also a noisy and well-equipped beach. A place preferred by tourists of non-traditional sexual orientation. You can get to the beach by car or by water transport.

Agrari and Elia. These two beaches are located close to each other. The first one is calm, suitable for a relaxing holiday. The second is crowded, popular with water sports enthusiasts and nudists.

Kalo Livadi and Kalofatis. Two more beaches that attract vacationers with the azure waters of the sea, fine sand and a wide selection of various entertainment.

Agia Anna and Lia. More remote beaches, less equipped, allowing you to enjoy silence and a relaxing holiday.

The island has a wide selection of different hotels of all categories. Prices here are higher than the average in Greece, but it is still better to book a room well before your intended visit to Mykonos.
The choice is very wide. You can enjoy a heavenly holiday in one of the luxurious five-star hotels such as Cavo Tagoo Hotel, Kivotos Club Hotel, Mykonos Grand Hotel, Ambassador. Or choose more economical hotels Palladium, Andronikos, Alkyon, Leto, Vista Apartments.
You can also rent a room or apartment from local residents. An option suitable for young people would be campsites located near the beaches of Paranga and Paradise.

Transport in Mykonos

Mykonos is one of the islands of the Cyclades archipelago, in the central part of the Aegean Sea. Very popular among tourists, Mykonos is located south of Tinos, east of Syros and north of Paros and Naxos.

Tourism

• Among the Greek islands, Mykonos is known for its cosmopolitan nature and is considered one of the great travel meccas. This is one of the most visited islands in the Aegean Sea by tourists. This means visitors should be prepared for loud dance clubs, an "English" breakfast of eggs, bacon and butter rolls, and high prices for goods. Prices on Mykonos are higher than on other Greek islands.
• If you have a room in the city center, expect to be woken up by people going about their business early in the morning - this could be nightclub-goers returning home or local bakers. Although many streets in the central part of the city are closed to traffic, locals get around on mopeds, motorcycles and other motorized vehicles that will make noise as they pass your open window early in the morning. If you are a light sleeper and your room does not have air conditioning and you have to keep the windows open, you will need to use earplugs. I usually look for a hotel in , but you can check if there is a more attractive price somewhere. As for renting private apartments, you can see similar offers in the travelask section.
• Almost every day, people wishing to ride on a cruise ship arrive at the local port by buses and boats. At this time, the small, narrow streets of Mykonos are quite crowded. Up to three cruise ships can be anchored in the harbor. The owner of a local shop told us that there are much fewer of them now, and in the past there were sometimes up to 7 ships in the bay. Most ships leave before dusk, so tourists who don't need to leave earlier can enjoy the view of the setting sun.
• Mykonos is usually crowded with tourists in July and August. The best time to visit the island is from mid-May to the end of June (accommodation is much cheaper at the beginning of the season and the city is not so hot) or from September to mid-October (after the end of the season).

The main cities of Mykonos are Chora, the port city and capital, and Ano Mera

Chora is a stunningly picturesque Cycladic town with a labyrinth of small streets and whitewashed alleys, alleys, houses and churches surrounding a harbor in the middle of a wide bay. This is one of the most cosmopolitan and populous cities on the Aegean islands. Despite the fact that there are a lot of shops, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, stylish bars and restaurants, the capital has not lost its originality. Despite the rapid growth and development of the island, the traditional Cycladic architectural style has remained intact due to strict building regulations. You will see brand stores of Chanel, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and other famous and prestigious brands. These shops are aimed at tourists who arrive on cruise ships from the nearby port.

Ano Mera is a small village in the center of the island and the only inland settlement of Mykonos, 7 km east of Mykonos Town. Ano Mera is set around a large central square, flanked on three sides by a string of Greek taverns. Among this, it is also necessary to highlight the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in 1542.

Other small settlements:

Agios Ioannis is a small village with two taverns, one restaurant and one tiny shop. Agios Ioannis is famous as the place where the film "Shirley Valentine" was filmed.

• Agios Stefanos is a town with many hotels, good restaurants, taverns and cafes.
• Platys Gialos is a popular tourist resort, from where small fishing boats take tourists to the southern beaches of Mykonos.
• Ornos - there are several accommodation options, cafes and bars, butcher shop, bakery, supermarket and pharmacy.
• Turlos is the port where most cruise ships land. Ferries arrive here from the mainland and other islands. There are also many private yachts and fishing boats here.

Language

Greek is the official language of Greece and is spoken by all residents of the island and most of its visitors, but tourists will have no problems communicating in foreign languages, especially English.

How to get there

By plane

There are daily flights from Athens Airport (35 minutes) with Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines. During the summer, both airports provide daily flights from. There are less frequent flights during high season by Sky Express from Rhodes, Crete () and Volos. During July and August, Astra Airlines provides flights from. You can monitor promotions and special offers on air tickets, for example.

In the arrivals area at the airport you can find ATMs, shops, cafeterias, public telephones, a post box, the Mykonos Hotel Association office, the Olympic Air office, Aegean Airlines and many car rental companies. In the airport terminal building on the ground floor there is also a duty-free shop for departing passengers, which sells cigarettes, perfumes, cosmetics, travel accessories, and souvenirs.

Pick up a free Mykonos star map from the airport's baggage claim area. This card is also available in shops in Mykonos.

