Q: Who is Windmills?

A: Our Agency, Windmills Travel & Tourism, is a full service Inbound Tour Operator Established in 1979. It is accredited by the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) and is a member of HATA (the Hellenic Association of Travel Agents), as well as ASTA (American Association of Travel Agents). We are also proud to be exclusive partners of such reputable companies, as Hertz International and Western Union International Money Transfers on the islands of Mykonos and Tinos, where long ago our agency was established. Throughout the last years, our services have extended from the Cyclades to Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Peloponnese, and the mainland as well, and, at this point, we're in the actual position to handle requests for any destination in Greece. Apart from the individual reservations, which occupy a great part of our business activities, we also deal with some of the most important Tour Operators around the world. These include operators from the Netherlands (Island World/Rent-a-casa, Olympia International), Austria (RuefaReisen / Reiseladen), Finland (Aurinkomatkat), and Italy (Pianeta Terra, I vostri Viaggi), each with their own weekly charter flight, as well as Tour Operators from Spain (Iberosol, Tierra Joven), the USA, Germany, Scandinavia, Hungary and Poland, to mention but a few. We work closely with them to assist them in producing a successful tailor-made market place. We contract the Hotels on their behalf, or invite them to make use of the allocations that we ourselves take in most Hotels, Self-Catering Apartments and Villas.

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Q: What kind of services do you provide?

A: Our agency provides a wide range of services including: accommodation, from deluxe hotels to basic self-catering rooms; transportation, from anywhere to any place within Greece, and at anytime; ticketing; guided tours & excursions; cruises; car rentals and lots of other activities, like horseback riding, scuba diving, etc.

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Q: Do you specialize in any particular groups of clientele?

A: We can actually cover, more or less, every need or request from any type of client. However, due to the fact that the below mentioned types of clientele are simply the ones that will generally book their holiday with a travel agent through the Internet more often than others, we have accumulated special experience in honeymooners and gay/lesbian travelers. Please don't misunderstand this: if you do not belong to either one of these groups, you will be taken care of and spoiled in exactly the same style!

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Q: Why Windmills?

A: Because we're simply the best!

- 25 years of experience and thousands of satisfied clients, many of whom, year after year, trust Windmills for the organizing of their vacation, can guarantee that the provided services are of the highest possible standards.

- Any e-mail message that arrives to our reservation office is quickly -within 24 hours at the latest- and efficiently replied, offering advice and information about any destination requested.

- Our relationships with the hoteliers and the other businessmen at each destination allow us to achieve the best rates on accommodation and the other services that we provide.

- Our long activity in tourism guarantees that, from the moment a visitor arrives at his destination, we are able to deal with any kind of problem and solve it as quickly as possible.

- Finally, we may be dealing with hundreds of clients daily, but we are particularly careful to acknowledge that every visitor has an individual personality. Please let us know of your special needs and wishes, and we'll be glad to form a tailor-made vacation package especially suiting your requirements.

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Q: What about gay visitors?

A: A very important aspect of our activities has to do with the Gay Market, which comprises a large portion of the clientele on the island of Mykonos. Through the hard work of our specialized Gay Department in this field, we have established ourselves as the leading Gay Travel Specialist in Greece. Our agency is a member of IGLTA (we're actually the first Greek agency that joined the Organization), and our office is responsible for the annual updates for Greece in the Ferrari and Frommer's Guides, widely-acclaimed gay travel books. Our clients include specialised Gay travel tour operators/travel agents from Italy (Arcoturismo), Spain, the USA (Above and Beyond tours, Club Exotika), Germany (Jornada, Teddy Travel, Reisebuero am Hellkamp), France (Eurogays), the UK (Man Around/Sensations, Galeria Travel) and Switzerland, to mention a few, as well as numerous direct clients who call us from all over the world. For these, we provide accommodation in carefully selected gay friendly establishments and services, such as transfers and expert advice on where to go and what to do.

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Q: What exactly is "gay friendly" accommodation?

A: Some of our accommodation is "Gay Friendly" - this term refers to hotels which are located close to gay facilities (gay bars, etc.) and where the management and staff welcome gay guests. This accommodation is carefully selected and seldom, if ever, poses problems for our gay clients. However, you should be aware that, while we do not envisage any problems and while the overwhelmingly vast majority of holidays pass without incident, we cannot be held responsible for the behaviour of other guests booked with other holiday companies. You may find that some "Gay Friendly" properties will have their fair share of families with children, especially during school holidays. If you feel that this may adversely affect the enjoyment of your holiday, please seek our advice before you book.

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Q: How do I book my vacation with you via the Internet?

A: It's easy as it sounds: In 3 simple steps!

Step One: Send us an e-mail with your request. We'll need the dates when you've decided to travel, the destination you wish to visit, your approximate budget and the type of accommodation where you'd prefer to stay - what type of room you'd need and 2-3 preferred hotels which you can choose from the ones listed in our site. You can send this email to the address info@windmills-travel.com . After we receive it, we'll check out availability at the requested accommodation for the specific dates, and reply back to you with an availability confirmation e-mail, or with any alternative suggestions (if the requested hotels are fully booked). Attached to that message, you will usually find a charge authorisation form for the payment of your deposit.

Step Two: Print out and send us by fax the Charge Authorisation form, filled in with the needed information and the requested deposit amount, along with a copy of your identification card or passport, and a copy of both sides of your credit card.

The requested deposit amount is usually 50% of the total reservation cost, with the balance due 4 weeks prior to your arrival. If the reservation is made less then a month prior to the arrival, the total reservation cost is required at once. Our fax number is +30 2109916383 in Athens and +30 22890 22066 on Mykonos. After we receive the requested documentation, we will proceed with booking your room, charging your credit card for the agreed amount, and issuing your e-vouchers. Our amendment and cancellation policy is explicitly mentioned in that form.

Step Three: Receive your e-vouchers through our second mail and print them out. You're ready!

Of course, the first step takes usually the longest time, as most of the travellers need a lot of information and advice before they decide about the specific accommodation they'll choose and the destinations they'll visit. A useful tip, so as to lessen the time needed for the reservation, would be to visit our official site at www.windmills-travel.com, take a look at the information given on each destination and study well the list of hotels to find which would be closest to your style and budget.

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Q: Is it safe to send you my credit card information by fax or e-mail?

A: Throughout all the years that our agency has operated, not one single case of misuse of personal information was reported to us by any client. However, for additional safety, you can use alternative ways of sending the information: for example, you can leave the last 4 digits of your credit card number uncompleted on the charge authorisation form, and send them to us through an e-mail, or even by giving us a call.

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Q: When is the best time to book my room?

A: A good piece of advice would be to book your vacation as early as possible. The rooms that offer a good quality of standards for a fair price are not as many as you'd imagine. Especially if you're planning to visit the island during July or August, it would be hopeless to search for a good deal after the summer has begun. If you're interested in the low or middle season, the possibilities are better, but then again it would be wise to book at least a couple of months before your arrival.

Don't worry if you're not yet sure about the destination you wish to visit or the hotels you wish to stay at. Send us an e-mail with your general request, and we'll be glad to give you all the needed information, organize your holidays and guide you further through the reservation process.

