Mykonos
Mykonos, often nicknamed "The Island of the Winds," is a Greek island in the Cyclades, celebrated for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and iconic whitewashed architecture with blue-domed churches. Today, it’s one of Greece’s most glamorous and cosmopolitan destinations, attracting travelers seeking a mix of luxurious resorts, lively beach clubs, and picturesque villages like Mykonos Town (Chora). Yet beyond the glitz and glamour, Mykonos has a rich and fascinating history.
The island was first settled by Ionians around 1000 BCE, and later played a supporting role during the rise of nearby Delos, one of the most important religious and commercial centers in ancient Greece. According to mythology, Mykonos was named after Mykonos, a local hero said to be the grandson of Apollo. Throughout antiquity, the island served as a key maritime stop and maintained close ties with Delos, which is just a short boat ride away. Today, visitors can explore Delos’s UNESCO-listed archaeological site, including temples, mosaics, and ancient marketplaces.
Though modern Mykonos is best known for its glamorous party scene, the island also offers a more tranquil side. Quiet beaches, charming inland villages, and traditional tavernas provide a more authentic Greek experience, appealing to a diverse range of visitors—from luxury-seeking travelers to history enthusiasts and those in search of peaceful island charm.
💡Mykonos: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: most European countries plus Canada, Australia, the US, Korea, and Japan are visa-exempt for a stay of up to 90 days
✈️ Closest Airport: Mykonos-Manto Mavrogenous Airport (JMK)
💬 Language: Greek, but English is widely spoken
🏷️ Price Level: It is said that Greece is about 30% cheaper than the US
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Greece US$ 5.68
💰 Currency: Euro (EUR)| 1 USD = ca. 0.90 EUR)
☀️ Best Times to Visit: The best months to visit are May, June, September, and October
🚘 Transportation: water taxi, buses, and taxis
🔌 Adapter: Greece uses type C and F plugs. No adapter is needed if you are from Europe but it is needed when coming from the US
🛜 WiFi: widely available
🏧💰ATM and “Cash or Card”: While some small stores take only cash, payments with cards are generally accepted; ATMs are available throughout the city
💸 Tipping: Tipping is customary but modest; round up or leave 5–10% in restaurants. A small change is appreciated by taxi drivers, hotel staff, and café staff.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Tourlos 846 00, Mykonos Island, Greece (tender port)
✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ To pay for public transport in Santorini, you will need to pay in cash directly to the driver. Tickets are not sold in advance or online; instead, payment is made when boarding the bus, and each journey requires a separate ticket.
✈️ Mykonos-Manto Mavrogenous Airport (JMK) is located around 2 miles (3.5 km) from Mykonos Town. The public bus stops right outside the arrivals area and operates every 30-60 minutes. The fare is 2 EUR and the journey takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The bus stops at the main bus station in Mykonos Town, just a short walk from the Old Town’s winding streets and famous landmarks.
🚇 Mykonos has two main ports: the New Port in Tourlos and the Old Port. Cruise ships usually dock at the New Port, situated about 1.2 miles (2 km) north of Mykonos Town (Chora). When ships anchor offshore, passengers are typically ferried by tender boats to the Old Port, which lies right in the center of Mykonos Town.
The most popular and hassle-free way to reach Old Town from the New Port is the Mykonos SeaBus. This water taxi service runs frequently and takes just about 10 minutes to cross the bay. It costs around 2 EUR and the drop off is right in the middle of Mykonos Town. The SeaBus departs regularly upon cruise arrivals from a dock near the cruise terminal and lands close to Mykonos Town’s bus station and town hall. Tickets can be bought on board.
🚌 While there is no hop-on-hop-off bus, the regular public bus connects most towns and villages, with Mykonos Town serving as the central hub.
⭐️ Top Sights in Mykonos
"There are more than 600 churches and small chapels in Mykonos."
📸 Little Venice: Little Venice, or Alefkandra, is a picturesque district in Mykonos Town (Chora), renowned for its captivating architecture. Elegant, centuries-old houses line the waterfront, their colorful facades and overhanging balconies evoking the charm of Venice. Built between the 13th and mid-18th centuries, these homes once belonged to affluent merchants and sea captains. Today, many have been transformed into stylish bars, restaurants, boutiques, and clubs. Just a short walk from the iconic Mykonos windmills, Little Venice is known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning sunset views over the Aegean Sea.
📸 Windmills: The Windmills of Mykonos, known as Kato Mili, are iconic whitewashed structures perched on a hill overlooking Mykonos Town (Chora) and the sparkling Aegean Sea. Originally built by the Venetians in the 16th century, with construction continuing into the early 20th century, these windmills once harnessed the island’s powerful winds to grind grains like wheat and barley—playing a crucial role in Mykonos’ economy and trade. Though no longer in use, their distinctive round shapes, white exteriors, and conical roofs have become enduring symbols of the island’s heritage. Today, they are preserved as cultural landmarks, attracting visitors with sweeping views—especially at sunset. One of them, the Boni Windmill, has even been converted into an agricultural museum.
