Mykonos

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

• Mykonos Town (Chora) is a stunningly picturesque Cycladic town with a maze of tiny, whitewashed streets, houses and churches, gathered around its harbour in the middle of a wide bay. It is one of the most cosmopolitan and crowded towns of the Aegean.

Although the streets are lined with little shops, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, stylish bars and restaurants, Mykonos Town has not completely lost its identity. Despite the island's rapid growth and development, its traditional Cycladic architectural style and character has remained firmly intact, thanks to the island's strict building regulations.

• Ano Mera is a small village on the middle of the island, and the only inland settlement on the whole of Mykonos, about 7 km east of Mykonos Town. Ano Mera is based around a large central square, which is lined on three sides by a series of Greek tavernas. The monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in 1542, is Ano Mera's most significant highlight.

Other small communities include:

• Agios Ioannis is a small settlement with two taverns, one restaurant and one tiny store. Agios Ioannis is famous as the location for the movie "Shirley Valentine".
• Agios Stefanos with many hotels, good restaurants, taverns and cafes.
• Platys Gialos is a popular tourist resort where small fishing boats transport tourists to the southern beaches of Mykonos.
• Ornos with several choices for staying, food and drink, and a well organized food market with a butcher's shop, bakery, supermarket and a pharmacy.
• Tourlos is where most of the cruise ships dock, private yachts and fishing boats use the marina and the port receives some of the ferries coming from the mainland or other islands.

The climate of Mykonos is characterised by hot, dry summers and mild winters. Like in most of the Aegean islands it hardly ever rains during summer but rain showers can be expected between October and April.

Temperatures in July and August range from 30°C (86°F) during the day to 22°C (72°F) at night. The Cyclades are famous for the constant wind (called meltemi) in July and August that mitigates the heat a bit.

Mid-May through mid-October is usually warm and sunny enough to enjoy the beaches.

From the Greek mainland ferries and high speed catamaran services run daily from Piraeus and Rafina. The highspeeds take half the time but cost twice as much.

The journey between the port of Piraeus (Athens) and Mykonos takes between 3 hr 30 min and 5 hr 15 min, depending on the type of ferry you are taking. On a slow ferry a seat in economy class will cost €32; on a highspeed service expect to pay €54.50. In Piraeus all the highspeed ferries to Mykonos depart from Port Gate Ε7; the conventional ferries leave from Port Gate Ε1. Most of the ferries connecting Piraeus to Mykonos stop working by end of October and resume by April.

Many travelers probably don't even consider Rafina a possible departure port if they are heading to one of the Cyclades, but if you are arriving at the airport of Athens you are often better off taking a ferry from Rafina than traveling to Athens and get a ferry from Piraeus. The journey between Rafina and Mykonos takes between 2 hr 10 min and 5 hr 30 min, depending on the type of ferry you are taking. On a regular ferry expect to pay €23.50 per person for a seat in economy class; on a high speed catamaran service expect to pay €52.50. Most of the ferries connecting Rafina to Mykonos stop working by end of October and resume by April.

Mykonos can also be reached directly from other islands in the Cyclades. More than once a day there is a boat connection from Syros, Andros, Tinos and Paros. There are daily boat connections from Naxos, Ios, Santorini and Crete. There's a daily overnight ferry, the 'Nissos Mykonos', from Samos (Vathi and Karlovassi) and Ikaria. There are less frequent boat connections from Serifos, Sifnos, Kimolos, Milos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Thirassia and Anafi.

Ferry companies:

• Hellenic Seaways provide a fast hydrofoil connection and regular ferries from Piraeus (Highspeed 5 and Highspeed 6) and Rafina (Flying Cat 3).
• Seajets have a regular schedule in the summer from Piraeus (SuperJet) and Rafina (Seajet 2).
• Blue Star Ferries have a regular daily schedules from Piraeus throughout the year (Blue Star Ithaki).
• Aegean Speed Lines have a daily high speed ferry operating from Piraeus (Speedrunner 3).

Pre-booking of ferries and highspeeds is only necessary from mid-July to late August or just before or after a Greek holiday. Beware that every year at the 15th of Augustus the island of Tinos is a goal for thousands of orthodox pilgrims. Most ferries and highspeeds from Piraeus and Rafina to Mykonos make a stop at Tinos. This means that around this period it is recommended to buy tickets well in advance. Also expect a lot of Greek tourist to visit Mykonos around the weekend of Pentecost, in late May or early June.

Keep in mind that if you book your ticket online, you may still need to collect the ticket from a travel agency once you get to Greece.

Boat services can be cancelled due to strong wind. Weather cancellations are very rare, though, only a few days over the course of a summer.

Mykonos has two ports: the old port in Mykonos Town, and the new port at Tourlos, about 2 km north of Mykonos Town. Check before you travel which port your boat will use. Most of the ferries use the new port. The highspeed catamaran services still use the old port in Mykonos Town.

The best option is the SeaBus that will get you into town for €2. It leaves every half hour and the entire journey (2 stops at the new port and 2 stops in Mykonos town) takes 12 min.

During high season there is an infrequent public bus service from the new port in Tourlos to Mykonos Town. It is best to take a taxi. It is possible to walk from the new port into town, but it will take around 45 minutes along a busy main road without a sidewalk.

From the old port it is a short and easy walk along the coast into town.

Mykonos is a popular stop on cruise ship tours of the Greek Islands. Almost all cruise ships dock at the new port in Tourlos, though some cruise ships use the old port.

If you are arriving at the new port, make use of the cruise shuttle bus to Mykonos Town. You can also take a taxi yourself, but with so many people arriving at the same time it won't be easy to catch one. It is likely that the cruise shuttle bus will drop you off at a parking area not far from the northern bus station in Mykonos Town. It is less than a 10-minute ride. From there everything is within walking distance.

If you are arriving at the old port, you will arrive within a 10-minute walk of the heart of Mykonos Town and no bus ride will be necessary or even available.

It is easy to explore Mykonos independently. There's no real need to book excursions. Also the recommended excursion to Delos can be booked independently (guided or unguided).

