Mykonos Overview in 5 min

Mykonos Overview in 5 min

MYKONOS, THE COSMOPOLITAN ENCHANTRESS...

Mykonos is an island group with Rhenia and the historic island of Delos. Accomplishes the first time to charm the visitor, with the air of cosmopolitan Cycladic island  who keeps its traditions. So the country maintains its picturesque architecture, aligned with the standards of white Cycladic houses with cubic features and whitewashed streets. As "The island of the winds",the typical windmills couldn't be missing from the scene, standing proudly on the hills. In this insular atmosphere is to put the finishing touches of the Venetian element with the presence of red bells while Little Venice arguably takes us to Italy. The magic of the island lies in the fact that despite the maze of tourist development it has maintained a unique perpetual character. Although the streets are flooded of myriad visitors, while creating more and more shops, Mykonos has lost none of its charm. The fact is that since the 1950's and then the Island of the Winds is one of the most favorite destinations of many stars. Beyond its secular character, which appears through the extravagant parties of the summer at beaches and famous clubs, Mykonos has the infrastructure for an ideal holiday. Endless sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters ,traditional tavernas and picturesque landscapes that make up another aspect of the island. Next to the big cruise boats ,little traditional "kaikia" still hold the magic of the Greek islands. Mykonos is a rocky island, so it consists of many hills and rocks, with breathtaking landscapes with fantastic views and dreamy sunsets. Delos is also enchanting with its ancient ruined settlement that it seduces the grace of god Apolona, ​​especially the sunsets.

HISTORY

Starting from the mythology, there are two legends about the island of Mykonos. Originally said that during the giants' battle, Heracles killed the giants buried beneath the cliffs of Mykonos. Thus, the name identifies a rocky place, a stone. Of course, they could be missing the Gods of Olympus from the story. Thus, the second legend reveales that the name was given to the island by 'Mykonos' ,the son of the King of Delos Anios, descendant of Apollo and Dionysus.

Carians, Phoenicians, Egyptians and Minoans are the first inhabitants of the island in accordance with prehistoric finds. However, a decisive role in the development of the island will play the installation of the Ionians from Athens. They dominated the island until 1000B.C. There are currently reports of the existence of  two cities and the island in general was poor and agricultural. In ancient Mykonos the inhabitants worshiped gods Dionysus, Demeter, Zeus, Apollo, Poseidon and the demigod Hercules.

HOW TO GET AROUND

Taxi: This is the most comfortable way to travel through the whole island. It covers every area of ​​the island, however, is the most expensive means of transportation. Prices vary according to destination and change every year. Of course, they are determined from the beginning of the season so you will know in advance the cost of each route.Prices are specific to each destination on the island and there are no taximeters. There ara taxi stations in Mykonos Town and in Fabrica.

Bus: The bus is an economical and very convenient way to ove in the island. The island has  buses with several routes covering several areas of the island. Starting points are the Fabrica, OTE and the Old Port. Platis Giallos , Psarrou ,Ornos, Agios Yannis, the Paradise, Paraga, Ano Mera, the Kalafatis, Elia, the New Port, and St. Stephen are some of the destinations.

Car, motorbike: Rent cars or scooters give to the visitor the freedom to explore the island, according  to their own program. Both car and bike allows the tourist to wander into isolated but unique areas.Prices vary depending on season and demand. It should be noted that to rent is essential to have a driving license.There are many rent-a car offices in many places of the island.

"Kaiki": The most traditional but also charming way to visit the islands' beaches. Kaiki  boats can be found in Plati Yialos and Ornos for Paraga beaches, Super Paradise, Paradise, Elia Argari and Psarou. Information on schedules and ticket prices there are in port. Routes exist for Delos, which is close enough to Mykonos and worth visiting.

HOW TO REACH THE ISLAND

 by FERRY

Ferries to Mykonos depart daily from the port of Rafina and Piraeus. From Piraeus , Mykonos is 94 nautical miles southeast. With conventional ships, the journey takes about 5 hours doing often stops at Syros and Tinos. The speedboat ride takes just 3 hours and has various combinations of services.

 Mykonos is 74 nautical miles southeast of Rafina. Convetional ships, high-speed passenger and car ferries depart daily from the port of Rafina to Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos.Two times a day during the summer season, small speedboats  transfer passengers in less than 2.5 hours to Mykonos.

You can reach Rafina by bus from the ''Pedio tou Areos'' in Athens or by car through Attiki Odos towards Markopoulo, following the exit that says Rafina. Then drive on Marathon Avenue until you see the sign to Rafina.

 From the Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" you can take one of the buses that connect the airport to Rafina or take a taxi to the port of Rafina.

by PLANE

Mykonos Island is served by a number of flights made by the airport "Eleftherios Venizelos". Furthermore, the airport receives daily flights from abroad. Mykonos airport is located just 4 km from the town and has a taxi station at the exit of the building. Finally, upon arrival at the airport you will find car hire offices and information booth of the Association of Hoteliers of Mykonos.

WHAT TO VISIT

Chora: This is the main town of Mykonos. The visitor is entranced by a traditional Cycladic architecture and a picturesque village. White cubic houses maintain a unique style combined with cobbled whitewashed streets. Mykonos Town is bustling with many famous friends to roam the streets .It also offers a wide variety of clothes shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Do not miss the unique Little Venice with the beautiful sunset.