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Q: Can I book my tickets in advance as well? How and when do I receive them?

A: Of course you can book your tickets in advance! You will then receive them upon your arrival at the destination for which these tickets are to be used. For example, if your package includes ferry tickets from Tinos to Mykonos, you won't receive them at your arrival in Athens, but at your arrival on Tinos.

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Q: How do I know the time of pickup from my accommodation?

A: When you arrive to your destination, our representative will be waiting for you with a welcome envelope that will also include your pickup time from the hotel. Otherwise, you will be called at your hotel 24 hours prior to your departure, in order to be told the exact pickup time. If you are not in your room at that time, we will leave a message at the reception desk.

General rules for pickups are the following:

- If you are departing by ship or domestic flight from one Greek destination to another, then the pickup will roughly be one hour or one hour and 15 min. prior to departure time.

- If you are taking an international flight, pickup will be two hours before departure (if you are on an island) or three hours before departure (if you are in Athens or on a very big island like Crete, where you need quite a bit of time to get from your accommodation to the airport).

Due to the fact that most of the ferry companies publish their monthly schedules at the last moment, it is possible that in some cases, you will not know the exact time of your departure, even before your very arrival!

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Q: What good is it in booking my transfers in advance?

A: Finding your way in a foreign country is not a simple thing, especially if we're talking about Greece -a place not famous for its organisational virtues-, and especially if it is your first visit there. Why let the anxiety of finding a way to reach your hotel or catch your flight ruin your holidays, since you can have everything arranged by people who do that for hundreds of other visitors? Our colleagues will be glad to welcome you at the airport or the port when you arrive, solve any kind of problems you may have, answer your questions, and provide you with all the necessary information about the destination. Moreover, a vehicle, especially waiting for you, will transport you and your luggage safely and quickly to your accommodation (or back to the airport/port) without any effort on your part. So simply book your transfers together with your accommodation: It doesn't cost much, and it can save you a lot of trouble.

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Q: What if I've made a booking and I wish to cancel?

A: If you wish to cancel a confirmed booking for any reason and at any time, a sum of 45 € will be charged to cover administration costs. In the event of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will be applied:

In case a cancellation is made more than 30 days prior to your arrival, a charge of 10% of the total reservation cost, plus the administrative fee of 45 €, will be applied.

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Q: What if I've changed my mind? What if the weather doesn't permit?

A: Any major amendment, such as hotel or flight booking changes (at any time), to a confirmed booking will incur an administrative cost of 45 €, in addition to the cost this amendment involves. Unforeseeable circumstances, such as weather conditions may force changes to your itinerary. While our agency will do its best to minimize the extra costs this may involve, any such costs are to be covered by the traveller. Of course, in such cases the 45 € fee does not apply.

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Q: What if I've missed my flight/boat?

A: If for any reason you have missed the flight or boat that would carry you to your destination, please call and let us know of the new date or time of your arrival at the soonest possible moment, so that we can inform the hotelier and rearrange your arrival transfer. That way, major misunderstandings will be avoided, and any extra costs can be minimized.

In case you've missed your departure boat or flight, again let us know as soon as possible, and our agency will do whatever it can to arrange your accommodation or transfers, until you'll be able to depart.

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Q: Do I need a Visa to enter Greece? Is a vaccination required?

A: Visitors from the European Union need only their Identification Card to enter Greece.
For visitors from the US, Canada, Australia and Japan, a Passport is required. A Visa is not required for tourist/business stays of up to 90 days. However, if you travel on an official or diplomatic U.S. passport, you will need a Visa issued through the U.S. State Department. Similar restrictions exist for other official and diplomatic passport holders from other nations. More importantly, your U.S. or Canadian passport must be valid for a minimum of three months beyond the end of your projected stay. This is true for many countries, not just Greece, and it is a good idea to never travel on a passport with less than six month's valid time remaining. For additional information, consult the Consular Section of the Embassy of Greece, 2221 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-5818 or 5800).

Citizens of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, South Korea (the Republic of Korea), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, St Kitts & Nevis, San Marino, the Slovak Republic, Switzerland and Vatican City, also do not need a Visa.

For the citizens of Brazil, El Salvador and Uruguay, a Visa is also not required, but the visa-free period is for 60 days only.

Requirements for other countries vary substantially and should be verified with the local Greek Embassy or Consulate in that country.
Technically, Greek officials may ask to see travel tickets for your return home or for additional destinations beyond Greece. In practice, this rarely occurs and usually will only be asked for if there is a suspicion that the visitor intends to attempt to work in Greece illegally. It is more likely to occur prior to a one-way flight or other transportation into Greece rather than once you've arrived on Greek soil.

No vaccinations are required for Greece.

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Q: What's the time difference for Mykonos/Greece?

A: The following chart shows the time difference between Greece and :

Q: Can I use my electric appliances there?

A: Greece has 220 volt electricity, meaning that, unless your computer or appliance is dual voltage or designed for 220 volts, you will need a converter or transformer. The cycles (Hz) are 50 per second.

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Q: Do I have to speak Greek to survive in Greece?

A: But of course you don't... Fortunately, Greece is a country with a very long tradition in tourism and Mykonos itself is the most cosmopolitan island in the Aegean. Therefore, all the people who are working in the tourism industry have a good knowledge of the English language. But, even the local people living on the island have a basic understanding of the English language and are usually happy to give you any kind of information you wish. Especially among the young, you will find most of the people speaking Italian in addition to English and Greek, as the island gets crowded with visitors from Italy during the high season.

So speaking Greek is not necessary...however, visitors who attempt to speak Greek are thoroughly encouraged by the locals. Even if it's just a phrase or a few words, the gesture is always appreciated. Indeed, Greek is a language of gestures and to speak it also entails a lot of gesticulation. One point of confusion however, is the slight jerk of the head or eyebrows upward which indicate "no."

So, here are some tips in Greek that you might find useful during your stay:

-Don't confuse 'yes' and 'no.' Yes is ne - which sounds like 'no' or 'nah' to English speakers. No is okhi - which sounds like 'okay' to English speakers.

-Need something? Remember to say 'Please!' - parakalo - par-ah-kah-LO.
-And always say 'Thank you!' - efkharisto- eff-car-ee-STOH
-A general affirmative is entaksi en-DOCK-see - right, okay, uh-huh.

-Greece greets differently depending on the time of day.
-In the morning, say kalimera - kah-lee-MARE-ah -
-and in the afternoon, say kalomesimeri - kah-lo-messy-mary-
-In the evening, say kalispera - kah-lee-spare-ah
-To say good night, say kalinikta - kah-lee-neek-tah.

-You can also just say 'Hello' anytime - yia sas or yiassou or giasou - yah-sooo - this can also be said in parting, or as a toast.

-Think you're really mangling your Greek pronunciation? Smile wider - this will completely compensate for any mistakes you may make.

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Q: What about the Greek Cuisine?

