Just Back From Mykonos. Need Info?
 

Recently returned from Mykonos. If you want to know what it's really like there or in Athens, I will gladly give you the low-down that others won't or can't.

I am going to Santorini and Mykonos this summer, and was wondering whether you knew of any cheap hotels for two female backpackers? Also places to visit and to admire and all of that good stuff? Most importantly is a cheap hotel. Also if you know how much a ferry or a hydrofoil from Mykonos to other islands are? Thanks.

My wife and I are going to Greece in the fall. Haven't decided on Santorini, Mykonos or other island. Would be interested in hearing about your experiences.

Larry

PS - Do you know anything about the ferry service from Venice to Athens?

Ferries cost about 3 to 5 pounds, jet boats are double or tripple. Delos is your best bet for sight seeing. Very close to Mykonos. No cheap hotels on Mykonos. Try Syros or other islands close by. You can camp out at one of the beaches, but no camping on private land. Special note -- be very careful when you hit the bars and other places. The DATE-RAPE DRUG is commonly used on unsuspecting travellers, especially on Mykonos. Buy only bottles drinks that you open yourself. Take care and be careful.

Larry, If possible, avoid the tourist traps like Mykonos. Yes, they are beautiful, but overcrowded and, believe it or not, dangerous for foreign and Greek travellers. Avoid buying drinks that don't come in a bottle that you can open yourself. Take it from me, you don't want to wake with your memory and jewelry gone. This happened to me on Mykonos. The ferries are quite reasonable throughout the Greek Isles, but I don't know about the Athens-Venice route. Take care and be careful out there.

We will be traveling to Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini.Can you help with...places to have laundry done? Best clothing optional beaches? Dining? Tipping? Different customs? What to wear? Car rental? Crime? Mykonian Ambassador Hotel? Thanks for any info.

Kay, If you are safe, you will have a good time in Greece. Avoid bars if possible. If not, go with someone and only order bottles that you can open. Don't let anyone near your drink and don't accept drinks from anyone - inluding the bartender. Super Paradise is the most well known nude beach, but Paradise Beach is also OK. They will all be very crowded. Driving is treacherous at best. But it's the only reliable transport to the nude beaches. I rented a scooter for about $10 a day. Cars are a bit more expensive, but taxis and the bus are alternatives. Not familiar with the hotel you mentioned. Make sure you take the ferry over to Delos for a day trip and Syros is quite nice as well. Just be very careful as no one will tell you anything until after something happens. Then they look at you like a fool and say, "You should have known better."

P.S. Kay, one place to definitely avoid is the Super Paradise Bar on Mantosgianni Street in the village of Mykonos.

I found Mykonos to be pretty much a "gay" mecca, probably the most blantant display I've ever seen.

I'm interested in any info on any islands in Greece.
My friend and I are traveling around for about a week and are interested in hostels or camping sites.
Also, what are the best sites to visit..etc. Thanks

Connie: Mykonos is touted as "gay" resort, but many hetero couples find it very relaxing as well. Lots of screaming queens at times, I suppose. But it attracts 1.5 million tourists every summer, not all of whom are gay. Personally, I found it rather over-blown and pretensious(sp?) and had a much better time on Syros. Many of my friends prefer Crete. Regardless, the farther away from the tourist traps you are, the better. A Brit friend says she never goes to an island with an airport. Good advice.

Sarah, you can camp on Mykonos at one of the beaches, but camping is not permitted in other places. Check out one of the guide books on camping sites in the islands. Have a good time and be careful out there.

Connie: Mykonos is touted as "gay" resort, but many hetero couples find it very relaxing as well. Lots of screaming queens at times, I suppose. But it attracts 1.5 million tourists every summer, not all of whom are gay. Personally, I found it rather over-blown and pretensious(sp?) and had a much better time on Syros. Many of my friends prefer Crete. Regardless, the farther away from the tourist traps you are, the better. A Brit friend says she never goes to an island with an airport. Good advice.

Sarah, you can camp on Mykonos at one of the beaches, but camping is not permitted in other places. Check out one of the guide books on camping sites in the islands. Have a good time and be careful out there.

Mykenos is the first island that our 3 day cruise stops at. Is it a waste of our money to take the tour offered by the ship? If we skip the tour, what are the most important things for a group of high school kids (and chaperones) to see on a half day in Mykenos. Can we walk most places?

I have been waiting for Thanos from Mykonos to reply but haven't seen him here for a good few days. In his absence I'll give it a go!

The 'usual' organised island tour takes you to most of the larger beaches and then to Ano Mera, where you visit Panaghia Tourliani a church built in the 16th century. It is estimated that the island has more than 500 churches and you will most certainly find others in the town, at least one older than Panaghia Tourliani, should you decide not to take the tour.

To be frank, if I only had half a day I wouldn't use the time to take the tour. Spend the few hours strolling through Mykonos town, have coffee, relax and watch the folks go by. It is a great people-watching place.

The town itself has a few interesting museums, windmills and dovecots plus the Paraportiani church all within a few minutes walking time of each other.

bill

I'll be there in August with husband and 10-year-old son. Where did you stay and would you recommend it? Did you go to Delos?

rikki15

This thread is old. The original person who posted the first message came back from Mykonos 5/14/1998. There's a chance that person doesn't now contribute to this board and will not see your question.

I always stay at Hotel Rochari in Mykonos Town although many others here prefer a hotel close to a beach, away from the town.

I can certainly recommend Delos. It's a very short trip over and well worth it too.

bill

Thanks, Bill for your suggestion. Walking and people watching in Mykenos sounds perfect. Other than the windmills and the pelicans, is there any other not-to-be-missed site on Mykenos? debwrite

hi debwrite

Two museums that are interesting are the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos (with some exhibits from Delos) and the Aegean Maritime Museum. The first is located close to the harbour the second in the town cente. There is also the Folk Museum opposite the Paraportiani church but I haven't yet visited it.

For stunning views of the town and the island of Tinos you need to walk up to the main road that surrounds the back of the town. From Taxi Square, facing the statue, walk forwards and upwards through the little streets and you will see a lone windmill. When you get to it this is what lays out in front of you:

http://tinyurl.com/neebu

Bill

Wow
great picture!
That is a view I definitely want to see. Again, Bill, thanks for the info on Mykenos--especially the good museums and where to walk for the best photo op.

you are very welcome. I hope you have a great trip!

bill