Surely you already know things about the famous island of Mykonos, but are you sure to know all the essential tips that will make your vacation a complete success?
Before visiting this party island, read all the tips you might need to know in this article.
I have been to Mykonos during a hopping island tour at the beginning of September, and I liked it a lot.
In Mykonos, you will find an island that has a lot to offer to its visitors.
It can be the perfect place for party people. It can be family-friendly if you plan to visit it with your kids. Indeed it is also a gay-friendly island with plenty of gay bars and clubs to have fun all night.
But it can also be an incredibly romantic place to have a great time with the person you love. There are so many activities to do in Mykonos, like enjoying the sunshine in one of the famous spots or on a sunrise boat tour.
Have dinner in one of the best restaurants in Mykonos with a sea view, and stay in a private villa with an infinity pool just for the two of you.
Travel Tips: As soon as you book your next adventure, buy good travel insurance in case you need to “unfortunately” delay, extend, or cancel your trip. I recommend VisitorsCoverage for short trips and SafetyWing for trips longer than a month.
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Read 37 Essential Tips to Know Before Visit Mykonos
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1. Plan to spend more than one day in Mykonos:
If there is also a visit to the famous island of Mykonos in your Greece itinerary, please remember that this island is more than just a party spot.
Of course, it is mainly famous for parties, but even if you are not interested in drinking and dancing all night till sunrise, that doesn't mean this island cannot be for you.
Mykonos has beautiful towns to explore, fantastic beaches, and many restaurants where to enjoy the local food.
2. Mykonos is extremely busy and crowded during the high season (July-August):
I went to Mykonos in the middle of September, and even though it wasn't crazy busy, I could not walk freely and take pictures in the evening in the main streets because too many people passed by.
I advise visiting it in June when it's already warm or at the end of September when the water is still warm, and the parties are still going.
Prices will be much lower, and you will not need to book every restaurant you wish to go to a lot in advance. If you wish to visit Mykonos on a budget, read my article.
3. Make sure to learn some essential words:
I know the Greek language might be intimidating for some of us. Still, you have no idea how hospitable Greek people are.
They will appreciate the effort, so learn some essential words on Duolingo (a free app to learn many languages while having fun) to use at your accommodation or in a restaurant, like good morning, good evening, thank you, etc.
You might become friends with some locals just because you show them how much you like your country and culture just by saying a few Greek words.
Need some Travel Tips?
Check out my Travel Tips section, where you will find all the help, tips, and tricks to plan your next adventure most efficiently!
4. In case you want to visit more islands, check how far they are from Mykonos:
Greece is a vast country; some islands are next to each other, and you can travel between them in only 30 minutes by ferry.
But some of them can be 15 or more hours of travel distance, so check a Greece map and ensure you have enough time to travel to every place you wish to see.
Travel Tip: The islands around Mykonos are Andros, Tinos, Syros, Naxos, Paros and Antiparos.
These are only a few of them; even if you have never heard of them, it doesn't mean they are not worth visiting.
Every Greek island is beautiful. You only didn't hear about them because they are not part of the most famous ones where everyone goes.
Planning to Explore Greece?
5. Sleeping on a ferry overnight can be a good option sometimes:
If you have to spend 8 hours on a ferry to reach Mykonos, travelling at night is an excellent way to save time and money. It is cheaper, and you will be spending all the time sleeping and waking up at your next destination.
In this way, you are also going to save money for one night of accommodation. Check out prices and availability on Ferryhopper, the website I used to book all my ferry tickets.
6. In case you want to stop in Mykonos while doing island hopping, plan enough time:
Every island in Greece is beautiful, and of course, you wish to visit many of them, but remember that your ferry might not always leave early in the morning.
You might get to your next destination after lunchtime, then go to your accommodation, check in, get ready to go out, and more than half-day is gone.
I highly recommend you have at least two full days at each place.
So you can explore, have some time to enjoy the beaches, go to a nice restaurant at night and mainly relax.
It is your holiday, after all. So don't plan a too tight trip. Otherwise, you will risk ruining your travel and always be tired.
7. Make sure always to print out your ferry tickets:
When I planned a Greek islands' tour, I booked everything in advance (like I always do to save money) and printed all the tickets I had.
It was a great choice because they wanted to see my ticket's paper copy while embarking on a ferry.
Otherwise, if you prefer to buy your ticket on the spot, arrive at the ferry pier in advance and buy your tickets at the ticket office. The queue might be long in some places and during high season, so arrive a lot in advance.
At the beginning of September in Piraeus (Athens's ferry port), the ticket office queue was crazy long, so I can't image how long it can be during high season.
