What is Mykonos, a Greek island about? How big is it? How many inhabitants? Cities? Where is it located? How to get there? Touristic attractions? What are some water activities? How much does it cost to visit?
If you are looking for a destination that combines stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife, then Mykonos might be the perfect choice for you. Mykonos is one of the most popular islands in Greece, attracting millions of visitors every year. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common questions about Mykonos and give you some tips on how to make the most of your trip.
Mykonos is a Cycladic island in the Aegean Sea, particularly famous for its summer party vibe and extravagant lifestyle. It covers an area of around 105 km2 and lies between the islands of Naxos, Paros, Syros, and Tinos. There are slightly over 10,000 permanent residents on the island (2011 census).
Mykonos has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. According to Greek mythology, Mykonos was the site of two epic battles: one between Zeus and the Titans, and another between Hercules and the Giants. Some believe that the large boulders scattered around the island are actually petrified corpses of the Giants.
The island was also an important religious center in antiquity, as it was close to Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Delos was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 and is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece.
Mykonos was part of the Athenian league in the classical period and paid taxes to Athens. It was later conquered by the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians, and the Ottomans. It played a role in the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century and became a free state in 1830.
In the 20th century, Mykonos became a popular tourist destination, especially among celebrities and artists. Some of the famous visitors who fell in love with Mykonos include Jackie Kennedy, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, and many more.
Today, Mykonos is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, its picturesque whitewashed houses with colorful doors and windows, its iconic windmills and churches, its charming Little Venice neighborhood, and its friendly mascot Petros the Pelican.
Mykonos is relatively small compared to other Greek islands. It has an area of about 105 km2 (40 sq mi) and a coastline of about 89 km (55 mi). It has a population of about 10,134 people (2011 census), most of whom live in the main town of Mykonos (also called Chora), which has about 6,500 inhabitants.
There are no other cities on Mykonos, but there are several villages and settlements scattered around the island. Some of the most notable ones are Ano Mera (the second-largest village), Ornos (a popular beach resort), Platis Gialos (a family-friendly beach area), Psarou (a luxury beach spot), Agios Ioannis (a quiet beach village), and Agios Stefanos (a traditional fishing village).
Mykonos is located in the central part of the Aegean Sea, in the Cyclades archipelago. It is about 150 km (93 mi) southeast of Athens, 94 km (58 mi) north of Santorini, 43 km (27 mi) southeast of Tinos, 18 km (11 mi) south of Syros, and 10 km (6 mi) northwest of Naxos.
There are two main ways to get to Mykonos: by plane or by ferry.
Mykonos has an international airport that operates flights from Athens and other Greek cities, as well as from several European destinations. The airport is about 4 km (2.5 mi) from Chora and there are buses, taxis, and car rental services available to take you to your accommodation.
Mykonos has two ports: the old port in Chora and the new port in Tourlos. There are frequent ferry connections from Piraeus and Rafina ports in Athens, as well as from other islands in the Cyclades, such as Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Syros, Tinos, Andros, etc. The ferry journey from Athens takes about 3-5 hours depending on the type of ferry. There are also high-speed catamarans that can take you to Mykonos in about 2 hours. You can book your ferry tickets online or at the port.
Mykonos has plenty of attractions to offer to its visitors, ranging from historical and cultural sites to natural and scenic spots. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Address: Nikolaou Polykandriotou 4, Mikonos, Southern Aegean, 846 00
Mykonos is blessed with crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches that offer plenty of opportunities for water activities. Some of the most popular ones are:
Mykonos has more than 40 beaches and secluded bays all over the island, catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether you are looking for a lively party beach, a family-friendly beach, a nudist beach, or a quiet beach, you will find it on Mykonos. Some of the best beaches on Mykonos are Paradise Beach Some of the best beaches on Mykonos are Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach, and Elia Beach, which are famous for their parties, clubs, and music. These beaches attract a young and energetic crowd, especially from the LGBTQI+ community, and offer a fun and lively atmosphere. You can dance, drink, and socialize until the early hours of the morning, or relax on a sunbed and enjoy the views.
If you prefer a quieter and more secluded beach, you can head to Agios Ioannis Beach, which has a narrow strip of sand and a line of shady tavernas. This beach was featured in the movie Shirley Valentine and offers a romantic setting. You can also walk to the nearby Kapari Beach, which is a small and hidden cove with crystal-clear water.
Another beach that is ideal for relaxation and swimming is Psarou Beach, which is one of the most exclusive and luxurious beaches on Mykonos. This beach is frequented by celebrities and jet-setters, who moor their yachts in the bay and enjoy the services of the upscale beach clubs and restaurants. Psarou Beach has fine sand and calm water, and is also popular for water sports such as windsurfing, waterskiing, and scuba diving.
Mykonos is not a cheap destination, especially in the peak season of July and August. The island is known for its high prices and lavish lifestyle, so you should be prepared to spend more than on other Greek islands. However, you can still find ways to save money and enjoy Mykonos on a budget.
The main expenses on Mykonos are accommodation, food, drinks, transportation, and entertainment. Here are some average costs to give you an idea:
The price of accommodation on Mykonos varies depending on the location, type, and quality of the hotel or apartment. In general, you can expect to pay from 50€ to 200€ per night for a double room in a mid-range hotel or apartment in the low season (May-June and September-October), and from 100€ to 400€ per night in the high season (July-August). If you are looking for a luxury hotel or villa with a pool and sea view, you can pay from 300€ to over 1000€ per night. Of course, there are also cheaper options such as hostels, campsites, or couchsurfing, where you can pay from 10€ to 40€ per night.
Eating out on Mykonos can be expensive, especially in the touristy areas such as Chora or Little Venice. A meal at a restaurant can cost from 15€ to 50€ per person, depending on what you order and where you eat. However, you can also find cheaper options such as tavernas, fast food places, or supermarkets, where you can eat for less than 10€ per person. A typical Greek dish such as souvlaki or gyros costs around 3€ to 5€.
Drinking on Mykonos can also be pricey, especially at the bars and clubs on the beaches or in Chora. A beer can cost from 4€ to 8€, a cocktail from 8€ to 15€, and a bottle of wine from 15€ to 30€. However, you can also find cheaper places such as local cafes or kiosks, where you can buy a beer for 2€ or a bottle of water for 0.5€.
Getting around Mykonos is not very expensive if you use public transportation or rent a scooter or a bike. The bus fare is 1.80€ for most routes and 2.30€ for longer ones. The bus network covers most of the island and runs frequently in the summer. You can also take a water taxi from one beach to another for about 5€ to 10€ per person. Renting a scooter costs about 15€ to 25€ per day and renting a bike costs about 10€ to 15€ per day. Renting a car costs about 30€ to 50€ per day but is not recommended due to the traffic and parking problems on the island.
The cost of entertainment on Mykonos depends on what you like to do and where you go. If you like to party at the beach clubs or in Chora, you should be prepared to pay high entrance fees (from 10€ to 50€) and expensive drinks (from 8€ to 20€). If you prefer cultural activities such as visiting museums or archaeological sites, you should expect to pay low admission fees (from free to 12€). If you like water sports such as windsurfing, waterskiing, or scuba diving, you should expect to pay moderate fees (from 20€ to 80€).
To sum up, the average daily budget for a solo traveler on Mykonos is about 100€ to 150€, for a couple is about 150€ to 250€, and for a family of four is about 200€ to 350€. Of course, these are just estimates and you can spend more or less depending on your preferences and choices.
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