Travel

Travel Note

Passport Information

For our international guests, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of return. Many countries require this as a condition of entry, and you may be denied boarding or entry if your passport does not meet this requirement. Additionally, travelers from outside the EU and the US should check the visa requirements for their specific country, as you may need to obtain a visa prior to your travel. We want everyone to travel smoothly and celebrate with us without any hiccups. Safe travels, and we can't wait to see you! We also recommend taking a photo of your passport before you travel. You will be asked for your passport number at the hotel check-in, rental car agencies, tours and more. Having a photo will help you if you don't have your passport on you and you need to provide info from it.

Travel Note

WHEN TO ARRIVE AND RETURN

If you're joining us for the wedding week only in Mykonos, we recommend arriving to Mykonos on Tuesday, October 8th. To arrive in Mykonos on October 8th would mean departing on October 6th or 7th for those traveling from the Americas. This will allow you to join us for all the activities we have planned in Mykonos. You are warmly welcomed to join us for some pre-wedding adventures starting October 3rd in Athens and October 6th through October 8th in Naxos, an island 45 minutes south of Mykonos by ferry. If you can, we recommend spending at least two nights in Athens prior to arriving in Mykonos. Please contact us if you are planning to do Athens or Naxos prior to Mykonos and we can add you to our WhatsApp group chats to share itineraries. We recommend departing Mykonos on Sunday, October 13th by ferry back to Athens and then departing Athens on Monday October 14th.

Travel Note

do I travel to athens or mykonos?

We recommend starting your journey by traveling to Athens first and then catching a separate flight to Mykonos or taking a ferry. Athens offers numerous transportation options and international flight connections, making it a convenient starting point. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to adjust to the time change, explore iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, and immerse yourself in the city's beauty. Plus, accommodations and dining are very affordable in Athens. Once you arrive in Athens, transitioning to your next mode of transportation to Mykonos is easy. Whether you choose to fly or take a ferry, both options offer scenic and enjoyable travel experiences between the two destinations. If you decide to bypass Athens entirely and head straight to Mykonos (JMK), keep in mind the potential for long layovers and expensive additional baggage fees.

Travel Note

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO PURCHASE FLIGHTS?

You'll be traveling to Greece at the tail end of the tourist season which means flights can be surprisingly inexpensive if you book at the right time. Expect to find flights in the range of $600 to $1200 from the major US cities. We recommend setting up a travel alert in Google Flights leaving from your city to Athens. Typically, the best time window to book flight deals is 3-7 months before the flight (April-September). If you get lucky and find a great deal on a flight, please let us know and we'll spread the word! We also recommend to book flexible or refundable fares in case you want to change your itinerary or prices come down leaving you the option to rebook at a lower cost.

Travel Note

Which US cities have nonstop flights to Athens?

There are 7 different airports and cities in the US that offer direct flights to Greece: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Newark. Choosing the best airline and departure airport depends on your personal needs and preferences.

Flight

Flights from New York

New York City offers an abundance of non-stop flight options to Athens, making travel to our destination wedding a breeze! With numerous airlines providing direct flights, you'll have the convenience of a seamless journey to join us for our special day.

Flight

Flights from Los Angeles

While Los Angeles may not have direct flights to Athens, it offers convenient connecting flight options to get you to our destination wedding!

Travel Note

how can i get from athens to mykonos?

To travel from Athens to Mykonos, you have several transportation options: Flight: The quickest way to reach Mykonos from Athens is by taking a direct flight. Flights depart regularly from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Mykonos Island National Airport (JMK). The flight duration is approximately 30-45 minutes. Price range is $180-300 depending upon times and number of bags. If you choose to fly, we recommend to booking flights early. Ferry: Another popular option is to take a ferry from the Port of Piraeus in Athens to the Port of Mykonos. You'll get to enjoy a mini-cruise of the Aegean Sea. Ferries depart multiple times per day, and the journey takes around 2.5 to 5 hours, depending on the type of ferry (high-speed or conventional) and ocean currents. Price range is $100 - $180 round trip.

Flight

flights to mykonos

You can take a short domestic flight from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Mykonos Island National Airport (JMK). Several airlines operate daily nonstop flights between the two destinations, with flight durations typically around 30-45 minutes.

