Travel Tips for Mykonos
- Details
- Category: Mykonos useful Information
- Published on Wednesday, 08 May 2024 12:16
- Written by Administrator
- Hits: 547
Travel Tips for Mykonos
Mykonos, a vibrant gem in the Cyclades, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, lively nightlife, and captivating beaches. To make the most of your visit to this iconic Greek island, it's essential to prepare with a few key travel tips. Whether it's your first trip to Mykonos or you're a seasoned visitor, these insights will help you navigate the island with confidence and enjoy a stress-free vacation.
1. Best Time to Visit
Mykonos has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The peak season is from June to September when the island is buzzing with activity. If you prefer fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations, consider visiting in late spring (May) or early autumn (October). The weather is still pleasant, and you'll have more space to explore the attractions.
2. Currency and Payment
The currency used in Mykonos is the Euro (€). Most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, accept credit cards, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case you visit more remote areas. ATMs are readily available in Mykonos Town and other major locations, but there may be fees for withdrawals, especially for international cards.
3. Language
Greek is the official language in Mykonos, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. It's helpful to learn a few basic Greek phrases, such as "kalimera" (good morning), "efharisto" (thank you), and "parakalo" (please), as a sign of respect for the local culture. This can go a long way in building rapport with locals and enhancing your travel experience.
4. Transportation
Mykonos has limited public transportation, with bus services connecting major towns and popular beaches. However, renting a scooter, ATV, or car is a convenient way to explore the island at your own pace. If you plan to rent a vehicle, ensure you have an international driving permit and be aware of local traffic rules. Taxis are available, but they can be expensive, especially during peak season. Boat taxis are another popular mode of transport to visit different beaches.
5. Safety and Health
Mykonos is generally a safe destination, but it's important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas or at night. Keep your belongings secure and avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach. For medical needs, there are several clinics and a hospital in Mykonos Town. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and other unforeseen events during your trip.
6. Dress Code and Etiquette
The dress code in Mykonos is typically casual, but some upscale venues may require smart-casual attire. For beach clubs and parties, swimwear is acceptable, but it's best to cover up when entering restaurants or shops. When visiting religious sites or traditional villages, dress modestly to show respect for local customs.
7. Dining and Tipping
Mykonos offers a diverse range of dining options, from traditional Greek tavernas to gourmet restaurants. Tipping is customary in Greece, with a standard tip ranging from 10-15% of the total bill. In some places, a service charge may already be included, so check the bill before tipping extra.
8. Environmental Responsibility
Mykonos is a beautiful island, and it's crucial to help preserve its natural environment. Dispose of waste properly, avoid using single-use plastics, and respect local wildlife. If you're enjoying the beaches, leave no trace and follow any posted rules regarding littering or conservation areas.
9. Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Most hotels, restaurants, and cafes in Mykonos offer free Wi-Fi, but the quality and speed may vary. If you need reliable internet access, consider purchasing a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device. This can also be useful for navigating the island and staying in touch with friends and family.
10. Planning Ahead
To make the most of your time in Mykonos, plan your activities and reservations in advance. Popular attractions, restaurants, and clubs can get fully booked during peak season, so it's best to secure your spots early. Create a flexible itinerary that allows for spontaneity while ensuring you don't miss out on key experiences.
Top 10 Attractions in Mykonos
- Details
- Category: Mykonos useful Information
- Published on Wednesday, 08 May 2024 12:12
- Written by Administrator
- Hits: 464
Top 10 Attractions in Mykonos
Mykonos, the Cyclades' crown jewel, seamlessly combines natural beauty, vibrant nightlife, and cultural charm. With its white-washed architecture, iconic windmills, and beautiful beaches, this Greek island entices visitors from all over the world. Here are the top ten attractions in Mykonos that every traveler should see.
1. The Windmills of Mykonos
No visit to Mykonos is complete without seeing its iconic windmills. Located in Chora, the main town, these historic windmills date back to the 16th century. Once used to grind grain, they now serve as a picturesque backdrop for photographs, especially during sunset when the sky lights up with hues of orange and pink.
2. Little Venice
Situated on the western edge of Chora, Little Venice is a neighborhood renowned for its charming waterfront buildings that seem to emerge straight from the sea. This area is famous for its lively bars, romantic restaurants, and breathtaking sunsets. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail and watch the waves crash against the shoreline.