A: Greek food is considered to be both delicious and most nutritious at the same time, so don't be afraid to try it out: Find a nice restaurant with a great view, open the menu, and let the party begin!
In case you're completely confused with what you read in it, this is a small useful guide for you:
Soup - Avgolemono. This is a pleasant chicken soup with lemon and rice.
Mezedes - Assorted appetizers, such as a selection of olives, and some taramosalata (caviar spread, generally pretty mild flavored), tzatziki (a cool, creamy cucumber and garlic dip), and/or hummous (flavorful mashed garbanzo bean dip). You may also find cold dolmadakia, stuffed grape leaves filled with rice and tomato, which as meat-filled dolmades do double-duty as an entree. Tyropita and spanakopita are cheese and spinach pies.
Souvlaki - Skewers of chicken, lamb, beef, or, most commonly, pork, grilled and often served with tzaziki sauce. Simple fare, generally delicious, occasionally tough.
Moussaka - A layered primarily vegetable casserole, often made with eggplant, sometimes with the addition or substitution of squash or potatoes or other vegetables. Topped with Bechamel sauce, a rich fluffy cheese flavored custardy sauce usually forming a high-calorie layer about an inch thick. But it is delicious.
Pastitsio - Similar to the above, only made with macaroni and ground beef, vaguely similar to lasagna, but without the tomatoes. Usually a safe bet for kids.
Stuffed Tomatoes or Stuffed Bell Peppers - Nearly universal dish, especially savory in Greece, great for the timid eater. It will taste pretty much like home no matter where you come from. The plain little cafes directly across from the gate to Knossos offer excellent examples of this simple standby.
Coffee - If you want something like American coffee, ask for a filtered coffee or Nescafe. Nescafe is greatly respected in Greece, and finer restaurants will ceremoniously bring out an empty cup, a small silver pot of water, and the precious single packet of Nescafe in response to a request for a cup of coffee. Now, genuine Greek coffee is delicious and can be ordered in a variety of ways - give it a try!
Baklava - honey drenched pastry with nuts. Delicious if a bit sticky and chewy. Not good for those with sensitive teeth!
Note: If you are a vegetarian travelling in Greece, you may be surprised at the relative scarcity of vegetarian restaurant meals in Greece except at specifically vegetarian restaurants. With wonderfully abundant fresh vegetables available, more choices might be expected. But in Greece, people go to restaurants largely to dine on cooked meats that they may not get every day. Worse, vegetables are often cooked in chicken broth, and it is very difficult to get trustworthy information on this point from the restaurant staff. Salads are a safe bet, but cooked vegetable dishes will often contain meat or animal products.

Many restaurants still allow diners to wander into the kitchen to see what's cooking. Bring your camera for a great "action shot" you'll treasure.
Enjoy your exploration of Greek cuisine!

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Q: What about the tipping policy?

A: a) Tipping for Tourist-type restaurants: Ask for the bill - usually, it will not be brought until you request it. Check over the bill for obvious errors, and bring any substantial errors to the attention of your waiter. Minor error? Decide if it's worth trying to sort it out. Confirm that a 'service charge' has been included. If it has, follow suggestion below.
Pay the bill.
To reward warm service from the waiter, leave 1-2 Euro on the tray. If service has been poor, skip this step, as the waiter generally shares in the revenues from the meal and from the service charge.
Regardless of the general service, unless it has been memorably abysmal, ease the burden of the busboy, who often receives virtually nothing for his work, by leaving 1-2 Euro on the table.
If appropriate, thank the owner or person in charge for the great meal.
The 'cover charge' on the bill is literally the cost to cover the table when you sit down, and includes your bread and non-bottled water. It's generally 50-100 cents per person. The cover charge is cannot be removed, even if you don't drink the water or eat the bread. Don't argue it.
Had a horrible experience and feel ripped off? Contact the local 'Tourist Police' office. They exist to handle complaints and assist tourists - not to arrest them!

b) Tipping for Traditional Eating Places: Ask for the bill. Check for obvious errors, and bring any to the attention of your waiter. If it's a few cents, forget it.
Note if a 'service charge' has been included - it probably won't be.
Tip your waiter between 10 and 20 percent of the total. Leave this on the tray, or give it to him directly.
Leave some small change totaling 1-2 Euro on the table for the busboy.
Thank the owner or person in charge for the great meal.

c) Tipping Taxi Drivers: Generally, they don't expect tips (but won't turn them down). There is a 50 cent charge by the taxi driver for handling each piece of luggage - this is not a tip, but an official charge.

d) Tipping Public Toilet Attendants: Tip 50 cents and bless them, since without them, there would be no toilet paper or soap there.
Don't stress over tipping - get it close to the guidelines above, but don't break out your calculators.

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Q: What currency should I use?

A: The new currency of Greece, in effect since the 1st January 2002, is the Euro. The euro conversion rate of the drachma is: 1 euro=340.750 drachma. One euro is subdivided into 100 euro cents. To convert drachmas into euro we divide the drachma amount by 340.750, and then we round to the nearest euro cent. Alternatively, to convert euro into drachmas, we multiply the euro amount by 340.750, and then round to the nearest drachma. US Dollars are also widely accepted at lots of tourist destinations.

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Q: Can I use my credit cards/traveller's cheques?

A: All major Credit Cards as well as Euro-cheques are recognized and accepted in most hotels, shops, travel and car rental agencies and restaurants. Stickers in the front windows will advise you as to which cards are accepted.

Traveller's Cheques issued by all the major companies are widely recognized. You can cash your traveller's cheques in all Greek and foreign banks, exchange bureaus and big hotels, but do not forget to have your passport with you. Identification is necessary for the transaction.

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Q: Can I use my mobile phone in Greece?

A: If you want to use your mobile abroad, you may need to get permission from your network operator before travelling. This involves calling customer service and asking for your phone to be enabled for international use. This function can be switched on remotely. But you should also check to see that the specification of your phone is compatible with networks abroad. The GSM Association's website has a full list.

Once you arrive in Greece, your phone will lock onto the network with the strongest signal. The active networks specifically on Mykonos are Vodafone, Stet and Cosmote. While some devices will let you choose which one you can use, you will have to reset it each time you switch on the phone.

Frequent travellers often purchase a mobile phone for Greece, or purchase another Sim card which they swap when they arrive in the country.

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Q: Can I bring my own car to Greece?

A: Yes, you can. For drivers bringing their own cars to Greece, no special documents are required for limited stays of up to four months. However, international third-party insurance is required.

The vehicle's details are entered into the driver's passport on entering the country. This helps with respect to possible theft and prevents the car from being left in the country.

For stays exceeding three months, drivers should contact the Greek Automobile Touring Club (ELPA), Athens Tower, Messogion 2-4, Athens 115 27. Telephone + 30 210 779 1615.

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Q: What is so special on Mykonos? Why should I be there?

A: Belonging to the elite of the Mediterranean, the most famous Greek island got that way for good reason. It's beautiful, charming, fun, and now, renowned for sophisticated, international goings-on. Vibrant nightlife, terrific shopping, more nude and non-nude beaches per square mile than anywhere else in Greece... It's true that Mykonos is best-known as a jetset playground, an ultimate tourist and party island, gay set refuge, and rock star hangout. What is sometimes neglected is the fact that there are good reasons why Mykonos has become so popular, and it's not just its trademark windmills. It is a beautiful island, centrally located, with a charming capital "city" of narrow lanes, trendy shops, family chapels, and bakeries. Good beaches abound (and among them, some of the finest in the world), including many accesible only by boat. The new harbour shelters cruise ships as well as yachts and small craft that make the island a regular stop. So, whether you are looking for an endless party island, for a quiet vacation in an inspiringly beautiful place, or just for a chance to dive into waters off some of the best beaches in Greece, Mykonos is the place for you!