Travel Note

FERRY FROM ATHENS (PIRAEUS) TO MYKONOS

There are many online platforms where you can purchase ferry tickets in advance. Websites like Ferryhopper.com, Omia.com, DirectFerries.com, and ferries.gr allow you to compare schedules, prices, and availability for different ferry operators. Port of Piraeus is the best port in Athens to depart from and all ferries arrive at the New Port in Mykonos. We recommend taking the high speed ferry (SEAJETS) back to Athens since the trip is longer due to ocean currents. For those concerned about sea sickness, the high speed ferries may be your better option as they tend to roll less due to forward momentum, but the amount or rolling will be dependent mostly on the weather conditions. We recommend applying a sea sickness patch if you are susceptible to getting sick. Use taxis to get to/from the airport or ferry terminals in Athens. $10-15 each way. Uber in Athens is the best method to call a taxis since most taxis use the platform. PLAN TO ARRIVE 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO YOUR FERRY'S DEPARTURE TIME to allow for any taxi or traffic delays. We missed our ferry to Mykonos in May because we did not allow enough time! The ferry will normally lift its brow exactly at the time of departure. When you arrive by ferry to the New Port in Mykonos, we recommend to either take a bus ($2) or water taxi ($2) to the Old Port where you either pick up a rental car or get a taxi to your hotel or AirBnb. Many hotels and AirBnb's also offer transportation to/from the ferry terminal in the New Port. Choose the options that best fits your schedule, budget, and preferences for traveling from Athens to Mykonos.

Travel Note

where to stay in mykonos

When it comes to accommodation in Mykonos, you're spoiled for choice! The island offers a diverse range of options to suit every preference and budget. Since October is the end of the tourist season, you can find rates as low as $70 per night if you book early. We recommend to book a hotel or Airbnb with free cancellation in case you find an even better deal closer to October. We have found much better rates on hotels.com and other booking services compared to booking directly with hotels. We recommend to check both rates. Mykonos Town: If you want to be at the heart of the action, staying in Mykonos Town is ideal. You'll be within walking distance of the island's iconic windmills, Little Venice, and vibrant nightlife. Accommodation options include boutique hotels, luxury resorts, and charming guesthouses. Ornos Beach: We love the Ornos Beach area because it is very close to Mykonos Town and also has a neighborhood vibe that isn't as touristy as the other beaches. There are plenty of reasonably priced hotels available in this area, but our favorite is the Mykonos Essence Hotel. Villas and Vacation Rentals: Experience privacy and luxury by renting a villa or vacation home in Mykonos. Please see our Airbnb notes for factors to consider when choosing a private rental verses a hotel. Beachfront Resorts: Most of the beach resorts will be starting to close in the beginning of October for the end of the season. While you may get a good rate, you may feel stranded away from the livelier areas of the island during this time of year. Please Note: Our wedding venue is the villa where we are staying in Mykonos. While we had some rooms available, they are now fully committed. As much as we love everyone and want to have everyone at our house, the space is limited, and we thank you for understanding. If you have not received confirmation from us regarding your accommodation, we kindly ask that you book your stay in advance to secure your lodging.

House Or Rental

Airbnbs and Private Vacation Rentals in Mykonos

There are numerous accommodation options on Airbnb, including a plethora of charming villas, cozy apartments, and stunning homes to suit your preferences. You can also look for private rentals on hotels.com and other book sites. While private rentals are a great option for renting a house for larger groups of families or friends, please consider the following factors before making your choice: - You'll most likely need a rental car if the Airbnb is not located within walking distance to cafes, grocery stores, restaurants or bus stations. We found that most of the Airbnb's are in more remote locations than hotels which may present some transportation challenges, especially at night. You won't want to be driving the winding narrow roads at night and taxis are expensive on the island. - What looks walkable on the map of Mykonos may not actually be walkable due to very steep hills throughout the island. Check for elevation changes on the map although you will not get the exact address of the location until you are past the cancellation window. - Some Airbnb's do not offer daily cleanings depending upon the property management. Make sure to check guest reviews for responsiveness of the host in the event that there are any cleanliness issues that may effect your stay. - Water pressure and drainage are also common problems with private accommodations in Greece. These may be issues that can't be resolved during your stay. Make sure to check the reviews for any reference to these problems. - Since most vacation rentals are in remote locations, you'll need to buy groceries for your stay, especially for breakfast. We highly recommend finding an Airbnb within walking distance to Mykonos Town, Ornos Beach or Bus Stations. Please reach out to us if you need help finding an Airbnb location that will be easy to get to and from during your stay.

Hotel

Mykonos Essence Hotel

With its prime location near Ornos Beach, Mykonos Essence Hotel offers incredible views, modern rooms with private balconies/patios and complimentary breakfast. We also love that it's very walkable to restaurants, cafes, grocery stores and the beach. It's less than a 10 minute drive to Mykonos Town and also close to a bus station. It's where we stayed in May! We found much better rates for this hotel on hotels.com (compared to hotel website). See link below.

