Click for my page about all Greek islands
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The Island of MykonosMykonos: commercial, expensive and crowded, those were my thoughts about the island, and so at first I had no intention of going to Mykonos island at all. I was afraid I would have to shave every day and dress up, and those are just the kind of things I enjoy not doing during a holiday. But off course I don't always travel alone and people have different tastes, so on the 10th of september 1998 I set foot on the island for the first time. After about an 8 hours trip by boat from the island of Samos our ferry sailed into Mykonos harbour at three o'clock in the night. To my surprise there was still a big crowd of people from hotels in Mykonos awaiting us to offer accommodation. When I heard the words "studios, apartments" my curiousity was aroused. In one way or the other those rooms always seem a bit bigger and the idea of having a small kitchen always attracts me. Not that I'm always cooking my own dinner every evening, but more the thought to have a kitchen block to make a cup of coffee with my French press in the morning, and the idea of having plates and cups, and maybe make a little breakfast. We had planned to stay in Mykonos Chora, the main village, but the man I talked to had a building in Platis Gialos, a village on the sea 3 kilometers away, but then: the beach was practically in front of the house. Besides that it was late, and we really didn't care at that time. There was a regular bus to Mykonos town, every half hour, untill around one o'clock in the night, so okay, we took the offer. The apartment was very nice, two rooms and two balconies. I enjoyed having my own bedroom. And it wasn't as expensive as we thought it would be. We paid 9000 drachma at the time, which is about 25 euro'a night. (in the meantime things have become much more expensive though and prices have more than doubled). Mykonos proved to be fun. I could walk the streets of Mykonos Chora unshaved and wearing my plastic slippers. Most of the ordinairy things were indeed a little bit more expensive on Mykonos compared to the other islands, like going out for dinner or having a drink, and buying stuff in the supermarkets, but if you pay a little attention it's not too bad. In the years after that I kept returning to Mykonos island, sometimes up to three times a year. On these pages I want to give you some information and I have also added some space for my favourite acccommodations on the island, hotels on good locations (I prefer to stay in Mykonos town itself nowadays) run by friendly people, with a good price. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
A little bit more information on Mykonos islandMykonos is an island where it is fun (at least that is what I think) if you visit outside the high season. Every year the island gets about 750,000 tourists that visit it. The combination of the beautiful harbor, the beautiful sandy beaches and the possibility for naturism on some beaches makes it a popular destination for many people. Also the nearby island of Delos with its excavations contributes to the number of visitors. In addition, there are the many cruise boats that call on the island. Nevertheless, if you visit during the right period - we are usually there in May or the end of September / beginning of October - it is really a very nice island. If you rent a car you can still find quiet places and beaches. Just take a look at the buttons in the menu links. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Suggestions, nice things to do while on Mykonos island
• Make a walk through Mykonos Town with its many churches, squares and shops and sit on one of the terraces in the harbour and look at the people that walk by.... Behind every corner there is a surprise.
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Mykonos Town or Mykonos Chora - the capital of the island of MykonosMykonos Chora is without any doubt one of the prettiest harbour villages on the islands of Greece. All houses are painted white and in cycladic style, cubic shaped, and the local authorities are very strict when it comes to building a new house. You have to fulfill lots of demands on Mykonos if you want to get a building permission. The center of Mykonos Chora is a jumble of little alleys where you can after years of practice still easily lose your way. It was build like this on purpose so that pirates in case of a raid would get confused. The harbours with the terraces, "Little Venice" with its houses standing in the sea, and the windmills on the hill all contribute to give Mykonos Chora that special kind of magic. The village is bursting with shops, terraces and churches, and you keep bumping into new discoveries. The atmosphere is supercozy. Regularly cruise ships will dock in Tourlos, a small distance away from Mykonos Chora, usually carrying Americans for a cargo, and they will come and take over Mykonos Chora for a short while. Mykonos town is alive 24 hours a day, always there is something opened somewhere, and always there will be people on its streets. Around all the activity the old residents of Mykonos keep leading their own life and don't seem to care much about the crowds. They still buy fresh fish in the harbour, make a walk around it and the men are drinking Greek coffee on the terraces while playing a game or sit and play with their rosary and look ar the passing tourists. The last small fish in the market is sold to tourists that want to feed them to the few pelicans that are on the beach or walk around the city. The nightlife on MykonosIn the evening the party in Mykonos breaks loose, both in the city and at Paradise Beach, and while one bars or disco is trying to sound louder than the other, the visitors stroll through the narrow streets and the port. The nightlife on Mykonos goes on until the early hours (and this is why we were looking fora place to stay that was central but also quiet quiet - that is to say, no music and no cars - Hotel and Hotel Rania Nazos here on the page are two examples of that and very quiet). The nocturnal life on Mykonos is off course famous and there is something for everybody - the gays and the straight - and it goes on without problems, intollerance or anything bad. