Hi everyone! This is the SantoriniDave guide to getting around Mykonos.
We’re going to explore the options available to you during your visit. Let’s get right into it.
Many of our readers wonder whether to rent a car or scooter, how easy is it to take the bus,
is it hard to find a taxi, and the cost benefit analysis for convenience and cost.
First, let’s start with the fact that how you get around depends largely on where you stay
and what kind of experience you want to have. If you plan to hang around your hotel pool
or nearest beach most of the time, then renting a vehicle probably isn’t for you.
Same for if you like to party every night and know that you’ll be drinking. However if you plan to
explore the island, visit different beaches, and do as much as possible during your visit,
then renting something is a good choice and we’ll get into your options later in the video.
Now everything featured in this video is explained in greater depth at SantoriniDave.com, plus you’ll
find links to our other detailed videos about all things Mykonos in the description below.
Here is some helpful information for your arrival to Mykonos:
The airport is located three kilometers from Mykonos Town. To get from the airport to your
hotel, it’s always a good idea to arrange for private transfer through your hotel,
or a pre-booked service like Welcome Pickups, as waiting in a long queue for
a taxi during high season can be time consuming and frustrating. If you’ve pre-arranged a ride,
your driver will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall with a sign with your name on it.
The cost is only slightly more than a taxi.
Visitors arriving on ferries from Athens or other islands arrive at the new Tourlos Ferry Port,
which is near to Mykonos Town, but not within walking distance. The quickest
and easiest way to get to the center of town from the ferry port is by using the SeaBus,
a shuttle boat that only costs a few Euros, and stops at 2 locations in town- one at the old port,
and the other in the center of the harbor. If you’re needing to get to the Fabrika Bus
Station in Mykonos Town, then you’ll want to take the bus from the ferry terminal instead.
If you are renting a car, a representative from the agency is often able to bring the vehicle
to meet you at the airport or ferry terminal and sign the paperwork on site.
Same for drop off at the end of your visit which is very convenient.
Some hotels on the island provide free pickup and drop-off at the airport or ferry,
and shuttle service to and from Mykonos Town.
In terms of getting around to beaches, one great service to keep in mind on Mykonos
is the water taxi which has been in business since 1968. These fun, recommissioned fishing
boats run along the island’s south coast from late morning to early evening, stopping to pick up and
drop off passengers at 7 popular beaches: Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise,
Agrari, and Elia. It’s a very fun and east way to get between some of the most popular beaches.
Let’s take a look at using the public bus system on Mykonos, which is very convenient
and easy to use, with frequent service between Mykonos Town, the airport, ferry terminal,
and many popular beaches. Service is generally from 9AM to 11 PM and sometimes earlier or later
on the more popular routes. Tickets are cash only, and any luggage can be stored for free down below.
There are 2 bus stations in Mykonos Town at opposite ends of town. The main Fabrika bus
station at the south end near the windmills, and the Old Port bus station at the north end
near the largest public parking lot. Fabrika bus station serves the ferry port, airport,
and the southern beaches of Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paraga, and Paradise. And The Old Port bus station
serves the ferry port, the town of Ano Mera, and the beaches of Agios Stefanos, Kalo Livadi, Elia,
and Panormos. Both have a small kiosk that sells tickets, or you can pay as you board as well.
Surprisingly, there are not as many taxis as you may expect on Mykonos, only 30 for the whole
island. So don’t expect one to be available when you most need one, including arriving by ferry,
or late afternoons and into the evening. There is an official taxi stand just up from the old port,
one at the New Port/Ferry terminal, and often a few on hand at the Fabrika bus
station. Taxi fare on Mykonos is paid in cash, and there is a strict 4 person limit per taxi.
If you are interested in renting your own vehicle for getting around Mykonos,
you have many options. The first thing we want to stress is to consider safety.
Each year in Mykonos, there are many accidents involving tourists and rented vehicles. The
combination of narrow roads with poor visibility, unfamiliar geography, reckless driving, and
excessive alcohol consumption lead us to suggest not renting scooters and quads. Though inexpensive
to rent, and the easiest to find parking for, they can be dangerous, and you are very exposed
if you end up in an accident. Renting a vehicle does enable you to explore smaller, lesser known
and less commercialized beaches, and see and experience more of Mykonos’ beautiful landscape.
Another option is to use a private transfer service or tour guide
which any hotel can arrange. This is the most expensive option,
but means less wait, no parking hassles, and no need to figure out the navigation on your own.
Check out our Mykonos Travel Guide for more information including where to eat, what to do,
ferry port information, the best beaches and beach clubs, and alternative activities.
We’ve also got lots of other great travel guides to Greece and beyond
at SantoriniDave.com and across this YouTube channel. Thanks for watching.
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