• 🌍 Mykonos Island National Airport (JMK  ^IATA) (is about 4 km away from the main town). There are daily flights from Athens (35 minutes) by Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines. During summer, both Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines also have daily direct flights from Thessaloniki. In high season there are also less frequent flights from Rhodes, Santorini, Crete (Heraklion) and Volos by Sky Express. International flights are also available in high season. (updated Jul 2023)

From May through October, charter airlines fly directly to Mykonos from many European airports:

• TUIfly flies from Amsterdam (AMS);
• Blue Panorama Airlines flies from Rome Fiumicino (FCO);
• Borajet flies from Istanbul Sabiha-Gökçen (SAW);
• EasyJet flies from London Gatwick (LGW), Geneva (GVA), Milan Malpensa (MXP), Paris Orly (ORY) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO);
• Edelweiss Air flies from Geneva (GVA) and Zürich (ZRH);
• Ryanair flies to Naples;
• TUIfly Belgium flies from Brussels (BRU);
• Thomson Airways flies from London Gatwick (LGW) and Manchester (MAN);
• Transavia flies from Amsterdam (AMS) and Paris Orly (ORY);
• Volotea flies from Venice (VCE), Palermo (PMO), Napoli (NAP) and Bari (BRI);
• Vueling flies from Barcelona (BCN) and Madrid (MAD).

At the arrival area of the airport you may find an ATM, shops, a cafeteria, public phones, a post box, an office of the Mykonos Hoteliers Association, an Olympic Air office, an Aegean Airlines office and many car rental companies.

In the terminal building on the first floor there is a duty-free shop for departing passengers selling tobacco, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, travel accessories and gift items.

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

Many Mykonos hotels offer airport transfers, at rates that can be anything from free to more than a taxi. Best chance for a free transfer is when you book your room directly with the hotel. A transfer by your hotel is the easiest way to get to your hotel, so check with your hotel before arrival.

Taxis are usually waiting at the airport, at the taxi rank opposite the terminal building, but competition for them can be keen. If there is no taxi waiting you can see the sign with the phone numbers of the taxi radio office so you may call. A taxi from Mykonos airport to town costs about €8, a few euros more if you are carrying luggage.

Buses from and to the airport are frequent from the southern bus terminal, Fabrika, in Mykonos Town.

You can also walk from the airport into town, it's about 2.5km and most of the time there is a pavement to safely walk on. It's mostly uphill going towards the airport.

There is a bus network that takes you around the island. There are two bus stations in Mykonos Town, each on different sides of Mykonos Town. From the main southern bus station, Fabrica, buses can be taken for departures to Platys Gialos (every half hour), Paraga (every hour), Paradise (every half hour), Ornos and Agios Ioannis. There are also night buses from Mykonos to Platys Gialos and Paradise leaving every hour. From the northern bus station which is not very far from the old port ferry quay, buses can be taken for departures to Ano Mera, Elia (departing at 11AM, noon, 2PM, 4PM, 6PM and 7PM, returning 30 minutes later) and Kalafatis. Departure times are clearly marked at the two bus stations and the end of the bus routes. Bus schedules change a bit about every two weeks. Frequencies of buses are higher in high season.

There is no bus connection between the two bus stations. From one bus station to the other will take about 20 minutes of walking through the streets of Mykonos Town.

It is possible to buy your bus ticket from the bus driver (have exact change ready), but you can also buy your bus tickets before boarding the bus. Bus tickets can be bought in advance from a bus ticket vending machine (euro coins necessary) and can be purchased at kiosks, mini-markets and tourist shops as well. There are no return tickets available; for a return trip you simply need two single tickets. Hand over your ticket to the bus driver and he will "validate" it by simply tearing your ticket. There are ticket stamping machines in the bus, but they simply don't function. Don't be surprised if a man that is already on the bus near the bus driver will check your "validated" ticket a few minutes later. Even though your ticket is just teared and not stamped, he will inspect your ticket thoroughly, looking for counterfeited tickets. Bus tickets are €1.60, except for the further destinations of Elia and Kalafatis which cost €1.70. Tickets for night buses are €2. Buses in Mykonos are almost always full during the busy parts of the day; the bus driver will squeeze in as many passengers as he can.

On the entire island there are only about 30 taxis, which means that depending on taxis for transport can be an exercise of great patience. In Mykonos Town the main location for taxis is in Manto Square (also called Town Square or Taxi Square), on the harbour front near the statue. You have to wait in line and sometimes you can wait for hours in the taxi queue. In the evening it can be very difficult to find a taxi. Taxis do not use meters, but there's a notice board giving rates for each destination. Fares are quite reasonable. Calling for a radio taxi costs €1.30 extra, and an appointment €5 in addition to the fare. Contact telephone numbers are 22400 and 23700.

Various boat services provide a good and fun way of getting to the southern beaches of Mykonos.

• From Platys Gialos small fishing boats converted into tourist transport leave every hour or less to the beaches of Paranga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. First departure 10:15 until 16:15 every hour. Last return to Platys Gialos from Elia at 18:00 and from Super Paradise at 20:00.
• From Ornos boats leave for the beaches of Platys Gialos, Paranga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. Boats leaves from Ornos at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 and 13:00.

Price for a return ticket is €5 for Paranga and Paradise, €6 for Super Paradise and €7 for Agrari and Elia. Boat services can be cancelled due to strong wind, but with the exception of Super Paradise all of these beaches can be reached by bus from Mykonos Town as well.

From June to September there are also infrequently boats leaving from the harbour in Mykonos Town to Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia.

Mykonos has an extensive public transport system from Mykonos Town. By public transport it is easy to get to all the southern beaches, which happen to be the nicest beaches as well. Renting a motorbike or a car is the way to go if you want to explore the rest of the island, especially the more remote beaches at the north coast. Motorbike and car rentals are readily available around the island. In Mykonos Town the highest concentration of rent a car - motorbike agencies is in and around the area of the southern busstation, where you will find a wide range of choices. The other area of Mykonos Town with rent a car - motorbike agencies is near to the old port, behind the Archaeological Museum.

