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GETTING THERE
Reaching Mykonos Island is quite easy.
There are direct flights to Mykonos from Athens International Airport, Thessaloniki Airport and from major Airports throughout Europe. By ferry Mykonos is connected to Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, Kos and all the major Cyclades islands. If you are Island hopping in Greece, there are direct flights to Mykonos from Santorini Island and Rhodes Island and many other islands as well.
On Mykonos you can get around by scooter, caique (small boats), car, or bus. A bus network, can take you to almost at any point of the island. Additionally taxis operate at constant rate. In the evening, it can be nearly impossible to find a taxi. You can wait hours at the taxi queue in town. There are now two ferry terminals, one at Chora (Mykonos), the main sea port on the island and the second at Tourlos. If you are on foot and leaving the island, be certain whether your ferry leaves from the old port (the nearest one to the main section of town) or the New Port (about 5km to the north).
FLIGHTS & FERRIES TO MYKONOS
There are direct flights to Mykonos from the Athens Airport, Thessaloniki Airport and from other airports throughout Europe. If you are island hopping in Greece, there are direct flights to Mykonos from Santorini and Rhodes and many other islands as well . Prices range depending on season and airline company, so your can find both expensive and cheap flights to Mykonos.
Ferries to Mykonos depart from Athens (Piraeus Port), Thessaloniki, as well as other Cyclades Islands, Dodecanese Islands and Crete. Ferry transport to Mykonos is frequent, especially during the summer, when Mykonos is packed with tourists. Boat fares to Mykonos depend on the type of vessel (ferry boat or high speed) and the time of year you are visiting the island.
Due to changeable weather conditions, airplane or boat departures may be delayed or cancelled, and it is in the travelers’ own interest to be well informed.
FLIGHTS TO MYKONOSBOOK YOUR FLIGHT http://www.cheapflights.co.uk
FLIGHTS TO MYKONOSATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Call Center: +30 210 3530000 (Available on 24hr basis) http://www.aia.gr
FLIGHTS TO MYKONOS - HEATHROW AIRPORT http://www.heathrowaiport.com
FLIGHTS TO MYKONOS - AEGEAN AIRLINES http://www.aegeanair.com
FLIGHTS TO MYKONOS-OLYMPIC AIRLINES http://www.olympicairlines.com
FERRIES TO MYKONOS http://info.yen.gr/info
ISLAND HOPPING
Siros Is almost centrally located in the Cyclades, near Tinos and Mykonos. It is an impressive island with crystal clear beaches, marvelous countryside and a plethora of historic and archaeological monuments. Ermoupolis, the elegant capital of the Cyclades will fascinate you. The beaches to the south are easily accessible: Galissa, Delfini, Varvaroussa, Aetos, Delagratsia. Frequent bus connections will help you get around. You may have difficulty in choosing whether to experience staying in a magnificent neoclassical mansion or in a modern hotel with full amenities by the sea. You can enjoy your favourite water sports in amazing blue green waters and try seafood at lovely taverns. Siros is renowned for its “loukoumia”. You can also buy local cheese, beautiful woven fabrics and wonderful handmade embroideries.
Paros Iis situated in the center of the Cyclades. It is an island of long history and rich culture. Do not allow the hustle and bustle of Parikia mislead you: apart from cosmopolitan, lively and crowded Paros can be eye-catchingly attractive, traditional, and quiet with unique sceneries, enchanting villages and superb beaches.
Santorini Layer upon layer of red volcanic rock interspersed with white buildings and specks of greenery form a visual demonstration found nowhere else. The entire center of the circular island sank into the sea during the tremendous volcanic explosion of 3.500 years ago. The eruption caused tidal waves which virtually wiped out the advanced Minoan civilization of Crete 70 miles to the south. Some scholars believe that the island is part of the legendary lost continent of Atlantis which supposedly slipped underwater during the disaster. What remains today of Santorini is a large cresent-shaped island enclosing a vast bay, the largest caldera on earth (7X14 miles). There are also four much smaller islands called Thirassia, Nea Kameni, Palia Kameni and Aspronisi.
MYKONOS CLIMATE
The climate in Mykonos is ideal for an enjoyable island holiday destination. Mykonos weather is of typical Cyclades Island weather: winters are relatively mild, while summers on Mykonos Island are dry and hot, as rainfall is very uncommon. From spring to mid-fall the sun is constantly shinning and the sky over Mykonos is blue and clear.
From January to March, temperatures in Mykonos range from 5°C to 15°C. The months of April and May are between 15°C and 23°C. During June, July, August and September, temperatures in Mykonos range from low 20s to low 30s. In October, November and December, weather in Mykonos worsens a bit and temperatures range from approximately 7°C to the high teens.
The winds that blow on Mykonos Island is the spring 'Sirocco' wind, which also carries red desert sand. In July and August, the northern 'Meltemi' wind takes over. In the winter months, it is usually strong winds from the south that gust in the Mykonos region.
MYKONOS TRAVEL TIPS
For Travellers with Disabilities Disabilities should not stop anyone from traveling. There are more options and resources out there than ever before. That said, few concessions exist for the disabled in Greece. Steep steps, uneven pavement, almost no cuts at curbstones, narrow walks, slick stone, and traffic congestion can cause problems. Archaeological sites by their very nature are usually difficult to navigate, and crowded public transportation can be all but impossible. (The Greeks have announced plans to make the Acropolis handicapped accessible by the Olympics of 2004 but it is not clear just what will be in place.) More modern and private facilities are only now beginning to provide ramps, but little else has been done. (That said, foreigners in wheelchairs -- accompanied by companions -- are becoming a more common sight in Greece, and we have read a first-person account of a wheelchair-using individual who found a cruise ship well designed to service her needs.)
