Mykonos

About Mykonos

By the ULTIMATE Athens City Guide Editorial Team

Windmills above the harbour, the captains’ houses of Little Venice, famous beach clubs and nightlife, designer shops in a maze of white lanes, and the sacred island of Delos just across the water.

The back story

For most of its history Mykonos lived in the shadow of its tiny neighbour, Delos, the island where Apollo and Artemis were said to have been born. Delos was one of the holiest places in the Greek world and, in Hellenistic and Roman times, a great free port, while dry, windy Mykonos supplied it with farmers and sailors.

In the 18th and 19th centuries the island grew rich on seafaring, and its captains built the tall houses that rise straight out of the sea in what is now called Little Venice. Mykonian ships and sailors also played their part in the Greek War of Independence, led by the island’s heroine, Manto Mavrogenous.

Mykonian ships and sailors also played their part in the Greek War of Independence, led by the island’s heroine, Manto Mavrogenous.

Tourism came early. Archaeologists working on Delos stayed on Mykonos, and from the 1950s and 60s artists, writers and celebrities followed, turning the island into one of the most fashionable destinations in the Mediterranean.

The town

Mykonos town, or Chora, is a labyrinth of whitewashed lanes, said to have been built to confuse pirates, now lined with boutiques, galleries, bars and restaurants around Matoyianni Street. Look for the Paraportiani, a cluster of chapels fused into one sculptural white church, and the row of windmills at Kato Mili above Little Venice, the classic place to watch the sunset with a drink.

Delos

Boats leave the old harbour every morning, except Mondays, for Delos, a short crossing away. The whole island is an archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the marble Terrace of the Lions, temples, theatres and the mosaic floors of rich merchants’ houses. There is little shade, so go early, take water and allow at least three hours.

Beaches and nightlife

The south coast has the famous beaches: Psarou and Platis Gialos for smart beach restaurants, Paradise and Super Paradise for beach clubs and parties, and quieter coves such as Agios Sostis and Fokos on the wilder north coast. Mykonos is one of the great party islands of Europe in July and August, but in May, June and September it is calmer and very beautiful.

Getting there

Mykonos has an airport with flights from Athens of about 40 minutes, and many international flights in summer. Ferries leave both Piraeus and Rafina: high-speed boats take roughly two and a half to three hours and conventional ferries about five, arriving at the new port north of town. Mykonos is well connected with Tinos, Syros, Paros, Naxos and Santorini.

Mykonos at a glance

Ferry times are typical and change with the season, the boat and the number of stops; check current timetables with the ferry companies or Ferryhopper before you travel.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Mykonos before you go.