The Greek island of Mykonos seems to have it all, from the Cycladic village of Chora and its car-free maze of narrow streets lined with chic Mykonos villas to beautiful beaches (Psarou, Paradise, Ornos) and posh beachfront nightclubs where tourists can rub shoulders with celebrities.
As someone who has visited Mykonos on numerous occasions, I couldn’t help but notice, that many travelers make the same mistakes over and over again when staying on the island. Some of them underestimate the busy traffic in summer and spend too much cash on cocktails, while others miss out on great last-minute deals on accommodation.
If you wish to make the most out of your vacation on this charming island in the Aegean Sea, check out my list of things to avoid in Mykonos.
18 Things to Avoid in Mykonos
Transportation Mistakes in Mykonos
People Rely Too Much on Taxis
Relying heavily on taxis for transportation on the island is one of the most common mistakes that tourists make. The thing is that getting a taxi can be a frustrating experience, especially if you are visiting during the busy summer season.
Mykonos is also known as an expensive island and taxi drivers often charge premium rates. To avoid trouble with taxi transportation, I suggest renting a scooter or a car to get around the island. For instance, getting a car gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace without waiting for a taxi to come and pick you up.
If you’re staying in Chora, you can also rely on local buses, which are an affordable and efficient way to get around. These buses are well-connected and operate frequently between some of the most popular tourist spots in Mykonos.
Don’t Underestimate Busy Traffic in Mykonos
While you can explore mainland Greece by driving via well-maintained highways, things are a bit different on the islands in the Cyclades. The island of Mykonos has narrow roads that can become crowded in summer. I see many tourists who underestimate the amount of traffic on the island and the lack of parking spots.
You should also remember that the island has very steep hills, making it difficult for inexperienced drivers to navigate the roads. To avoid these traffic issues, I suggest renting a smaller car and making your way to the other parts of the island early in the morning before rush hours.
Parking in Mykonos can be a Real Nightmare
If you are visiting popular tourist sites and beaches in Mykonos, you’ll probably have to deal with parking. Instead of parking your car rental in unauthorized areas, you should always look for designated parking spots. These parking areas do fill up quickly, so you’ll probably want to get there early in the day or wait for someone to move their car from the designated parking zone.
Accommodation Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Stay Too Close to the Party Scene
Mykonos is famous for its nightlife, and many people decide to book accommodation near the party scene. While it will take you just minutes to get from your Mykonos villa to the beach club, you will have to deal with loud music and large crowds all day and night long. Popular beach clubs like Paradise Beach and Super Paradise are known for their late-night parties.
Instead of staying in the heart of the party scene, consider booking accommodations in quieter areas, such as Agios Sostis or Elia Beach. These areas offer a more relaxed atmosphere but are still close enough to the beach clubs.
Never Leaving your Hotel for Delicious Food in Mykonos
Many hotels and resorts serve delicious food in Mykonos. From lamb specialties to fresh seafood and fish, there is usually so much to choose from. But, to truly experience Greek cuisine, tourists should step outside their hotel gates and eat at local tavernas where local grandmas prepare tasty dishes from scratch. These tavernas usually have beautiful terraces with awesome sunset views, local wine, and even live music performances on the weekends.
Consider the Hilly Terrain when Booking Accommodation in Mykonos
Mykonos is a picturesque island with steep hills and winding roads, which can be challenging for some tourists. The thing is that many tourists fail to consider the island’s hilly terrain when booking their accommodation. If you’re carrying luggage or traveling with children or elderly family members, this can be a real nightmare.
Therefore, before booking your stay on this lovely island, I recommend doing some research on the location of your accommodation to ensure that it is easily accessible. On the other hand, many hotels offer shuttles or transportation to the main town or popular areas, so be sure to check for this before paying for accommodation.
Overlooking Hidden Costs
While Mykonos is known for its luxury accommodations, some hotels or private rentals charge hidden fees that can make your stay much more expensive than you anticipated. These extra costs can include everything from Wi-Fi and air conditioning to towels and cleaning services.