Another thing you can do in case you leave Athens port and do a hopping island tour is to buy all your tickets simultaneously (and a lot in advance) and then print them all out.
Travel Tip: check out the terms and conditions of the ferry company you will travel with. Every company is different. Some only need a printed copy, other want you to collect your ferry ticket at the port ticket office (in this case, they will send you a code by email to collect your ticket).
8. Beaches are free but the sunbeds can cost you a fortune:
All the beaches in Mykonos are free to enter, and they almost all have beach clubs where you can sip 120.000 euros of champagne while lying on a sunbed that you paid 150 euros (but it is in the first row of the beach).
I am talking about the beach bar and restaurant Nammos, located in Psarou (only for the wealthiest).
It all depends on the beach club, some are more expensive than others, and sunbeds prices rise when getting closer to the water.
Visiting Mykonos on a Budget?
9. Always apply good sunscreen:
Sun can be scorching and damage your skin during the Greeks summers, so be smart and buy a good mineral sunscreen, and please do not forget to apply it more times a day.
It is essential to avoid looking like a lobster and spend the rest of your holiday indoors and in pain. If you wish to get the best tan ever this summer, read how to get the perfect tan, you will thank me later
10. Bring your sunscreen from home or buy it at the airport before you leave:
You have no idea how expensive sunscreen can be in Greece, mainly on the most popular islands. A regular sunscreen that you might pay 5/8 euros/pounds (for a cheap one) in Greece can cost you even twice the price, so plan and save money.
If you want a good sunscreen lotion with aloe vera and other unique natural ingredients that will take care of your skin on holiday, check out my favorite sunscreen lotion.
11. Bring with you water shoes:
Water shoes are very colorful and comfortable, they will save you a lot of pain while walking on the rocks or the beautiful pebble beach (there is not only sand in Greece).
12. If traveling with friends, please share your meal:
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.
Unless you are traveling alone, share all the food with your travel mates, order different dishes, and share everything. Booking a wine and food tour in Mykonos is an excellent way to try many local products.
In this way, you are going to 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), and you will try most of the delicious food Greece has to offer.
Read "39 Food and Drinks to Try in Greece" to learn more about Greek Food
and if you like sweets, read "20 Delicious Sweets You Cannot Miss to Try in Greece".
13. Book a seat inside the ferry:
If you are going to Mykonos by ferry, trust me that traveling on the hot open deck, in the middle of the day, with 40 degrees or even more, is not fun.
So book a seat when purchasing your ferry tickets and ensure your seat is inside where the air conditioning is always on.
14. If you are traveling to Mykonos from a very distant place, check the best traveling option:
Sometimes ferry travel can last more than 8 hours, so if there is a direct flight between your destinations, see it as an option instead of traveling by ferry if the price is not exceptionally high.
This way, you will save a lot of time you might spend at the beach in Mykonos instead. Don't forget to read "24 Mistakes to Avoid in Mykonos" to plan the best vacation of your life!
Do you want to see everything Mykonos has to offer to make your next vacation unforgettable?
Check here all the activities and tours available. You won't regret it!
15. Eat local:
Greek food in Mykonos differs significantly from what you might have eaten in your own country at a Greek restaurant.
My advice is always to do your research about the local cuisine. And when you get to a restaurant in Mykonos, ask your waiter what the local dishes are.
Every region has different local delicious food, not only gyros, greek salad, and moussaka (that are of course, delicious), but trust me, there is much more to try while exploring Greece.
Read "39 Food and Drinks to Try in Greece" to learn more about Greek food
and if you like sweets, read "20 Delicious Sweets You Cannot Miss Trying in Greece".
16. Buy local food as souvenirs:
I think buying local food is the best way to bring your holiday back home with you and give it to your family and friends (if you used to bring back some souvenirs for them).
In Mykonos, you can find delicious infused olive oils, olives of every kind and color, dry herbs, infused honey (I bought delicious Thyme honey in Ios, for example), almond cookies, liquors, and much more.
Read "58 Wonderful Things to Buy in Greece" to have a better idea about
what to buy during your Travel.
17. Take your time while eating at a restaurant:
When visiting the beautiful island of Mykonos, it's essential to slow down and enjoy every moment of your vacation.
Don't rush through meals or activities in Mykonos; take the time to fully immerse yourself in the island's stunning scenery and vibrant culture, visit all the most famous places in Mykonos and relax!
Remember, the best experiences often come from taking things slow and enjoying your holiday; rushing things is one of the enormous mistakes to avoid in Mykonos.
Enjoy an excellent cold espresso and maybe a glass of Ouzo or one of the other typical drinks after your meal (in some restaurants, they will give you a complimentary drink with your bill, so please leave a tip).
