The Town of Mykonos - 2023 Guide

Chora, known to locals as the Town of Mykonos, is a classic Cycladic village nestled within a bay. The village is comprised of white, box-shaped homes outfitted with colorful doors, windows, and balconies. Within the village, winding streets create intricate passageways that lead to various churches, chapels, and blooming bougainvilleas that stand out against the dazzling white walls.

To enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the heart of the settlement, taking a morning walk through the maze-like streets is recommended, as cars are not allowed for most of the day. The area is especially calm since many people are either at the beach or resting after a late night out. Due to the narrowness of the lanes and road blocks during the evening, it is not feasible to enter the lively part of the Town by vehicle. It is advised to explore on foot instead.

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The area has several charming lodging options if you want to stay in a central location surrounded by lively activities. You can find luxury and affordable accommodations like hotels, suites, and villas. There are also some budget-friendly options available.

More about Chora

The beautiful capital has many cafes, chic boutiques, souvenir shops, and fine jewelry stores. Additionally, Mykonos Town has a great gastronomic scene that’s worth exploring. For those looking for a gorgeous lunch or dinner, some of the top restaurants in Greece can also be found in Mykonos Town.

The capital of Mykonos has many bars and nightclubs, confirming its reputation as a party island. At night, large crowds gather in the capital’s narrow streets to party and dance until morning.

If your accommodation is located in Mykonos Town, the closest beach to both the capital and Little Venice is Mykonos Town Beach. This beach is not as lively as others on the island and is not organized, but it’s a convenient spot for a quick swim.

Landmarks

The church complex of Panagia Paraportiani is a must-see in the Town. It’s a listed national cultural monument and a great example of Cycladic architecture. You can find it on the hill where the old Venetian castle (Kastro) stands, although it’s now in ruins. You can also visit the iconic whitewashed windmills on a hill overlooking the city. From there, you can enjoy a tremendous view of Little Venice, one of the most beautiful parts of the capital.

Little Venice is a small peninsula with brightly colored two-story Venetian houses built close together. The houses have colorful wooden porches and balconies overlooking the sea, creating a unique and enchanting view. At night, Little Venice becomes a lively area with trendy cafes and bars, making it quite noisy.

When you visit Mykonos, keep an eye out for Petros, the pelican in the old port. He loves attention and is very photogenic. Moreover, you can visit the Archaeological Museum in the capital near the port. There, you’ll find sculptures, pottery, and figurines from Delos and Rhenia. Other museums in Mykonos include a Nautical Museum and a Folklore Museum featuring icons, furniture, and traditional musical instruments.

How to get to Town (Chora)

You can reach Mykonos Town (Chora) from any part of the island through various means of transportation.

Tours: Explore Mykonos Town on a budget-friendly organized tour. GetYourGuide has the best boat tours, activities, private tours, excursions, and so more, listed by rating or price. You only have to book the best for you!

Private transfers: We suggest using an online pre-booked transfer service to arrange transportation by taxi, minibus, or private VIP car. This service can arrange a pickup from the port, airport, or hotel. We suggest Welcome Pickups for your private transfer. 

Car rental: You can rent a car and choose to pick it up at the Mykonos airport, Mykonos Port, or your hotel. Renting a car will give you the freedom to explore Mykonos Town and other places of interest at your own pace. If you want to rent a car, we suggest to check DiscoverCars.

Public transfers: Please be aware that Mykonos town has two central bus stations, Fabrika, and Old Port. Both stations offer bus connections to various areas of the island. However, the itineraries may vary depending on the season. To stay up-to-date with the official timetables, you can check them out here.

From Mykonos Airport to Town: There is a bus station located outside the main terminal building at the airport. The bus travels from the airport to the New Port approximately every 1.5 hours. The second stop is the Fabrika central station, which is located in Mykonos Town.

From Mykonos’ new port (in Tourlos) to Town: To get to the Old Port terminal from the passenger disembarkation area at the New Port of Mykonos, visitors who arrive by ferry can take a bus. The bus station is just a few minutes walk away from the disembarkation area. The bus will follow the route to the Old Port terminal.

Tip: We suggest that visitors inform the bus driver about their final destination ahead of time, as buses might only stop at some planned stops.

Sea bus: The sea bus in Mykonos provides regular service between the New port and the Old port on the island. Two stops along the way are located near bus and taxi stations. If you’d like information about routes and schedules, you can find it at www.mykonos-seabus.gr.