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Q: Who will I meet there?

A: The island is highly appreciated by fashion people and also loved by gays, straights, honeymoon couples, family men, naturists, party people, scuba divers, Greeks, tourists...though half of all these groups will insist that the island is passe or over-developed, they still come in droves! Actually, for those sick of the frenzy, there is always the other side of the island to discover: an entirely different Mykonos, with open country, charming private chapels, and less tourist-shocked Greeks.

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Q: When is the best time to be there?

A: Depending on the season, Mykonos, a place with multiple personalities, can be an island of partyers, of sophisticated travellers, of students, of "Greece for the Greeks"--what you experience depends largely on when you go.

It all starts during the first days of April, when thousands of Greek students from all of the colleges around the country gather on the island to pay their almost "traditional" yearly visit (during the Easter holidays) and let the season open.

In May and June, the nightlife is active mainly on weekends, and you can walk through the streets at night without having to negotiate a sea of travellers. The water temperature is high enough, and the beaches still not crowded.

In July and August, the island is occupied by legions of young travellers attracted by Mykonos' reputation as the party destination in the Aegean, which it is during those months. So if you're looking for adventure or romance, this is the right time to be there! Of course, during August it is almost impossible to find somewhere to sleep, unless you have arranged it beforehand. Thus, we strongly recommend that you not plan a stay on Mykonos without reservations in high season, unless you enjoy sleeping outdoors! Self-implied is the fact that accommodation and living costs reach their highest peak during the first 15 days of August.

As the overcrowding is truly overwhelming, here's a little tip for travellers who wish to have a somehow quieter stay during the high season and avoid the crowds: get up early, visit the beaches before noon, and explore the streets of Hora in the late afternoon, when almost everyone in town wakes up and heads for the beach.

In September - perhaps the best month to visit - the sea is warm and calm, the debris that fills the streets throughout the summer has mostly been cleared away, and you can actually eat in a decent restaurant without a reservation! This is also the best month for Scuba divers, since the water temperature is typically 24°C (75°F) and visibility is around 30 meters.

By late fall, the winds and rough waters send most of the merchants back home to mainland Greece, leaving the island to the locals. While some visitors still make the journey, Mykonos becomes more of an island for those in search of solitude, not hot nightlife.

Of course, Mykonos remains active year-round, and in winter it hosts numerous cultural events, including a small film festival. Many who are scared off by the summer crowds find a different, tranquil Mykonos during this off-season, drawn by the deserved reputation of Hora as one of the most beautiful towns in the Cyclades.

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Q: What's the weather like on Mykonos? Would an umbrella be necessary?

A: The weather on Mykonos is typical of the islands of the eastern Mediterranean: rainy and cool through the winter, dry and hot through the whole summer, with the meltemi (a local strong and dry katabatic wind) blowing from the north between May and September, making living under the high summer temperatures easier. The following link can give you further information on the weather forecast:

http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/GRXX0045_f.html

Q: Is the seawater warm enough all year-round?

A: Unfortunately not! Even the boldest swimmers have to take a break between December and March, and so should you if you wish to avoid getting a bad cold... to be sure enough that you won't freeze out, you should better try the sea after the last days of April and until the end of October!

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Q: What clothing should I bring with me?

A: Although the weather is very nice and sunny throughout the summer season, it is possible to have rain occasionally in early May or from mid to late September.

For the months of April, May and October bring warm clothes with you because you will need them, especially in the evening hours.
For the rest of the summer months, there is no need to bring heavy-weather clothes, but we do suggest that you bring with you some warm clotheing such as a sweatshirt, because it can get windy and chilly.

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Q: Are there any special useful things to bring with me?

A: Don't forget your suntan lotion and moisture cream, as it is a must for the whole summer. It would be also useful to bring an anti-mosquito cream with you, as the little winged monsters seem quite aggressive during certain parts of the season. However, you shouldn't worry in case you've forgotten to pack any of this, as most of the shops that are scattered around the island offer such goods, even if a bit pricey.

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Q: How can I reach Mykonos?

A: Mykonos has a small airport, and it is also visited regularly by the cruise ships, while it enjoys hydrofoil and other by-sea connections. Thus, the alternatives for reaching Mykonos are as follows:

a) by air: There are several daily flights from Athens and Thessaloniki, and, twice a week, there are also flights from the island of Santorini. Moreover, throughout the summer, there are charter flights direct to Mykonos from many European cities like London, Munich and Stockholm.

b) by sea: There are many ships, hydrofoils and catamarans that daily reach the port of Mykonos from various parts of Greece, either from the mainland (Piraeus, Rafina, Thessaloniki) or from other island destinations (Tinos, Syros, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Crete). However, keep in mind that, during the winter, only the Athens-Syros-Tinos-Mykonos line is operating, and the rest of lines are put into operation as the high season is approaching, usually during May.

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Q: How long does the trip take?

A: The flight Athens - Mykonos lasts 45 minutes, while a highspeed boat from Piraeus takes 3,5 hours, and a ferry boat around 6 hours, depending on the weather. From the port of Rafina, the highspeed boats make it in 2,5 hours and the ferryboats in 5 hours.

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Q: How much do I need for tickets?

A: Using a plane may be the fastest way to reach Mykonos, but it's the most expensive one at the same time, as the airfare totals some 83 Euro. At the same time, the highspeed boat ticket costs not more than 35 Euro and the ferry-boat ticket costs around 20 Euro (all rates given are for economy class, per person, per way).

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Q: Where should I get the ship from? Piraeus or Rafina?

A: Both ports serve Mykonos, as several ferry and highspeed boats sail from each one daily. However, the ships and highspeed boats sailing from Rafina are a little cheaper and reach Mykonos almost 1 hour earlier. Moreover, the port of Rafina is located just 30 minutes away from the new Athens airport, so it better serves visitors who wish to travel straight on to Mykonos after their arrival in Greece.

On the other hand, the port of Piraeus best serves visitors who already stay in Athens, as it is comparatively closer to the city and easy reachable with the city metro.

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Q: How do I know I've reached Mykonos?

A: Although the question may not seem a very clever one, last season there were enough travellers who overslept in the boat and missed their stop at Mykonos. Please keep in mind that the boat does not take a long break at each port, so you will have to pay attention when the time is nearing to reach your destination. If you aren't sure which of the islands have already been reached or how much time is left till you get there, don't feel ashamed to ask the crew.

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Q: How do I recognize your rep at the port/airport?

A: Our representative will be carrying a sign with your name on it, he will be wearing a blue tie (or scarf, if it's a lady), blue trousers and a yellow shirt with the "Windmills" stamp on it. But most important of all: he will be looking for you too, so keep your eyes open.

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Q: How do I get to my hotel?