Mykonos is a place to relax, so enjoy every little detail.
18. People are allowed to smoke inside restaurants and bars:
In Greece, most people smoke, and they do it in bars and restaurants.
If you cannot eat where people are smoking at the table next to you, I highly recommend choosing a location with a garden or a terrace.
And also, check if the people at the table next to you are smoking or have an ashtray at their table. In that case, you can still ask to be seated at another table.
Visit Also Athens?
19. Leave a tip at the restaurant:
If you went out to eat and liked the food and the service, please leave at least a 10% tip.
It is essential to show appreciation (it is also part of their salary because salaries in hospitality are usually relatively low); most of the restaurants on the islands and some in Athens work only during the summer season.
They also work very hard thanks to the affluence of tourists, so let them know you appreciate their work and service.
20. Gyros can be incredibly cheap:
Mykonos offers a variety of affordable dining options, including the mouth-watering Gyro.
Whether you visit Mykonos on a budget or not, you will love this traditional Greek dish's low cost and delicious taste.
You will find different kinds of Gyros, with varying types of meat and vegetarians/vegans, with delicious falafel inside.
21. Always bring cash with you:
Many small bars, tavernas, and shops in Mykonos still do not accept card payments, so keep that in mind and always withdraw some cash to have with you.
Not all restaurants and shops accept card payments in Mykonos. To avoid inconvenience, ask the waiter beforehand if they accept cards so you can withdraw cash before ordering in your meal.
22. Cash machines are everywhere:
And I mean it, cash machines are everywhere, and they are very well signposted.
But if you don't see any, don't be shy and enter a shop to ask where you can find one.
It doesn't matter if you don't speak Greek. Most of the locals in Mykonos work with tourists, and they all speak English.
Otherwise, make sure always to have your Google translator. It can save your life while traveling abroad.
23. Book your accommodation a lot in advance:
Greece is a top-rated summer destination, and you need to plan your trip to Mykonos in advance, so if you want to get the best deal for the best accommodation that suits all your needs, book as soon as possible.
Greek accommodation, especially on a famous island like Mykonos, can get fully booked very soon, so keep that in mind.
Romantic Vacation in Mykonos?
24. Book everything a lot in advance:
Mykonos is so famous that everything can go sold out pretty fast.
My advice is to book everything you wish to do when you visit this famous island, like activities, sea view restaurants, nightclub tables, bar tables, and much more.
Yes, I wrote bar tables because there are some fantastic bars in perfect places to enjoy stunning views and sunset.
They are usually pretty expensive, with a minimum spend per person, but the location and the view are worth it.
Read "Best Places Where to Watch the Sunset in Mykonos" here.
25. Check also rooms without breakfast:
Breakfast in Mykonos is fantastic!
You can easily have breakfast in a Greek Bakery, which sells sweets and savory delicacies. Everything is very cheap, so if you find a hotel that offers a simple breakfast, why not have breakfast every morning in a different bakery?
26. Bring with you an international driver's licence:
If you don't have it, unfortunately, you might end up without the chance to rent a car in Mykonos.
Check how to do it in your own country. It is just a translation of your driver's license and is usually valid for one year.
If you are from Europe, you won't have any problems, but make sure to get it if you come from a country outside the EU.
27. 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, more than 50 people in only three months.
Greece has the third-highest motorcycle deaths in Europe, and the cause is that young people go there on holiday, rent a scooter even if they have never driven one, get drunk, and lose their life crashing against something or falling from a cliff.
While in Mykonos, I saw kids driving scooters; trust me, it was terrifying. 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.
28. Buses and taxis will take you everywhere:
Bus lines in Mykonos work very well, and they are extremely cheap. All the main beaches in Mykonos are connected to the main town, the port, and the airport.
Remember that Mykonos is one of the most minor Cyclades islands (length of 12/15 km and width of 10 km).
There are two bus stations in Mykonos 20 mins by walk from each other:
Fabrica Station: Buses to Platis Gialos, Ornos, Paraga, Paradise, and Agios Ioannis during the daytime. And at night, there are buses to Paradise and Platis Gialos every hour.
Old Port Ferry Station: Buses to Elia (every hour from 11 am to 7 pm), Ano Mera, Kalafatis, and Panormos.
Keep in mind that the Bus Time Schedule changes every two weeks. There are more buses during the high season.
Travel Tip: As soon as you get to Chora (Mykonos main town), go to both stations and take pictures of the time schedule to always know what time the bus is expected to leave or arrive.
Where to buy Mykonos buses tickets:
You can purchase your ticket from the bus driver (make sure to have the exact amount of euros), at the kiosk near the stations, from a vending machine, tourists shops and also in mini-markets.
