Car Hire in Mykonos

About Mykonos

Mykonos is a Greek island belonging to the Cyclades, located between Tinos to the northwest, Syros, Paros, and Naxos to the south. The largest town on the island is Mykonos Town or, as many call it, Chora, which is located on the western side of the island. The locals have nicknamed the island the "Island of Winds" because of the frequent winds that blow here.

Mykonos has a long and rich history. The first inhabitants arrived on the island around the 11th century BC. Originally the island was just a transit point in the region, it was important for trade routes and a resting place for troops sailing across the sea. The island was not very rich and did not have enough natural resources to use for the production of goods. Throughout history, the island has been dominated by many different cultures and nations. Economically, Mykonos became stronger in the 18th century when the island began to gain importance as a trading centre. Since then, Mykonos developed very quickly and by the end of the 19th century, tourism became an important part of Mykonos' economy.

As a tourist destination, Mykonos experienced different phases of its development. At different times in the 20th century, the island was famous among people from all over the world. After World War II, the island was very popular among Americans, mainly because of its nudist beaches. Today it is one of the most famous Greek islands for tourists from all continents. It is also a very popular party destination. Mykonos is known for its great nightclubs, open-air parties, bars, discos, and beach parties. What gives Mykonos even more benefits is the fact that it is a so-called "gay-friendly" island. The LGBT community is honestly accepted here.

But apart from parties, Mykonos has many other things to offer if you have decided to spend your holiday here. The island is known for its beautiful beaches. The land on the island is mainly rocky and the highest peak on the island is 341 meters high. The beaches are very diverse, there are small sandy beaches as well as deserted rocky beaches where you can have a private beach for a day. There are many activities you can do on the beaches. At the larger and more commercial beaches, there is a wide range of water sports. There are also many restaurants, shops, bars and nightclubs on the beaches, so you can practically spend a whole day and night on the beach. During the day you can relax in the shade of a tree and swim in the sea, have lunch in one of the many great restaurants on the beach and in the evening you can attend one of the many parties in the nightclubs on the beach or have an open-air party on the beach, an experience you will not forget.

Besides the beaches, there are also some historical and cultural sites that you can visit on the island. The architecture on the island is typical of this part of the country and truly romantic, reminiscent of scenes from movies or pictures from postcards. There are also some excellent restaurants on the island, especially in Mykonos Town, but not only there, but all over the island you can explore the culinary side of Mykonos. If you are a shopping addict, you will also get your money's worth here, as Mykonos is also known as a great destination for shopping. People love to buy lots of traditional souvenirs, clothes, etc. There is also a rich cultural offer on the island, so you can find something for yourself if you like cultural events such as theatre performances, movie nights (open-air cinema), concerts... like.

So, all in all, Mykonos is a perfect destination for all kinds of people. You just need to make a good plan of what you want to do and see on the island. Then just buckle up and drive safely! Enjoy Mykonos!

Basic info and car hire in Mykonos

• Location: Cyclades, Greece
• Population: 10,134
• Official language: Greek
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Mykonos has a hot semi-arid climate
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Mykonos are in good condition. There are also some very tight roads on the island.
• Car hire in Mykonos: The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Mykonos is at Mykonos airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Mykonos!

 Driving in Mykonos

Driving on Mykonos can sometimes be a little more difficult than on other smaller Greek islands. Some roads, especially those leading from one small village to another, for example, are quite narrow and not in perfect condition with a few holes here and there. You also need to be aware that the locals drive quite fast here, so you need to be extra careful when driving on the island. When planning your road trip on the island, keep in mind that there are no bypass roads on the island. So, if you are driving to a destination, you may have to drive back on the same road.

Finding a parking space on the island can sometimes be quite a challenge, especially during the high season when the island is full of tourists. Sometimes it is better to park your car outside the centre and take the bus if you want to avoid traffic jams.

Mykonos town is closed to cars, you can only explore it on foot. So it's best to leave your car at the entrance of the town and stroll through the charming streets.