A: The best way to get to the hotel would be through our transportation service, as a special vehicle will be waiting right there for you at your arrival, and our driver will get you to the hotel without delay!
Otherwise, if you've chosen to reach your accommodation on your own:

-From the airport, you will have to make use of a taxi.

-From the new port, you can choose between a taxi or a public bus, if one is available at the time of your arrival.

-From the old port, you can choose to walk and carry your luggage to the hotel, assuming that you will be staying in town, near the port, and you know the place.

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Q: How do I get to my "no-name" apartment?

A: In the case of no-name accommodation, the only way to reach your apartment is through our transportation service, which, in that case operates as a reception too: Our representative will be glad to welcome you, answer your questions and solve any problems that you might have at your arrival, provide you with useful information about the island, give you the keys and show you to your apartment.
It is self-understood that a taxi driver would never know were to take you, as you wouldn't be in a position to explain to him where your apartment is located, and he surely wouldn't be able to provide you with the keys to your apartment.
Therefore, in case of "no-name" accommodation, an arrival transfer is always compulsory.

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Q: What if I'm coming with my own vehicle or if I've rented a car in Athens?

A: If you reach the island with your own vehicle, again our rep will be waiting for you at the port to provide you with any needed tips, show you to your apartment and provide you with the keys. However, most of the car rental companies wouldn't allow you to take the rented car to an island by boat, unless you have a special agreement with them.

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Q: How much do I need for a taxi?

A: If you decide to use a taxi, you can always ask the driver before getting in about the tariff. However, a normal quote for the route airport - Mykonos town or airport - Ornos would be 5 Euro, while the route airport - Platys Yialos would cost around 10 Euro. In the same way, the tariff between the new port - Mykonos town would be 5 Euro, while the cost between new port - Ornos should be around 6 Euro and new port - Platys Yialos would cost 10 Euro or more.

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Q: What if the accommodation is not what I expected? Can I change the room if I don't like it?

A: We always hope that our customers will be happy with the accommodation they've chosen, and that's because we always provide them, right from the beginning, with all the needed information, from a general description of the room, to its location, amenities, equipment and even its view, if such info is available. That is because we don't only want to be nice, but we also want to be honest with you, even if that means telling you that the apartment you're about to book is located on a hilltop. However, in case you are not satisfied with your room (its interior decoration, the view or the general feeling), please inform our representative at once, and we will do whatever possible to provide you with an alternative apartment if one is available at the moment.

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Q: Why should one stay in town?

A: As goes for everything, accommodation in town has its advantages and disadvantages. Some good points are that you are always close to the nightlife action, all the supermarkets and shops are at your feet, and if you're staying near Fabrica square (where the main bus station is situated), you can very easily reach almost every beach on the island by using the cheap and efficient public bus system. Moreover, if you like drinking alcohol when you're going out, it is much easier to get back home when home lies within 5-15 minutes of walking (when we say "in" Mykonos Town, we mean a distance of up to 800 m from actual town center), instead of driving your moped back, through badly lit streets, or getting a taxi in the first-morning hours when everybody needs one.

On the other hand, staying in town means that you will need to spend more on accommodation, and that you'll have to tolerate the noise of the town, which in some parts of Mykonos (especially if you're staying next door to a bar or a nightclub, or on a main shopping street) can be a very good reason to lose your sleep? That is, of course, if you're planning to have any sleep while on the island!

Please note that Mykonos town is flat, therefore, it does not usually offer any special views of the sea, the sunset, etc. If you are up for something like that, then you will need to take a hotel or unit that is slightly towards the outskirts of town, on the slope that overlooks Mykonos town. The most important and popular areas there are Despotika, School of Fine Arts and Vryssi. Most units built there are much quieter and generally offer much better views than the ones that are really downtown. Don't forget to let us know if view is an absolute must!!! The border between the town core and the town outskirts is Fabrica Square (on many maps featured also as "Southern Bus Station") - this is the square where the public buses to all the nice beaches further away from town depart from.

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Q: Why should one stay out-of-town?

A: Staying out of town has its own advantages: When the fresh morning breeze caresses your face, when you can enjoy your breakfast on a balcony overlooking the Aegean, and when the beach is within 5 minutes walking distance, then your stay really does feel different! Usually, visitors who choose to stay out-of-town are not nightlife lovers, many of them are accompanied by their families so they're looking for a peaceful place to enjoy their vacation. Some of them have visited the island in the past, selected their favourite beach, and keep coming each year to enjoy that specific one.

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Q: Why should I stay in a hotel?

A: Staying in a hotel provides you with all the known advantages: there is a (sometimes 24hrs a day) reception to welcome you, to give you any information you need, and to provide you with all the help you'll request at a certain point, from calling a taxi to renting a car for you. If you're staying in an A or better-class hotel, there is a restaurant where you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner, if you don't wish to eat out. There is usually room service to provide you with anything you need in your room at your request. Finally, there are general amenities like a swimming pool, or a spa centre, which can be used by all guests.

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Q: What is "no-name" accommodation?

A: "No-name" accommodation consists of various rooms, studios and apartments, owned by local people of Mykonos. Each year, our agency contacts those people, chooses the best rooms -according to their standards and location- and unites them under the Windmills flag. Most units are named after their owners (Kostas Rooms, Floras Studios, etc.) and they usually don't have signs that indicate their exact location (hence the term "no-name" accommodation).

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Q: What are the types of "no-name" accommodation?

A:

-A "no-name room" is equipped simply with a bed and a private bathroom. A studio is moreover equipped with a fridge, a kitchenette and all the needed self-catering stuff (pots and pans, dishes, glasses, cutlery, etc.).

-A one-bedroom apartment has the same equipment as the studio, but it comes with a separate bedroom area, and thus can accommodate up to 4 people (2 will sleep in the bedroom, and there is room and usually another 2 sofa-beds in the living/kitchen area for the rest of the party).

The same way,
-A two-bedroom apartment can accommodate up to 6 persons, and a three-bedroom apartment up to 8 persons. (in all cases two people sleep in the common area).
Finally, there are superior units which contain all the above, but are larger, more luxuriously furnished, and additionally equipped with air conditioning facilities and a television.

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Q: Why can't I have more specific information on the "no-name" room I've booked?

A: Because when you're booking "no-name" accommodation, you don't book a specific room, but you're actually buying the right to stay in one of the available rooms during the dates you've requested and for the standard you are paying.

When you book such a unit, allocation of the specific room or studio takes place shortly before your arrival (approximately one week to ten days). This policy is based on the knowledge that all units that fall under the same general category (e.g. all "Private Studios in town") have the same amenities (e.g. private facilities, kitchenette and fridge) and are more or less of the same standard.

Of course, even between rooms of the same category that are similarly priced, there are lots of differences, varying from simple matters like the general "feeling" or the room's view, to their very location. Therefore, if you have any specific requirements (nice view, double bed, etc) you have to let us know in advance - these requirements are taken very seriously by us, but we usually cannot guarantee a specific unit, unless you are booking VERY early!

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Q: Why should one choose "no-name" accommodation?

