Mykonos
Mykonos is upmarket, fashionable and a favourite among gay travellers. It's quite possibly Greece's most expensive island. Designer shops, perfect beaches, colourful tavernas and throbbing dance clubs are all on offer. That said, trendy crowds and nude beaches have not erased the destination's enchanting traditional flavour.
Sightseers can visit the island's archaeological museum, which displays finds from the necropolis (cemetery) on nearby Rhenia. Day trips to the uninhabited island of Delos are also highly recommended. The UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site was the Aegean's religious centre during ancient times, and features in some captivating myths. Its history is almost as interesting. Visitors can explore the temples and the Avenue of the Lions, and see stunning archaic sculptures in the museum.
The Basics
TIME
GMT +2
ELECTRICITY
Electrical current is 230 volts and 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European-style two-pin and the round three-pin.
LANGUAGE
Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken.
TRAVEL HEALTH
Travellers don't need to worry about specific health risks when visiting Greece. Most health problems come from too much sun and too much food or alcohol, though there's also the risk of encountering sea urchins, jellyfish and mosquitoes.
Medical facilities in major cities are excellent but some of the smaller islands are a long way from a decent hospital. Larger towns and resorts have English-speaking private doctors and the highly professional local pharmacies can usually deal with any minor complaint. Travellers should take along any necessary prescription medication.
Food and water are safe, but those visiting for short periods should consider sticking to bottled water. UK nationals are entitled to a refund on emergency hospital treatment under a reciprocal agreement between the UK and Greece, and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be taken on holiday for this purpose.
TIPPING
A service charge is automatically added to most restaurant bills and an additional tip it not expected -- though always welcome. Rounding up the bill is sufficient for drinks at cafes; taxis, porters and cloakroom attendants will expect a tip.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Though Greece is a safe destination, peak tourist season usually sees a spike in petty theft cases, especially in crowded areas. Visitors should conceal valuables or store them in hotel safes and watch out for pickpockets. Violent crime is rare but there have been incidents on some islands; visitors travelling alone should not accept lifts from strangers.
LOCAL CUSTOMS
Though more traditional than the British in some ways, most Greeks are friendly and welcoming enough to seem intrusive to reserved British tourists. Greeks are also the heaviest smokers in Europe and will often ignore the smoking ban in public places. Swimwear is expected on the beach but tourists should dress properly in bars and restaurants.
Attractions
Fun on Mykonos goes beyond good shopping and a cosmopolitan nightlife. In particular, history buffs and mythology fans will find much to their liking.
The Archaeological Museum, the Aegean Maritime Museum and the Folklore Museum are great places to start. The 15th-century Church of Panagia Paraportiani is another must-see attraction. Located near the harbour, it features four churches on the ground and one built on top of them. It's the most photographed church on the island.
Visitors should also look out for Mykonos' official mascot, Petros the Pelican, while strolling down by the harbour. The trademark 16th-century windmills are worth seeing as well. The 18th-century Monastery of Panagia Tourliani and the Monastery of Paleokastro are tremendous religious sites. Both are in Ano Mera.
Visitors can day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos Island. The mythological birthplace of Artemis and Apollo is a national museum, and has famous archaeological sites. Little Venice is enchanting, with its characteristic balconies hanging over the sea's edge.
Otherwise, Mykonos' beaches are popular for a reason. Some are nudity-friendly.
Nightlife
Often compared to the Balearic island of Ibiza, Mykonos has a pumping party scene. Indeed, its nightlife is famous throughout Europe.
Visitors often stop for sundowners before heading out for the night. Celebrated gay clubs, live jazz, rock and blues all vie for attention in Mykonos. The island also has many popular party haunts with large pools, DJs, theme nights and great places for watching the sunrise.
Visitors can find traditional Greek music and dancing too.
Climate
The Mykonos climate is characterised by hot, dry summer weather and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August range from 86ºF (30ºC) during the day to 72ºF (22ºC) at night. Rainfall is almost non-existent in summer but showers can be expected between October and April.
The island's weather is typical of the region, meaning it's largely Mediterranean, with the odd influence from North African climes. Visitors usually enjoy the temperate weather, though it can be oppressive and quite overwhelming for some.
Mykonos is packed during the peak summer season. Spring and early autumn are less busy and the weather is milder. The water is also warm enough for swimming.
LGBT+ Customs
Same-sex sexual relations are legal in Greece and civil unions between same-sex couples have been legal since 2015. The age of consent of 15 is the same as for partners of the opposite sex. Transgender people are able to change their legal gender. Anti-discrimination and hate speech laws apply to gender identity.
Public attitudes towards homosexuality vary throughout the country; public displays of affection by same-sex couples may be frowned upon, especially in rural areas.
Attitudes are generally much more welcoming in Athens and on many Greek islands, particularly on Lesvos, Mykonos and Skiathos, which are well known for their gay and lesbian scenes.
Health
VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS
Details of vaccination recommendations and requirements are provided below.
All Travellers
Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.
Country specific diphtheria recommendations are not provided here. Diphtheria tetanus and polio are combined in a single vaccine in the UK. Therefore, when a tetanus booster is recommended for travellers, diphtheria vaccine is also given. Should there be an outbreak of diphtheria in a country, diphtheria vaccination guidance will be provided.
Those who may be at increased risk of an infectious disease due to their work, lifestyle choice, or certain underlying health problems should be up to date with additional recommended vaccines. See the individual chapters of the ‘Green Book’ Immunisation against infectious disease for further details.
Certificate Requirements
There are no certificate requirements under International Health Regulations.
Most Travellers
The vaccines in this section are recommended for most travellers visiting this country. Information on when these vaccines should be considered can be found by clicking on the arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.
Tetanus
The vaccines in this section are recommended for some travellers visiting this country. Information on when these vaccines should be considered can be found by clicking on the arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.
Rabies (Bat Lyssavirus) Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)
13 October 2021 - 7 Nights
Please enquire for alternative Departure Dates, Durations & Hotels
Mykonos holidays are all about letting your hair down. Prepare to splurge on nearly everything, to have absolutely wild nights and to meet some fascinating people.