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The beaches and naturist beaches of MykonosExcept for the happy and friendly Mykonos town the island also has a bunch of beautiful sand beaches to offer its guests, like Psarou, Platis Gialos, Elia, Ornos, Paranga, and off course Paradise and Superparadise Beach. I name a few here, and these are probably the busiest, because they are serviced by the busses, but there are a lot more. Like for instance Kalo Livadi, a beautiful beach and much more quiet, or Kapari Beach, a little more remote, which can only be reached on foot or by scooter. On Mykonos there's a beach to everbodies' liking. I can defenitely recommend Mykonos: lots of atmosphere, sun, sand and sometimes also lots of wind... I try to go there every year to meet old friends and recapture some of that atmosphere. Check the beaches on the left side menu, because there are so many. Many of the guides describe Paradise as the most beautiful beach of the island. I totally disagree. The beach of Elia, for example, is much bigger and more beautiful. Superparadise is traditionally been the beach for gays. It's overcrowded and sometimes it is close to impossible to find a place to lie down. Avoid it is my opinion. Many gays nowadays also go to the beach of Elia, where there is much more space and where it is a bit more of a mix of different kinds of people. There is a section of textile beach and a good part of the beach is for the naturists. From Mykonos town in irregular intervals there is a bus (not on the Fabrika Square but elsewhere) to Elia, but it can get very crowded, especially on the way back. Just take a taxi, I would say, especially if you are with a few people, because it is not really expensive. We sometimes asked people at the bus stop if they would want to shared a taxi. This is almost as expensive as a busticket. For the way back I always call 2289022400 for the taxi-central of Mykonos and then we go back, or I just ask someone with a car that I see getting in if I can get a lift back to Mykonos town. Many of the beaches, with the exception of Platis Gialos, Kalo Livadi, Psarou, Agios Stefanos, Agios Ioannis and Ornos, have a beach area for the naturists. It is often left textiles nudism right (or reversed course), so just take a look around. Superparadise is almost entirely naturist beach just like Agios Fokos and Myrsini. Kapari, Elia, Paranga, Panormos and Paradise have a naturist section. The beaches in the north are often not very clean, such as the beach at Ftelia and Meridias. You can save yourself the trip. This does not apply to all beaches: Panormos, Agios Sostis, Myrsini and Agios Fokos (my favorites) are clean and much quieter because there are no buses that go to these beaches. From Mykonos town you can take a bus to various beaches, for example Kalafatis, Ornos and Agios Ioannis, Paradise, Paranga and Platis Gialos. However, the frequency of buses is different and sometimes you have to pay attention when the last bus goes back (eg to Kalafatis there are only a few). |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Villa Konstantin - Mykonos Town - our choice & totally recommended!!This one was recommended to me by my readers, so we have booked the last days of our 2009 May-June holiday here. Villa Konstantin is situated on the edge of Mykonos Town on a quiet location overlooking the sea, the sunset and the island of Delos. The owner Sharon is praised into heaven by everybody and the Villa gets high ratings on all the websites. Villa Konstantin is located 700 metres up on the Northern hillside of Mykonos town. A ten minute walk down into the centre.It is a small complex of studios and rooms. Overlooking the Aegean and offering wonderful sunsets and an feeling of openness not to be found down in the centre. Classed as self-catering studios and apartments the Villa Konstantin is quite different in style to the modern hotels of today and is more of a throw back to the past For the review of our visit in May 2009 and all the pictures see the hotel page. Tel. +30 22890 26204 or +30 22890 25824 - Fax: +30 22890 26205 e-mail: Send an e-mail to Villa Konstantin in Mykonos Town and ask for availability and a quote for the price. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Hotel Nazos - Mykonos TownHotel Nazos is one of the nicest hotels in Mykonos town. We have stayed at this hotel in Mykonos Town as well. It's is a real family hotel, with 14 rooms, yet with all the facilities you can ask for. If you like a bit more luxurious and modernly decorated, and you prefer a personal approach, than this small, friendly and inexpensive hotel in Mykonos Town is for you. The hotel is conveniently situated, close to the harbour and only 100 meters from the main bus station at Fabrika square. The views are are very nice! All rooms have bath/shower and toilet, a refridgerator, a minibar, tv, airconditioning, internet access, a hairdryer and a private balcony with a panoramic view.... In the hotel there is a lounge, a snackbar, and there's space for your car. There's 24 hours a day service. If you like you can book / reserve the Hotel Nazos online here.