All in all, almost all the places worth seeing on the island are accessible by car. It's just sometimes wiser to park your car a few kilometers away from the tourist attraction and then go there by bus or bike because this way you'll avoid crowded streets with lots of cars and tourists who sometimes get lost and cause even more traffic jams.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in Greece is 18 years old. The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old and with some rental companies for people over 75 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply to those under 25 with many rental companies.
• International Driving Permit:  Visitors need a valid driving license to legally drive a car in Greece. Drivers of motorcycles up to 125cc must be at least 18 years old, while drivers of mopeds (up to 50cc) must be at least 16 years old. Driving licenses issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. With an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can legally drive in Greece and 174 other countries and must present your valid driver's license. In the US, only two organizations issue IDPs: Automobile Association of America (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and you can order it online if there is no office near you.
• Additional papers: Identification (passport), a valid driver's license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to take out insurance with the car rental company in case your policy does not cover you when driving in Greece). 
• Additional requirements: Warning triangle (mandatory in every vehicle), headlight deflectors (for vehicles from UK. Depending on the vehicle, you may either need deflector stickers or have to manually adjust the beam), fire extinguisher (mandatory in every vehicle), first aid kit (mandatory in every vehicle), warning triangles, spare wheels are required, and hands-free devices with hearing aids if you are talking on the phone while driving. 
• Children in the car:  A suitable child seat must be fitted in the car for children under 3 years of age. Child restraint systems that comply with the ECE R44/03 standard are approved by local authorities. A suitable child seat should also be used for children between 3 and 11 years of age who are smaller than 1.35 meters. Adult seat belts are already approved for children over 12 years of age and over 1.35 meters tall. If you wish to fit a rear-facing child seat, you may do so on the condition that the front passenger airbag is deactivated.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights: In poor daytime visibility, use low beam headlights. The use of high beams in cities is strictly prohibited.  
• General speed limits: Unless otherwise stated, the maximum speed on the motorway is 120 km per hour. On rural roads, you may drive 110 km/68 mi per hour. In residential areas, the speed limit is 50 km/31 mi per hour.
• Parking suggestions: Parking is prohibited in Greece: Within 5 meters (m) of intersections, within 15m of railway crossings, within 15m of bus and tram stops, within 3m of a fire hydrant, within 5m of a stop sign, or traffic light. In some streets, signs indicate which side of the street to park on. Parking fees vary from city to city, with meters usually operating between 30 minutes and two hours. In Athens, special parking areas are reserved for tourists. EU disability cards should be recognized in Greece. However, to be on the safe side, you should apply for a card from the Institute for the Rehabilitation of Disabled People in Athens or from local prefects in other provinces.

What to see in Mykonos

Mykonos has something to offer every kind of tourist. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday with plenty of beaches, cocktails, and water sports, then you should choose between the island's many beautiful beaches where you can enjoy all summer long.

If you are looking for a party, then Mykonos is the right choice for you. The island is known in Greece and beyond as one of the best party destinations in Europe. The range of nightclubs, bars, and discos here in Mykonos is so wide that you will enjoy yourself if you decide to come here to party.

There is also plenty to do for active holidaymakers who want to combine the beach, nature, architectural and historical sites, and, of course, gastronomy. There is a wide range of Greek cuisine available all over the island. All you have to do is rent a car and drive around the area to explore these places. As you drive around the island, you can visit many amazing places.

You should explore the town of Mykonos. This picturesque town with the many different colours on the streets is a must-see. You will fall in love with the simple architecture and charming streets of the city, with many beautiful squares where you can have a coffee or lunch. One of the most famous parts of the city is Little Venice. This romantic neighbourhood by the sea is known for its colourful scenery with houses and balconies in different colours and a great view of the sea and the surrounding area. You will never forget the sunsets in Little Venice. There are also several museums and galleries in the town that you can visit to learn what life was like here in the past.

The beaches here on the island are fantastic. The best thing to do is rent a car and explore one beach at a time. Some beaches are indeed very crowded and you might be better off avoiding them if you are here in high season. But there are also many small hidden beaches that you will find all over the island. At these hidden beaches, there is no infrastructure like bars, restaurants, toilets, etc., but you can be sure that if you choose one of these beaches you will have a wonderful relaxing and quiet day here. One of the most famous beaches on the island is Elia beach, which is suitable for nudists. Kalafatis is a popular destination for all lovers of water sports. This beach is famous for its wide range of different water sports that you can try here. One of the best beaches for families is Kalo Livadi. This large beach is a real paradise for children and due to its size, it is not so crowded during the high season. Other popular beaches on the island are Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paradise, Super Paradise, Paraga...

There are also many boat excursions that you can join. In these boat excursions, you have a great opportunity to explore the surroundings of the island. One of the most popular excursions is the one to the holy island of Delos. It is only 40 minutes away by boat and is of great historical and cultural importance to Greece.

It is also a great experience if you visit some small villages on the island of Mykonos. There you can taste some traditional local products and meet nice locals. One of the villages that are worth visiting is the village of Ano Mera. All in all, there are many simple yet charming villages on the island - it's up to you which ones you want to visit. One thing is for sure, you will have a great time driving around Mykonos and exploring the beauties of the island. Make a good plan, buckle up and drive safely!

Best restaurants in Mykonos:

NOA Greek Restaurant

Phos Restaurant

Baos Fine Dining

Rustic Grill

Kalammmakia

Compass

Reeza Restaurant

Best nightclubs in Mykonos:

Tropicana Club

Skandinavian Bar

Scarpa

Cavo Paradiso

At54

Super Paradise Beach Club

Addiction club