• Action Rent a Car Mykonos, Platys Gialos (in the main road to Platys Gialos, 50 m from the crossroad to Psarou Beach), ☏ +30 22890 23572, fax: +30 22890 27609, info@actionmykonos.com. Daily 09:00-20:00. 
• Budget rent a car Mykonos, Kato Mili, Mykonos Town (near the windmills), ☏ +30 22890 23210, fax: +30 22890 24690. Daily 08:00-21:00. 
• OK Rent a Car, Agios Stefanos, ☏ +30 22890 23761, fax: +30 22890 25497, okmykonos@yahoo.gr. 

Cars are not permitted in the town of Mykonos. There are parking areas on the outskirts of town, but during peak season finding a parking space is usually a challenge. You can always try the huge public parking area next to the old port. Considering Mykonos is a very small island, renting a bike might be a better choice, unless you are planning to stay far out of town and from beaches. Bikes are cheap to rent, you can park them almost anywhere, and it is cooler than a car standing in the hot sun all day.

• 🌍 The Windmills, Mykonos Town (western part of town). From as early as the 16th century, the windmills are one of the most recognized landmarks of Mykonos. Once this island was a great producer of wheat and bread. The area of the windmills has a splendid view on Little Venice and is the most popular place in Mykonos to watch the sunset. 
• Little Venice (Alefkandra), Mykonos Town (most western part of town). A district located at the sea, famous for its picturesque medieval two and three storey houses, which stand like a wall above the sea, and their colourful wooden balconies. Little Venice is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the whole of Mykonos and offers a fantastic sunset. A favourite activity is drinking a cocktail in one of the many bars and cafes while watching the sunset on the seashore. You will reach Little Venice walking from the windmills down the stairs. It is only a five minute walk from Fabrika bus station and there is a sign for it on the other side of the square. 
• 🌍 Panagia Paraportiani, Mykonos Town (most western part of town). Of all the churches on Mykonos, the most impressive is Panagia Paraportianí, a true Byzantine jewel. This whitewashed church, which building dates back to 1425 and was not completed until the 17th century, is the most popular and most photographed of the 400 churches on the whole island of Mykonos. It is made up of four chapels at ground level with another one above. Only one of the chapels on the ground floor is open to visitors, from early morning until sunset. The church is located in the Kastro district, the oldest section of Mykonos Town. 
• Petros the Pelican, the island's mascot, can sometimes be found at the waterfront or even up in town. The pelican was found wounded off the coast of Paranga shore after a storm back in the 1950s by a local fisherman. The pelican was nursed to health and remained on the island supported by locals. It soon adopted the name “Petros”. To great disappointment by locals and tourists alike, Petros was hit by a car on 2 December 1985 and failed to recover. After Petros died in 1986 he was so popular that a new pelican was introduced as a successor. Now there are three pelicans inhabiting the island. This means that the Petros you meet, can be a Petra. Well, this is Mykonos.

All museums are open from April to October, except the Archaeological Museum which is open year-round. Most people keep the museums for a rainy day, but the Archaeological Museum is worth a visit.

• 🌍 Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, Mykonos Town (near the northern bus station), ☏ +30 22890 22325. Tu-Su 08:30-15:00. The exhibition of the museum includes a large number of vases, ranging from the prehistoric to the late Hellenistic period (25th-1st century BC), grave statues, stelae and funerary urns from the nearby island of Rheneia (Delos' necropolis). There are very few finds from Mykonos. €2. 
• 🌍 Folklore Museum, Mykonos Town (a few meters from Paraportiani), ☏ +30 22890 22591. M-Sa 16:30-20:30. The Folklore Museum, housed in an 18th-century sea captain's house, brings together a number of collections of furniture, icons, pieces of sculpture, folk musical instruments, costumes and textiles. Admission €2. 
• 🌍 Lena's House Museum, Tria Pigadia, Mykonos Town (centre of town, next to the Maritime Museum), ☏ +30 22890 2239. M-Sa 18:30-21:30. Lena's House Museum, a branch of the Folklore Museum, is an authentic 19th-century middle class Mykonian house, completely restored with furnishings. 
• 🌍 Aegean Maritime Museum, Tria Pigadia, Mykonos Town (centre of town, next to Lena´s House), ☏ +30 22890 22700, museum@emproslines.com. Daily 10:30-13:00 and 18:30-21:00. A collection of nautical instruments and ancient vessels. 
• 🌍 Agricultural Museum, Apono Mili, Mykonos Town (near the windmills), ☏ +30 22890 22390. M-Sa 18:30-21:30. A collection of traditional agricultural tools. 
• The Boni Mill, Mykonos Town (on the upper east section of town), ☏ +30 22890 26246. Open daily from June to September, from 16:00 to 20:00. A 16th century windmill, overlooking the town. The mill has been maintained and is fully functional featuring its customary wood-burning stone oven. 

Most of the beaches have tavernas and restaurants and are well equipped with deck chairs and parasols. Most common price is €12 for a set of two deck chairs and an umbrella. The best beaches are on the south side of the island and sheltered from the prevailing northern wind. On the more popular beaches, it is not uncommon for people to walk down the beach selling probably illegal goods such as DVDs, fake bags, clothes, jewellery and watches. They come right up to you and it can be somewhat annoying but they are easily pushed away with a simple 'No, thank you'. Also, many beaches, even the more family-orientated, are often populated with the 'European' style of sunbathing - i.e. topless.