A: The main advantage of "no-name" accommodation is its low cost compared to hotel accommodation. This is the ideal type of accommodation for the independent, low-budget traveler, who is not seeking any special luxury, yet does wish to have decent and clean accommodation with all the basic comforts.

The service you get may be of lower quality compared to a hotel (no reception, no breakfast, etc), but the rooms are of decent standards, while cleaning services, as well as change of linens every three days and all expenses for hot water, electricity, etc., are included in the price.

Moreover, our front office at Fabrica Square acts as a reception for these rooms, and our colleagues working there are always happy to provide you with any kind of service, from keeping your valuables in the agency's safe free-of-charge, to renting you a car, booking an excursion, or issuing air or ferry tickets.

However, you shouldn't expect any facilities like a swimming pool, a conference centre, or a spa that you could take advantage of.

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Q: How common is crime?

A: Crime against tourists on Mykonos is not something common, but you will have to keep your eyes open, especially in a crowded street during high season or late at night, after you've had a couple of drinks and you're feeling loose. However, in the last few years no serious crimes have occurred, and the Police mostly deal with purse-snatching and pickpocket cases. Actually, that kind of crime appears to be on the rise at popular tourist sites like Athens and especially on its crowded public transportation.

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Q: How do I move around?

A: Public transportation (buses) on Mykonos is a very economic and efficient way to move around. It is economical because the tickets cost around 1 Euro per person, per way, for most destinations. And it is efficient because buses run every half-hour to the most wanted places, starting from 7:45 in the morning and until 24:00 Midnight. Moreover, during high season, there are night buses running every hour from Fabrika to Paradise beach free-of-charge, in order to help the party animals get to the great nightclubs of the area! Fabrika Square is the main bus station for buses to Ornos, Platys Yialos, Paranga and Paradise beaches. For your information, next to the big eucalyptus tree on the square, there is a blackboard with the time schedules for each destination. There is another square, near the old port, for the buses to Agios Stefanos, the new port, Elia beach and Kalo Livadi. These are less frequent throughout the day, and the ticket cost is slightly higher (around 1,50 Euro per person, per way). Please note that bus tickets are sold inside each bus (at the door) by the driver himself.

Another traditional way of moving around, actually for moving from one beach to another, is with the taxi-boats. Their main station is at Platys Yialos beach, at its right end, just a few meters down from where the public bus will drop you. When the weather permits (that is in 90% of the cases), these boats run almost every half-hour (sometimes even every 10 or 20 minutes if needed) and will get you to any of the island's southern beaches for a fair price, taking into account that the boat ride itself is an overwhelming experience. Actually, the fair is around 5 Euro per person, both ways, for the nearest beaches, and you should count on a bit more for the distant ones like Elia, since the trip lasts no less than 45 minutes. The last boat leaves the beach around sunset, so make sure that you don't miss your connection by falling asleep at a distant, secluded beach not connected by road to the town!

Using a taxi is the other main alternative for moving around on the island. If your boat is leaving in 10 minutes and you're still in town; if you've just missed the bus to the beach, and you're not in the mood to wait another 30 or 60 minutes for the next one; or if its late at night and you have at last found the courage to leave the busy streets and get back home for some sleep, but for some reason you're not in position to keep your body upright or walk, then a taxi is surely what you need. There are two main places in town, where taxis are stationed. One is at Fabrika Square, and the other one is at Manto Mavrogenous Square, down the promenade near the old port. The cost for a taxi ride varies depending, of course, on the destination you wish to get to, but you can always ask the driver before getting into the cab, so as to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Have in mind that it's almost impossible to find a taxi between 06:00 (when the last bars in town close) and 07:45 (when the bus service starts running), since that's when they are most wanted. If you wish to call for a taxi, the numbers are 22890 22400 or 22890 23700.

Renting a moped or a car is the final alternative for moving around, unless of course you enjoy walking. Indeed, even if the most expensive, it surely is the best way to explore the destination, as it gives you the freedom to go wherever the road takes you, and to stay at each place for as long as you wish - and this is what we always recommend to our clients. However, there are some useful things to know before you start up the engine: First of all, don't start out for anywhere without a full tank and a map. Gas stations are very few on the island, and the road signs will not always help you find your way home. Secondly, you have to be very careful if it's the first time you've driven in Greece: a mountain road full of curves, an unexpected small gap, a little pond, a blind turn, or the appearance of cattle in the middle of the road, are not something rare to encounter on Mykonos. So be careful, and don't forget that Greece has the highest car accident rate in Europe. If you're an inexperienced driver, its roads may not be for you. Another thing to know is that parking in Mykonos town can be a nightmare (but there are three major public parking lots at all entrances to town, as well as in town, next to the windmills), but you will still need a lot of patience if you have rented a car and you're staying in town. A last point where your attention should be at its highest is when driving at night: Apart from badly-lit streets, the drunken moped drivers can turn your holidays into a drama, so keep your eyes open.

Concerning cars with automatic transmission, these are relatively scarce and more expensive. An Opel Astra is often offered as the only automatic-transmission choice. In any case, take the offered insurance coverage. And if you're certain that your regular policy covers travel within Greece, please double-check. Not all of them do, and it's an expensive mistake to make if you do have a problem.

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Q: What's interesting about Hora? What if I get lost in the narrow streets of the town?

A: Getting lost in the labyrinthine alleyways of Mykonos town is an essential element of every Mykonian holiday. Searching for the right bar, a good place to eat, or your room, is sure to be twice as difficult as you'd expected, and twice as enjoyable. Despite its intense commercialism and seething crowds in high season, the Hora of Mykonos is still the quintessential Cycladic town, and is worth a visit to the island in and for itself alone.

The best way to see the town is to simply venture inland from the port and wander. Just keep in mind that the town is bounded on two sides by the bay, and on the other two by the busy vehicular District Road, and that all paths funnel eventually into one of the few main squares: Manto Mavrogenous Square on the port, Tria Pigadia Square, and Lakka Square, near the bus station of Fabrika.
During your stay, be sure to experience the sunset from one of the bars in Little Venice. Sitting on a balcony and enjoying your drink with the sea at your feet is something you'll surely miss when you're back home. Another thing positively worth trying is the evening stroll, which is quietly civilized in the off-season and frenziedly hysterical during July and August. If you're trying to find a souvenir or just watching other people strolling around, it's a very pleasant way to fill a couple of hours before dinner. Another good idea, for art lovers, would be a visit to some of the fine art galleries and workshops that populate the back streets of the town and make this a cultural centre as well as a party town.

The museums of Mykonos aren't among the island's main attractions, but, as a rainy-day outing, consider the Archaeological Museum (tel. 22890/22325), on the northside of town beyond the OTE, across from the bus stop. It contains finds from the island of Rhenia, adjacent to Delos, and a few items from Mykonos. Among the objects on display are some exquisite painted ceramic vases, a large 7th-century B.C. storage jar with reliefs depicting scenes from the Trojan War, and a statue of Hercules made of marble from Paros.

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Q: What about rest of the island? Is there anything worth seeing out of town?