Travel from the airport to Mykonos town

Many hotels in Mykonos offer airport transfers, either free or at prices that are higher than taxi prices. Your best chance of getting a free transfer is if you book directly through the hotel. Hotel pick-up is the easiest way to get to your hotel, so check this information before you arrive.

Usually taxis are located at the airport, in the parking lot opposite the terminal, but it is not always possible to take a taxi. If there is no free car in the parking lot, you can call a taxi using the number on the sign in the parking lot. Taxi from airport to
the city costs approximately €8, and an additional few euros more if you are bringing luggage.

During high season, there is an occasional public bus from the airport to Mykonos South Bus Station. A bus ticket costs €1.60. The bus departs from Mykonos South Bus Station at 12:15 pm and 1:45 pm and then travels back from the airport to the factory in 10 minutes. The schedule changes every two weeks, please keep this in mind. You shouldn't wait for a bus if it's not waiting there. The bus will not be needed if you need to go to the port (old or new).

By ferry

From the Greek mainland, from Piraeus and Rafina, ferries and high-speed catamarans sail daily. High-speed catamarans are twice as fast, but will also cost twice as much.

The journey between the ports of Piraeus () and Mykonos takes from 3 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes, depending on the type of ferry. On a slow ferry, an economy class seat will cost 32 euros; on high-speed you will have to pay 54.50 euros for services. In Piraeus, all high-speed ferries to Mykonos depart from port gate Ε7; Regular ferries depart from Gate Ε1. Most ferries connecting Piraeus and Mykonos finish operating by the end of October and resume service by April.

Many travelers heading to any of the Cycladic islands do not even consider Rafina as a possible departure port, but if you are arriving at Athens airport, you are better off taking the ferry from Rafina rather than from Piraeus. The Mykonos-Rafina journey takes between 2 hours 10 minutes and 5 hours 30 minutes, depending on the type of ferry. The ferry fare is 23.50 euros per person in economy class; for a seat on a high-speed catamaran you will have to pay 52.50 euros. Most ferries on the Rafina-Mykonos route stop operating by the end of October and resume service by April.

Mykonos can also be reached directly from other Cyclades islands. Ships sail several times a day from Syros, Andros, Tinos and Paros. There are daily flights from Naxos, Ios, Santorini and Crete, as well as a daily overnight ferry “Nissos Mykonos” sailing from Samos and Ikaria. Ships from Serifos, Sifnos, Kimolos, Milos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Thirassia and Anafi are slightly less frequent.

Ferry companies:

• Hellenic Seaways - transportation by hydrofoil and regular ferries from Piraeus (Highspeed 5 and Highspeed 6) and Rafina (Flying Cat 3).
• The Seajets ferries operate regularly on a summer schedule from Piraeus (Superjet) and Rafina (Seajets 2).
• Blue Star Ferries - operate daily on schedule from Piraeus all year round (Blue Star Ithaca).
• Aegean Speed ​​Lines - daily high-speed ferry service from Piraeus (Speedrunner 3).

Ferry schedule

You should start making ferry reservations from mid-July to the end of August, before or after the Greek holidays. Remember that every year on August 15th, a pilgrimage of thousands of Orthodox Christians takes place on the island of Tinosis, and most ferries going from Piraeus and Rafina to Mykonos stop at the island. During this period, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance. Also expect many Greek travelers to visit Mykonos for Trinity Day, which falls on May 31st and June 1st in 2015. Don't forget that if you book your tickets online, you will still need to collect them from the travel agency.

The ship's voyage may be canceled due to strong winds. Such cancellations are rare and happen several times throughout the summer.

Mykonos has two ports: old and new. The new port is located in Tourlos Bay, about 2 km north of Mykonos. Before traveling, check which port your ship will be in. Most ferries arrive at the new port. High-speed catamarans still dock in the old port.

From port to capital

At the height of the season, it is almost impossible to catch a bus from Turlos to the capital. It's best to take a taxi. You can walk along the busy main road without a sidewalk, which will take you to the city in about 45 minutes.

From the old port to the city you can quickly walk along the road along the coast.

By cruise ship

Mykonos is a popular stop on boat tours of the Greek Islands. Almost all cruise ships stop at the new port at Tourlos, some cruise ships moor at the old port, and if several ships arrive at once, one or more of them may moor offshore.

If you are arriving in a new port, take the tourist shuttle bus to the capital. You can also take a taxi, but this will be difficult with many people arriving at the same time. The bus will most likely drop you off at a parking lot near Chora North Bus Station. It is less than 10 minutes drive away. From there, everything is within walking distance.

If you arrive at the old port, it's a 10-minute walk to the capital without the need for a bus.

Guests can easily explore Mykonos on their own. There is no need to book excursions. The recommended excursion to Delos can also be booked on your own (with or without a guide).

Clue:

Mykonos - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Ekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The climate of Mykonos is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. As with most Aegean islands, rain is rare in summer and can be expected between October and April. Temperatures in July and August range from 30°C during the day to 22ºC at night. The Cyclades are famous for its constant winds (called meltemi), which slightly moderate the heat in July and August.

In general, from mid-May to mid-October it is warm and sunny enough for you to enjoy sunbathing. You can find a ready-made tour from Russia to Mykonos, say.