Many tourists overlook these additional charges when booking their stays and are caught off guard when they arrive. It is important to read the fine print before confirming your accommodation reservation. Check for hidden fees and contact the property directly if you have any questions about costs.
Dining & Drinking Mistakes
Eating Only at Tourist Traps
I have to admit that Mykonos is home to many touristy restaurants where the food is overpriced. Restaurants located in popular areas like Little Venice or near the beach are usually packed with tourists who are definitely overpaying for their meals. Tourists often make the mistake of dining at these tourist traps, thinking they are the best places to experience Greek cuisine. However, these restaurants may not serve high-quality dishes.
Instead of dining at touristy dining establishments, I suggest sitting down to eat at family-owned tavernas or local eateries away from the main tourist hubs. These spots offer more authentic Greek dishes at fair prices. Ask locals for recommendations, as they often know the best restaurants to eat on the island. Traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava should not be missed.
Not Trying Local Specialties
I’ve seen it a hundred times. Hotel buffets are filled with international dishes like pizza, pasta, and burgers. It would be a shame not to try delicious Greek food when staying on the island of Mykonos. Avoid this mistake and try local specialties like kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb), horiatiki (Greek salad), and kopanisti (Mykonian cheese). Another good idea is to ask your waiter about the day’s special or any traditional dishes they recommend.
Expensive Cocktails
There is no shortage of stylish beach clubs/nightclubs in Mykonos. The only problem is that some of them overcharge for cocktails. Instead of getting just cocktails, mix it up a bit and order local wine and beer which are much cheaper. Many bars offer reasonably priced drinks during happy hours or in the early evening, so keep an eye out for these deals.
Failing to Make Reservations
Mykonos is one of the most popular places to visit in Greece. Therefore, restaurants get fully booked quickly in summer. Show up without a reservation and you will probably have to go elsewhere. This is why I always say how it’s best to make a reservation in advance when dining out in Mykonos. You can do it by phone or use one of the online booking systems/social media pages to get a table.
Beach & Party Scene Mistakes
Underestimating the Crowds
Mykonos is home to some of the most popular beaches in the Cyclades. Places like Paradise Beach are overcrowded during the summer months. If you don’t like large crowds of fellow tourists, head out to quieter places on the island such as Agios Sostis, Fokos, or Kapari.
Not Bringing Essentials For a Perfect Beach Day
Many tourists forget to pack the essentials for a beach day, such as sunscreen, towels, and hats. This can lead to discomfort, sunburns, and a not-so-pleasant beach experience. Before heading to the beach, make a checklist of essentials to pack.
Drinking too much Alcohol
I know that Mykonos is a party island packed with beach clubs. But, if you are not in your 20s and don’t want to spend a few days sick in bed, I recommend drinking responsibly and not partying every night. Instead, go to the 180 Sunset Bar for some seriously awesome sunset views.
Budgeting & Money Mistakes
Not Having Cash on You
While many places on the island accept credit cards, you should always have some cash in your pocket, especially if you are planning to visit small markets and local shops. Tourists should also look for ATMs that offer fair exchange rates and avoid using credit cards with high foreign transaction fees.
Not Searching for Discounted Activities
The island of Mykonos offers plenty of activities and tours. The problem is that many tourists book these tours only a few days in advance. To save cash, I suggest booking tours well in advance to secure better rates.
Safety & Health Mistakes
Not Staying Hydrated and Overexposing to the Sun
The summer season on the island can get very hot. If you are not drinking lots of water and staying too long in the sun without sun protection, you can simply ruin your entire vacation. Therefore, always make sure to have water on you and apply sunscreen. Can you drink tap water in Mykonos? To avoid stomach problems, I recommend always purchasing bottled water.
Ignoring the Importance of Travel Insurance
Anyone who tells you that travel insurance is not important and that you will not use it when traveling to a new place is wrong. Unexpected health issues or accidents can occur and having insurance can save you from significant medical expenses. This is why I believe that you should purchase travel insurance before your trip to Mykonos.