A: The only other town on Mykonos is Ano Mera, 7 kilometres (4 miles) east of Hora near the centre of the island, a quick bus ride from Fabrika station. That trip is especially recommended to those interested in religious sites: the Monastery of Panayia Tourliani, southeast of town, dates from the 18th century and has a marble bell tower with intricate folk carvings. Inside the church, there are a huge Italian baroque iconostasion (altar screen) with icons of the Cretan school, an 18th-century marble baptismal font, and a small museum containing liturgical vestments, needlework, and woodcarvings. One kilometre (0.6 miles) southeast is the 12th-century Monastery of Paleokastro, in one of the greenest spots on the island. Ano Mera also has the most traditional atmosphere on the island, with a fresh-produce market on the main square selling excellent local cheeses and meat, and it's the island's place of choice for Sunday brunch.

Mykonos is famous for its small family chapels, some of which are located out-of-town and can be seen everywhere around the island, next to a beach or on the top of a mountain. They are usually opened on the feast day of the attendant saint, or to commemorate another important day in the family's history. A charming chapel can be found at the Monastery of Agios Patapios, which stands at the top of a mountain near the bay of Ftelia, and can be reached by turning right up from the main road leading from Hora to Ano Mera. It surely is hard to reach (especially if you're on foot), but the breathtaking view is worth the sweat, and people say that your prayers can easily be heard from up there.

Apart from the known attractions, there are innumerable little places worth visiting, which are up to you to explore: From the secluded beaches like Agios Sostis in the northwest, through the mountain paths of Panormos, and the man-made lake near Fokos beach, at the northeast end of the island.

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Q: What about the beaches? How do I know which one is best for me?

A: One thing for sure is that among the numerous beaches of the island, you will find one that perfectly suits your taste. Families, couples that are looking for a quiet secluded beach, gay visitors, nudists, windsurfers, scuba-divers, party people...there is a beach for everyone on Mykonos, but it's up to you to discover it... The following tips are here to save you some time and effort in your search.
The beaches on the south shore of the island are easily accessible, have the best sand, views, and wind protection, but, during the high season, they are so popular that you'll have to negotiate a forest of beach umbrellas to find your square meter of sand. Some of them (Paradise, Super Paradise) are known as party beaches, and guarantee throbbing music and loud revelry until late at night. Others (Platys Yialos, Psarou, and Ornos) are quieter and more popular with families. With all the southcoast beaches, keep in mind that most people begin to arrive in the early afternoon, and you can avoid the worst of the crowds by going in the morning. The northcoast beaches are less developed but just as beautiful. Since the buses and taxi-boats don't yet make the trip, you'll have to rent a car or scooter; you'll be more than compensated for the trouble by the quiet and lack of commercial development.

For those who don't wish to travel far away, the closest beach to Mykonos town is Megali Ammos ("Big Sand"), about a 10-minute walk south from Fabrika Square, on the way to Ornos. It's not particularly scenic and looks to the north, which means that its usually windy. Ornos, about 2 1/2 kilometres (1.6 miles) south of town, has a fine-sand beach in a sheltered bay with extensive hotel development along the shore; buses run hourly from Fabrika station. This beach is popular with families.

Platys Yialos is the best first stop: Although the beach is unexceptional and likely to be extremely crowded, since some of the biggest hotels on the island are situated around it, from here you can catch a taxi-boat to the more distant beaches of Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia. Nearby Psarou (the jet-set's favourite beach) is less overwhelmed by resort hotels and has a lovely pale-sand beach that remains reasonably uncrowded, except in high season. Its watersports facilities include the Diving Centre Psarou, waterskiing, and windsurfing. Paranga, further east, can be reached easily on foot via an inland path from Platys Yialos, by bus, or by taxi-boat. This small cove is popular with nudists and usually isn't too crowded, except during August. On the path that leads from Platys Yialos to Paranga, there are a number of secluded beaches to be discovered, where you can enjoy your bath alone, even during high season.

Paradise, the island's most famous beach, is accessible by footpath from Platys Yialos (about 2km/1.2 miles), by bus, or by taxi-boat. This was the original nude beach of the island and still attracts many nudists, mainly during May and June. A stand of small trees provides some shade, and it's well-protected from the predominant north winds. Several bars line the waterfront and pump out loud music throughout the day and night. One of the most popular clubs on Mykonos, the Cavo Paradiso club, is situated here, at the left far end of the beach.

Super Paradise (Blindri) is in a rocky cove just around the headland from Paradise. It's somewhat less developed than its neighbour, but no less-crowded. This blue & green-water beach is accessible only on foot, by car & moped (be very careful on the extremely steep and narrow access road) and by taxi-boat. The left side of the beach is a non-stop party in summer, with loud music, live sex shows and dancing all night long, while the right side is mostly nude and gay, with the exclusive Coco Club providing a relaxed ambience for its chic clientele. Further east across the little peninsula, is Agrari, a lovely cove sheltered by lush foliage, with all states of dress common and a good little taverna.

Elia, a 45-minute taxi-boat ride from Platys Yialos and the last regular stop, is a sand-and-pebble beach with crowds nearly as overwhelming as at Paradise and with minimal shade. Nevertheless, this is a very beautiful beach (maybe the best among the developed ones) and one of the longest on the island. It's also accessible by bus. The next major beach is Kalo Livadi ("Good Pasture"). In a farming valley, this long, beautiful beach is accessible by a scramble over the peninsula, east from Elia, and by bus from the north station near the old port. There's a taverna and a few villas and hotels on the hills adjacent to the beach.

The last resort area on the southern coast, accessible by bus from the north station, is at Kalafatis. This fishing village was once the port of the ancient citadel of Mykonos, which dominated the little peninsula to the west. A line of trees separates the beach from the rows of buildings which have grown up along the road. This is one of the longest beaches on Mykonos and less-crowded than its neighbours to the west. Adjacent to Kalafatis, in a tiny cove, is lovely Agia Anna, a short stretch of sand with a score of umbrellas. Several kilometres further east, accessible by a fairly good road from Kalafatis, is Lia, which has fine sand, clear water, bamboo windbreaks, and a small taverna.

Most of the northcoast beaches are too windy to be of interest to anyone other than windsurfers -the long, fine-sand beach at Ftelia would be one of the best on the island if it didn't receive the unbroken force of the north wind. There are, however, two well-sheltered northern beaches, and because you can only reach them by car or moped, they're much less crowded than the southern beaches. At Panormos, you'll find a cove with 100 meters of fine sand backed by low dunes. Another 1.2 kilometres (0.75 miles) down the road is Agios Sostis, a lovely small beach just below a village. There isn't any parking, so it's best to leave your vehicle along the main road and walk 200 meters down through the village. There's an excellent small taverna just up from the beach that operates without electricity, so it's open only during daylight hours. Both Panormos and Agios Sostis have few amenities--no beach umbrellas, bars, or snack shops--but they do offer a break from the crowds.

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Q: Is it safe to swim in the seas of Mykonos?

A: The Aegean sea is comparatively safe, although there were 3 or 4 reports of sharks being fished around the Cyclades during the last couple of years. Usually, the most evil creature you will meet while swimming will be a sleeping sea urchin on a rock or, more rarely, some hungry jellyfish, the latter appearing mostly at the northern beaches and during windy days. If you are not a good swimmer, you shouldn't worry as help is easy to get, especially at the organized (and crowded) beaches in the south like Ornos, Platys Yialos, Paradise or Super Paradise Beach.

