Greece is the birthplace of stories, shows and storytelling magic. It is not far from the mind, if we say that the most magical travel destinations belong to this beautiful country. The island of Mykonos, Greece, is one of these enchanting wonders, as if it has stepped into our world from the heart of mythological stories. Every year, many young couples from all over the world travel to the island of Mykonos in Greece to spend their honeymoon in this city in the sweetest possible way.
It doesn’t matter if you plan to travel to Mykonos or if you just heard the name of this island somewhere and got curious about it; After reading this article from Alibaba tourism magazine, you may spend at least a few nights dreaming of walking in the seaside alleys of the most beautiful Greek island.
Where is the island of Mykonos?
The island of Mykonos is located in the central part of the Aegean Sea and at a distance of about 150 km from the city of Athens.
When is the best time to visit Mykonos Island?
The best time to visit Mykonos is spring and summer.
What amenities and entertainment facilities does Mykonos Island have?
Residence, hospital, public transportation, airport, port and exchange, amenities and all kinds of water sports, beach and historical and scenic attractions are the entertainment facilities of Mykonos.
Where to stay when visiting the island of Mykonos?
When traveling to Mykonos Island, you can stay in famous hotels on the island such as Mykonos Imperial Hotel, Patinos Hotel, San Marco Hotel and other villas and hotels in the city.
Characteristics of the island of Mykonos; A jewel in the heart of the Cyclades Islands
The island of Mykonos is one of the most dreamy Cyclades islands in Greece. This 85 km long island is very popular among tourists from all over the world due to its stunning beaches, unique architecture, turquoise sea, sandy beach and of course its lively nightlife.
It is interesting to know that the population of this island is less than 10 thousand people. However, if you travel to the Greek island of Mykonos during the warmer months of the year, it may not be a good place to stick a needle. The island of Mykonos has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times and the battles of Heracles with demons. But these sayings and hearsays are not the only reason for tourists to travel to Mykonos.
The island of Mykonos, with its calm and lively environment, is suitable for both those who like relaxation and relaxation, as well as those who like to celebrate and party. Also, the combination of the clear Aegean Sea with the low mountains that surround it creates unique images of a Mediterranean paradise for nature lovers.
Where is the island of Mykonos?
The island of Mykonos is located in the central part of the Aegean Sea and at a distance of about 150 km from the city of Athens. This island is located among the islands of Tinos, Cyrus, Paros and Naxos. As mentioned, the island of Mykonos is one of the most popular Cyclades islands in Greece. In fact, the word Cyclades refers to the islands that form a circle around the sacred island of Delos (the birthplace of Apollo, the god of light). This name also means circular islands in English.
The best way to access the island of Mykonos
You can travel to Mykonos Island from several different destinations such as Athens, Santorini, Paros and more. In addition, various vehicles such as ships, airplanes, boats and helicopters can take you from other cities to the island of Mykonos in Greece.
However, the best way to access the island of Mykonos for Iranians is to travel from Athens to Mykonos. This route has daily regular flights and return cruises, and if you have a private car, it is possible to enter the island through these ships. So you can feel free to return to Athens. In the table below, we have listed the information you need to access Mykonos Island by ship and plane.
Vehicle type | ship | airplane |
Distance from Mykonos Island to Athens | 292 km | 292 |
Approximate travel time | 2 hours and 35 minutes | 40 minutes |
Location of Mykonos Island on Google Map
The best time to visit Mykonos Island
Now that we know a little bit about the beautiful Greek island of Mykonos, it’s time to plan this dream trip. Of course, choosing the best time to visit Mykonos depends on your mood.
If you want a relaxing holiday, the best time to visit Mykonos is spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to early October). In these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, the island is more secluded and the costs are more reasonable than in summer. It goes without saying that the beautiful nature of Mykonos also reaches its peak in the spring with beautiful flowers and calm sea.
On the other hand, summer is suitable for lovers of nightlife and parties and will make you have a very interesting time. But you should keep in mind that Mykonos is very crowded in the summer and, naturally, the costs will be higher. Nowruz holiday can also be a good time to travel to Mykonos; Of course, the island is quieter at this time and the sea water is still a little cold.
A look at the history of Mykonos Islands
The history of the Greek island of Mykonos dates back to the glorious days of the ancient Greek Empire. Archaeologists believe that Mykonos has been home to people from this tribe since about 3000 years ago. About a thousand years ago, people with different cultures, including Mycenaeans and Ionians, settled in this island and influenced the culture and lifestyle of the people of the region.
