Mykonos Car Hire

Things to do in Mykonos

Beaches

The island boasts a total of 25 beaches and therefore there is something to appeal to everyone, whether it be the beach party scene or a secluded idyllic cove.

If you are part of the partygoers category, Paradise Beach is the place you want to be with: long sweep of pebbly sand, it houses a campsite, cafeteria and a couple of beach clubs, including the famous Tropicana Beach bar which hosts daily parties with DJs. For a more chilled beach club vibe head to Paraga Beach.

Families tend to head to Elia which is simply a stunning long stretch of white sand with plenty of space to host the hundreds of people that it attracts. For a more secluded sandy beach, go to Agrari beach or Fokos, both of which have no facilities apart from a singular restaurant.

For the more adventurous amongst you, Platis Gialos is one of the best beaches, as it is not only wide and stunning, but also offers plenty of options for watersports, as well as restaurants to satisfy your appetite afterwards. For those of you who wish to go kitesurfing, head to Korfos Bay.

For those of you aiming to avoid the busy, overcrowded beaches and looking for a “hidden gem”, somewhere more secluded, away from the loud music and beach parties, here are a few paradise like beaches: towards the north of the island, head to Tigani and Merchia, plus Fokos and Mersini, which are undeveloped and more wild. South of the island, head to Kapari, a beautiful peaceful sandy beach with crystal waters.

Discover the local charm

Chora (or Hora, also known as Mykonos Town) is the main town and the island's capital and is the idyllic greek town where you can enjoy a walk and admire the sugar cube shaped buildings, chalk white walls with bright blue doors and shutters. The pedestrianized streets are lined with stunning picturesque churches, tavernas and fashionable boutiques. Do not miss out on Little Venice, where you will find a sweet collection of shops and restaurants perched right on the waterfront and will get to witness the brightly coloured medieval houses with balconies.

The five Windmills of Kato Mili, which sit on a small hill above Little Venice, are an iconic sight which cannot be missed while visiting Mykonos. There used to be dozens on the island, mostly built by the Venetians in the 16th century, but their use as wheat mills died out in the early 20th. The best way to enjoy them is at sunrise or at sunset, accompanied by a cocktail in one of the many bars found in Little Venice.

CultureL

The nearby sacred island of Delos, which according to mythology is the birthplace of twin gods Apollo and Artemis, is worth exploring to witness the remains which date from over 5000 years in the form of amphitheatres, temples, marketplaces and the famous Terrace of Lions. The site definitely deserves its title of UNESCO World Heritage site, being one of the few sites of its kind still remaining. There is also a museum on site which should not be missed as it contains some artifacts which date back from as early as the 25th century BC Tours depart from the Old Port at 5pm, to avoid the heat.

The Folklore Museum in Kastro is located next to the Paraportiani church and is an interesting way to delve into the past and get an idea of how people used to live, work, and dress in the 19th century opn the island. If you are a history fanatic, the ruins of the Gyzi Castle is also a sight worth seeing: it was built during the 13th century under Venetian rule for a noble Venetian family that were ruling the cyclades during the medieval period. Nearby you will find the Paleokastro Monastery, which is an incredible site, that takes its name from the Gyzi castle as Paleokastro means old castle in Greek.. It was built on a hill close to Ano Mera in 1542 and remains intact today, including the brightly painted icons painted by Florentine artists. It was originally a nunnery and the plot also hosts a church dedicated to Saint Vlassis and a strange prehistoric tomb.

Eating out & Nightlife in Mykonos

Eating out

KIKI'S Taverna in Agios Sostis is a local institution which embraces the delicious simplicity of greek decor and flavors. The tavern works without electricity and you will eat in the natural setting of a terrace shaded by some trees overlooking the beach. They serve a delicious selection of barbecued meats and seafood accompanied by inventive twists of traditional salads.

Another taverna offering traditional Greek food is Bakolo which is situated in the heart of the old town in Mykonos and offers the most delicious traditional dishes, all prepared with local ingredients in an open plan kitchen. Similarly, Eva’s garden boasts a stunning set up of a patio covered by hanging grapevines and focuses on serving traditional Greek home cooking.

M-eating offers outstanding food and exceptional service in the simple setting of a local house. The menu was created by the owner and chef, who acquired all of his experience in five-star hotels and offers a five star spin on traditional greek food.

Funky Kitchen is a fusion restaurant that smoothly combines Mediterranean flavours with French techniques in a contemporary restaurant with an open kitchen, serving imaginative dishes such as octopus carpaccio with pink peppercorns.

For a snacky lunch pop to Gioras in Agiou Efthimiou, which is the oldest bakery on the island and dates all the way back to the 18th century. The building in itself is beautiful and full of history and its ceiling is covered with original wooden beams but they also serve the most delicious savory pastries.

Nightlife

The island is not nicknamed “party island” for nothing and once again offers an eclectic mix of nightlife, ranging from the beach clubs and nightclubs to cocktails bars to open-air cinemas, so there is something to appeal to everyone, no-matter what your vibe is. A lot of the beach clubs on Paradise beach do not close before dawn and host wild parties which carry on throughout the night.

Apart from the huge nightclubs found at the beach bars, there is the legendary Skandinavian Bar which has remained the most popular ever since its opening in 1978 and serves cocktails and great music.

If you are more in the mood for a quiet after dinner drink, head to Little Venice, where the waterfront is lined with atmospheric bars which serve delicious cocktails and the views of the sun setting onto the water are priceless.

If you have spent too many nights partying and are seeking a more relaxed evening, the Cine Manto is definitely a great solution. Here you will be able to enjoy a movie night under the stars in a romantic setting in the heart of Mykonos Town.

Mykonos Transport

Airport

Mykonos Airport has year-round flights to Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as flights to various European destinations during the high season. The airport is located just outside of the island's capital, Hora and easily accessible.

Ferries and Buses

The ferry from Athens or Santorini are very straightforward and both take about 2 hours. There are also ferries between Mykonos and the other islands of the Cyclades, such as Paros, Naxos, Syros, Andros and Santorini. There are also groups that offer a sea taxi service to get to different locations around the island, such as Mykonos Sea Transfer and Sea Bus.

KTEL Mykonos is the bus network to get around the island: the two main bus stations are in Mykonos Town, Fabrika and Old Port and buses operate to all the main beaches in the south. There are also night buses to Platis Gialos and Paradise which leave every hour.

Driving Tips

A car is definitely useful in Mykonos as the hotels are not normally walking distance from the towns or restaurants. A car also gives you the ability to explore the island and visit the other beaches.

During peak season parking can be difficult to find but if you are struggling there are normally spaces in the huge public car park next to the old port which is only a short walk from the town centre.