Travel Note

STAYING CONNECTED

Most US cell phone carriers will receive reception when you arrive in Athens, and many will give you limited free service upon arrival. Most carriers will send you a text message when you turn off airplane mode, informing you of the terms of their service in the new country. T-Mobile offers fast 5G international plans for $35 (10 days with up to 5 GB of data). You should check with your carrier to see if you can switch to an international plan before you arrive, which may offer less expensive rates during your stay in Greece. The Greek plans will include service to all the islands as well, including Mykonos. For longer stays, consider purchasing a local SIM card, which can be more cost-effective. These are available at the airport and in various shops around the city.

Travel Note

Getting to your hotel from the airport

Unfortunately, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are not available in Mykonos. Instead, you can use local alternatives such as FreeNow or a regular taxi. A taxi ride from the airport to downtown Mykonos will cost approximately 40€ and take around 15-20 minutes. All taxis accept credit cards. Alternatively, you can take the public bus from the Airport to Mykonos Town (Chora) with departures every hour. The one-way fare is around 2-3€, and the journey takes about 15-20 minutes. The bus schedule can be found online or at the airport information desk, where you can also purchase tickets. From Mykonos Town, you can reach your hotel by foot, taxi, or local transportation. If you plan to walk from the bus stop, check if your hotel is on a hill to avoid hiking with your bags.

Travel Note

Commuting and Rental Cars

You don't need a rental car to navigate Mykonos but it will help you better explore the island and will save you on taxi fares. We recommend sharing rental cars between 2-4 people. You'll want a small car to navigate the steep, winding and narrow roads. Most of the rental cars are also manual transmission so brush up on those skills! Rental cars are inexpensive starting at $20 per day and we highly recommend taking out insurance for a small cost. We didn't need any special drivers permit with our California driver's license but be sure to check the company's policy in case you do. Most of the parking on the island is free but often requires a short walk from the free parking lots. Taxis are available but are sometimes hard to find and are very expensive, especially at night. Think 15 euro for a five minute ride. We recommend sharing taxis in groups to lessen the cost. Ubers are not available on the island. Not sure why not. Some hotels also offer transportation at costs similar to taxis. The island has an efficient bus network with luxurious coach buses and free wifi that connect the different towns including beaches. Fares are 2 euros to most destinations and run about once or twice an hour. They drive fast! Schedules when you arrive and you can pay with coins onboard or buy tickets in advance with a card. There is a water taxi (SeaBus) that goes between the New Port (where the ferries pull in) and the Old Port near Mykonos Town where most of the rental car agencies are. The water taxi is perfect for when you arrive and depart by ferry if you reserved a rental car. The water taxi fare is 2 euro and you can buy your tickets at the kiosk near the pick up locations. ATV and scooter rentals are everywhere but we don't recommend taking them on the streets because they seem dangerous. A day trip would be fun, but be careful. We also highly recommend taking public transportation if you have been drinking. The roads require your brain at 100%.

Travel Note

CASH AND CARDS

Local currency is euro, and we highly advise you to use local currency while completing transactions as the currency exchange rate at the point of sale is quite ridiculous. All major bank cards can be used in Greece, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and others. It's advisable to check with your bank beforehand to inquire about any transaction fees associated with using your card in a currency other than your local one. Additionally, inform your bank of your travel plans to ensure uninterrupted card usage during your stay in Greece. There are several banks and financial institutions that offer international debit/credit cards with no international transaction fees. Some of them include: American Express, SoFi, Charles Schwab, etc. While cards are widely accepted, it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments or in case of emergencies. ATMs are readily available in most tourist areas and major cities for withdrawing cash in the local currency, euros. Side note: In our experience, having cash on hand is highly beneficial, especially in situations where you may need to incentivize a cab driver or ferry captain to accommodate you quickly or at all ;)

Travel Note

Paying with credit card

When paying with a credit card in Greece, you may be asked to choose between paying in EUR or USD. Always select EUR for better exchange rates and to avoid unnecessary fees.

Travel Note

Tipping in Mykonos

Tipping practices in Greece are different from those in the USA. While small tips are appreciated, they are not mandatory. It's customary to round up the bill or leave a small amount for exceptional service.

Travel Note

VAT Refund

As a non-EU resident, you may be eligible for a VAT refund on your purchases in Greece. To claim the refund, ask for a VAT refund form at the store where you made your purchase and complete the paperwork at the airport or port when leaving the EU.