Mykonos - weather by month

Clue:

Mykonos - weather by month

Main attractions. What to see

In Mykonos town

Mills, (western part of the city)

Windmills have been one of the most recognizable landmarks of Mykonos since the 16th century. This island was once a major producer of wheat and bread. The windmill area offers magnificent views of Little Venice and is the most popular place in Mykonos to watch the sunset.

Little Venice (Alefkandra), (far western part of the city)

The area, located by the sea, is famous for its picturesque wooden balconies and medieval two- to three-story houses that stand like a wall above the sea. Little is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in all of Mykonos, from where you can also admire the sunset. A popular pastime is drinking cocktails in one of the many bars or cafes while admiring the sunset on the seashore. You will reach Little Venice on foot from the mills and down the stairs. The place is just a five minute walk from the Fabrika bus station, for which there is a sign on the other side of the square.

Church of Panagia Paraportiani, (far western part of the city)

Of all the churches on the island of Mykonos, the most impressive is the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, a true Byzantine pearl. This snow-white temple, which dates back to 1425 and was built until the 17th century, is the most popular and photographed of the 400 churches on Mykonos. The church consists of four chapels, which are located on the ground floor, and another one on the floor above. One of the chapels on the ground floor is open to visitors from early morning until sunset. The church is located in the Kastro area, the oldest area of ​​Mykonos.

Pelican Petros (Petros the Pelican)

The island's mascot, which can sometimes be found on the waterfront or in the city. The original injured Pelican was found by a fisherman after a storm back in the 1950s. Local residents treated the pelican and left it on the island, feeding it. Soon he was given the name "Petros". To the great regret of local residents and tourists, Petros was hit by a car on December 2, 1985, and he could not be cured. Petros died in 1986, but he was so popular that the new Pelican was made his successor. There are currently three pelicans living on the island. This means that the Petros you meet may be Petra. Well, this is Mykonos.

Beaches. Which ones are better

Most beaches have taverns and restaurants equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. The average price is € 12 for a set of two sun loungers and an umbrella. The best beaches are on the south side of the island, protected from strong north winds. On popular beaches, the sale of illegal goods such as DVDs, counterfeit bags, clothing, jewelry and watches is common. The merchants will come right up to you, it may seem a little annoying, but they will quickly leave with a simple "No, thank you." On many beaches, even the more family-oriented ones, the “European” style of sunbathing is popular - topless.

South coast

• Psarou, (5 km from Mykonos town). This is an elite beach popular among Greeks. With many hotels, apartments and restaurants. Psarou is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town. Get off the bus one stop before the final Platis Gialos.
• Platys Gialos, (6km from Mykonos town). Popular with families and tourists. Lots of hotels, apartments, restaurants and beach bars along the long sandy beach. It is possible to rent a jet ski. Buses to the city pass very often, every 15 minutes. From Platis Gialos, boats depart to other southern beaches of Mykonos.

• Paranje, (6km from Mykonos town). Sand beach. Sometimes there are rocks in the water, but there are many places where you can walk on sand. There is a campground, several hotels and some good beach bars and restaurants. Also popular with gays. Nudism is quite common, especially on the right end (facing the sea). By 5 pm the beach becomes very noisy, including from the bars.
• On the right side of Paraña is a large, quieter sandy beach without sun loungers, umbrellas, restaurants or bars. Paranya is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town or frequent transfers via boats from Platis Gialos (first stop). This beach is within walking distance of Platis Gialos (15 minutes) and Paradise (10 minutes). On your way, a few minutes from Platis Gialos beach you will pass by the beach of Agia Anna, a charming little cove near Paranya, with a small number of umbrellas and sun loungers for rent. This golden sand beach is home to a traditional Greek style tavern (Nicholas).
• Paradise (Kalamopodi), (6km from Mykonos town). This is probably the most popular beach, famous for its parties. Already at 16:00 the music will become very loud. The beach is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town or by boat from Platis Gialos (second stop).
• Super Paradise (Plintree), (7 km from Mykonos Town). There are restaurants, beach bars and several hotels on the beach. On the right side of the beach there is a zone for nudists and gays. Around 4 pm the music will get quite loud (Super Paradise Beach Bar Club and Coconut Club); At this time, some people will prefer to leave the beach, while for others it is time to party. There is no bus to Super Paradise, but you can easily get there by regular boat from Platis Gialos (third stop). You can also take the bus to Paradise and then walk for 20 minutes. From June to September, there is a boat from the city to Super Paradise in the mornings, the return boat arrives at 16:30. Traveling with your own transport is complicated by an inconvenient and winding road. The last hill can be quite difficult as it is very steep.

• Agrari (8 km from Mykonos town). Agrari Beach is less popular than its neighbor Elia, but much quieter. The beach is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, and various water sports attractions. If there are enough passengers, the boat from Platys Gialos will stop at Agrari. Otherwise, you just need to walk 5 minutes over the rocks from Elia Beach. Traveling from the city with your own transport will be difficult.
• Elia (8 km from Mykonos town). Elia is one of the largest beaches in Mykonos. This is a well-organized beach with sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as various water attractions (for example, jet skis). There are three restaurants and taverns. Also popular with gays, especially in the rocky beach area between Elia and Hagari. There is some nudity, but not as much as in Paradise, Super Paradise and Parang. The nudist area is located on the right side of the beach (towards Agrari). Elia is most easily reached by bus from the Northern Bus Station of Mykonos Town, as well as by boat from Platis Gialos beach (the fourth and final stop). The last return boat leaves at 6 pm, but after this time there are still two buses (departures at 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm).