• Psarou (5 km from Mykonos Town). This upmarket beach is popular amongst Greeks. Lots of hotels, apartments and restaurants. Psarou is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town. Get off the bus one stop before the last stop, Platys Gialos. 
• Platys Gialos (6km from Mykonos Town). Busy family and tourist beach. Lots of hotels, apartments, restaurants and beach bars, lining the long sandy beach. Jet ski rentals are available. Bus service from Mykonos Town is very frequent and takes about 15 minutes. Platys Gialos is the starting point for regular boat services to the other southern Mykonos beaches. 
• Paranga (6km from Mykonos Town). Sandy beach. There are some rocks in water, but many places where you can enter over sand. There is a camping, some hotels and some nice beach bars and restaurants. Also popular with gays. Nudity is quite common, especially on the right end (facing the sea). At about 5PM the beach gets really noisy with several beach bars. On the right side Paranga also has a large, more quiet stretch of sandy beach without deck chairs and parasols and without restaurants and bars.
  Paranga is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town or with a regular boat service from Platys Gialos (first stop). It is also an easy walk from Platys Gialos (15 minutes) or Paradise (10 minutes).
  On your way walking from Platys Galios you will pass by the beach of Aghia Anna, an enchanting little cove nearby Paranga Beach with only a handful of rental umbrellas and lounge chairs. At this golden sand beach there are two lovely restaurants nearby, a more modern Greek restaurant (Santanna) and a traditional-style Greek tavern (Nikolas). 
• Paradise (Kalamopodi) (6km from Mykonos Town). Probably the most popular beaches known for its parties. At about 16:00 the music will get really loud. Paradise is easily reached by bus from Mykonos Town or with a regular boat service from Platys Gialos (second stop). 
• Super Paradise (Plintri) (7km from Mykonos Town). Restaurants, beach bars and some hotels. The right side of the beach is mostly nude and gay. At about 16:00 the music will get really loud and there will be music from both the left side (Super Paradise Beach Bar Club) and the right side (Coco Club); for some time to leave, for others time to party. There is no bus service to Super Paradise, but it is easily accessible with a regular boat service from Platys Gialos (third stop). You can also take the bus to Paradise from Mykonos Town and then continue walking for 20 minutes over the hill to Super paradise. From June to September there is a boat from the harbour in Mykonos Town to Super Paradise, leaving in the morning and returning around 16:30 in the afternoon. With your own transport it is a difficult winding road from Mykonos Town. 
• Agrari (8km from Mykonos Town). Agrari Beach is less popular than its neighbour Elia and much calmer. Well organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, with many watersports. If there are enough passengers, the boats from Platys Gialos will make a stop at Agrari. Otherwise, it is an easy 5-minute walk over the rocks from Elia Beach. With you own transport it is a quite difficult road from Mykonos Town. 
• Elia (8km from Mykonos Town). Elia is one of the larger beaches on Mykonos. It is a well organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas (40 euro in 2020), and various water sports (ski and jet-ski). Three restaurants and taverns. Also popular with gays, especially the small rocky beach between Elia and Agari. Nudity is permitted but not as common as at Paradise, Super Paradise and Paranga. Nudity is concentrated at the right and nicest part of the beach (towards Agrari). Elia is most easily reached by a direct local bus from Mykonos Town’s northern bus terminal, but also with a regular boat service from Platys Gialos beach (fourth and last stop). Last boat back is at 18:00, but after that time two buses are still running (leaving at 18:30 and 19:30). 

• Kalo Livadi (10km from, Mykonos Town, 2km from Ano Mera). A quiet, long stretch of sandy beach. It offers some taverns with good food, and a few small hotels and villas. Best reached with your own transport, but you can get there by bus. Take the bus to Elia and get off the bus at the top of the hill where it turns to go to Elia Beach and walk for about ten minutes downhill to your left. 
• Kalafati (12km from Mykonos Town). A very large, beautiful and less developed beach and a favourite with windsurfers due to the offshore breeze. A variety of water sports are available here, including jet ski, water ski, wakeboard and tube rides. Kalafati can be reached by bus from Mykonos Town, but this bus only runs a few times a day. Immediately next to Kalafatis are the sandy beaches of Draoumia and Tafarnis. 
• Lia (14km from Mykonos Town). An uncrowded, sandy beach. Deck chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. Some tiny houses of fishermen from a little settlement, with two taverns and a beach bar. To get there you need your own transport or you can walk from Kalafati. 

• Fokos. A small beach with coarse sand, not known by many people. This beach has no facilities like sunbeds and umbrellas, but it offers a very good tavern. To get to Fokos you need your own transport. Follow the signs for Fokos from Ano Mera. 
• Ftelia (near Ano Mera, southern part of Panormos Bay). This beach faces the north and thus it is affected by the strong summer northern winds, which make it ideal for wind surfing, but not for swimming or sunbathing. Ftelia is an isolated, very tranquil place and even during July and August not very crowded, because it is often quite windy and dusty. To get there you need your own transport. From Ano Mera follow a weaving road down to the beach. 
• Panormos. On the north side of the island and facing east onto Panormos Bay is the long and beautiful Panormos Beach. Two restaurants, one hotel and a trendy beach club serve this otherwise remote area. Panormos Beach is nudist beach mostly in the right side. To get to Panormos you need your own transport. 
• Agios Sostis. This beach faces the east of Panormos Bay. Agios Sostis is one of the more remote beaches on the island, without rental lounge chairs and umbrellas. Void of accommodation and crowds this beautiful beach offers not only peace and quiet, but also a very good small restaurant. Nude bathing tolerant. To get there you need your own transport. Take the road beyond Panormos beach. 

• Agios Stefanos (3km north of Mykonos Town). A well developed, sandy beach next to the new harbor. Agios Stefanos is very popular and gets very crowded during summer time. This beach is about the length of a soccer pitch. Agios Stefanos is reachable by bus from Mykonos town. 
• Tourlos (2km north of Mykonos Town). A small beach near the new port of Mykonos. The actual beach of Tourlos is not used much anymore since the construction of the new port and marina, but is still a busy area. 
• Mykonos town beach. There's a small beach at the harbour front (Aghia Anna, one of several by that name on the island). Unless you are waiting for a boat leaving from the old port, there is no reason staying there. Much better beaches are within easy reach. 
• Megali Ammos (1km south of Mykonos Town). The nearest beach to Mykonos Town, a 10-minute walk from Mykonos Town along the coast into the direction of Ornos (or hop on the bus to Ornos). The beach is next to the central road. There is a huge slab in the sea which makes it a little difficult to swim. The beach has no umbrellas and sunbeds due to the strong northerly winds. There are a few hotels and apartments and a wonderful tavern, Joanna's Niko's Place. 
• Ornos (3km south of Mykonos Town). Busy family and tourist beach. It gathers many for its sunbeds and umbrellas, and bars and restaurants. The sandy beach slopes gently into the sea. There are schools for sea-skiing and surfing.
  Ornos is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town (or walk along the coast road for about 30 minutes).
  2 km north of Ornos is the beach of Korfos, suitable for wind surfing, but not for swimming or sunbathing. 
• Agios Ioannis (Shirley Valentine Beach) (4km south west of Mykonos Town). Agios Ioannis is a small beach with snorkeling opportunities. The beach never gets over crowded and deck chairs are available to rent. Great tavern and cocktail bar very close. The beach offers a beautiful view towards the nearby islands of Delos and Rheneia. Agios Ioannis is easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town.
  Next to Agios Ioannis is the small beach of Kapari, with a small nude section. This hidden beach is located north of Agios Ioannis, behind Agios Ioannis chapel, and then a steep walk downhill. 

