Mykonos, Greece Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Mykonos, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, is a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque beaches, vibrant nightlife, and charming white-washed buildings. This cosmopolitan island offers a unique blend of traditional Greek culture and modern luxury. Its winding streets are lined with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and chic restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. Mykonos also boasts a rich history, with ancient ruins and iconic landmarks such as the iconic windmills. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an exciting party scene, Mykonos has something for everyone to enjoy.

Why Mykonos, Greece?

  • Mykonos is known for its picturesque whitewashed buildings.
  • The island is home to over 40 stunning beaches.
  • Mykonos hosts the world's first and only LGBT Beach Festival.
  • The island is the birthplace of the ancient Greek God Apollo.
  • Mykonos has one of the world's oldest operational windmills.

Mykonos, Greece Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
54° F
° F
February
55° F
° F
March
57° F
° F
April
64° F
° F
May
72° F
° F
June
79° F
° F
July
81° F
° F
August
81° F
° F
September
75° F
° F
October
68° F
° F
November
63° F
° F
December
57° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
4.0 inches
February
2.8 inches
March
2.4 inches
April
1.1 inches
May
0.7 inches
June
0.3 inches
July
0.2 inches
August
0.1 inches
September
0.6 inches
October
1.9 inches
November
2.6 inches
December
4.0 inches

History

Mykonos, one of the most famous islands in the Cyclades, has a history as captivating as its modern reputation. In ancient times, Mykonos was closely tied to nearby Delos, the sacred island believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. As Delos flourished as a religious and commercial hub, Mykonos played a supporting role, providing resources and housing for workers and visitors. Archaeological evidence suggests that Mykonos was inhabited as early as the Neolithic period and later by the Ionians around the 11th century BC.

During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Mykonos remained a small but strategic outpost in the Aegean. In the Middle Ages, it became part of the Venetian Duchy of Naxos, and its famous windmills were constructed to process grain for the region. Like much of the Cyclades, Mykonos endured pirate raids and Ottoman rule, though it maintained its strong Greek cultural identity. The island played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century, with the local heroine Manto Mavrogenous leading efforts against the Ottoman forces.

Today, Mykonos is celebrated worldwide as a glamorous destination, known for its whitewashed buildings, vibrant nightlife, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Its picturesque harbor, iconic windmills, and narrow streets of Mykonos Town showcase its rich Cycladic heritage, while its proximity to Delos continues to connect it to its ancient past. Mykonos blends centuries of history with modern luxury, offering visitors both cultural exploration and a lively island experience.

Transportation on Mykonos, Greece

Getting to Mykonos, Greece and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa not required for most nationalities for stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area.
  • Return/onward ticket required for proof of departure.

Departure Tax

A departure tax of €12 applies for flights leaving Greece. This is usually included in airfare but confirm with your carrier.

Driving

  • Driving License: EU licenses are valid; non-EU licenses require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Driving Side: Right-hand side.
  • Road Conditions: Roads are generally well-maintained but can be narrow, steep, and crowded during peak tourist seasons.
  • Speed Limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads.
  • Traffic Rules: Be cautious of scooters, ATVs, and heavy traffic near popular beaches. Parking is limited in Mykonos Town; walking or using local transport is often more practical. Renting a scooter or ATV is a popular way to explore the island.

Local Transportation

Mykonos, Greece, offers a range of transportation options to explore its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and charming towns. Public buses are an affordable and reliable way to reach popular destinations like Paradise Beach and Mykonos Town. For more flexibility, rental cars, scooters, and ATVs are great choices, allowing you to discover hidden coves and scenic spots at your own pace. Taxis are available but limited, so booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak season. Water taxis provide a unique way to hop between beaches along the coast. With these options, getting around Mykonos is as exciting as the island itself.

Know Before You Go...® - Mykonos, Greece Travel Tips

Before making their way to Mykonos, Greece , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Mykonos, Greece even more relaxing.

Capital: Chora
Population: 10,134 (estimated)
Size: 33 square miles (estimated)
Electric Current: 230
Time: Timezone: +02, 2024-12-14 09:04:49
(GMT Offset: 2 hours, DST: No)
Official Language: The official language spoken in Mykonos is Greek. However, due to its popularity as a tourist destination, English is widely spoken as a secondary language. Other languages such as German, Italian, French, and Spanish can also be heard.
Currency:
  • The official currency of Mykonos is the Euro (€). It is recommended to exchange your currency at a bank or an official exchange office to get the best rates.
  • ATMs are also available in major tourist areas and accept most international debit and credit cards.
  • Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in Mykonos. They are a convenient way to pay for your purchases and are accepted in most establishments. However, it is always advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller shops, as some may not accept credit cards.
  • Traveler's checks are not commonly used in Mykonos and are not accepted in most establishments.
  • Mobile payment options, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, are not widely available in Mykonos. However, some establishments may accept them, especially in larger hotels and restaurants.
Tipping and Taxes:
  • Tipping is not mandatory in Mykonos, but it is appreciated for good service. It is common to leave a small amount (5-10%) as a tip for waiters, bartenders, and hotel staff. Tipping in cash is preferred.
  • Some restaurants and hotels in Mykonos may add a service charge to the bill, which is usually around 10%. This is not a mandatory tip and you can choose to leave an additional amount if you feel the service was exceptional.
  • Value Added Tax (VAT) is included in the prices of goods and services in Mykonos. The current VAT rate is 24%. However, some businesses may offer a lower tax rate for certain items, such as food and drink.
  • While most places in Mykonos accept credit cards, it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand for tipping and small purchases. In some places, credit card transactions may incur an additional fee, so it is best to check with the establishment beforehand.
Dress Code: The dress code in Mykonos, Greece is typically casual and relaxed, with a focus on comfortable and stylish beachwear.
Topography: Mykonos is a small, hilly island in the Aegean Sea with sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, and a central plain surrounded by low mountains.
Telephone: * Telephone: Country Code: +30 * Mobile Networks: Reliable coverage across the island, including beaches and rural areas. * Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. Many establishments offer free Wi-Fi for guests.

Mykonos, Greece Weddings and Honeymoons

In Mykonos, getting married involves a few clear steps and required documents.

Apply for a marriage license at the local Dimarchio (Town Hall) in Mykonos or a nearby municipality. Applications should be submitted at least 10 days in advance.

Documents Needed:

  • Valid passports or national ID cards for both parties.
  • Birth certificates (translated into Greek and certified with an Apostille).
  • Certificate of no impediment to marriage or single status certificate (translated into Greek).
  • Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).
  • Application form provided by the Town Hall.

Civil ceremonies are legally binding and conducted in Greek by a registrar. An interpreter may be required if the couple does not speak Greek.

Costs: Marriage fees typically range from €100 to €300. Additional costs may apply for translations, Apostilles, and optional arrangements.
Optional Religious or Scenic Venue Ceremony: Mykonos offers iconic venues for symbolic or religious ceremonies, including its famous windmills, whitewashed chapels, and luxury beachfront resorts. Popular locations include Agios Sostis Beach, Little Venice, and private villas overlooking the Aegean Sea. These ceremonies are not legally binding without a civil ceremony.