3. The Church of Panagia Paraportiani
One of the most famous landmarks in Mykonos, the Church of Panagia Paraportiani is an architectural marvel. This unique church is actually a complex of five smaller churches built over several centuries, featuring a striking white facade and unusual shapes. It's a popular spot for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
4. Mykonos Town (Chora)
Mykonos Town, also known as Chora, is a labyrinth of narrow streets, quaint alleys, and traditional Cycladic architecture. Wander through the winding streets to discover boutique shops, art galleries, and hidden cafes. This area is perfect for getting lost and discovering the authentic charm of Mykonos.
5. Delos Island
Just a short boat ride from Mykonos, Delos Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important archaeological site in Greece. Delos is considered the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and visitors can explore the ancient ruins, including temples, statues, and a well-preserved theater. A guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the island's historical significance.
6. Paradise Beach
As one of the most famous beaches in Mykonos, Paradise Beach is synonymous with beach parties and vibrant nightlife. By day, visitors can enjoy water sports, sunbathing, and beach bars. By night, the beach transforms into a lively party scene with internationally renowned DJs and non-stop music.
7. Super Paradise Beach
Located near Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach is another popular destination for partygoers. It's known for its lively beach clubs and a more liberal atmosphere. The beach offers stunning views of the turquoise waters, and visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, including jet skiing and parasailing.
8. Platis Gialos Beach
For a more family-friendly beach experience, Platis Gialos Beach is an excellent choice. This beach offers a wide expanse of golden sand, calm waters, and numerous beachfront restaurants and hotels. It's a great place for families and those looking for a more relaxed beach environment.
9. Ano Mera Village
For a glimpse into the traditional side of Mykonos, visit Ano Mera Village. This quaint village is home to the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, a beautiful 16th-century monastery with intricate architecture and religious artifacts. Ano Mera offers a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere, with charming tavernas and local markets.
10. Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos showcases a fascinating collection of artifacts from ancient Mykonos and the surrounding Cyclades islands. Visitors can explore pottery, sculptures, and other ancient relics that tell the story of the island's rich history. It's a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in Greek antiquity.
History of Delos Island, Greece
- Details
- Category: Mykonos useful Information
- Published on Sunday, 19 May 2013 10:24
- Written by Administrator
- Hits: 5295
History of Delos
Explore the Historic Island of Delos
A UNESCO world heritage site, barren, dry Delos is the smallest island in the Aegean (just 6.85 km2) was considered the most sacred of all the islands during ancient times and to be the center of the cyclades. A stone's throw away from cosmopolitan Mykonos, a visit there is a visit to the heart of sacred, ancient Greece.
Greek mythology tells us that the godess Leto, pregnant by Zeus and escaping the wrath of Hera, was able to find sanctuary here in order to give birth to Apollo, god of light and Artemis, godess of the Moon. The island was sanctified making it so no mortal would ever be allowed to be born or die on its land. Women on the brink of childbirth and people close to dying would be carried to the neighbouring island of Rineia.
Delos, under the Athenians, increased its importance when it was chosen as the meeting place and treasury for the Delian League in 478 BCE. In 454 BCE the treasury was moved to Athens and the Athenians also took over administration of the site.
Beyond the sanctuary of Apollo, there were also temples dedicated to a number of other dieties showing just how cosmopolitan the island was; Isis, Serapis and Cabeiri. The island also had markets and warehouses, and a residential area dating from the 2nd century BCE. Grid street plans and foundations of large houses, with mosaics, wall paintings, and colonnades reflect the island's wealth. Antiquities date from the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods.
Every year, multitudes visit Delos to share in its magic landscape and unique archeological importance. The island is a short 20 minute boat ride from Mykonos. Boats depart daily in the summer, weather permitting.
Reasons to visit the charming island of Delos
It is a world away from Mykonos' cosmopolitan atmosphere. As a result, you can enhance your Greek vacation with a civilized visit that differs from the typical activities one would engage in when visiting the "queen of the Cyclades".
It is closely associated with Greek mythology. From the moment you step onto the historic island, a world of ancient excellence will unfold in front of you. There, you can see famous Greek myths and legends come to life while breathing the same air that the locals did thousands of years ago.
It's a museum dedicated to ancient Greek history. It will pique your interest, especially if you enjoy history. The entire island is a majestic archaeological site that will leave you impressed with our country's heritage. There, you can admire ancient temples and monuments while also learning about daily life on the island many centuries ago.