As we said in the first part, the island of Mykonos is introduced in Greek mythology as a place related to Herakles (Hercules); The area where Hercules is said to have defeated the giants. Over the centuries, the island was ruled by various empires, including Rome, Venice, and the Ottoman Empire.
In the Middle Ages, Mykonos became an important commercial and maritime center. But in the end it was under the rule of the Ottomans until the beginning of the 19th century. After the Greek War of Independence in the early 19th century, Mykonos became part of the new Greek state.
What is the reason for naming the island of Mykonos?
The name of the island of Mykonos goes back to Greek mythology. According to Greek stories, the word “Mykonos” is taken from the name of Mykonos, the son of “Anios”. Aeneos is the son of Apollo, the god of the sun and music, truth and prophecy, healing and illness and poetry.
Mykonos is known as the original creator and leader of the island, and the name of this island means “place and place of Mykonos”.
Amenities of Mykonos Islands
Now it’s time to take a break from the world of fiction, history and myth and explore the real world of Mykonos Island. According to the New York Times, Mykonos annually hosts more than two million tourists from all over the world. With such impressive statistics, you don’t have to worry about its amenities. Fortunately, the Greek government has built various comfort spaces for Mykonos travelers to give them a relaxing trip in every way.
We will introduce some of them below.
- Hospital and health center
- Mykonos International Airport
- Taxi and bus
- Cafe and restaurant
- Various hotels and accommodations
- Bank, exchange and ATM machine
Getting to know the recreational facilities of Mykonos Island
The island of Mykonos is a paradise for lovers of various entertainments. From becoming one with the beautiful nature of Greece to shopping from the most popular global brands, you can create the story of your trip to Greece as you wish. In the following, we will introduce you to some of the recreational facilities of Mykonos.
– Camping
Do you love to camp in nature or just prefer budget travel? Due to legal restrictions, camping in Greece is illegal and limited. But if you prefer this type of travel, you don’t need to limit your trip to Mykonos. Currently, camping is possible in some special areas of Mykonos, such as the beach and Paradise Hotel.
You can enjoy an experience close to nature with a wonderful view of the sea by paying much less than Mykonos hotels. For camping in Mykonos and Paradise Hotel, you can use your own tent, and this collection offers you tents and single cabins by the sea.
– Photography in Arus, Cyclades Archipelago
Want a stunning location for your photos? With its traditional white and blue architecture, unique natural scenery and spectacular beaches, Mykonos is a great destination for photography enthusiasts. The best time for photography is sunset and sunrise, but we suggest you choose the hours for photography on the island of Mykonos when there are less tourists in the area.
– Nature tourism
If you’re into nature, the good news is that Mykonos has many hiking trails that take you through the hills and beaches. This activity allows you to enjoy the pristine scenery of the island, but you must be careful of the rocky hills and the intense sun of the island during the middle hours of the day.
– Boating in turquoise waters
Boating in the clear and turquoise waters around the island is an unforgettable experience. You can travel to nearby islands like Delos; Of course, in adverse weather conditions, boating may be a bit dangerous.
– Swimming and diving; An unrepeatable experience in the heart of Greece
The beaches of Mykonos with clear and calm waters are an ideal place for swimming and diving. In these activities, you can see a variety of marine life. Of course, we suggest that you watch out for underwater currents and large rocks and boulders on the beach.
– Surfing; The most popular recreation of the island of Mykonos
With strong but gentle winds, Mykonos is a popular surfing destination. Califati beaches are suitable for this activity, but you should pay attention to the intensity of the winds and sea currents and seek the help of a professional for the first time.
– Shopping in Matujiani St
Matougiani Street in Mykonos City is a shopping and sightseeing center for lovers of inner-city entertainment. Due to the existence of dozens of local shops, luxury brands and charming cafes, this street is usually full of tourists.
– Watching movies in Cinemato cinema
Sinemanto is our last suggestion for the best entertainment of Mykonos island. This open-air cinema offers a unique opportunity to watch a movie under the starry sky of Mykonos. We promise you that this cinema is a romantic and relaxing experience; Of course, if you have enough warm clothes with you.
Sights of Mykonos Island
Up to this part of the introduction to the island of Mykonos, we learned about some of the island’s entertainment. If you continue to stay with us, we will also introduce you to the most beautiful places to visit on the island of Mykonos.
