ISLAND OF MYKONOS
MYKONOS - TOWN
Mykonos is maybe the island that attracts the most tourists. Because of this and despite its many lovely beaches many cruisers tend to avoid it. The town of Mykonos is full of boutiques, jewelry stores, and discos.
According to the mythology Mykonos was a rock hurled at the Titans by Poseidon. It was inhabited by Greeks around 2000 BC. In Roman times Mithridates of Black Sea invaded the island and destroyed its towns. The main town of Chora was rebuild by the Byzantines. Later it was taken over by the Venetians and belonged to the dukedom of Naxos. In 1537 Myconos was overtaken by the pirate Barbarossa. From that period on its inhabitants lived mostly by piracy. During the Greek war of independence, these pirates joined with 22 ships to the war effort.
Today Mykonos' inhabitants continue to practice a piracy of sorts, preying on their tourist victims with their outrageous prices.
MYKONOS - OLD PORT
Since the completion of Mykonos Marina, yachts are no longer permitted to berth in the old harbour, which is reserved for tripper boats.
The harbor is extremely crowded and noisy. It is sheltered from the meltemi but it has considerable swell which can be dangerous.
MYKONOS MARINA - TOURLOS
Mykonos Marina is located in village of Tourlos around two kilometres north of the old harbour and town of Mykonos. It provides good shelter from the prevailing winds and is quiet, being some distance from the main town. It may be the only marina in Cyclades where you have to reserve your berth in advance. Please phone or text to harbour master at+30 6946942091 otherwise if entering without reservation you will be sent away even if there are free berths.
MYKONOS - GUEST PIER
Visiting yachts normally berth stern/bows-to or alongside in the two basins immediately to starboard on entering the marina. Ground chains are in place for laid lines in both bays. Laid lines are in service on the South side of the North quay and near the root of the south quay. Once these are taken, yachts need to use their anchors . A safer alternative is to go alongside on the shore side of the basin.
MYKONOS - FISHERMEN HARBOUR
In case of no free berts in marina Tourlos visiting boats can go sideways at the entrance of the fishermen harour halfway to the Mykonos old port. If all berths are taken as well the only option remains to anchor off in the Ormos bay. It is the most protected from the meltemi anchorage in the island. There are though, very strong gusts which can come very suddenly during the night. The bottom is weed and at places it provides very poor holding.