• Appaloosa Bar & Restaurant, 11 Mavrogenous, Plateia Goumenio, Mykonos Town (centre of town), ☏ +30 22890 27086, appaloosamykonos@yahoo.gr. Mexican-European food, relaxed atmosphere and also a great place for cocktails. 
• Avra Restaurant, 27 Kalogera Street, Mykonos Town, ☏ +30 22890 22298, info@avra-mykonos.com. Daily 19:00-01:00. Excellent Greek food, not exactly cheap, but well worth the price. You can sit inside, at the small terrace overlooking the street or in the garden. 
• Bakalo, 84 Lakka, Mykonos Town (150m down from the southern bus station), ☏ +30 22890 78121, info@bakalo.gr. Moderately priced Greek eatery. 
• Caesar, Plateia Goumenio, Mykonos Town (centre of town), ☏ +30 22890 23104. Small restaurant. Reasonable prices. 
• Catari, Aghia Anna, Mykonos Town (near the old port), ☏ +30 22890 78571, info@catari.gr. Traditional Italian pizzeria. 
• Eva's Garden, Plateia Goumenio, Mykonos Town (centre of town), ☏ +30 22890 22160, fax: +30 22890 27060, evas.myconos@yahoo.gr. Daily 18:00-01:00. Home cooked Greek and international dishes in a beautiful garden and roof setting. Dining room inside for windy nights. Excellent service and good atmosphere. 
• Joanna's Niko's Place, Megali Ammos (right on the beach, a 10-minute walk from Mykonos Town along the coast into the direction of Ornos), ☏ +30 22890 24251. A fabulous taverna with tasty Greek food at very reasonable prices. A marvellous place to sit in the evening and watch the sunset. Reservation recommended. 
• La Maison de Katrin Restaurant, Ayios Gerasimos, Mykonos Town (corner of Gerasimos & Nikou, off Matogianni Street), ☏ +30 22890 22169. Daily 18:00-02:00. One of the most famous and oldest restaurants on the island, with classic French and Greek cuisine and excellent service. Stylish and expensive. The average price for a meat or fish entree is €100, and small starter plates start from €20. 
• Kounelas Fish Tavern, Svoronou, Mykonos Town (near the harbour, next to Porta Bar), ☏ +30 22890 28220. Open from 20:00. A small fish tavern in a garden setting. Fresh fish accompanied by Greek salads at a reasonable price. You can select your dish from the limited menu or choose your seafood from the catch of the day. Often full. 
• Lotus, 47 Matogianni, Mykonos Town (halfway along main street), ☏ +30 22890 22881. Small, romantic spot, seating under a canopy of vines. Good food and full bar. It may be a little pricey, but it's worth it. 
• To Ma'ereio (Maerion), 16 Kalogera Street, Mykonos Town (behind the Alpha Bank on Matogianni Street (main street)), ☏ +30 22890 28825. Open from 19:00. A small reasonably-priced tavern serving excellent traditional Greek dishes and Mykonian specialties. Almost always full. 
• Marco Polo, Lakka Square, Mykonos Town, ☏ +30 22890 22126. Greek tavern. 
• Niko's Taverna, Ag. Ioanninou, Agias Monis Square, Mykonos Town (one block off the harbour towards Little Venice, near Paraportiani), ☏ +30 22890 24320. Daily 12:00-01:00. A very popular restaurant which is always packed. An extensive menu of good, authentic Greek food at very reasonable prices. 

The town square offers several traditional restaurants.

• Vangelis Taverna, Ano Mera (main square), ☏ +30 22890 71577. Excellent bistro and though not cheap value for money. 

• Konstantis Taverna, Ornos (at the beach), ☏ +30 22890 22837. An elegant beach restaurant serving fresh fish. 

• Yialo Yialo Restaurant Mykonos, Platys Gialos, ☏ +30 228907 8916. daily 08ː00-02ː00. Some different food options at reasonable prices, right on the beach. 
• Avli tou Thodori, Platys Gialos (from the bus station the second restaurant on the beach), ☏ +30 22890 78100, info@avlitouthodori.gr. Excellent restaurant. Great variety of international and Greek dishes, all served on a seaside terrace. 

• N'Ammos, Psarou (right on the beach), ☏ +31 22890 22440. A beautiful, all white restaurant for the "rich and famous" and known for its celebrity spottings. Mediterranean cuisine. Very expensive, but some say you get what you pay for. 

• Agrari Restaurant, Agrari Beach, ☏ +30 22890 71295. A traditional beach restaurant with a green garden. 
• Fokos Taverna, Fokos Beach, ☏ +30 6945828561. Daily 13:00-19:00, till 20:00 in August. Meat, grilled fish, cooked dishes (one per day, and good) and a large variety of salads. A bit remote, but the tavern itself is worth the trip. 
• Kiki's Taverna, Agios Sostis (on the steep hill walking towards the beach entrance). Daily 11:00-18:00. A hidden gem. There is seating for perhaps two dozen people at most, and because there’s no electricity, the restaurant closes just before dusk. Everything is really tasty and fresh, cooked on an outdoor grill, served with fresh homemade salads 
• Restaurant Bar Beach Club LIASTI, Lia Beach, ☏ +30 2289 072150. This remote Italian bistro is worth the drive, for the sea and the cuisine. 
• Lia Fish Tavern, Lia Beach, ☏ +30 22890 71015. Traditional fish tavern. Fisherman owner serves his day’s catch. 
• Nikolas, Agia Anna Beach (a 2-minute walk from Paranga Beach into the direction of Platys Gialos), ☏ +30 22890 23566. A family-run beach tavern with traditional Greek dishes at affordable prices. They have been there since 1967! 
• Tasos Taverna, Paranga Beach, ☏ +31 22890 23002. A very popular, moderately-upscale fish tavern. 