📸 Paraportiani Church: The Panagia Paraportiani Church, located in the historic Kastro area of Chora, Mykonos, is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Its name means “Our Lady of the Side Gate,” a nod to its position near the side entrance of the old Venetian castle. Construction began in 1425 and was completed in the 17th century. Rather than a single church, it’s a complex of five interconnected chapels. Four are built at ground level, forming the foundation for the fifth—the Church of the Virgin Mary, which is topped with a striking dome. A stunning example of Cycladic architecture, the church features smooth, whitewashed walls and minimalistic design, with scenic views of the Aegean Sea. Though its interior is rarely open to the public, its remarkable exterior draws countless visitors and photographers year-round.
📸 Aegean Maritime Museum: The Aegean Maritime Museum, located in a classic Cycladic building in Mykonos, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Greece’s rich maritime heritage. Established in 1983 and opened to the public in 1985, the museum traces the seafaring history of the Aegean from antiquity to modern times. Its collection includes detailed ship models, rare nautical instruments, maps, historical documents, and engravings. One of its standout features is the restored Armenistis Lighthouse, a symbol of the island's nautical past. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the maritime traditions that have shaped the region for centuries.
📸 Ano Mera Village: Ano Mera is a quaint, traditional village nestled in the heart of Mykonos, offering a serene escape from the island’s busier tourist spots. Known for its tranquil vibe and charming whitewashed homes, the village is home to the historic Panagia Tourliani Monastery, an important religious landmark. Visitors can stroll through the peaceful village square, dine at local tavernas and cafés, and savor authentic Greek dishes. With its laid-back atmosphere and cultural richness, Ano Mera offers a more genuine taste of Mykonian life away from the crowds of Chora.
📸 Delos Island: Delos, a small island near Mykonos in the Cyclades, holds immense historical and mythological importance. In Greek mythology, it is famed as the birthplace of the twin deities Apollo and Artemis, making it one of the most sacred sites in ancient Greece and a pilgrimage destination for worshippers across the region. Beyond its religious significance, Delos played a crucial role politically and commercially, serving as the center of the Delian League following the Persian Wars and flourishing as a cosmopolitan port during the Roman period. Today, Delos is an uninhabited UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its remarkably preserved archaeological remains. Visitors can explore highlights such as the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Terrace of the Lions, elegant private homes adorned with detailed mosaics, an ancient theatre, and a museum displaying artifacts uncovered through ongoing excavations, offering a fascinating window into ancient Greek civilization.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Mykonos offers a delightful culinary experience that blends traditional Greek flavors with fresh, local ingredients. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, creamy cheeses like kopanisti, and classic dishes such as moussaka and souvlaki. The island’s tavernas and seaside restaurants serve everything from rustic homemade recipes to modern gourmet creations, making Mykonos a haven for food lovers eager to savor authentic Aegean tastes.
🍽️ Kopanisti: Kopanisti Mykonou is a traditional Greek cheese from the Cyclades, especially famous in Mykonos. This Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese is celebrated for its salty, spicy, and peppery taste, combined with a creamy, spreadable texture. Made from a mix of cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk, Kopanisti has been crafted for over 300 years and is a cherished local delicacy. It’s typically enjoyed as a spread on bread or crackers, often alongside ouzo as part of a meze platter.
🍽️ Ksinotiri: Ksinotiri is a traditional sour cheese from Mykonos and the Cyclades, known for its sharp, fruity flavor. Made by fermenting and sun-drying buttermilk, it develops a firm texture that sets it apart from other cheeses. Ideal for crumbling into pasta or pairing with tomatoes, Ksinotiri is a beloved local delicacy often found in Mykonos tavernas.
🍽️ Amygdalota: Amygdalota are traditional Greek almond cookies, beloved in Mykonos and throughout the Cycladic islands. These treats feature a slightly crisp outer layer with a soft, chewy center. Made primarily from ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites, they’re often infused with delicate hints of rosewater or orange blossom water. On Mykonos, Amygdalota are typically shaped into oblong or teardrop forms and finished with a dusting of icing sugar. These cookies are a festive favorite and a delicious reminder of the island’s rich culinary heritage.
🍽️ Mostra: In Mykonos, Mostra is a classic appetizer commonly enjoyed as a meze with ouzo. This simple yet flavorful dish features a barley rusk—crispy dried bread—topped with Kopanisti, a spicy local cheese unique to Mykonos. It’s garnished with diced tomatoes, olive oil, oregano, and capers, creating a perfect balance between the cheese’s heat and the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
🍽️ Melopita: Melopita, or Greek Honey Pie, is a traditional dessert originally from Sifnos but enjoyed throughout Greece. Its name means "honey pie," featuring a creamy, crustless cheese filling made with mizithra or anthotyro cheese, similar to ricotta. The filling is mixed with eggs, honey, and often a touch of lemon or orange zest, then baked until golden and set. Usually served drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon, Melopita is a light and delicious treat perfect for any occasion.
🥤 Soumada: Soumada is a traditional Greek non-alcoholic almond drink made by simmering almonds, sugar, and water into a syrup. Often flavored with bitter almond essence, cinnamon, cloves, or orange peel, it has a cloudy white appearance and a sweet, slightly bitter almond flavor. Traditionally served at weddings and engagements, Soumada can be enjoyed chilled with water or soda and ice, or warm during the colder months.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🚕 iMove
🚕 DriveMe
🚕 Uber Boats