Mykonos (Also Mikonos), Greece
The name Mykonos actually refers to the island as well as the major town.
The Greek islands attract people from all over the world and the most popular of them is Mykonos. It features an exciting nightlife and a cosmopolitan atmosphere that attracts visitors of all ages. The island has a famous party scene, boasts picturesque villages and magnificent beaches featuring golden sands washed by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. The weather is usually great, the sky and sea compete to see which is the more spectacular turquoise and everywhere you look are sun bleached white stucco buildings. Spending time strolling thru narrow streets and alleys as you shop for art, local crafts and souvenirs is enchanting. Cafes and restaurants are everywhere with seating that spreads out onto patios and porches offering incredible views of the harbors and sea.
When visiting keep an eye out for the mascot Pelican of Mykonos. Named Petros (Peter) he’s part of the traditions and culture of the island. This pelican of Mykonos strolls leisurely through the city’s many streets and alleyways. Currently Petros the Pelican is a second generation mascot. He and his predecessor have made Mykonos town their home since 1954. The original Petros passed away in 1985 and the current Petros quickly took his place. Both of these Pelicans have made their way into the hearts of the people of Mykonos as well as the many visitors to this enchanted place.
Where Your Ship Docks
Mykonos has a new cruise pier about a mile and a half from Mykonos City. Shuttle bus service is usually provided and there are good sidewalks around the waterfront but they can be steep in places.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Disembarking – Mykonos has a developed cruise ship pier but the ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. The pier is some distance from town so getting on and off buses is necessary. For passengers using wheelchairs the pier and sidewalks ashore are well maintained and reasonably flat. Walking into town are a number of hills to navigate.
Mykonos town has a moderate to steep geography where there are typically elevations and inclines to deal with. Otherwise wheelchair infrastructure is typical of small towns. The waterfront area has moderate inclines in sidewalks but the town itself can be more difficult. Intersection crosswalks may have curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.
Transportation
The island has a good bus system with routes that connect most towns with the many popular beaches. The Mykonos bus fleet includes 26 buses, some of which are provided especially for the island”s tourist visitors. The fare is between €1 and €3, depending on the distance traveled, and you can buy tickets directly from the driver or at the booths at the terminals. Taxis are also readily available and are not overly expensive.
Money
The local currency is the Euro (€), ATM’s are conveniently located and most credit cards are welcome.
Attractions
The island is a magnet for Sun worshipers with dozens of beaches to pick from. A couple of the most popular include:
Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach are 4 miles from Mykonos Town, they are sand beaches very popular with young people that come to play all day and late into the night. It also features diving and watersports and plenty of bars and clubs which flow out onto the beach. Paradise Beach has a party vibe with good swimming in beautiful water. It’s also nudist friendly. You can reach the beach by taxi, boat or bus.
Ornos Beach is well equipped with loungers and umbrellas along with many cafes and restaurants. There is good windsurfing, diving and water skiing. It’s less than 2 miles from Mykonos Town, so it’s easy to get to by bus or boat. It’s located in a lovely bay with great views. Although it can get crowded, it is more relaxed than other beaches, so it’s an enjoyable place to spend the day.
Ornos Beach
If you’re spending time on the island don’t pass up the nightlife: Mykonos is famous for its nightlife, with many bars and clubs being crowded until dawn.
The Mykonos windmills are the iconic feature of the island. The windmills can be seen from many points around the village of Mykonos, the island’s central village and are the first thing you see when coming into the harbor as they stand on a hill above the village.
The Aegean Maritime Museum – a non-profit institution founded in 1985. It’s dedicated to collect, study and promote Greek maritime history and tradition. It features a particular focus on the evolution and activities of the merchant ship, mainly in this historic region of the Aegean Sea. The Aegean Maritime Museum is housed in a traditional 19th century Myconian building, which is located at the centre of the Town of Mykonos.
The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos – a museum with collections that include exhibits dating from the Prehistoric to the Hellenistic period. The museum has six rooms that include models and tomb artifacts of Rinia. Also featured are earthenware, Cycladic stoneware and ceramics dated from ninth and eighth century BC. The most popular display is the internment reliefs of the fall of Troy.
Go shopping: Mykonos has many boutiques and shops selling everything from
Consider a day trip to Delos Island nearby to explore ancient ruins famous from Greek mythology.
Shopping
Specialties include olive products like soaps and oils, spices along with local arts and crafts. Keep a look out for good buys in famous label designer clothes and shoes, art galleries and fine jewelry in the Greek design tradition as well as souvenirs.
Mykonos Greece – where your ship docks, getting around, attractions to see, beaches to visit, currency and shopping. Part of the Cruise Ports of Call guides from Intend2Travel.
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