To reach Delos, you must sail in the bright waters of the Aegean on a sailing trip that will make you appreciate the beauty of Greece in all its glory. Do not hesitate to seize the opportunity for such an experience. you will definitely regret it if you do not!
You will have the opportunity to swim in amazing blue waters that most people do not have the experience. Whether you dive into the sea from your boat or reach one of the nearby beaches, it will be a swimming adventure that you will never forget!
Best secrets to discover Mykonos island
- Details
- Category: Mykonos useful Information
- Published on Wednesday, 11 August 2021 11:33
- Written by Administrator
- Hits: 2232
Best secrets to discover Mykonos
Tips and useful "paths" to explore Mykonos
Unknown sights, "private" beaches, and hidden spots that offer an alternative perspective of the island.
Numerous images spring to mind when we hear the word "Mykonos". Most visitors associate the island with never-ending parties, famous people, and Instagram. But beyond its glitzy façade, Mykonos has a more sedate, straightforward, and genuine side that will entice you to visit the island again if you're in the mood to explore it.
This summer is a great time to explore Mykonos's varied side, especially since the pandemic will make the holidays very different.
These ten experiences, which range from the unknown to numerous attractions and the most stunning isolated beaches to the ideal hideaway for a peaceful vacation at Adorno Beach Hotel & Suites, will show you the "island of the winds" from a different perspective.
"Island of the Winds."
The "Island of the Winds" is and will continue to rank among the most sought-after Mediterranean vacation spots. Mykonos hotels, beach bars, beaches, and parties are practically synonymous with the summer vacations of thousands of visitors, especially when it comes to Jet Setters and party animals. Critics, on the other hand, have been louder in recent years and have accused the white island of being accurate and overcrowded in every way. However, the most popular searches are for tips from friends and locals to make their stay more comfortable.
In Mykonos, each day can offer a distinct experience. Not only because of what transpired the previous evening, but also because the wind's moods can greatly affect your photographs. It is a good idea to plan ahead for where you will go in order to avoid the very strong winds that "trouble" Mykonos throughout the year, as the island is divided into all corners with excellent beaches, beach bars, and restaurants. Therefore, in order to avoid suffering, waves, and sandblasting, it is preferable to consult the weather report or, even better, a local.
Less well-known, but no less good
When most people hear about Mykonos beaches, they immediately think of Psarrou, Kalo Livadi, Paradise, and Super Paradise. What many people don't realize is that even on an island with so many visitors every summer, there are coasts where you won't be on top of each other. These include Fokos (with its wonderful tavern), the lesser-known Lias (with fantastic waters), and Agia Anna in Kalafatis. Of course, we never leave out Agios Sostis, which, while it has recently gained popularity as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean, the fact that it is unorganized and difficult to access makes it one of the less crowded options.
Solutions to food
In general, Mykonos' food is probably the most expensive in our country. However, there are some well-kept secrets that will allow you to eat well without sighing when you receive your bill. Of course, the value for money of Mykonos food cannot be compared to that of any other island in the country. However, in places such as Fokos, Nikolas on the beach of Agia Anna in Paraga, the Court of Thodoris in Platis Gialos, Karavaki in Chora, and Ameros in Ornos, you can eat honestly without feeling like someone is "undressing" you.
Adjust your expectations
Wherever you go for a swim, wherever you eat or party, Mykonos will give you a sense of precision that definitely stands out from the rest of the country. So it would be good when you decide to visit her to be ready for what you will experience. For example, you cannot want to visit one of the most cosmopolitan islands in the world and wait to sit on the first sun lounger without a reservation or without spending anything more. Similarly, you cannot expect to pay for food and drink at prices equivalent to those in Naxos and Paros. Locals and acquaintances would advise you to be fully aware of what to expect before you even arrive. Especially if you're visiting her for the first time. Otherwise, maybe you'd better go to another destination.
The only village in Mykonos
Ano Mera, Mykonos
If you want to get to know the traditional life of the island, you will go all the way to the picturesque Ano Mera. The only village of Mykonos, at a distance of 8 km. from Chora, has preserved many elements of the Mykonia tradition. In the main square you will find cafes and taverns to taste local dishes, as well as the historic monastery of Panagia Tourliani that is worth visiting.
A different sunset
Armenian Lighthouse, Mykonos
The connoisseurs of the island will assure you that the sunset is not only worth it in Little Venice. It is just as nice from the Lighthouse of Armenist, with the wonderful view to Tinos. This imposing lighthouse, located in fanari area, at the northwest end of the island, was built in 1891 and has been inextricably linked to the history of the island.
