Mykonos, a paradise island in the Aegean Sea, and Delos, an archaeological island
Ever since I visited Ionian Sea (you can read the travel story here) in 2018 and fell in love with the Greek islands, I have been wanting to go back to Greece for a summer vacation, and I started making plans for 2020. I was worried that the sudden pandemic would make it impossible to travel, but I had already booked my flight and accommodation the previous year. I was unsure right up until the last minute, but I decided to go to Greece as planned.
This time I decided to visit Mykonos, just north of Naxos. Among the many islands in the Aegean Sea, the beauty of the sea and the maze-like alleys lined with white-walled buildings are popular with travellers.
For Greeks, it is said that the island has become too touristy and only foreigners go there, but it is easy to get to from Athens, and after touring the islands of the Cyclades, it is convenient to return home on a direct flight from Mykonos to London, so I have visited the island many times since then.
You may also enjoy my other travel stories from Greece
How to Get to Mykonos: Ferry vs Flight from Athens
Ferry
Ferries operated by various companies depart from the port of Piraeus. Prices and travel time (from 2 hours 40 minutes to just over 5 hours) vary depending on the ports of call, whether it is a high-speed boat or not, etc. Generally speaking, high-speed boats save time, but they are susceptible to delay and rocking when the sea is rough. If you want to transport a car, you should use a large ferry, which takes time but has almost no rocking. I have taken SeaJets several times in the Aegean Sea, and the ride really depends on the weather.
Piraeus Port is larger and has more services, but there are also services from Rafina Port. When I used Piraeus Port to go to Naxos Island, I was surprised at the extremely long traffic jams of people driving to the island. Even if the destination is the same, the boats can have different stops, so you have to be careful to get on the right boat.
Airplane
In addition to domestic flights in Greece, there are flights from various European cities and a few Middle Eastern cities. The flight time from Athens is very short, about 40 minutes, and there is less worry about turbulence, delays, and baggage management compared to a boat. If you have seen how crowded the port of Piraeus is during peak season, I would recommend flying for first-time visitors to Greece. If you want to travel by boat in the Aegean Sea, you can also take a boat from Mykonos to other islands.
Getting Around Mykonos: Buses, Taxis and Car Rental Tips
There are buses from Mykonos Town to the airport, port, and each beach, so there is no need to rent a car or motorbike. My Greek friends told me that Mykonos has many narrow and steep roads that are unique to the island, and that they are not recommended for tourists who are not used to driving here.
Although they are a little expensive, there are also taxis. If you have been drinking late into the night in Mykonos Town, it is a good idea to use a taxi; safety is worth the investment. Bus fares are paid in cash, so be sure to have some coins ready (as of 2023). Some accommodations provide transportation to Mykonos Town, the airport, and the port, so please inquire.
Where to Stay in Mykonos: Best Areas and Hotel Recommendations
When the north wind gets strong in Mykonos, it seems that it becomes impossible to swim on the north side of the island. It seems that it is best to stay in Mykonos Town, which is convenient to go anywhere, or near the various beaches on the south side, where the impact of the wind is reduced due to the terrain, even in strong winds.
Hotel Review: Cova Mykonos Suites Near Elia Beach
The most memorable place I’ve stayed at is Cova Mykonos Suites. It’s about a 10-minute walk from here to the nearest beach, Paralia Elia. You have to go up and down steep hills like those in Nagasaki and San Francisco, but the view from the inn is amazing.
You can look at the ocean below while having breakfast, or sunbathe while enjoying the spectacular view from a sun lounger by the pool. The view after the sun goes down is especially amazing.
The lights, which I didn’t notice during the day, are placed very effectively, and after sunset, the whole area stands out in the darkness, creating a fantastic atmosphere. I thought it would be boring to stay in an inn far from the city because it gets dark early, but drinking while looking at this night view made me feel like I was in a luxury resort, which was great.
Check out Cova Mykonos Suites on booking sites>>
>>If you like what you see, why not go ahead and book your stay?
Day Trip to Delos Island: A UNESCO Archaeological Site
I decided to visit an island that was once the centre of civilisation of the area, located 30 minutes by small boat from Mykonos. The island’s name is Delos, and it is said to be the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis in Greek mythology.
Its glory days are long gone, and it is now an uninhabited, mysteriously quiet island next to bustling Mykonos. I wonder how the lion statues feel as they quietly watch the tourists who come one after another and return to Mykonos before sunset.
If you visit here in midsummer, there is nothing to block the direct sunlight, so be sure to take precautions against sunburn and heatstroke. According to the person who explained the ruins, the island is completely different in spring when the flowers bloom. It is true that summer is dry and the plants appear lifeless, and it is very hot to visit the ruins.
Essential Travel Tips for Island Hopping in the Aegean Sea
When boarding a ship, always pack all your large belongings in one suitcase and keep one hand free. In summer, it’s scorching hot while waiting for the ship at the port, so you’re likely to want to wear flip-flops, but this is not so practical: it’s difficult to maintain balance on the ship, and the luggage storage areas on popular routes are extremely crowded. Luggage is placed according to destination, so once you’ve placed your luggage in the designated area, move to your seat.
If you’re in first class, you’ll be assigned a seat number, but second class seats are often free to sit wherever you like, so it’s basically first come, first served. Generally, the air conditioning is too strong on all ships, so if you’re planning on spending a long time on the ship, you might want to think about how to protect yourself from the cold.
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