24 Mistakes to Avoid in Mykonos in 2026

My lovely anxious travelers, let’s talk Mykonos! The island shimmers like a disco ball under the Greek sun, where celebrities frolic and parties thrum until dawn. But hold your rose-tinted sunglasses for a second because Mykonos is much more than just a dance marathon (although, let’s be honest, some nights it definitely is!).

Imagine strolling through the sugar-cube houses of Chora, hand-in-hand with your honey, on a romantic getaway. Picture tiny toes giggling in the shallows of a family-friendly beach, building sandcastles that rival the Parthenon (okay, maybe not quite, but a beach-lovers dream nonetheless!).

Or, if you’re a party parrot like yours truly (ok, well I was a party parrot, now I find it difficult to keep my eyes open after 11 pm!), Mykonos is basically Disneyland for grown-ups (with cocktails! A lot of cocktails!).

A friendly heads-up: those cocktails might come with a hefty price tag, so pack your dancing shoes and budgeting skills as I did during my first visit to Mykonos!

But listen up, my super-organized travelers (or aspiring ones, did you download my free 42-page guide to becoming a super-organized traveler like me?)! Mykonos isn’t just about partying or finding the perfect Instagrammable pose (although, let’s not pretend we don’t all secretly love a good vacation snap).

It’s about exploring hidden coves, snorkeling crystal-clear waters, and watching the sunset paint the sky in hues that would make even the bravest painter blush. So, whether you’re a party animal, romantic, or family on a mission for endless beach fun, Mykonos has something for everyone.

My little guide is your treasure map to avoiding typical island faux pas and having the most magical Mykonos adventure ever. And remember, darlings, even if your dance moves resemble a baby giraffe on roller skates (I’ve been there, done that!), Mykonos will still steal your heart.

Now, shall we explore this island paradise without making common tourist mistakes that could ruin our vacation?

24 Mistakes to Avoid in Mykonos

1. Don’t avoid planning a holiday to Mykonos only because it is expensive:

Mykonos is much more costly than any other island and highly crowded during the high season. You only need to avoid getting there during the high season. The high season in Greece lasts from the second half of June to the beginning of September.

That means that if you visit it at the end of May/beginning of June or at the end of September, everything will be much cheaper, and you can enjoy the island in peace. 

2. Don’t plan to visit Mykonos during winter if you are looking for hot temperatures:

Looking at flights and accommodation prices in Greece during the winter season, you will see that prices drop significantly. Yes, you will save a lot of money and avoid the summer crowd, but you will also find cold weather (unless you like it, of course).

But what is the point of going to Mykonos if it’s cold and rainy and most restaurants and hotels are closed? Greece is a summer destination, perfect from May to October, and the weather is not as sunny and hot as usual from November to April because even in Greece, there is a winter season.

I think the best months to visit Mykonos are at the end of May, the beginning of June, and the end of September, when the kids are at school. It is less crowded, the temperature is warm but not as hot as in July, and prices are lower.

Keep in mind that beach clubs and nightclubs open in the middle of May. So, if you want to enjoy Mykonos as the party island it is, go from June to September.

See flight rates and availability.  

3. Don’t drink and drive:

I don’t want to sound like your mother, but when I got to Mykonos and I met the guy who brought my rental car to the port for me, the first thing he told me was that only that summer more than 50 people died because they got in a scooter or quad crash. 

I am not joking, guys. There are over 50 people on a little island like Mykonos in only three months. Greece has the third-highest motorcycle deaths in Europe, and the cause is that kids go there on holiday, rent a scooter even if they have never driven one, get drunk, and lose their lives crashing against something or falling from a cliff.

While in Mykonos, I saw girls driving scooters, and trust me, if you had seen how they were driving, you would have been terrified. It was evident that it was their first time on a scooter. Imagine them driving in the middle of the night, on streets they do not know, under the effect of alcohol. 

So, please, be careful and rent a scooter only if you can drive it.

4. Don’t be afraid to learn some basic sentences in Greek:

I know the Greek language might be intimidating for some of us, but you have no idea how hospitable Greek people are. They will appreciate the effort, so learn some essential words on Duolingo and use them at your accommodation or in a Myconian restaurant, like good morning, good evening, thank you, etc.

You might become friends with some locals simply by saying a few Greek words, showing them how much you like your country and culture.

5. Avoid tourist traps:

As you probably know, my dear traveler, every tourist destination has plenty of tourist traps. So please do your research in advance. Check my articles “Stunning Restaurants with Sea View in Mykonos” and “Where to Eat Local on a Budget in Mykonos”  or ask locals where they are. 

You won’t regret it. You will taste delicious Greek food and probably also save some money.

6. Don’t be afraid to talk to locals:

Locals know the area and can give you advice, like where to eat and how to get from A to B in the cheapest and fastest way. They know the best beaches in Mykonos and have tips on visiting Mykonos and making the most of your vacation, so don’t be afraid to talk to them and ask for advice.

Pssst! Book your tours and activities before they get sold out! See all the activities and excursions available. You won’t regret it! 