|
Studios Eleni - Mykonos TownHere in the Eleni Studios we have also stayed a couple of times. Compared to other hotels in Mykonos Town it is pretty cheap but basic (but the rooms do have shower, toilet and air conditioning) and the rooms are small but it is rather quiet for central Mykonos Town (no noise from discos etc.). It is a small complex that consists of a number of studios in two buildings on either side of a street. The street where it is goes from the bus station (for Platis Gialos, Super Paradise etc.) towards the center. Nearby is a cheap supermarket. Not a bad place. If you like you can reserve / book Studios Eleni in Mykonos town here. |
Sahas Studios - Mykonos TownFor more pictures of Sahas Studios click here If you like you can reserve / book in Sahas Studios in Mykonos Town here. |
Best reviews: Aeolos Hotel - Mykonos TownHotel Aeolos consists of 28 elegant furnished modern double rooms The breakfast room and the lounges are very comfortably furnished and in the beautiful garden with palm trees where you can enjoy a dip in the jacuzzi, a swim in the big pool or have cocktails at the bar at sunset for complete relaxation. Compared to other hotels in Mykonos Town with the same facilities (swimming pool etc) this hotel is actually not very expensive. If you like you can reserve / book the Aeolos Hotel in Mykonos Town here. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Cheap and at the beach: Esperides Apartments in Platis Gialos Beach - 3,5 km from Mykonos Town
For more pictures of Esperides Apartments click here If you like you can reserve / book Esperides Apartments in Platis Gialos here. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Rania Apartments, Studios and Rooms in Mykonos TownThe classy and modern Rania Apartment Complex is located in a peaceful and beautiful garden in the heart of Mykonos Chora, the lovely capital town of Mykonos, in the Petasos region, close to the entertainment venues, shops and sandy beaches of the island. The Rania Hotel Apartments in Mykonos Town are built according to the traditional Cycladic architectural style and is comprised of 15 fully equiped and comfortable rooms, studios and apartments, as well as organized communal facilities. The hospitable management and friendly staff of Rania Hotel Apartments provide all-inclusive services, making your stay in Mykonos Town pleasant and carefree. It is an A’ class hotel complex and is open all year round. Prices in 2006 start ay 58 euro a day for a room and 75 euro for a studio for two people. All the apartments comprise of private bathroom, refrigerator, microwave oven, telephone, television, veranda, air conditioning, safe deposit box and a desk. Moreover, several apartments have living room, sitting area, kitchen with the proper utensils, baby cot and balcony with spectacular sea view. The Rania Hotel complex is close to the Manto square (in the harbour with the restaurants) where you can find the taxis. You have to climb up some stairs behind the square to get there. The good point is that it is a very quiet spot without the noise of traffic and disco's, yet close to all the shops and the nightlife. Rania Apartments is run by Bonis and his charming son Anthony. We had a lovely studio with a livingroom and a bedroom seperated by an arch, a bathroom and a small kitchen. In the above pictures we are on our terrace that overlooked the harbour. Thank you very much for your hospitality Anthony! I don't get an answer anymore on my e-mails.... |
 |
 |
 |
 |
How to get to Mykonos - travel to Mykonos - ferries to MykonosMykonos can be easily reached from Rafina or Piraeus (near Athens) where there are daily ferries departing to the Cyclades, but off course there are also direct flights to Mykonos from the airports at Amsterdam and Brussels. Check the following websites: Cyclades Fast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, Alfa Ferries and Agoudimos Lines (Rafina - Andros - Tinos - Mykonos - takes about 4 and a half hour), Hellenic Seaways (Tinos - Mykonos - Naxos - Paros), Sea Jets Consortium (Rafina - Tinos - Mykonos of Rafina - Mykonos in two hours). Ferry connections from Rafina to Mykonos are very good and plenty. There are also ferries leaving from Piraeus heading for Mykonos, but it is easier and more convieniant to leave from Rafina. First of all it is not as hectic and large as Piraeus and second of all you don't have to go through Athens. You can reach Rafina from the airport by bus or by taxi in about half an hour. If you want to check the ferries from and to Mykonos and order a ticket - click here. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Car rental in Mykonos - rent a car on MykonosI always take off by car and drive around the island to the more isolated and quiet beaches of Mykonos. Or I like to park the car on top of a mountain and make a walk. If you want to discover the island and visit the beaches of Mykonos that most people don't see, or you just want to be mobile and comfortable, it would be wise to rent a car. Get quotes from different car rentals before you go and if like an offere and you want to, than make a reservation ahead. Print the quotes out and take them with you if you don't make an online reservation, so you have something to show. If you rent a car on the island than don't take it if it sounds too expensive. There are many car rental companies on the island of Mykonos so you can afford to shop around and save yourself a lot of money. You can also try to make a better deal than you are offered. I can proudly say that in 2009 I managed to get my car at half the price they first asked me to just by saying that I would walk a few meters because I could get a better deal there. Car rental in Mykonos is more expensive than on most of the other islands, or probably than on any other Greek island. Be safe and take a full insurance. On some places the traffic can be hectic and the streets can be narrow. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The history of MykonosThe Ionians settled in Mykonos in about 1100 BC, but escavations tell us that the island was already inhabited around 3000 BC by a neolithic tribe. Close to the island of Delos, that became "sacred", Mykonos was under the influance of all the different rulers there: the Phoenecians, Macedonians and the Athenans all left their mark on Mykonos. Just like all the other Greek islands the island came under the rule of the father of Alexander the Great, Philip of Macedonia. During that time the island florished and became a center for agriculture, pottery and shipbuilding. In the time of the Roman occupation under the rule of Augustus the island did even better. In the middle ages the island was occupied by the Venetians, and after that untill 1830 by the Turks, that enslaved Mykonians by the thousands. Off course the island was also occupied by the Germans. Today Mykonos has evolved to an important touristic attraction, because of its beautiful beaches, its relaxed atmosphere and the closeness of Delos.
|
Hans Huisman, www.angelfire.com/super2/greece 2006 2008