• Argo Bar, Manto Square (1st floor), Mykonos Town ('taxi square', above Camares restaurant), ☏ +30 22890 28766, argobarmykonos@gmail.com. Open from 22:00 till late. Friendly club with loud dance music. 
• Astra Bar, Tria Pigadia, Mykonos Town (heart of town), ☏ +30 22890 24767, info@astra.org.gr. 
• Caprice, Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos Town (Little Venice), ☏ +30 22890 23541. Located on the edge of the sea wall in Little Venice, with entrances at the front and back, Caprice Bar can be packed wall to wall. Here you can enjoy the music, cocktails and a trendy party atmosphere. 
• Katerina's Bar, Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos Town (Little Venice), ☏ +30 22890 23804. Open from 22:00 to 03:30. Katerina's Cocktail Bar is built on two levels and each level has a balcony that hangs over the sea in Little Venice, making it good spot to view the sunset over a cocktail. 
• Skandinavian Bars-Disco, Agion Ioannis Barkia, Mykonos Town (near Nikos Taverna), ☏ +30 22890 22669, info@skandinavianbar.com. Skandinavian Bar is one of the 'landmark' party places on Mykonos since 1978. Comprised of an outdoor square with seating all around, two smaller downstairs bars and the upstairs disco overseeing it all. Friendly atmosphere, excellent service and - not unimportant - drinks at the best prices (large beer €5). 
• Thalami, Mykonos Town (old port, under Mykonos' Town Hall and next to Nikos tavern). Open from 22:00 till late. Popular bar with Greek music. 

• Babylon, Paraportiani waterfront, Mykonos Town (old harbour, next to Jacky O'), ☏ +30 22890 25152. Open from 10:00 till late. A new gay dance club, opened in 2009. There's a dance floor and drag shows. Babylon is less crowded than its neighbour Jacky O'. Beer €6. 
• Jacky O', Paraportiani waterfront, Mykonos Town (old harbour), ☏ +30 22890 79167. Open from 10AM till late. The most popular gay dance club, opened in 2009. The party goes wild at about 02:00 till sometimes 07:00. Inside there's a really crowded dance floor and shows by drag queens. During peak summer nights, hundreds of people are hanging out outside at the waterfront. Recommended. Beer €6. 
• Kastro Bar, Agion Anargyron Street, Mykonos Town (Little Venice, next to Paraportiani), ☏ +30 22890 23072. Open from 19:00 till late. Kastro offers a magnificent sunset view in a relaxed and romantic atmosphere with classical music. It is a cocktail bar, but their most notorious drink is the Kastro Coffee (secret recipe, but you will taste some Metaxa). The arrangement of tables and benches is such that it’s almost impossible not to get engaged in conversation with strangers. Only busy early in the evening, till about 22:00. Recommended. Cocktails €10-12. 
• Lola, 4 Zani Pitaraki, Mykonos Town (between Limni Square & Little Venice), ☏ +30 22890 23072, magicgilles@yahoo.com. Open from 19:00 till late. A very cabaret, theatrical feel. 
• Porta Bar, Ionni Voinovich, Mykonos Town (in an alley just a few meters back from the blue-domed church at the harbour front, next to Kounelas Fish Tavern), ☏ +30 22890 27087. Open from 20:00 to 03:30. Busy 23:30-02:00. Porta Bar in Mykonos is in one of the backstreets of Mykonos Town, so you may have to ask around to locate it. Otherwise use the back entrance, easy to find between Nikos Taverna and Skandinavian Bar. Beer €4. 

• Jackie O’ Beach Club & Restaurant, Super Paradise Beach (on a rock, at the right side of Super Paradise), ☏ +30 697 301 0981. A beach bar overlooking the beach. Attracts a gay crowd. 
• Kalua Beach Bar, Paranga Beach, ☏ +30 22890 23927. By day, this bleached-white beach bar serves good local cuisine at decent prices. Come 18:00 though, the DJ strikes up and the dancing begins. By midnight until the early hours it’s a wild scene. 
• Panormos Beach Bar & Restaurant, Panormos Beach, ☏ +30 22890 27640. A trendy beach bar and tavern, that changed Panormos Beach into a more cosmopolitan beach. 
• Super Paradise Beach Club, Super Paradise Beach, ☏ +30 22890 23023, summer@superparadise.com.gr. The party starts in the afternoon and continues until late at night, with the peak in July and August. 
• Tropicana Beach Club, Paradise Beach, ☏ +30 22890 23582, info@tropicanamykonos.com. 

Although Mykonos's nightlife focuses mainly on bars, there are a number of notable dance clubs to be found on the island, some of them attracting world-famous DJs.

• Cavo Paradiso, Paradise Beach (on a hill, to the left of Paradise Beach), ☏ +30 22890 27205, fax: +30 22890 25949, info@cavoparadiso.gr. Daily 00:30-08:30 and only during the busy months of July and August. Cavo Paradiso, an Ibiza-style open-air mega club, has a fantastic view of the sea and a huge swimming pool in the middle of the club, where you can party and dance till well after the sun comes up. The party doesn't start until at least 02:00. Clubbers from all around the world voted for Cavo Paradiso as one of the 10 best clubs of the world. Famous DJs, like Roger Sanchez, David Morales, Paul Oakenfold, Sander van Doorn and Tiësto, play here every summer and various music events are hosted frequently. Very expensive! 
• Paradise Club Mykonos, Paradise Beach (on a hill, to the left of Paradise Beach), office@paradiseclub-mykonos.com. The biggest nightclub on the island and voted for as one of the 100 best clubs of the world. With three stages and a swimming pool. Famous DJs, like Moby, Bob Sincar, Fedde Legrand, David Guetta and Armin van Buuren, play here every summer. The party starts every day around 16:30, with the peak in July and August. The daily party can run into the night. 

