Mykonos Town
Although Syros is officially the main trading hub of the Cyclades chain of islands in the Aegean, Mykonos could be described as the main tourist hub, with domestic and international flights landing at the islands airport, located a short distance from Myconos town. The island features on the itinerary of many cruise ships which regularly make the tour of the Aegean islands and is also used as a hub for departure to outlaying islands including Syros and Tinos.
Ferry timings are rarely tie in with plane departure schedules and there isn’t a great deal of information available on what to do when you arrive in the port of Mykonos with a few hours to spare.
The new port in Mykonos is located away from the main town in the Tourlos area. The main town is located around 1KM from the port but the road is busy and I wouldn't advise walking it.
Taxi’s can be called (+302289023700) from the main station in town although the numbers of Taxi’s which are allowed to operate on the Island are limited. Alternatively, busses operate to the old port but a better option is with with the water taxi’s which can be found within the port, close to the exit. Tickets cost 2 euros per person and will take you to the old port. The service runes every 15 minutes and more information can be found on the Delos tours website (http://www.delostours.gr and click the link for the seabus service for information). Of course, if you are a visiting cruise passenger, transfer would normally be via one of the tenders which will transfer you to the old port.
If you have luggage, this can be left at the Pier 1 agency building which can be found on the left hand side on the road leading into the old harbour. Its costs around 3 euros to leave on piece fro upto four hours.
Once transport is sorted and luggage storage arranged, Mykonos town has more than enough to occupy a few hours before you’re departure.
Presuming you've left you’re luggage at Pier One, head toward the town with the seal on you’re right and this will take you down to the main harbour and Agia Anna Beach. The beach although not the biggest is large enough to accommodate the few day visitors and cruise passengers for an hour or so. The beach consists of fine sand but may be a little too public for some, as the main walk way runs behind it.
Further around the bay, there’s a further beach with a tiny fish market at the end, which probably accounts for the seagulls which seem to occupy the beach area.
Leading back from the harbour front, you can lose your-self in the maze of tiny streets and alley ways, many of which contain tourist shops and fast food options. Most of these seem to lead back to the harbour front so don’t worry too much about getting lost.
Many visitors will want to head for the town main attractions though, located in the Little Venice area, south of the old harbour.
Theres no main road to Little Venice from the harbour area, just a continuation of the alleyways and streets which lead off from the harbor front. Head first for the Church of Paraportiani, reputedly the oldest church in Greece. Its located just behind the seafront on the south side. You can’t go inside but it’s a great example of Greek Orthodox architecture in its purest form.
Carry on down Ag Anargiron towards the windmills for a wider selection of shops and restaurants. These become increasingly expensive until you reach the main square at the end of the street. If you don’t fancy paying 6 Euros for a coffee, try one of the two food outlets (one being a fast food cafe and the other a creperie) located on the right, before you get to the church.
Once in the square you will be able to get a clear view of Mykonos’ famous windmills. Of the 16 windmills which stand on the island, seven are located here and the construction can be traced back to the 16th century and the Venetian occupation. The view to the north is equally rewarding with the seafront tavernas of Little Venice perched on the edge of the Aegean sea.
On your return to your required destination, make your way back the way you came and this will bring you back to the harbour front for the transfer back to the cruise ship or, for the airport make your way to the opposite end of the harbour where the taxi stand can be found on the junction. Pier one will call a taxi for you if you’re collecting luggage for the short transfer to the airport.
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Copyright- Paul Walters 2016 no part of this transcript may be reproduced without permission