For Families If you have enough trouble getting your kids out of the house in the morning, dragging them thousands of miles away may seem like an insurmountable challenge. But family travel can be immensely rewarding, giving you new ways of seeing the world through smaller pairs of eyes. How to Take Great Trips with Your Kids (The Harvard Common Press) is full of good general advice that can apply to travel anywhere. Individual families will have to know what their goals in Greece are to be and whether their children are of an age to appreciate them. Clearly, if you are simply heading for the beaches, children of all ages can enjoy these; at the other extreme, if it is to all museums/archaeological sites, think twice. Traveling with infants and very young children -- say up to about age 5 -- can work; most children get restless with historical sites between about 6 and 16; if you're lucky, your children may tune into history at some point in their teens.
For Seniors There are not that many "senior-citizen discounts" available in Greece. Some museums and archaeological sites offer discounts for those 60 and over, but the practice seems unpredictable and in general these are restricted to citizens of an EU nation. Try mentioning the fact that you're a senior citizen when you make your travel reservations. Although almost all major US airlines have cancelled their senior discount and coupon book programs, many hotels still offer discounts for seniors.
For Women Women traveling in Greece should not run into any particularly different situations from men. That said, young women -- especially singles or small groups -- may well find Greek males "coming on" to them, especially at beaches and clubs and such tourist locales. But our informants tell us that, unlike in certain countries that may go nameless, Greek males (a) do not attempt any physical contact and (b) they respect "No." One "tactic" said to work is to say, "I'm a Greek-American." The other advice is simply not to leave well-attended locales with someone you don't really know. Women should also be aware that there are still some cafes and even restaurants that are effectively male-only haunts; the males will not appreciate attempts by foreign women to integrate these places.
MYKONOS GREECE- VISA AND PASSPORT INFO
a) Visa is required by all except nationals of the countries mentioned in the chart above for a period of up to 3 months. b) Citizens of all other countries should contact the nearest Greek consulate. c) Those continuing their journey to a third country within 48hours provided holding tickets with reserved seats and other documents for their onward journey except: nationals of Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Congo (Rep. Of), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria and Turkey who always need a visa, even if transiting be the same aircraft. NOTE: The above list is subject to change at short notice; please check with the Consulate or Consular section at Embassy before travelling.
Types of Visas - Tourist and business (single and multiple entry) - Transit (single and double)
Processing Time and Fees - A processing time of three weeks should be anticipated in most cases. - Fees depend on the nationality of the applicant, and are determined by reciprocity between Greece and the respective country. - In addition to the visa fee, a non-refundable $4.65 application fee is required.
Paperwork a) Visa application form duly filled out and signed by the applicant. b) Valid passport c) Green card d) One recent passport-size photograph of the applicant e) Proof of availability of sufficient funds to support the stay in Greece f) Destination in Greece and references, if available g) Money order, certified check or cash payable to the consulate of Greece for the visa processing. h) Letter of reference from employer. NOTE: The consulate reserves the right to ask for further documentation, in addition to the above mentioned.
Procedures The applicant must appear in person for an interview at the consulate nearest to his/her place of residence. In case the applicant is unable to appear in person he/she should contact the consulate for instructions.
Passport Passport valid for 6 month required by all except: a) E.U. nationals with a valid national ID card and with sufficient funds for their length of stay b) Nationals of Monaco and Switzerland with valid national ID cards
Important Note: All information on this page has been carefully investigated. However, Greek embassies can provide assistance to travelers and are the best places to contact for the most up-to-date information.
Greek Embassies arround the world
CURRENCY
Name Euro Symbol €
Euro notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. It is often difficult to get change for a Euro500.00 note.
One euro is divided into 100 cents or centimes. Coins of 1, 2 and 5 centimes are copper-coloured; coins of 10, 20 and 50 centimes are gold-coloured; 1 and 2 euro coins are gold-and-silver coloured.
Changing Your Money
Banks exchange all major currencies in cash, travellers cheques or Eurocheques; the commission is lower for cash. Post offices exchange cash but not travellers cheques, and usually charge lower commissions than banks. Travel agencies and larger hotels change cash and travellers cheques but usually charge higher commissions than banks. Banknote exchange machines can be found in most tourist areas.
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MYKONOS BANKS
Banks : There are several bank offices in Mykonos, open daily from 08am till 2.30pm (Friday's 2pm) You will need your passport for exchanging money.
ATE Bank (Agricultural Bank of Greece) on new Ring Road Tel.+30 22890 / 23208
Alpha Bank Matoyanni Str 41, Chora Tel +30. 22890 / 23400 + Maouna Tel.+30 22890 / 23905
National Bank of Greece Fabrica Sq., Chora Tel.+30 22890 / 22650
Commercial Bank of Greece Limni, Chora Tel.+30 22890 / 22456
Eurobank Old Port, Chora Tel.+30 22890 / 79130
Bank of Cyprus ,Drafaki Tel.+30 22890 / 79390
Piraeus Bank : on new ring road Tel.+30 22890 / 28959
City Bank : Drafaki area
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