An old Greek myth states that the island of Mykonos was named after Apollo’s son Mikonos. The first inhabitants of this city, in the historical past, were Carians. Around the 10th century BC, Ionian settlers inhabited Mykonos. During Antiquity, Mykonos joined the Athenian League sometime during the 5th century along with the other islands in the Aegean Sea.

In 146 BC Rome conquered the Greek islands and Mykonos prospered greatly during that period, which was due to the fact that the neighboring island of Delos was a free harbor. The period of prosperity ended when Mithredates, king of Pontus and Armenia Minor ravaged Delos.

During late Antiquity and the Byzantine era, Mykonos was part of the Achaia province of islands and later part of the Theme of the Cycladic islands. From 1207, Mykonos was ruled by the family of Ghizi that lasted until the end of the 14th century.

Thereafter the Mykonos came under the control of the Turks around the 16th century and under Turkish rule, Mykonos became a great naval force that participated in the 1821 Greek Revolution of independence.

Between the two World Wars, Mykonos grew as a tourist center.

Post 1950, the unique architecture, and the seclusion enjoyed by the island made it a unique travel destination and a haven for the rich and famous, a status it enjoys even today.

What to see

This cosmopolitan island in Greece, famous for its picturesque villages, pristine beaches and vivid nightlife is second most popular destination in Greece. Delos, a sacred island for the ancient Greeks is a tourist hotspot.

The lighthouse of Armenistis, the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, the chapel of Panagia Paraportiani, Mykonos Town also called Chora, Little Venice the picturesque capital of the island, traditional windmills and several beaches near Chora are other locations that should be visited.

When to visit

The best time to visit the island is from May to June and September to October. Spring temperatures are between 15 C to 23 C, while late autumn temperatures hover around 20 C. Winter temperatures drop and ranges between 5 C to 7 C. The island gets the spring Sirocco winds and July and August brings in the northern Meltemi winds.

Where to stay

Besides 4 and 5 star luxury hotels, there are spa hotels, villas, honeymoon suites, traditional houses, apartments, bungalows, camping grounds and studios to choose from.

Shopping

Most of the shops in Mykonos town open around 10 a.m. While some town shops close around 2p.m. and open again around 6p.m, these are open until late night 1a.m. Most designer brands are available in Mykonos. Various goodies, souvenirs and memorabilia can be obtained from Matogianni Street, a principal shopping street in Hora. The Gold Market at the very entrance to Hora and the Patria Alefkandra are other shopping centers.

Food

Mykonos offers plentiful dining options, from gyros, which is the Greek fast food to exotic seafood platters, Greek yogurt, wines, ouzo, Greek coffee, grilled meats, spanokopita, baklava and a host of others. Numerous restaurants, cafes, beach bars, snack bars, seafood tavernas, ice cream parlors or confection shops are found scattered all over Mykonos.

What to wear Mykonos has mild winters and hot, dry summers with infrequent rainfall. Hats, sunglasses and sun block lotions are a must while touring and sunbathing. Clothing should be loose, airy and light colored in breathable fabrics and footwear should be comfortable.

For women, dresses with elegant scarves and colorful bikinis at the beach would be ideal while white shirts and light colored shorts or trousers should be the choice for men.

Transport

Mykonos is tiny island, at less than thirty-five miles square, but renting a car is a must as taxis are not very reliable here. Car renters should have attained 21 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with a one year validity, and written in Latin letters, or you should posses an international license. Bikes are available on rent too.

Bus Station (KTEL) phone: p+30 22890 23360
Taxis phone: + 30 22890 23700, 2240022890 2890 23700, 22400

Money

Bank offices in Mykonos, open daily from 08am till 2.30pm and on Friday's until 2pm

You have to show your passport for exchanging money at banks and the Exchange Bureaus.

Eurobank Old Port, Hora Tel. 22890 / 79130
Bank of Cyprus Drafaki Tel. 22890 / 79390

Medical

Though pharmacies in Greece dispense most over the counter drugs, you should get to a Health Center or hospital where you are treated free as health care is free of cost. Health care facilities in Greece are first rate.

Health Centre: 22890 23 998 / 23 994
Police: (+30) 22890 22 716
Tourist Police: 22890 22 482
First Aid Mykonos Town: Tel. 22890 / 22274+33+30 22890 9292-697765473 22890 6944339

Visa

US and Canadian citizens can get a visa on arrival for a stay of 90 days provided their passports are valid for a minimum of three months beyond their stay of 90 days. Citizens of the European Union countries do not need a visa.

Tourist Office Contact

As there is no national tourism office in Mykonos, all relevant information about the island can be had from travel agencies in the island’s capital, at ports and at beach resorts.

Mykonos Travel phone: 22890-22320, 22890-22320
Sea & Sky phone: 22890-27799-25853
Kyklomar Tours phone: 22890-27091-27092

Herakloim

Rhodes

Corfu

« Back to Destinations page       top^