Mykonos is a popular tourist destination in the Greek islands of the Cyclades group, situated in the middle of the Aegean Sea. It is located south of Tinos, east of Syros and north of Paros and Naxos.

Mykonos is famed as a cosmopolitan destination amongst the Greek islands. It is one of the most touristed islands in the Aegean. This means that visitors should be prepared for loud dance clubs on parts of the island. Mykonos, is more expensive than other Greek islands.

It would appear that on most days of the week, there will be at least one cruise ship docked with people off the ships either driven close to the town via coach or brought into the main harbour by smaller boats. On these days, the small narrow streets of Mykonos get quite crowded. There can be up to three cruise ships in the harbour or anchored near by, but one local shop keeper stated that times have changed and there are not as many ships as there used to be: on a good day in the past, there could be as many as 7 ships docked. Most ships depart before dusk, but for the ones that don’t expect the passengers to jocky for position with other tourists in the area by Little Venice to get a view of the setting sun.

Mykonos tends to be extremely crowded with visitors in July and August. The best time to visit Mykonos is mid-May through June (early season, accommodation is much cheaper and it’s not that hot), or September through mid-October (post season).

Orientation of Mykonos

Mykonos’ main communities are Chora, the island’s port town and capital, and Ano Mera.
Mykonos Town (Chora) is a stunningly picturesque Cycladic town with a maze of tiny streets and whitewashed steps lanes, houses and churches, gathered around its harbour in the middle of a wide bay. It is one of the most cosmopolitan and crowded towns of the Aegean. Although the streets are lined with little shops, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, stylish bars and restaurants, Mykonos Town has not completely lost its identity. Despite the island’s rapid growth and development, it’s traditional Cycladic architectural style and character has remained firmly intact, thanks to the island’s strict building regulations. Expect to find shops by Chanel, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and other well known, high-end brands. It would appear that these shops cater more for the tourists that arrive on many of cruise ships that dock nearby.
Ano Mera is a small village on the middle of the island, and the only inland settlement on the whole of Mykonos, about 7 km east of Mykonos Town. Ano Mera is based around a large central square, which is lined on three sides by a series of Greek tavernas. The monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in 1542, is Ano Mera’s most significant highlight.