Eastern Shore

• Kalo Livadi, (10 km from Mykonos town, 2 km from Ano Mera). Quiet, long sandy beach. There are several taverns with delicious food, and several small hotels and villas. It is better to get there by your own transport, but you can also get there by bus. Take the bus to Elia and get off the bus at the top of the hill where it turns towards Elia and from there walk about ten minutes downhill on your left.
• Kalafati (12 km from Mykonos town). A very large, beautiful, but less developed beach, a favorite place for windsurfers due to the coastal breeze. A variety of water sports are available here, including jet skis, jet skis, wakeboards and water slides. Kalafati can be reached by bus from Mykonos Town, but this bus only runs a few times a day. Right next to Kalafatis are the sandy beaches of Draumi and Tafarni.

• Lia, (14 km from Mykonos town). Deserted, sandy beach. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent. There are several small houses of fishermen from a small village, two taverns and a beach bar. To get there you need your own transport, or you can walk here from Kalafati.

North Shore

• Phokos. A small beach with coarse sand, unknown to many people. This beach has amenities such as sun loungers and umbrellas, which are offered by one good tavern. To get to Fokos you need your own transport. Follow signs for Fokos from Ano Mera.
• Ftelia, (in the area of ​​Ano Mera, southern part of Panormos). This beach faces north and is therefore exposed to strong northerly winds, making it ideal for windsurfing but not for swimming or sunbathing. Fteliya is an isolated, very calm place and even in July and August, due to the wind and dust, it is not crowded. To get there you need your own transport. Road to the beach down from Ano Mera.

• Panormos. On the north side of the island and overlooking the bay east. Panormos is a long and beautiful beach. This remote location has two restaurants, one hotel and a trendy beach club. On the right side of the beach there is a nudist area. The beach is most easily accessible by city bus from the city, from the Northern Bus Station.
• Agios Sostis. This beach is located east of Panormos Bay. Agios Sostis is one of the most remote beaches on the island, without the rental of sun loungers and umbrellas. There are few people on the beach, no hotels or houses, only peace and quiet, but there is a very good small restaurant. Nudists are tolerant of bathing. To get there you need your own transport. Driving along the road behind Panormos beach.

West Bank

• Agios Stefanos (3 km north of Mykonos town). Well developed, sandy beach next to the new harbour. Agios Stefanos is a very popular beach and gets crowded in the summer. About the length of a football field. Agios Stefanos can be reached by bus from Mykonos Town.

• Tourlos, (2 km north of Mykonos town). A small beach near the new port of Mykonos town. Tourlos Beach is not as popular as it used to be due to the construction of a new port and marina, but the beach is still lively.
• Mykonos City Beach. Small beach in the harbor. There is no reason to stay in this area unless you are waiting for a boat that leaves from the old port. Much better beaches are within easy reach.
• Megali Ammos, (1 km south of Mykonos town). The closest beach is in the center of Mykonos town, just a 10 minute walk from town along the coast towards Ornos (you can take a bus to Ornos). The beach is located near the central road. A large slab lies in the sea, preventing comfortable swimming. There are no umbrellas or sun loungers on the beach due to strong northerly winds. There are several hotels, apartments and a wonderful tavern called Joanna Nico.
• Ornos, (3 kilometers south of Mykonos town). Family and tourist beach. It attracts a lot of people thanks to its sun loungers, umbrellas, as well as bars and restaurants. Sandy beach slowly disappearing into the sea. There are schools for water skiing and surfing. Ornos is easily accessible by bus from the town (or walking along the coast along the road, about 30 minutes). 2 km north of Ornos is Korfos Beach, which is suitable for windsurfing but not for swimming or sunbathing.

• Agios Ioannis (Shirley Valentine Beach), (4 km southwest of Mykonos Town). Agios Ioannis is a small beach with opportunities for snorkeling. The beach is never too crowded. There is an excellent tavern and cocktail bar nearby. The beach offers beautiful views of the nearby islands of Delos and Rhenei. Easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town. Near Agios Ioannis there is a small beach called Kapari, with a small nudist area. This hidden beach is located north of Agios Ioannis, you need to go behind the church of Agios Ioannis, down a steep slope.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

All museums are open from April to October, except for the Archaeological Museum, which is open all year round. Most people prefer to visit museums on rainy days or in bad weather, but you should definitely visit the Archaeological Museum.

What to see in the area

Take a boat ticket to Paros, Naxos, Ios and. From the nearby islands of Syros and Paros you can travel to other Greek islands.

In Mykonos you will find many restaurants and eateries. Throughout the city there are various shops and pancake houses where you can eat quite well for just a few euros. Mykonos offers dining options to suit a variety of tastes, and at different prices. You can easily find good Greek food at reasonable prices, or just as easily spend a fortune. Almost all restaurants (and many bars) post their price menus at the entrance, so as you walk around you can take a look and see which places offer attractive food within your budget. Restaurants with harbor or sea views (especially in Little Venice) tend to have higher prices because you're also paying for the location and the view. Restaurants on the streets deeper in the heart of the city offer food at more moderate prices.