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Q: Is nudism legal on Mykonos?

A: Nudism in Greece is legal only at the very few officially designated nudist beaches. In practice, however, there are large numbers of beaches, which, by custom, have become adopted as nudist beaches. Especially on Mykonos, the mentality is totally different and the locals actively encourage nudists who do, after all, contribute significantly to the tourist market and thus to the local economy. Apart from the well known beaches that traditionally attract nudists, there are also large numbers of secluded beaches where naturism may be practised safely. The best advice is to be sensible. Avoid family beaches like Ornos and Platys Yialos, and places overlooked by roads or houses, like Ammoudara or the Korfos Bay. Bear in mind that the character of a beach may change according to the day of the week (many Athenians flock to the island at weekends) and according to the season (the Paradise beach looses its nude profile during July and August, as huge numbers of "suits" invade Mykonos). Be sensitive to the locals and, above all, do not offend.

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Q: What would be a typical souvenir from Mykonos? What about shopping?

A: Apart from your tan and a relaxed mood, you can take back home some artwork from the numerous art galleries, fine jewellery, nice handwoven clothes, an icon from one of the byzantine art shops, or a small handmade windmill to remind you of your happy days on the island.

Indeed, Mykonos is famous for its large community of artists and several galleries. There are also many icon workshops whose materials and techniques are drawn from the ancient tradition of icon painting. Much of their exquisite work is done on commission for churches and individuals. Many art galleries, in or out-of-town, feature the work of local painters like Luis Orozco and Dorlies Schapitz. Their paintings depict local scenes, but this is not tourist art: The delightful use of colour and the joyous quality of the paintings is consistent, regardless of their subject.

Most of the galleries and art shops are located in town, namely on Matoyianni street, which happens to be the main bar and shopping street. There you will find representative work of many artists from Greece, many of whom are quite well known. Moreover, it's the place were you will find interesting collections of works by Athenian and local sculptors and ceramic artists.
In order to buy handwoven scarves, rugs, and tablecloths from around Greece, you'll have to wander around Tria Pigadia Square and in the narrow street behind the little Venice area.

Mykonos has an abundance of jewellery shops, most of them unexceptional and more expensive than their Athenian counterparts. However, the best known are gathered on the promenade near Manto Mayrogenous Square. There, you'll find jewellery collections which have an international reputation for superb craftsmanship and design, especially in ancient, byzantine, and natural motifs.

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Q: What about going out? Is the nightlife really worth a visit?

A: YES! Mykonos has the liveliest, most abundant, and most varied nightlife in the Aegean. It's a barhopper's paradise, and you'll enjoy wandering through the maze of streets looking for the right spot-and looking at everyone else looking. Don't be too disappointed if some of the places you've heard of are closed or have changed their name or image; such is the nature of nightlife on an island where everything is seasonal. And be warned: Drinks on Mykonos cost more than they do in London or New York. Namely, the cost for a vodka drink can vary between 3-10 Euro and, similarly, a pint of beer can cost 1 Euro when bought from the kiosk-or 6 Euro while enjoyed in a high-class bar in little Venice-!

A perfect beginning to a long night is the view of the sunset from one of the sophisticated bars in Little Venice. The Kastro near the Paraportiani church, is well known for classical music and frozen daiquiris. The classic sunset scene is the famous Caprice Bar, up the block on Scarpa, which also has a seaside perch and plays soft rock in the early evening. The live piano bar, Montparnasse, on the same lane, is highly romantic and often plays classical music. The Veranda, in an old mansion overlooking the water with a good view of the windmills, is as relaxing as its name implies. Finally, Galleraki also has tables near the water and plays the latest pop music.

The "king of the scene" is Pierro's, very popular with gay visitors; it rocks all night to American and European music and draws crowds in sufficient quantity so as to impede your progress up the narrow Odos Matoyianni; the new upstairs Pierro's Cafe Bar is similar in character. At the mostly gay and lesbian Ikaros, above Pierro's, the 2am drag show has become a popular attraction. If you'd like something a little more laidback, back up and check out the Argo or the Nine Muses, on Manto Mayrogenous Square. Or squeeze past the throng to the Afros for good music, clean drinks, and an interesting scene, or the Anchor, which plays blues, jazz, and classic rock for its 30-something clients. Further along Matoyianni is Bar Uno, playing mostly soft rock and populated by mostly middle-aged Europeans. The Aegli and the Astra bars, right opposite each other on Tria Pigadia Square, are currently the places where visiting models and millionaires find each other.

Head right back toward the harbour for some wilder action. Scandinavian Bar, behind Llittle Venice, is still among the most unrestrained places for young, heavy drinkers, and the most popular Caprice of Mykonos in Little Venice rivals it in the anything-goes department. If you'd like to sample some Greek music and dancing, you're in the right neighbourhood. The must place to be is the La Notte Club and, not far from the top, the Mykonos Bar. That's located opposite Caprice, and it is another good place for traditional Greek music and dancing. Moreover, Zorbas, a small club at the other end of the harbour, may have room for you to experience something very nearly authentic. Nearby, you will find the Sea Satin Club, which more like middle-aged and high-class visitors prefer for their first drinks. Near it, the Sea Daze Club is a new choice (opened in 2002) for young people who prefer loud beat music by the sea.

It's well after midnight and you're still up for more? Don't worry: You haven't exhausted all the possibilities. Space Club is the biggest you'll find in town, and is only just coming alive at 1am. Another choice for club hoppers is the Anchor Club, on Odos Matoyianni, which is transformed into a disco in these early-morning-hours and stays open until 4 or 5 am.
Of course, the greatest and most popular out-of-town club is the Cavo Paradiso at the left end of Paradise beach. There, you can boogie under the sound of trance, techno and hip-hop music well into the morning, under the stars. The weekend parties organized there gather famous dj's from all around Europe, and the party mood cannot be described in plain words. The music starts up around 2am, and the last visitors leave the place around 10am, heading directly to the beach!

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Q: What about other activities?

A: There are lots of other activities that you can take part in, including water sports, scuba diving, horseback riding, etc. Some of them (like horseback riding) are exclusively organized on the island by Windmills Travel and Tourism! Also, you just DON'T leave Mykonos, if you haven't visited Delos - the nearby island that served as birthplace of the ancient Greek God of Light and Music, Apollo, and grew to become one of the most important cultural, religious and political centres of World Antiquity. This is one of your very few chances in Greece to walk through the ruins of an entire ancient city, and to visit what is probably the biggest open-air museum in Greece.

You can acquire extensive information about schedules and prices, look at photos and even make a booking through the excursions menu of our main site www.windmills-travel.com or even through www.excursions.gr .

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Q: Where can I find foreign books, newspapers & magazines?

A: You should better take your favourite reading with you, since there aren't many bookstores to find on Mykonos. However, at the lower end of Matoyianni street (near the promenade), you can find a foreign newsstand, with newspapers from around the world. It also carries a small selection of books and comics in English, including some works of Greek writers in translation, plus some art and architecture books and a few travel guides.

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