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

• Mykonos Camping, Paranga Beach, ☏ +30 22890 25915, fax: +30 22890 24578, info@mycamp.gr. Mykonos Camping extends out on a headland overlooking the sea. A camping with a self-service restaurant, cafe-bar, swimming pool, mini market and bike rental. Paraga Beach Hostel is part of this camping (or it might just be rebranding). A good choice if you want a more relaxed camping, though not quiet. Camping 2 adults with own small tent from €12, dorm room from €10 per person, bungalow from €25 and apartment from €60. 
• Paradise Beach Resort and Camping, Paradise Beach, ☏ +30 22890 22852, fax: +30 22890 24350, reception@paradisemykonos.com. A pretty much self contained camping with a self-service restaurant, snackbar, beach bar, mini market, boutique, internet and bike rental. A good choice if you want a more developed camping and are looking to meet other young backpackers and party all night long. Camping 2 adults with own small tent from €13.50, cabin from €20, bungalow from €34, room from €40 and apartment (sleeps 4 persons) from €80. 

Both are reachable by public bus from Mykonos Town or by boat from Platys Gialos. Both offer shuttle bus transportation to and from the airport and ferry boat ports.

• Artemoula's Studios, Platys Gialos (100 m from the Platys Gialos bus station), ☏ +30 22890 22174, fax: +30 22890 25005, info@artemoulas-orpheas.gr. Studios €50-130. 
• Nazos Hotel, School of Fine Arts district, Mykonos Town (on the edge of town, from the southern bus station a 5-minute walk up the hill), ☏ +30 22890 22626, fax: +30 22890 24604, info@hotelnazos.com. A small, family-run hotel with 14 rooms. €60-125. 
• Orpheas Rooms, 6 Agiou Artemiou, Niohori, Mykonos Town (edge of the centre of town, between the windmills and the southern bus station), ☏ +30 22890 22174, fax: +30 22890 25005, info@artemoulas-orpheas.gr. Basic rooms €40-130. 
• Paradise View Hotel, Paradise Beach (500m from Paradise Beach on a hill), ☏ +30 22890 26636, fax: +30 22890 24636. Offers double and triple hotel rooms. €65-170. 
• Stavroula's Studios, Agioi Apostoloi, Platys Gialos (2 km away from both Platys Gialos and Mykonos Town), ☏ +30 22890 23801, fax: +30 22890 23801, info@stavroulastudios.gr. Self catering studios and rooms. €45-130. 
• Vouniotis Pension, Vrissi, Mykonos Town (600m out of Mykonos Town), ☏ +30 22890 26758, vouniotisrooms@gmail.com. In a quiet area, but a bit of a trek up the hill (15 minutes). The Vouniotis Pension complex constists of 15 rooms, comprised of a fridge, a TV, a private bathroom and a veranda. Rooms from €35. 
• Vista Apartments, Mykonos Town (near the old port and the northern bus station), ☏ +30 22890 28657. Fully-appointed, spacious apartments for 2 to 5 persons, close to the old port in Mykonos Town, and Nikos Apartments located in Megali Ammos. €50-140. 
• Zorzis Hotel, 30 Nik. Kalogera Street, Mykonos Town (centre of town, opposite Avra Restaurant), ☏ +30 22890 22167, fax: +30 22890 22169, info@zorzishotel.com. Check-in: 13:30, check-out: 10:30. A charming 16th-century stone building in the heart of town. €65-152. 

• Adonis Hotel, Bida Street, Mykonos Town (a 3-minute walk from the southern bus station), ☏ +30 22890 22434, fax: +30 22890 23449, adonis@myk.forthnet.gr. A family-run hotel with comfortable rooms, many of which have a view. The owners and staff will make you feel at home. Value for money. €105-200. 
• Apsenti Boutique Hotel, Agios Ioannis (300m from the beach), ☏ +30 22890 24015, fax: +30 22890 26622, info@apsenti.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Apsenti is dedicated to couples and honeymooners only. Traditional design Mykonos boutique hotel with great service and intimate atmosphere. €75-345. 
• Carbonaki Hotel, 23 Pananchrantrou Street, Mykonos Town (center of town), ☏ +30 22890 24124, fax: +30 22890 24102, info@carbonaki.gr. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. Family-run Carbonaki offers 21 modern and comfortable rooms at a superb location in the middle of town. Open the whole year around. €78-168. 
• Fresh Hotel, 31 Nik. Kalogera Street, Mykonos Town (centre of town), ☏ +30 22890 24670, fax: +30 22890 22704. This is a beloved gay friendly hotel, offering spacious, well-designed rooms. €115-195. 
• Geranium Hotel, School of Fine arts district, New Ring Road, Mykonos Town (up on a hill 500 m from Mykonos Town), ☏ +30 22890 28657, fax: +30 22890 25736, info@geranium-hotel.com. A luxury gay hotel (exclusively male) with views to the sea, city and sunset. Provides services category, large garden and swimming pool with breakfast bar and appetizers. The hotel has rooms, studios, apartments and a villa. €100-300. 
• Harmony Boutique Hotel, Mykonos Town (near the port), ☏ +30 22890 28980, fax: +30 22890 28982, info@harmonyhotel.gr. An exclusive luxurious boutique hotel. €140-385. 
• La Veranda of Mykonos, Agiou Ioannou & Evagelistrias, Mykonos Town (a steep 10-minute walk (300 m) up on a hillside in Mykonos Town), ☏ +30 22890 23670, fax: +30 22890 25133, laveranda@gmail.com. A charming pension, Mykonian style, with 10 rooms surrounded by a garden with a small swimming pool and terraces with beautiful views. €67-100. 
• Mina Studios Mykonos, Platys Gialos (50 m from the Platys Gialos bus station), ☏ +30 22890 25625, fax: +30 22890 27555, info@mykonos-hotelstudios.com. Offer studios and apartments with sea views. Open the whole year around. €50-120. 
• Mykonos Star Hotel, Agios Sostis, ☏ +30 22890 24032, fax: +30 22890 24032, info@mykonos-star.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. This luxury hotel overlooking Panormos Bay offers comfortable and modern accommodation. €60-260. 
• Omiros Hotel, Tagoo, Mykonos Town (a 10-minute walk up on a hillside in Mykonos Town), ☏ +30 22890 23328, fax: +30 22890 24639, omiros_@otenet.gr. This family-run hotel has 10 renovated rooms with their own private terrace, offering a view of the picturesque port and the sunset. From €70. 
• Panormos Village Hotel, Panormos, ☏ +30 22890 25182, fax: +30 2289025640, info@panormosvillage.gr. Hotel Panormos Village is a family-owned Mykonos resort, on the seafront on the north coast of Mykonos island. The whitewashed stone studios and apartments with private verandas are surrounded by gardens built on different levels. €75-150. 
• Pelican Hotel, Mykonos Town (School of Fine Arts district), ☏ +30 22890 23454, fax: +30 22890 23749, info@pelican-hotel-mykonos.com. A 3-star hotel 200 m (a 10-minute walk) from Mykonos town center. Located on a steep hill, so it is bit of a climb. It has an amazing panoramic view of Mykonos Town and port. 
• Pelican Bay Art Hotel, Platys Gialos, ☏ +30 22890 26620, fax: +30 22890 26438, info@pelicanbay-mykonos.com. A 4-star art luxury boutique hotel. 
• Poseidon Hotel, Fabrica, Mykonos Town (on the edge of town, near the southern bus station), ☏ +30 22890 22437, fax: +30 22890 23812, poseidon@otenet.gr. A 3-star hotel with 17 deluxe rooms and suites and 41 standard and superior rooms. A good choice in this price range. 
• Rochari Hotel, Koustathanas, Mykonos Town (on a hillside on the eastern edge of town), ☏ +30 22890 23107, fax: +30 22890 24307. A family run 3-star hotel with comfortable rooms, most of which have a view. Serves breakfast till 13:00. With a swimming pool and pool bar. Rochari has a baby sister hotel, Little Rochari, in the School of Fine Arts district. €90-260. 
• San Marco Hotel, Houlakia Bay (north of Agios Stefanos), ☏ +30 22890 271725, fax: +30 22890 25376, sanmarco@sanmarco.gr. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 12:00. The San Marco Hotel is built in authentic Cycladic style with traditional whitewashed walls and deep blue wooden shutters. From €109. 
• Tagoo Hotel, Tagoo (above the old port on a hillside, 700m north of town, a 10-minute walk), ☏ +30 22890 22611, hoteltagoo@gmail.com. Wonderful place to stay near town, and an excellent value. It has a pool with a great view and a bar with a relaxed atmosphere. The owners are incredibly hospitable. 