Mykonos Town

• NiSa Restaurant, Kalogera Street 10, Mykonos (behind Alpha Bank on Mitogiani Street (the main street of the city), +30 22890 78550 ( [email protected]) Open from 7 pm to 1 am. Very good Greek cuisine. Lunches on the veranda for those who like to admire the view. Not cheap, average prices for Mykonos.
• La Piazzetta, Kounesous Garden, Mykonos (in a hidden courtyard, behind a tobacco shop, at the end of Matogianni Street (the main street of the city), +30 22890 22343( [email protected]) Elegant restaurant. Relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and good selection of wines.
• Ano Mera. The town square has many traditional restaurants.
• Vangelis Taverna, Ano Mera (main square), +30 22890 71577. Perfect service, but high prices.

Kalafatis

Aneplora, Kalafati, +30 22890 72470 ( [email protected]) Eastern cuisine.

Ornos

Konstantis Taverna, Ornos (on the beach), +30 22890 22837. Nice restaurant serving fresh seafood.

Platis Galos

• Avli tou Thodori, Platis Galos (second restaurant from the bus stop, by the beach), +30 22890 78100 ( [email protected]). Great restaurant. International and Greek cuisine served on the seaside terrace.

Psar

Nyammos (N"Ammos), Psarou (right on the beach), +31 22890 22440 Beautiful, snow-white restaurant of the "rich and famous", known for being often visited by celebrities. Mediterranean cuisine. Very expensive, but judging by the reviews, it's worth it Togo.

Beach taverns

• Vasoula Taverna, Agios Stefanos. Tavern serving seafood. Beautiful view of the coast.

Safety. What to watch out for

Mykonos is generally a safe island. The only problem is violation of traffic rules, incl. drunk driving. If you want to rent a motorcycle or ATV, be aware that the roads are narrow, sometimes with sharp turns, and requires driving experience and caution to ride safely.

• Mykonian Health Private Medical Centre, Dexamen, Mykonos (behind town centre), +30 22890 27407/27464/24211 ( [email protected], fax: +30 22890 27407) Open daily from 8:00 to 23:30.
• Mykonos Hospital, Mykonos (up the hill from town, about 1 km along the road to Ano Mera), +30 22890 23998/23994. Mykonos State Hospital with a 24-hour ambulance service providing pathologists, surgeons, pediatricians, dentists and radiologists.
• Police, +30 2289 22235.

Connection

The cheapest way to call abroad, really cheap, is to use a prepaid phone card and call the phone anywhere (including from a hotel room). Prepaid phone cards are sold in many shops and kiosks in Mykonos town. A calling card is nothing more than a regular phone number and a pin code that you must dial before dialing a regular phone number. If you want to call abroad, buy an international calling card. For one euro you can talk for 45 minutes, so take the cheapest card (worth about 3 euros). Talking to someone for half an hour will be cheaper than sending an email from an Internet cafe. As a rule, such a card is valid for 90 days after the first call. You can use such cards at payphones, which are widely available in the city, although they are often broken.

Internet

Angelos Internet Cafe, (on the road to the southern bus station and mills), +30 22890 24106 ( [email protected]). The most popular internet cafe in Mykonos, price 1€ for 15 minutes.

Internet cafe Net+Plus Internet Cafe, Enoplon Dynameon street, +30 22890 28617

Things to do

• Private cruises to the island of Delos and Rhenei, on a traditional Greek sailing boat.
• From Platis Gialos Beach you can take a cruise on the research vessel Glass Bottom, which is a boat with a glass floor underneath through which you can view the underwater life. There are beach-to-beach cruises (€45), sunset cruises (€35) and cruises to Delos and Rheneas (€45).
• It is possible to take a day trip to the islands of Syros, Paros and Naxos.

Shopping and shops

You can go shopping or explore the fabulous little boutiques of exclusive brands, among them visit outstanding Greek jewelry stores, souvenir shops, and art galleries. Take cash and credit cards. Most stores are open seven days a week, but will be closed between 2pm and 5pm. Many tourist shops will remain open until late in the evening. In case you are looking for department stores, then know that they will not be there.

Mykonos is home to a large number of artists, so there are many excellent galleries offering original works.

Of course, you will also find stores necessary to satisfy your basic needs. There are mini markets, groceries, butchers, kiosks, bakeries, liquor stores, several small supermarkets (and large supermarkets outside the city), many pharmacies, bookstores, electronics stores.

ATMs are available throughout the city. Many of which are concentrated near the Southern Bus Station.

Bars. Where to go

1. Argo Bar, Manto Square (ground floor) (on the “taxi square” in front of the Kamares restaurant), +30 22890 28766 ( [email protected]) Opens from 22:00 and closes late at night. Nice atmosphere and loud music

2. Astra Bar, Tria Pigadia, (city center), 30 22890 24767 ( [email protected])

3. Caprice, Agion Anargion Street, (Little Venice) +30 22890 23541 Located on the edge of the dam in Little Venice. Here you can enjoy music, cocktails and a festive atmosphere.

Anything to add?