Keep in mind, that you need two tickets to go back to Mykonos main town (Chora) because a return ticket doesn't exist.
The bus driver will validate your bus ticket, and during high season, another person inside the bus will recheck it.
Unfortunately, there are only 34 taxis in Mykonos.
So getting one during peak time can be pretty challenging.
In Chora, there is one Taxi area behind the Cosmote building (in the north area of the town).
I advise hiring a private driver in advance (if you don't travel on a budget) that will take you from the airport to your hotel and vice versa.
While staying on the island, if you don't want to wait for the bus, you can rent a car as I did.
In the middle of September, it was pretty easy to find a car park, but I am sure it is not so easy during the high season.
If you know how to drive a scooter/quad, renting one during high season will save you a lot of time looking for a car park.
Check out BikeBooking.com, where you will find all the possible scooters, motorbikes, and quads available in Mykonos (be fast to book because people tend to book everything a lot in advance in very famous destinations).
29. Strikes happen everywhere, so be prepared to plan more time than you need to leave the country:
It can be a train or a ferry strike, so imagine you have to leave Mykonos by ferry to get to Athens to catch your flight.
If there is a ferry strike, you will be in trouble. So plan to have plenty of time. If your flight is on Saturday, be in Athens already on Friday.
Spend a night in the beautiful capital, book a nice restaurant, and enjoy your last night in Greece without being worried that you might not be able to catch your flight back home.
Tips & Info About Mykonos
30. Mykonos can be extremely expensive during the high season:
Mykonos and Santorini are probably the most visited and photographed islands in Greece and the world, so business owners take advantage of it.
If you travel on a budget in Greece, avoid the high season and look for accommodation outside the main towns. You will find little treasure with a beautiful view at a significantly reduced price.
31. You won't be able to drink tap water in Mykonos:
In Athens, you might be able to drink it without any problems, but it is highly recommended on most islands to avoid it at all costs.
Tap water is mainly used only to shower and clean, so if you are like me and hate to buy bottled water (avoid plastic and save the planet, please), you might be forced to do so.
Otherwise, you won't drink water while in Greece, so please keep yourself well hydrated (Ouzo and Greek beers don't count, unfortunately, but try them because delicious!).
Plan Your Vacation in Mykonos
Check out all my articles in the "Most Complete Guide of Mykonos" and get all the information you need to make your next travel successful.
32. Book a boat trip:
A boat trip in Mykonos is something that you absolutely cannot miss (unless you suffer from seasickness, in that case, try to see if natural seasickness tablets with ginger work for you, they do for me).
Boat trips are a wonderful and exciting experience. They will take you to see sea caves and tiny beaches that you won't be able to visit in other ways.
You will swim and snorkeling in aquamarine water full of fish, and some boat trips offer you lunch with fresh food, local fruits, and drinks. It is an experience to try while staying in Mykonos.
33. Be aware there are some naturalist beaches in Mykonos:
In case you don't want to end up in one of the naturalist beaches in Greece for many reasons (if you are with kids, for example), do your research and ask at your accommodations where they are so you can avoid them, or in case you like getting tan all over your body, you can go and enjoy them.
In Mykonos, there isn't an official naturalist beach. Still, there are some beaches where (usually only on one side of the beach) people get rid of their swimsuits: Ioannis, Paradise, Aghios, Paranga, Panormos, and Aghios Sostis Beaches.
Don't Miss to Read
34. Mykonos is called the wind island:
Every island can be pretty windy, but Mykonos can be extremely windy in the northern area. That is why you are going to see so many windmills.
It is also a great island if you like to do windsurf and kitesurf.
Ftelia Beach and Korfos Beach are popular places to do kitesurf in case you like flying with your board. See here al the water activities in Mykonos.
More Destinations Travel Guides and more Travel Tips are added regularly, so hit the subscribe button at the end of this article to be always updated about new articles.
35. Around the town of Chora, you are going to find everything you need:
Chora is the main town of Mykonos, and all around it you are going to find really everything you might need, from Hotels of course, but also supermarkets, pharmacies, rental scooters/cars ( I highly recommend you book these in advance), banks, ATM's, etc.
36. There is an airport in Mykonos:
The international airport of Mykonos is located only 4 km from Chora.
It is very well connected to the major European cities. If you plan to spend all your holiday only in Mykonos, check if there is a direct flight from your hometown. Or another alternative is to fly to Athens and, then catch a short flight to Mykonos.
37. There are two camping sites in Mykonos:
If you are looking to spend your holiday at the beach on a camping site, there is a perfect place for you too.
You can choose between Paradise Beach and Paraga Beach. You will be right in the party area, only a few minutes from the aquamarine water of Mykonos.
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