– Windmills
To see a unique view of the city of Mykonos, you should go to a hill on the border of this city. Immediately after seeing the windmills, you can be sure that you have reached this unique location.
The windmills of Mykonos date back to the time when wind power was used to grind grain and feed the local people. The area was then called Alpendra (meaning bleaching) because it was where the locals hung their laundry.
We suggest you stop by the small beach at the foot of the hill and watch the sea waves wildly splashing on the shore for a few moments.
- Duration of visit: 1 to 2 hours
- Cost of visit: free
– Watching pelicans
If you want a memorable couple selfie, we suggest finding Petros (or Peter) in the back alleys of Mykonos Island. Petrus is the famous pelican that roams around the Paraportiani church and its port. If luck is with you, besides Petros, you will encounter several other pelicans in the vicinity who are particularly interested in taking pictures with tourists.
- Duration of visit: optional
- Cost of visit: free
– Lena’s house
In the center of Mykonos town, Chora, in the area of Tria Pigadia, you will find a beautiful building that was part of a larger building in the 19th century that belonged to a war hero (Captain Nicholas Sormelis). Known as “Lena’s House”, this small museum refers to its last resident, Lena Scrivano.
Stepping into Lena’s house means stepping into the rich history of Greece. If you want to get to know the life of the people of Mykonos before the start of tourism and the houses are turned into restaurants and shops, we suggest you don’t miss visiting Lena’s house.
- Duration of visit: 20 minutes
– Folklore Museum of Mykonos
Another Mykonos sight-seeing place that we suggest you visit during your trip to Mykonos is its Folklore Museum. The doors of this museum were officially opened to visitors in 1958. In the Folklore Museum of Mykonos, you can see a variety of old furniture, ceramic works, tools, musical instruments, embroidery collections and paintings from the War of Independence.
The Folklore Museum of Mykonos is located in the Kastro neighborhood and has good access to visit.
- Duration of visit: 1 hour
– Paleo Castro Monastery
Paleokastro Monastery in Mykonos is located on a hill near Ano Mera, the second village of Mykonos and in one of the greenest parts of the island. This monastery dates back to the 18th century. If you want to explore further, a few meters away from the monastery, there is also a church called St. Vlasis, which is very popular for its beautiful dovecote.
You can also see a strange prehistoric tomb in this beautiful church, which consists of a giant granite rock and its height is 3 meters above sea level.
- Duration of visit: 1 hour
- Cost of visit: free
– Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos is another must-see on the island, located in the capital of Mykonos, Chora or Chora. This museum dates back to 1905 and displays works from the classical and Hellenistic eras and important finds from the island of Mykonos.
- Duration of visit: 30 minutes
– Aegean Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum of Aegean Mykonos was opened in 1985 and is currently located in the neighborhood of Tria Pigadia. The purpose of this museum is to present the history of the Greek maritime industry. The museum includes ships from the early Minoan period to the beginning of the 20th century, historical shipping documents, rare engravings, maps, ancient objects and tools. Also, the museum library contains 5000 rare books and archives of manuscripts and photographs.
It is interesting to know that the Aegean Maritime Museum was the first Greek museum that recreated historical works live; such as the Armenistis lighthouse in Mykonos, the Evangelistria sailing ship and the Thalis o Milesios cable ship.
- Duration of visit: 1 hour
- Cost of visit: free
Mykonos Town Hall
Mykonos Town Hall is one of the beautiful architectural manifestations of the island. This building was built in 1785 as the residence of Russian Count Ivan Voinovich during the Russo-Turkish War. Inside the hall, there are six well-equipped libraries with a rich collection of books and manuscripts, which are worth visiting. Mykonos Town Hall is a popular wedding destination for young couples.
– The narrow streets of Mykonos city center
The narrow streets of downtown Mykonos, known as Chora, are famous for their traditional Cycladic architecture and whitewashed houses with light blue windows and doors.
These alleys were built in the past with the aim of protecting people from pirate attacks. But these days, when there are no more pirates, you will find lovely shops, cafes and art galleries in every corner of the streets of Mykonos, which provide a great opportunity to explore and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.
- Duration of visit: optional
- Cost of visit: free
– Armenistis Lighthouse
Armenistis Lighthouse is located near the village of Agios Stefanos, in the northwestern part of the island. This octagonal tower with a height of 19 meters was built in 1891 on the edge of a rock and is still active.