Mykonos is not like most Greek resorts. Countless visitors to the island spend their days on the magnificent sandy beaches, including several nudist ones, and spend their nights hanging out in local bars, taverns, restaurants and discos. Yes, it is the vibrant nightlife and incredibly cheerful disposition that are the calling cards of the island of Mykonos. And this is not surprising: the most cosmopolitan island of modern Greece, Mykonos, is located at the intersection of many sea routes of the Aegean Sea, which greatly influenced the formation of the multinational flavor of the island.

Mykonos is not only about nightclubs, the island will delight all lovers of sightseeing with its rich historical heritage. Hurry, the island of windmills, 365 churches and amazing beaches is waiting for you!

Holidays in Mykonos. Relatively cool summers, warm seas, low air humidity, famous sandy beaches, a lot of interesting sights, a huge selection of entertainment and, of course, vibrant nightlife - all this will provide you with an amazing holiday on the Greek fairytale island called Mykonos.

Here you can see with your own eyes the windmills depicted on every postcard about Mykonos, as well as other local attractions, including any of the 365 churches here. Beach holidays in Mykonos are one of the best in Greece; if you wish, you can even visit a nudist beach. In local nightclubs, the fun goes on not only until dawn, but also long after it. Welcome to Mykonos and have an unforgettable holiday!

This is interesting. The exceptional prestige of visiting the island of Mykonos is evidenced by the fact that at different times such celebrities as Ronaldo, Denzel Washington, Oliver Stone, Harrison Ford, Madonna, etc. stayed and vacationed here. It is interesting that the “pioneer” of holidays on the island you can name the Greek billionaire Aristotle Onassis.

In the 70s of the last century, Onassis's yacht, together with his guests, moored to the island. Thus, the Greek billionaire became a kind of promoter of Mykonos. After this, other wealthy people and celebrities began to regularly come to the island. Another interesting fact about Mykonos is related to its capital. In the popular area of ​​the capital of Mykonos - in Little Venice, sunset lovers love to gather in a small square in the evenings. We can say that for many tourists arriving on the island, this ritual has become sacred.

Geography

Like about 2,200 other large and small islands, Mykonos is part of the Cyclades archipelago. Moreover, it is the largest island of the Cyclades, with an area of ​​85 km2 and a total coastline of 80 km. The island is located between the small islets of Naxos and Tinos and extends from north to south for 9 km, and from west to east for 10 km. The administrative center of Mykonos is the city of the same name, which is also called Chora.

Climate

The climate on the island is Mediterranean, characterized by dry, hot summers and warm, mild winters. The average temperature in the summer season is 25-30 degrees. Thanks to the fresh sea breeze, Mykonos is never stiflingly hot, making your holiday here especially enjoyable.

Population and tourism

According to the latest census, about 9 thousand people live on the island of Mykonos. The population is almost 100% ethnic Greek. By the way, over the past 100 years the number of indigenous people of Mykonos has decreased significantly. This is due to the constant outflow of population to the mainland. The main activity on the island is tourism.

Mythology and history

Myths. In ancient Greek mythology, rich in legends, there were several references to the island of Mykonos. The first of them explains how the island itself, as well as the entire Cyclades archipelago, was formed. This happened after the ruler of the seas, Poseidon, brought his trident down on the mountains, and from such a terrible blow, the fragments scattered in all directions and formed a group of islands.

According to one of the myths, Mykonos got its name thanks to the sun god Apollo, who was born in neighboring Delos. Another legend says that the great ancient Greek hero Mykonos lived in these places. Another myth tells us that it was on this island that Hercules destroyed the giants, and after death their bodies turned into stone, from which the island rocks were subsequently formed. One of the exterminated giants, according to legend, was named Mykonos.

Story. Historians believe that the first inhabitants of Mykonos were immigrants from Egypt, who were later displaced by settlers from Crete. Throughout its history, the island has been a coveted prize for many conquerors. Thus, in ancient times, Mykonos was colonized by the Ionians and Dorians, and then became one of the members of the Athenian League.

At various times, Mykonos and the other Cyclades islands were ruled by the Rhodians, Ptolemies, Macedonians and Romans. In the early Middle Ages, the island belonged to the Byzantine Empire. When the Venetians came to the Cyclades, all the islands were divided between the most noble families, and Mykonos went to the Chizzi brothers. The Turkish invasion of the island began in 1537, when Hayretdin Barbarossa captured the entire archipelago. During the Turkish occupation, Mykonos, unlike other Cycladic islands, had a special status: construction and armament of ships were allowed here. This was done due to the fact that Mykonos sailors were considered the most experienced in all of Greece and, with proper weapons, could successfully resist pirate attacks. When setting out on a voyage, each sailor made a vow to build a church here upon returning to their homeland. This is why there are so many churches in Mykonos now.

In the period from 1770 to 1774. Mykonos was under the rule of the Russian Empire. The island then returned to Turkish rule for a short time, but only until the War of Independence of 1822-1830. In the 20th century, Mykonos would be captured during World War II and finally, like all of Greece, gain final independence in 1948. After reunification with Greece, tourism began to develop rapidly on the island, which turned Mykonos into one of the largest tourist and cultural centers in Greece.

