Hiring a car in Mykonos Airport
Most airports servicing the Greek Islands are small, and Mykonos Airport is no exception. However, you will find a few car rental companies operate in and around JMK. These are Avis, Hertz, Tipoa and Sixtie Meridien tours.
There are a range of vehicles you can choose from, but the majority tend to be on the smaller side, so expect economy hatchbacks for the most part. The standard transmission here is manual, though there are automatic options.
It should be noted that this island only has a limited amount of cars available, so booking in advance, especially in the high season (June-August) is strongly advised.
Leaving Mykonos Airport
The airport is only 4km outside of the main town (also called Mykonos), and the island is pretty compact, so you’ll find getting around is fairly self-explanatory.
Take the road to Mykonos, and then at the roundabout, continue straight onto Epar. Od. Mikonou, which will take you directly to the town. Please be aware that cars are not allowed in the town itself, you will find parking areas on the outskirts of town where you can leave your car.
Typically rental companies want their vehicles returned with a full tank of petrol, and there are only a few fuel stations on the island. The closest one is on another strand of Epar. Od. Mikonou. If you are driving from the airport, instead of continuing straight at the roundabout, take your first exit, and you will find a filling station before you meet the next roundabout.
Driving in Mykonos
Traffic flows on the right in Greece, and you’ll find the roads on Mykonos are pretty well maintained, but they can be very narrow, and large buses frequently travel along these roads, so staying alert at all times is important, especially at night.
You’ll find a few large areas that are officially designated places to park, one of the largest being beside the Old Port of Mykonos town. It is also advised that before booking a car you investigate whether your accommodation supplies free parking.
Please be aware that in the peak tourist period of June-August, you will find parking in Greece does require foreign drivers outside of the EU to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Often rental companies will not ask to see this, but for insurance purposes you need to have it on you. Please make sure you carry your IDP and license with you when you are driving in Greece.
What can you see and do in Mykonos?
Mykonos’ reputation for its sophisticated nightlife, beautiful beaches, and pretty towns is not unfounded, and visitors will find themselves swept up in this little island’s charm.
Take the time to wander through the main town – Mykonos’—winding streets, where white buildings with blue doors buttress up against one another to create that quintessential aesthetic we associate with Greek towns. Head for the sea, and you’ll come to a part of town affectionately named ‘Little Venice’ because of the way the buildings jut out over the Aegean.
If you look up from the shoreline you will see the famed 16th century Mykonos Windmills that overlook Little Venice, and make for a thousand perfect pictures to take home to show your family.
Of course, pretty town though it is, one of the main reasons people fly to this Cycladic island is to take advantage of the beaches, and there are plenty to choose from. For seclusion, there is the hidden beach of Agia Anna, for a family vibe, there is Ornos beach which is close to town, has plenty of amenities, and that same warm, azure water. For the partygoers, Paradise beach is the most popular, with events happening on its shores day and night.
Please note all information is current as of November 2015.
