Sunday, November 3, 2013

Mykonos



Mykonos has become the most popular, the most high profile and the most expensive island of Cyclades. Boosted by direct air links with Europe, it sees several million tourists a year pass through, producing some spectacular August overcrowding on the island's 86 square kilometers. Its striking capital is one of the most photogenic Cycladic towns with whitewashed houses concealing a dozen little churches, shrines and chapels.

Map of Mykonos
The cosmopolitan Mykonos is famous for its lively and hectic nightlife and this is one of the many reasons that attracts many visitors from Greece and abroad every year. The narrow streets in the country begin to fill with people in the afternoon, while traffic is increased in the evening. Bars and nightclubs with loud music for all tastes from well known dj's marks the nightlife of Mykonos.

Mykonos is the 10th bigger island of Cyclades with 86km2 extension and 10.134 population. Mykonos Town or Chora is the capital of the island. The best time to explore the capital is in early morning when most people head out to the beaches. The labyrinthine design of the capital was supposed to confuse the pirates who plagued Mykonos in the 18th century, and it has the same effect on today's visitors. Getting lost in the convoluted streets and valleys is half the fun of Mykonos, although there are few places worth seeking out, like Archaeological museum, Maritime museum and Folklore museum. But the best place to enjoy coffee and the magical landscape is Little Venice, named by the high, arcaded Venetian houses built right up to the water's edge on its Southwest side.


Beaches

Super Paradise
The most popular beach of the island. Just 5 km from the town, the beach of Super Paradise is known for its party starting early and ending late at night. The crazy parties arising on the beach made ​​it the most popular attraction for young people. However Super Paradise is very organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, showers, restaurant, internet cafe and boutique.
Super Paradise
Kalo Livadi
Another beautiful, and recently very popular beach in the Southern part of the island and one of the longest beaches in length and in width is Kalo Livadi. Located just 9 km from the town, and evolving in recent years into the new hot spot for visitors, without, however, "disclaims" and the family spirit.

Psarou
One of the most beautiful beaches of the island, with amazing sea without waves. Because it is enclosed by mountains around and still with many beaufort there visitors can swim without fear. Not an accidental meeting point of celebrities, as service of this cosmopolitan beach exceeds all expectations.


Ftelia
One of the most beautiful beaches of Cyclades with amazing water and sand. It's located in the Northern part of the island in the bay of Panormos, 9 km from the town, and has begun to claim a place among the most favorite beaches of Mykonos. The beach is divided in two by shape rocks sloping down to the sea.

Ftelia
Kalafatis
Kalafatis is maybe the largest bay of the island. Located 14 km Southeast of Mykonos Town. This beach combines everything, fun, windsurfing, relaxation, water sports and good food.

Agrari
Agrari is a quiet and secluded beach with clear crystal waters and fine gravel. It is located 9 km Soutewest of Mykonos Town. Perfect for those who prefer quiet and relaxation.

Other Beaches
Paradise, Megali Ammos, Agia Anna, Agios Sostis, Ornos, Paragka, Agios Stefanos, Platys Gyalos, Elia, Lia, Agios Ioannis.


Sights

Little Venice
In a perfectly picturesque neighborhood that enjoys the most wonderful sunset, is the Little Venice or otherwise Alefkandra in Mykonos in the Western area of ​​the island by the sea. This neighborhood is famous for its unique houses, used to be the houses of wealthy merchants of the island in the 18th century, whose balconies "hanging" over the sea. An idyllic place to enjoy the sunset.

Little Venice
Windmills
The Windmills are whitewashed buildings with cylindrical shape, small windows and a conical wooden roof and rotate in the direction of air. The Windmills located in the Southeast of the capital, near the sea, between the colorful Little Venice and district of Niohori and impress any visitor with its majestic all-white blocks in a row. The Windmills of Mykonos contributed between the 17th and 19th century in the economic prosperity of the island.

Windmills
Other Sights
Paraportiani, Archaeological museum, Folklore museum, Maritime museum, Armenistis Lighthouse.


Transportation
By plane: The airport is 20 minutes outside Mykonos Town in the centre of island.
Destinations: Athens(2-5 daily, 55min), Thessaloniki(1-2 daily, 1hr), Santorini(daily, 30min), Volos(2 daily, 1hr)
By ferry:  Most visitors arrive by ferry at the old port jetty at the North end of town.
Destinations: Amorgos(0-1 weekly, 2hrs 15min), Andhros(1-2 daily, 2hrs 15min), Folegandhros(1 daily, 5hrs), Iraklio(1 weekly, 4hrs 30min), Ikaria(1 weekly, 2hrs 15min), Ios(6 weekly, 1hr 15min-5hrs), Milos(1-2 weekly, 6hrs), Naxos(2-3 daily, 1-3 hrs), Paros(2-3 daily, 1hr 30min), Pireas(3-4 daily, 4-5 hrs), Rafina(1-3 daily, 4hrs), Samos(6-7 weekly, 5hrs), Santorini(2-4 daily, 2hrs 15min-7hrs), Serifos(1 weekly, 3hrs 30min), Sifnos(1 weekly, 3hrs 30min),  Syros(2-5 daily, 1hr), Tinos(2-5 daily, 30min)

Getting Around
Mykonos
By bus: The North bus station for Tourlos, Agios Stefanos, Kalafati, Elia and Ano Mera is located by the old port, the South bus station for all Western and the popular Southern beaches is just outside the pedestrianized area at the other end of town. Buses to Paradise run every hour through the night in high season.
By taxi: Taxis run from Manto square on the main seafront and from the South bus station(22890 22400)
By boat: Boats head from town and Orkos to all the Southern beaches.


Useful Phone Numbers
Municipality of Mykonos: 22890 22201
Police Department: 22890 22716
Port Authority: 22890 22218
Health Center: 22890 23998 - 22890 23994
Post Office: 22890 22238
KTEL: 22890 23360
Taxi: 22890 22400 - 22890 23700
Airport: 22890 22327

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