7. Don’t forget to research where to eat locally:

We all have a budget when we travel (at least I do), and the best way to experience the places we visit is through local food. Greek food is fantastic and doesn’t make me start talking about Greek sweets!

When I choose a destination, I research where and what to eat. I would spend all day eating, an essential part of my travel. This is one of the most important tips I can give you when visiting Greece!

8. Don’t be scared to share your meal with your travel mates:

And by saying this, I mean there are so many delicious foods in Greece; you cannot just order a starter and a main course for yourself and try only two things a restaurant offers. Share all the food with your travel mates unless you are traveling alone.

Order different dishes and share everything with them. In this way, you will try most of the options on the menu, still feeling satisfied but not fully ready to explode, or maybe yes. 

Greek food is so good you won’t be able to stop eating everything. Also, don’t forget to book a great wine and food experience in Mykonos, where you will try the most local dishes and local wines!

9. Don’t eat only Greek food you have heard about:

Greece is a vast country; every region has some specialty you may not have heard about. Please do your research ahead, or when visiting, ask your waiter or at your accommodation what the local gastronomy has to offer. Trust me, you will be amazed. And if you love cooking, maybe a Mykonos cooking class is what you have to book on this vacation!

Read “Food and Drinks to Try in Greece” to learn about all the delicacies you cannot miss trying in Greece.

10. Don’t talk about politics or country issues:

As you might have heard, Greece has a substantial financial issue, so please avoid the subject unless a local starts to talk about it with you.

11. Don’t forget to bring a gift when a local invites you to their house:

Greeks are very hospitable people, so if some of them invite you to their home, please be a perfect guest and bring something to say thank you. 

It might be just a bunch of flowers, a bottle of wine, or some sweets bought at a local bakery. You will see how much they will appreciate your gesture. If you want to learn what to buy in Greece, I have you covered, as always! Check out my guide to Greek gifts to learn what is worth buying while on vacation in this fabulous country!

12. Don’t forget to be extra careful when crossing the road:

Greeks are a little bit crazy while driving, not all of them, of course, but only because the traffic light is green in your favor; it doesn’t mean you don’t need to check the street before crossing, so keep that in mind and please be always careful and vigilant.

Also, Mykonos is full of tourists who don’t know the area or might have drunk too much and are still driving, so keep your guard up all the time.

13. Don’t expect everything or everyone to be on time:

Buses might not be suitable in time like in London (to give you an example), so you might have to wait a couple of minutes for your bus to leave or wait a bit longer than usual to meet a local.

My advice is to always be there in advance if you must catch a bus or a ferry (anywhere in the world),  just in case it leaves right on time or if you find traffic on your way. Traffic can be terrible in high season with locals going to work plus tourists not knowing the area. 

Please leave your accommodation in advance and be there with plenty of time ahead of you. Do not risk losing it, please. Bring with you a novel or some music to listen to to avoid getting bored while you wait (if this is your case).

To explore Mykonos, I highly recommend renting a car as I did. It allowed me to move around and see everything I had planned without waiting for a bus.

See Mykonos rental car prices and availability.

14. Don’t show your hand palm:

It may mean nothing to you, but it is a well-known insulting gesture in Greece. It is showing your middle finger, so please avoid it. (read my tips to visit Mykonos and plan the best trip to Greece)

To make you understand, I am not saying you cannot let other people see your palms. The gesture I am talking about is when you are talking to someone, and you lift your hand and show their face your palm in a very straightforward way. 

15. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen:

The sun is ill, and we have heard about it many times, so please buy good mineral sunscreen or an aloe vera one and apply it many times daily. The sun in Greece is powerful, so if you come from a country where you don’t sunbathe very often, please do not forget! 

Save your delicate skin and your holiday because sunburns can turn your holiday into a nightmare, and get the best tan this summer!

In case you unfortunately get sunburned, don’t worry – I’ve got the most comprehensive guide on how to cure sunburn fast on vacation, to help you recover and get ready to hit the beach as soon as possible.

Also, when it’s windy, you might feel that you are not so hot, but trust me, the sun will make you look like a lobster in the evening, so apply good sunscreen every couple of hours. 

Read my Guide to the Best Tan!

16. Don’t spend all your holiday in one place:

Of course, if you are planning to visit Greece just for a weekend, you won’t have time to see much, but if you are lucky enough to have one or two weeks to spend in this beautiful country, my advice is to visit more than just one place or one island.

The mainland is well-connected by bus and trains, and all the islands are well-connected by ferries, so it will be easy for you to travel around. 

A few years ago, I started my holiday in Athens, where I spent three days (I had 16 days in Greece). I moved to Mykonos for four days, then Paros for three days, Ios for three days, and ended my holiday in Santorini for another three days. 

I am not saying you have to do the same as I did, but honestly, ferries can be so fast, and the islands are not so big, so you can easily see everything you want in one day and then spend the other day and a half on a beach.

I rented a car everywhere (just not in Athens, where I moved by public transport and walking during the day and by taxi at night), and I saw everything I wanted, having a lot of time to spend at the beach relaxing and swimming.