- Duration of visit: 3-4 hours (outside the city)
- Cost of visit: free
Platis Gialos beach
If we want to make a list of 10 beautiful beaches of Mykonos, there is no doubt that Platys Gialos beach is at the top of the list. This beautiful beach offers various services to tourists such as sunbeds, umbrellas and various restaurants.
The distance of this family beach from Kora is about 3 kilometers.
- Duration of visit: optional
– The ancient area of Panagia Paraportiani
One of the most beautiful sights you can capture with your eyes on your trip to Mykonos is undoubtedly the lovely church of Panagia Paraportiani (Virgin Mary). This ancient area is located at the entrance of Castro neighborhood, right next to the sea. It is interesting to know that its name (Paraportiani) means standing by the door; It means that the church is located next to the castle door.
The distinctive point of the ancient area of Panagia Paraportarini is that the entire ancient site consists of five chapels built on top or next to each other.
The church of Agios Ephastatios is the center of the complex, which is surrounded by the churches of Agios Anargiros, Agios Sozon and Agia Anastasia. Above those four churches, there is the Church of Saint Mary, which looks like a big dome.
At a glance, the white architecture of this complex is exceptional. The oldest church in the area is Agios Anargyros, built at the end of the 14th century.
- Duration of visit: 1 to 2 hours
- Cost of visit: free
– The ancient city of Delos
If you plan to travel to Greece, you should not neglect its glorious history. 2 kilometers southwest of Mykonos, a magical island shines in the Aegean Sea, known as the birthplace of the twin gods, Apollo and Artemis.
The ancient city of Delos is one of the most important religious and historical centers of ancient Greece. In Delos you can see the remains of ancient civilizations, including temples, theaters and luxurious houses with beautiful mosaics. This place is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can travel to it in less than 30 minutes by boat and sightseeing tours from Mykonos.
- Duration of visit: half day
- Cost of visit: free
Pesaro Beach
Another beautiful beach of Mykonos is Psarou beach, 5 kilometers south of Mykonos city. Pesaro is a beautiful, regular and sandy beach with turquoise and clear sea. Thousands of tourists visit Pesaro Beach every summer to swim in its lovely waters or participate in its events and tours.
Due to the large number of visitors to Pesaro Beach, this beach is very crowded most of the year and the cost of using its facilities is high. You can experience various activities such as boating, cruise ship, safari and barbecue in Pesaro.
- Duration of visit: optional
Paradise Beach
Our last suggestion of Mykonos attractions is Paradise Beach. We said earlier that you can rent tents and camping at Paradise Beach. In addition, Paradise is an ideal choice for sunbathing, swimming and various water sports such as jet skiing and diving.
Every year, international DJs perform and if you are a music lover, we suggest you don’t miss this opportunity.
- Duration of visit: optional
Stay on the island of Mykonos
The island of Mykonos is ready to host tourists with different types of accommodations such as hotels, villas and rental apartments. In the following, we will introduce you to some of the best accommodations on the island of Mykonos.
San Marco Hotel
San Marco is a popular hotel that provides a peaceful and pleasant environment for travelers by offering beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and luxurious facilities.
Mykonin Kayma Design Hotel
Mykonin Kayma Design is a hotel with a modern and stylish design. This residence offers facilities such as an outdoor pool and a restaurant with a varied menu and is suitable for those who are looking for a different experience.
– Patinos Hotel
Patinos Hotel is located in the heart of Mykonos. This hotel offers easy access to the shopping centers and tourist attractions of the island and is a good choice for those who want to reduce their travel expenses.
Mykonin Imperial Hotel
Mykonos Imperial Hotel is another luxury hotel in Mykonos that offers various facilities such as a private beach and several swimming pools. This hotel is ideal for those looking for beach fun and luxury accommodation.
Tips for a memorable trip to Mykonos Island
In this article from Alibaba Tourism Magazine, we were with you to get to know one of the most dreamy travel destinations in Greece, Mykonos Island. If you have made your decision and intend to travel to Mykonos, take the following points very seriously.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and clothes to protect from the sun.
- To use water sports, bring a swimsuit and diving gear.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the narrow and stone streets of Mykonos.
- Plan early morning or late afternoon sightseeing to avoid the crowds and extreme heat.
- Planning before your trip to book a hotel and buy the necessary tickets can help you avoid possible crowds and price increases during the tourist season.
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