The question of how to get around Mykonos matters more than it does on most islands, because the most interesting places are not on the main bus routes. A rental car opens the island completely. Without one, you’re limited to the beaches and areas that the public system serves, which is perhaps half of what this guide covers.
Rental Cars
A small rental car is the most practical way to explore Mykonos. The roads are generally good — paved on all main routes, unpaved on the approach to northern beaches like Fokos and Agios Sostis, but manageable in any standard vehicle. The island is small enough that fuel costs are minimal.
Rental prices in July and August range from approximately €50–80 per day for a small car. Book in advance — peak season inventory runs out quickly and on-the-day prices are significantly higher. Most rental agencies are based in Chora near the bus terminal at Fabrika or near the Old Port. International companies have desks at the airport.
Parking in Chora itself is difficult in peak season. Use the designated car parks near the ferry port or the edge of town and walk in.
ATVs and Scooters
ATVs (quad bikes) are extremely popular on Mykonos and practical for solo travelers or couples. They handle the unpaved northern roads easily and are cheaper than cars. Scooters are faster and less comfortable but widely used for solo travel.
Caution: the accident rate involving tourists on ATVs is high on Mykonos. Most incidents involve unfamiliar vehicles on unfamiliar roads, sometimes under inappropriate conditions. If you rent an ATV, drive at reduced speed on unfamiliar roads, take the terrain seriously, and ensure your travel insurance covers motorized vehicle use.
Public Buses (KTEL)
The KTEL bus network on Mykonos operates two main hubs: Fabrika Square (south of Chora, near the old port) and the Old Port itself. Routes cover the major southern beach destinations — Ornos, Agios Ioannis, Platis Gialos, Paradise, Elia — as well as Ano Mera and Agios Stefanos in the north.
Buses run frequently in summer (every 20–40 minutes on main routes) and cost €2–2.50 per journey. They are crowded in peak season and don’t run on schedule reliably after 22:00. Fokos, Agios Sostis, Panormos, Kapari, and Kalafatis are not served by public bus.
Taxis
Taxis in Mykonos are metered but expensive by Greek mainland standards. A journey from Chora to a south coast beach costs €15–25 depending on the destination. The taxi rank is at Manto Mavrogenous Square in Chora and at the ports. In peak season, availability is poor — waiting times of 20–40 minutes are common in the evening. Using the taxi app (MyTaxi or the local KTEL app) is more reliable than hailing from the street.
Practical Tips
- Book rental cars in advance online — 48 hours before arrival in peak season is the minimum, earlier is better.
- The bus from Fabrika to Paradise beach runs approximately every 30 minutes in summer and is a legitimate alternative to renting a car for the southern beaches.
- Walking within Chora is always faster than driving — the town is small and parking is the biggest variable.
- Boat taxis between the southern beaches (Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paradise, Elia) run in summer and provide a useful alternative to the road for beach-hopping.