Ano Mera: A separate village to the east of the island that lies in a large area with  farmhouses. The village life unfolds around the historic Monastery of Panagia Tourliani. Typically, Ano Mera is famous for the two festivals of the Assumption and on August 23, Niamera celebrate of the Virgin Mary. Every Sunday, the square fills with people returning from the morning's Liturgy of the monastery. Cafes and restaurants are there to serve you in a nice environment.

Agios Stefanos: Popular tourist resort in the island of winds that it is close to the town and its natural beauty has attracted many visitors. Here you will find luxurious hotels and apartments, restaurants and bars. The name comes from the little chapel on the edge of the bay.

Psarou / Platis Gialos: One of the most famous places on the island. Located in the south and has a variety of cafes, accommodation and rental agencies .It also has beautiful sea and, despite the high development, maintains the old rural character. The staggered farmland, old farmhouses, gardens, reeds and several trees offer the visitor an idyllic landscape. We shouldn't not forget to remark the famous monument, the ruins of an ancient tower, located in "Portes" that indicates the early colonization of the island since ancient  years. Travelling from the town the country you will enjoy magical landscapes.

Ornos and Agios Ioannis: They are the most popular beaches and have been developed enough in recent years to independent tourist settlements. In Ornos there is an upgraded municipal court and a desalination factory. Near Ornos lies the Bay of Korfos ideal for lovers of "windsurfing". The Ag. John is a very popular beach with incredible views of the island of Apollo, Delos. In the region of these two beaches there are plenty of hotels and luxury villas.

BEACHES

Kalo Livadi: The longest beach of the island close to Ano Mera and is just ten miles from the town. Crystal clear, turquoise waters meet the golden sand and offers bathers a lovely sandy beach. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for those who want to enjoy swimming under the summer sun. Ideal for families as it doesn't host parties with loud music and the beach is ideal for summer games! There are also friendly restaurants with special Mykonos dishes.

Kalafatis: The ideal beach for the fans of sports. The winds blow and then create the ideal conditions for windsurfers. Every summer is visited windsurfing fan coming from around the world and offers water sports for beginners. Beach is organized and has many shade trees, something missing from the other beaches.

Psarou: Beautiful beach with clear, crystal waters flooded by celebrities. It is difficult to find sunbeds because they are usually reserved while the prices are a little stiff. In Psarou there is a touch of glamour and luxury, which  a cosmopolitan restaurant , the Nammos offers.

Paradise: Upon reaching the beach you can realise why every summer thousand tourists visit this beach for endless entertainment. Here the party never stops. The music from the beach bar Tropicana and Paradise keeps the fun at the apogee.

Super Paradise: Beautiful sandy beach with magnificent crystal waters, features and points of nudism. It is the busiest beach on the island and famous for Beach Parties organized quite often after dinnertime.

Paraga: Located near St. Anne and is one of the most beautiful beaches. Clear waters and golden sands and spectacular views of Delos up the scenery of the beach. There are sunbeds, umbrellas and a lifeguard, while the famous beach bar Kalhua, gives the beat.

Other beautiful beaches of the island is St. John, St. Anna, Platis Gialos, Panormos - Agios Sostis, Elia, Agios Ioannis - Agios Stefanos, Korfos the Lyia and elm. The beaches of Mykonos is easily accessible by car, bus and boat.

SHOPPING

The island has a rich market with a wide range of shops. It offers clothing, accessories, cosmetics, jewelry, art galleries and species. In Mykonos you will find many designer shops and the streets often are launched new fashion trends thanks to famous people who frequenT the island every year. The Saints Anargiri road behind Little Venice is the main shopping street, hosting the most popular stores. Generally Chora is ideal for shoppping therapy.Ofcourse, there are also shops selling gifts and souvenirs.

CUISINE

The island offers many options that will satisfy even the most demanding visitor. To begin woth,there are typical greek tavernas and restaurants with traditional Greek and Mykonian specialties in a friendly and traditional environment. Your visit in Mykonos requires testing 'louzes' and the Mykonian pounder. The ALEGRO CAFE BAR RESTAURANT, the LA FAMILIA RESTAURANT in Goumenio the SQUALO RESTAURANT are located in beautiful locations and serve great food. Many taverns and restaurants are located in various beaches of Mykonos.After swimming , a meal by the sea in the taverns of Mykonians is ideal. The HIPPIE FISH, the Elia restaurant and Panormos stand out.

For those who are looking for something different, less touristy and not so typical greek can turn to several trendy restaurants on the island. Flavors and menus especially to suit every palate with inspired dishes for all tastes. The restaurants GOLA and RAYA are the best of Mykonos and offer unique meals, with magical atmosphere and a very kind staff.

NIGHTLIFE

If you like loud music,endless parties, dj's and drinks...welcome to Mykonos!!!Mykonos is acosmopolitan island with a global reputation for the its extravagant parties and nightlife. Thus is visited every year by people from around the world and many celebrities. The island has all summer to frenetic rhythms of music and lots of 'kefi'.CAVO PARADISO CLUB, KALHUA, TROPICANA, JACUZZI CLUB is one of the biggest clubs of Mykonos offering guaranteed endless feast at frenetic pace.

For those looking for something more leisure, through the town there are several bars with nice decoration and nice musi to enjoy a drink .GALLERAKI BAR, JACKIE O ', JOY, BARQUEEN OF MYKONOS, VERANDA are some of them highly recommended. However, for those who like to drink cocktails and enjoy sunset, Little Venice is a small paradise where there are several shops that offer delicious cocktails in a picturesque landscape.