Famous personalities. The most famous representative of the island of Mykonos is a woman - Manto Mavrogenus. She is considered a national heroine of Greece and distinguished herself during the war of independence from the Ottoman Empire (1822-1830). Manto was born in Trieste in 1796 and moved to Mykonos at the outbreak of the War of Liberation. At her own expense, she equipped two ships with weapons, which periodically carried out raids on the Turks who occupied the island. As a result, the fleet led by Manto Mavrogenus managed to completely liberate Mykonos from the invaders on October 22, 1822. After this, Manto provided serious financial support to the rebels defending the island of Samos, and also, with her own money, organized a detachment of 150 people to liberate the Peloponnese. The flotilla under the leadership of Mavrogenus took part in important naval battles of the liberation war. Also, in order to raise funds to finance the uprising, the heroine traveled to Europe, where she addressed the women of Paris. Manto died in 1840 on the island of Paros in poverty.

We can rightfully say that a famous person on Mykonos is the modern symbol of the island - the pelican Petros. This living mascot will always greet guests near the fish market. While waiting for a treat, he cleans his snow-white feathers and communicates with the ducks swimming not far from here. Pelican Petros came to the island in 1950, when, completely exhausted, he fell behind a flock of migrirs.

Traditions and customs

In Mykonos, ancient traditions are intricately intertwined with modern achievements in the tourism business. At the same time, the inhabitants of the island sacredly honor numerous Orthodox traditions. For example, the local tradition of searching for a cross on Epiphany has a bright religious coloring.

Recently, more and more foreigners have become acquainted with Mykonos wedding traditions. The thing is that today it is fashionable to perform a wedding ceremony on this beautiful island, and the ceremony itself is held in strict accordance with all Greek traditions: in particular, the marriage registration table is decorated with silk or organza, and almonds are served on an antique silver platter. You can also see a lot of flowers, small baskets with rice and petals flash everywhere.

Attractions

The center of all entertainment and recreation on the island is its namesake capital Mykonos, or, as it is also called, Chora. The city surprises literally from the first moments of being in it and, above all, with its unusual architecture. Every street Choirs- a real attraction. In the capital, you must visit places such as the church Panagia Paraportiani, Little Venice quarter, a fish market, near which the local mascot, the pelican Petros, likes to wander in search of treats, and in the evening such popular night clubs, like Argo, Astra, Muses and Mercedes.

However, not only in the capital you will have something to do. And other resorts of Mykonos are of interest to tourists.

Ano Mera. After the capital, it is the largest city on the island. Ano Mera is famous for its monastery of Our Lady of Tourlos, founded by two monks from the island of Paros in 1543, and the convent of Panagia Paleokastro. Ano Mera has a well-developed infrastructure; you can comfortably spend the night here and go to one of the nearby beaches in the morning.

Pay Gialos. This settlement is considered the most famous resort of Mykonos. It is located 7 km from the capital and is connected to Mykonos Town by bus. Plati Gialos offers almost all types of active water sports. There are a lot of restaurants, cafes, discos, taverns, bars and hotels of various levels.

Psar. More than 150 meters of white sand, thickets of bushes and calamus, as well as one of the best fish restaurants in the region - this is the magnificent resort of Psarou. The local diving center will be interesting to visit for both experienced divers and beginners. For advanced divers, a diving safari is organized here.

Agrarians. Agrari Resort is unlike most other beaches in Mykonos. If you are tired of noisy parties at the busier resorts of the island, then you definitely need to come here. The silence and tranquility of this beach, as well as crystal clear water, will make you forget about all your problems and take a break from the hustle and bustle.

Beaches

In recent years, Mykonos has become one of the most visited and popular resorts in all of Greece. And not least of all, this is due to the development of the infrastructure of local beaches.

The most popular holiday destination is western part of the island. Southwestern The destination will delight you with picturesque beaches located in beautiful bays. The northern beaches are quite uncrowded, since meltemi winds constantly blow here, with the only exception beaches of Panormos Bay: Agios Sostis and Panormos.

In addition, the island has several nudist beaches. In general, each Mykonos beach is already an attraction in itself, so it’s worth talking about the most popular ones in more detail.

Ornos. The beautiful and cozy Ornos beach is located 4 km from the capital of the island in a bay, well protected from the winds on all sides. This fine golden sand beach is one of the best in Mykonos. There is a well-developed tourist area with bars, hotels, and restaurants. On the beach you can visit a diving, water skiing and windsurfing school.

Agios Ioannis. Agios Ioannis is a small but very spectacular and cozy beach, offering stunningly romantic views of the sunset and the island of Delos. The beach gained worldwide fame after the premiere of the film “Shirley Valentine”. There are several bars and taverns for vacationers.

Paranga. Paranga Beach will be a great location for lovers of a variety of beach activities. The beach is divided into two parts: a quiet and calm southern part and a crowded, well-maintained northern part.

Paradise and Super Paradise h. Two noisy beaches located south of the island's capital - Paradise and Super Paradise - are always crowded with tourists. The music is always loud here, the best DJs perform and there are numerous bars. Close to the beach Paradise There is a recreation complex Cavo Paradiso with cafes, swimming pools, bars and restaurants. There is also a diving school on this beach, where you can practice various water sports. Super Paradise- perhaps the most fun beach on the island; the music played here shakes the air far beyond the beach.

Elya. This beach is especially popular among locals. They consider it the best on the island and one of the cleanest in all of Greece. By the way, this is also the longest sandy beach of Mykonos. You can get to Elya without any problems, since there is a good bus connection between the beach and the capital of the island.