Pssst! Want to know where the best beaches in Mykonos are? Read my Top Mykonos beaches and beach clubs, to help you choose the right beach for you and the best hotels to book near every beach, the perfect way to be only a short walk from your favorite beach.

17. Don’t  forget to bargain:

Buying souvenirs in Greece in shops or local markets is expected to bargain and get the best price. Even if you have never done it, try it. They won’t get upset because this is part of their customs, and you might save some money. Don’t forget, the only way to lower the prices is by paying cash.

Pssst! Plan Your Vacation in Mykonos! Check my “Guide to Mykonos Page” and read all my articles to make your next travel successful. 

18. Don’t forget you will need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Greece:

Unfortunately, you might end up without the chance to rent a car without an international driver’s license, so check how to do it in your own country (it is basically just a translation of your driver’s license and is usually valid for one year). 

The best thing to do is to contact your rental car company and ask if your regular driving license is enough. This way, if necessary, you will have time to get an international one before your trip.

If you are from Europe, you won’t have any problems but plan to come from a country outside the EU.

See Mykonos rental car prices and availability.

19. Don’t forget to buy local products as souvenirs:

Greece has a lot to offer, from wine, olive oils, olives, honey, and herbs, handmade soaps, and many other natural cosmetics, so do your research about the place you will visit, buy and eat locally, your friends at home will love to receive your gifts from Greece. 

Read the complete guide to Greek souvenirs.

20. Don’t throw toilet paper or anything else inside the toilet:

If you see a little bin next to it, the pipes are much smaller than in any other country. If you throw a lot of toilet paper in it, it will clog, and trust me, you don’t want to be in a situation when you and your travel mate cannot use the toilet in the morning, so keep this in mind.

Heads up! Looking for the perfect tan this summer? Read my “Guide to the perfect tan.”

21. Don’t forget to withdraw money:

While in Greece, always have some cash with you. In many restaurants, bars, and shops, it is possible to pay by credit card, while in some others, like in small towns, card payments are not always accepted. So keep that in mind, and never leave without some cash in your pocket.

To be sure, always ask if they accept card payments before ordering something.

22. Don’t waste your time looking for a smoke-free bar or restaurant:

In Greece, most people smoke, and local owners let them do it, so if you cannot eat in a place where people smoke at the table next to you, I highly recommend you choose a location with a garden or a terrace.

Welcome to my travel guide, my lovely anxious traveler! Want to know who is behind Valentina’s Travel Guide? Let me tell you more about myself.

Greece island hopping Tip: Check out Ferryhopper, the best ferry website to reach the Greek islands. Where you will find all the ferry routes available in Greece.

23. Don’t forget to bring with you an adapter:

Greek plugs differ from those in the US, UK, and other countries. Make sure to buy a universal adapter before your departure. It is always cheaper to buy it at home than at the airport in a tourist spot. Plan and buy all the necessary items to pack for your trip.

Shop my favorite travel plug adapter.

24. Don’t forget to save the emergency numbers:

I wish you all the luck in this world and that nothing terrible happens to you, but sometimes bad things happen at home or while traveling, so save up all the numbers you might need in an emergency.

• Mykonos Medical Center: +30 2289023994
• Tourist Police:+30 2289022482
• Mykonos International Airport: +30 2289079000
• Mykonos Bus Services: +30 2289023360, 2289026797
• Mykonos Taxi Services: +30 2289023700, 2289022400
• Mykonos Hotel Association: +30 2289024760, 2289024540
• Municipality of Mykonos:+30 2289022201

In Greece, the numbers to dial are: 

• police emergency is 100 
• to call an ambulance is 166.

I added all the numbers you may need on every main page of a city or country I wrote about, so check them out.

Before you go…

I know what you’re thinking, my lovely anxious travelers: “Did I just read an entire article about travel mistakes? Isn’t that, like, the opposite of what you usually preach, Miss Super-Organized?”

Honey, let me tell you, learning what not to do is just as important as planning your itinerary down to the minute (especially when it comes to avoiding meltdowns that would make even Mykonos sunsets blush).

Please think of me as your travel fairy godmother, sprinkling not pixie dust but wisdom and insider tips to keep your Mykonos trip magical. Now, I can’t promise you won’t accidentally order an octopus dish that looks more like an alien than a delicious snack (been there, done that).

But, by following my handy guide, you’ll be dodging major mishaps like a pro, leaving you free to focus on the good stuff: sun-kissed skin, endless laughter, and memories that’ll have you gushing to your grandkids (yes, even if you’re currently rocking a solo trip!).

So, go forth, my organized adventurers, and conquer Mykonos like the planning pros you are! (If you are not super-organized like me yet, download my free 42-page guide to a super-organized trip).

Remember, a little knowledge (and maybe a few extra phone chargers – Mykonos power outlets can be temperamental!) goes a long way. Get out there and create an epic vacation story that’ll make even the most seasoned traveler jealous.

Remember to tag me in your pics—your glowing smile will be the ultimate proof that planning pays off!

Your super-organized travel blogger

Xoxo Valentina