• 🌍 Elia Mykonos Resort by the Sea, Elia (on the road to Elia beach), ☏ +30 2289 071204. There are many facilities available like bbq, free wifi and a large a pool with sea view. 
• Belvedere Hotel, Lakka Rochari, School of Fine Arts district, Mykonos Town (near the southern bus station, up the hill), ☏ +30 22890 25122, contact@belvederehotel.com. A 5-star hotel. One of the most popular boutique hotels. The Belvedere has wonderful sea views but the rooms at the rear of the hotel have traffic noise. €108-2,000. 
• Elysium Hotel, School of Fine Arts district, Mykonos Town (on a hill), ☏ +30 22890 23952. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A popular gay 4-star hotel. The Elysium promotes itself as a 'luxury' hotel, but the rooms have small beds and minimal amenities. An attractive pool area. Friendly staff. The hotel is on a steep hill, with views of the sea, city and sunset. Like everything else that is "exclusively" gay, this hotel is very pricey, especially the food and drinks in the hotel. From €120-310. 
• Kouros Boutique Hotel, Tagoo, Mykonos Town (on a hillside above the old port, 700 m north of town, a 10-minute walk), ☏ +30 22890 25381, fax: +30 22890 25379, info@kouros-hotel.com. A beautiful boutique hotel. All rooms offer great views of Mykonos Town and the Aegean Sea. From €200-1,500. 
• Myconian Imperial Resort & Thalasso Center, Elia, ☏ +30 22890 79500, fax: +30 22890 79595, imperial@myconiancollection.gr. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A 5-star luxury hotel with many different room and suite types. All rooms and suites feature views of Elia Beach and the Aegean Sea. 
• Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort, Agios Ioannis, ☏ +30 22890 25555, fax: +30 22890 25111, info@mykonosgrand.gr. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A 5-star beach front hotel offering 100 deluxe rooms and suites. €160-2,250. 
• Mykonos Theoxenia Hotel, Kato Mili, Mykonos Town (edge of the center of town, between the windmills and the southern bus station), ☏ +30 22890 22230, fax: +30 22890 23008, info@mykonostheoxenia.com. A 4-star seafront hotel with 52 rooms offering either sea view or garden view. Just a 5-minute walk to the shops, bars and restaurants in the centre of town. From €175. 
• Saint Johns Hotel Villas & Spa, Agios Ioannis, ☏ +30 22890 28752, fax: +30 22890 28751, info@saintjohn.gr. A beautiful 5-star hotel with 136 deluxe rooms. Most rooms offer either sea view or a partial sea view. 
• 🌍 Cova Suites, Elia (on a hill 150 m from Elia beach), ☏ +30 22890 72570, info@covamykonos.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A new boutique hotel sitting on an unspoiled cliff almost 150 meters from Elia beach. (updated May 2016)
• Villa ME 8163, Fanari, info@mykonosestates.com. €550-750 per day. (updated Dec 2015)
• 🌍 Greco Philia Hotel Boutique, Elia Beach, ☏ +30 22890 72038, info@grecophilia.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 23:00. At the edge of the cliffs with traditional architecture, this boutique hotel with views of the Aegean Sea has Deluxe Suites and villas featuring main pool, restaurant, pool bar, gym and spa. €200 - 1100. (updated May 2018)

Truly the cheapest way to call abroad is to use a pre-paid calling card and call from a land line anywhere (also from your hotel room). Pre-paid calling cards are sold in many shops and kiosks in Mykonos Town. The calling card is not much more than a phone number and a PIN code, which you dial prior to dialling the usual phone number. If you want to call internationally, ask for an international calling card. For €1 you can call for about 45 minutes, so buy a card in the cheapest value (which is about €3). Calling someone for half an hour is cheaper than sending one email from an Internet café. Cards expire usually 90 days after first use. You can use this pre-paid calling card also at public phone boxes, which are widely available in Mykonos Town, though there are a lot of broken phone boxes as well.