Kalo Livadi. We cannot fail to mention the beautiful quiet sandy beach, located 2 km from Ano Mera, called Kalo Livadi. This beach is ideal for a relaxing family holiday.

Entertainment

Life on the island of Mykonos is in full swing 24/7. In the evening, tourists who have rested on the beaches begin to flock to the center of the capital. Soon local bars, restaurants and discos find themselves crowded. An atmosphere of fun reigns in every establishment: here you can not only sit at a table, but also dance, drink a cocktail and meet foreigners or locals.

The most famous discos in the city - SPACE club and Paradise club, They often host world-famous DJs.

Opportunities for playing sports(especially water) in Mykonos are almost limitless. There are excellent centers for training and preparation for windsurfing and diving, water skiing or diving.

There are several on the island tennis courts, beach volleyball, wakeboards, and diving safaris are developing well.

You can also spend time more relaxingly: for example, in swimming pools, on water slides or while enjoying classic fishing from the shore.

Each Mykonos beach has special playgrounds for children. Exotic water parks with water slides, exciting rides, swimming pools with artificial waves and special children's centers with animators are also designed to entertain the youngest tourists. Children of all ages will enjoy holidays in Mykonos.

Shopping

Shopping in Mykonos will bring pleasure and joy to absolutely everyone. We can say that there is everything here: jewelry, household items, clothes, cosmetics and much more. Local stores sell products as popular in Europe brands(Cavalli, Chopard, etc.), and products from local designers. For example, fashionable youth clothing and accessories from the Greek company BSB are very popular in Europe.

In small shops in Mykonos, craftsmen make and sell leather trinkets decorated with natural stones (amethyst, turquoise). Rings, pendants and bracelets are made from leather and exclusively by hand.

In specialized shops you can buy various types of organic cosmetics, for example, body milk, hygienic lipstick and olive oil-based soap.

What to bring. They brought real glory to Mykonos gold jewelry, which can be purchased at local stores. If you are looking for cheaper souvenirs, then pay attention to religious goods - incense, reproductions of icons and candles from Mount Athos.

Some unique souvenirs can only be bought on the island of Delos. These are T-shirts with an image of the famous Delian mosaic printed on them.

Transport and movement

There are almost never any problems with getting to Mykonos comfortably.

From Athens Airplanes fly here all year round, and during the tourist season there are flights from other resorts in Greece.

Many tourists prefer to get here by water: it may not be so fast, but you can enjoy amazing sea views. Internal transport on the island is well developed: local buses, taxis, and car rentals are at your service.

Airport. Mykonos has an airport with regular flights from both Athens airports. The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes. Planes also fly here from other Greek islands: Rhodes, Chios, Crete, Mytilene and Samos. However, these flights are only available during the tourist season, i.e. the summer months.

Sea transport. A ship sails daily from the Greek port of Piraeus to Mykonos. Ferries, ships and boats also depart here from some other ports in Greece, which can help you get to the place faster.

You can get to the island in a very exclusive way: by hovercraft. Not all travel agencies provide such services, and flights operate irregularly.

As for local water transport, you can book a yacht or ship to visit nearby islands or cruise along the coast of Mykonos.

Bus travel. There are several bus stops in the island's capital, Chora (Mykonos). As a rule, shuttle buses run every 2-3 hours. With them you can get to Mykonos Airport, to any of the beaches, and also go on a sightseeing tour of the island.

Rent a car. A car in Mykonos can be booked in advance. Upon arrival on the island, you will only need to show your voucher, credit card and driver's license. The credit card is used as security deposit for the car. Traveling around the island by car, you can easily get to almost any place you are interested in, except for those where special excursions are carried out on all-terrain jeeps as part of a jeep safari.

You can also travel around Mykonos by bicycles, mopeds And quad bikes.

Taxi. There are about 30 taxi cars on the island. Thus, sometimes you will have to wait for a long time for the ordered car. The main taxi rank in Mykonos is located in the main square in the island's capital. By the way, the square is also called Taxi Square. The cost of the trip depends on the distance. In addition to the usual taxi cars in Mykonos, there are also water taxi(taxi boats) that will take you anywhere on the island by sea.

Kitchen and food

The cuisine in Mykonos comes in a huge variety. Here you will find traditional dishes from Greek, Italian, European and Turkish cuisines. When preparing many dishes in Mykonos, seafood is not spared. Shrimp and shellfish are actively added to various dishes, not only Greek, but also, for example, Italian, in particular, pasta.

If you wish, you can choose the aquatic inhabitant you are interested in, say, an octopus: they will cook and serve it to you in the best possible way. No menu on the island is complete without a Greek salad with real feta cheese.

Local dishes. Local chefs prepare excellent moussaka. In Mykonos it is delicious like nowhere else: the local juicy moussaka simply melts in your mouth.

Fish lovers An amazing soup made from freshly caught fish awaits you. Gourmets should definitely try the chicken baked with Mykonos spices and vegetables, served directly in the pan.

Another local dish is called meat balls. It consists of beef meatballs fried in a mild tomato sauce. Meat balls can be served with any side dish.

Eggplants that are cooked over wood in a round oven are very tasty in Mykonos.