A different monument
Few know that the island of winds was famous for its mining activity. The old mines on the northeast side of the island remain witnesses to a time when in Mykonos not only yachts and cruise ships arrived. Dusty structures, rusty machinery and carcasses of industrial buildings are reminiscent of a scene from the film "Mad Max".
Dive into History
Elm Beach, Mykonos
The windswept Elm is the best beach in Mykonos for windsurfing. But there is another reason to visit it: the Neolithic settlement of the region, which dates back to 5,000 BC and is considered one of the most important in the Aegean.
Pictures of another era
You should met the rich tradition of the island with a visit to the Folklore Museum, in the picturesque neighborhood of Kastro, which still has two annexes: the Bonn Mill (restored mill at The Ano Mills) and the House of Lena, an authentic 19th century Mykoniatic house. The Maritime Museum of the Aegean, which tells the story of the island's relationship with the sea, also deserves your attention.
The morning walks in Gialos
Gialos, Mykonos
If you want to discover a different view of the cosmopolitan island, take an early morning walk in Gialos, where local farmers sell vegetables from their bostani, flowers and fresh fish and seafood.
The authentic taste of Mykonos
During your stay on the island, it is worth looking for and tasting the local delicacies: copanist (soft cheese with intense, peppery taste), luza (alternative made from pork fillet), Mykonia sausages, onion pie, but also fragrant almonds. Tastes of a simple island cuisine that will be unforgettable.
Beaches for a few
Kapari Beach, Mykonos
And yet, Mykonos has quiet beaches. If you want to enjoy your bath without crowds, lay your towel on the low-profile Capers (a few meters after Agios Giannis), the huge and sandy Frangia (on the way to Lia), Mergia, Mersini or Pan, under the Mines.
The unknown islets
Rhineia
For even more solitary dives and a little extra adventure, it is worth putting in your program a trip to one of the three small islands around Mykonos: Rhineia, Tragonisi and Ktapova. There you are waiting for private beaches with fantastic waters and impressive caves to explore. Don't forget to take a mask and a ventilator with you!
Mykonos: has another, secret side
Apart from the lively nightlife and cosmopolitan beaches, Mykonos still keeps some places secret, waiting for adventurous travelers to discover them.
Although every year millions of visitors make a landing in Mykonos, there are still places that are unknown to many. Discover the secrets of the mines, the ships waiting on the silent seabed and the magical caves in Tragonisi. On the northeast side of the island, there is a place you would not expect to meet on the island of winds. Shattered walls, rusty machinery and strange geological formations that seem to catch fire under the sun.
Abandoned but enchanting, the old mines of Mykonos whisper their call to anyone who decides to walk among the crumbling buildings that the miners worked the barite from 1956 to 1986. Walking carefully among the rubble, hear the wind howling through the galleys and keep an eye out for the only resident left in the mines today, the little crocodile of Mykonos, also known as the Mykonia lizard!
The next part of the exploration is underwater, in the secrets of the two shipwrecks that remain almost intact at the bottom of Mykonos.
The first is the "Anna II", a cargo ship that sank in 1995 very close to the beach of Lia. It rests at a depth of 20 to 30 meters and acts as an artificial reef attracting many species of marine life.
The other is the "Peloponnisos", which sank in 1926, on the northeast side of Mykonos, next to a reef on the open sea. It is cut in half and is offered for more experienced divers, due to the weather conditions and depth, which reaches 55 meters.
Next stop is Tragonisi, also known as Dragonisi, about a mile from the northeast coast of Mykonos.
Protected area and refuge of the seal Munichs, Tragonisi is a beautiful small rocky island, where the power of the sea created a unique system of caves and caves.
If you explore by walking the island, do not forget to follow the path to Panagitsa, a small chapel hooked on the rock, where once a year there is a festival for men only!
The island is also one of the most popular places for diving in Mykonos, since the underwater tunnels and its chambers host rich life and is the exclusive home of the yellow sea anemone.
History of Mykonos
- Details
- Category: Mykonos useful Information
- Published on Sunday, 19 May 2013 10:23
- Written by Administrator
- Hits: 5547
According to ancient Mykonian mythology, the island was the battlefield where Hercules defeated the Titans who rebelled against his father Zeus. Their testicular "stone" remains became the boulders that protruded all over the island. The island was later named Mykonos after Mykons, Apollo's demi-god son and first King of Mykonos.
