Very often, the Greek island of Mykonos is compared to Ibiza because the natural and traditional heritage it offers is very similar to the Spanish destination.
In any case, the Greek gem is also perfectly capable of meeting the needs of charter passengers who choose to charter a private jet to get to the island because of the proximity of its airport to the center.
With a private flight to Mykonos, it is possible to extensively visit all the beauty that the island offers tourists, from its luxury hotels to stay at to the wonderful beaches and exclusive clubs that dot it, not to mention the unique architecture of the island's houses and buildings that stand out above all other buildings.
There are also touches of Italy in Mykonos thanks to the presence of Little Venice, a quaint neighborhood located on the waterfront that has as its peculiarity the Venetian style of its small houses, complete with balconies decorated with flowers and plants, wooden windows and doors, and white roofs.
Myknonos is also a destination filled with archaeological sites and museums that tell the island's history, not to be missed to immerse yourself even more in the magical island atmosphere.
Without a doubt, booking a private jet to reach one of the most popular destinations in Europe is a great solution that allows you to travel without wasting time and in complete comfort.
Let's explore other benefits of traveling by private jet to Mykonos and more on this page!
Mykonos: some geographical background
First, it is appropriate to start by clarifying the exact geographical location of Mykonos: it is an island belonging to the Cyclades archipelago located in an area known as the South Aegean.
What about the immediate vicinity?
Not too far from Mykonos rise other islands of great tourist importance, including Tyre, Paros, Sito and Naxos, while the distance separating it from the capital Athens is about 175 km.
In any case, the administrative territory of Mykonos also extends to the neighboring islands of Delos and Rineia, not to mention a large number of totally uninhabited islets that allow the geographical area managed by the Greek island to reach a total area of more than 105 km².
Let us examine some historical background of this pearl of the Aegean Sea.
The History of Mykonos
According to one of the oldest Greek legends, it seems that the Giants killed by the hero Hercules in the battle of the same name were buried below the rocky surface of Mykonos, thus forming the island's foundation with their petrified bodies; not surprisingly, the name Mykonos literally can be translated "pile of stones" or "rocky country."
Other myths want its name to be traced back to Mykonos, son of Anio king of Delos and grandson of the god Apollo.
According to the opinion of Herodotus, one of the most important historians of ancient Greece, Mykonos is said to have been inhabited by Carian tribes during the Neolithic period.
In any case, the very first peoples to inhabit its surface were the Phoenicians, Carians, Egyptians and Cretans, historical evidence of which is evidenced by archaeological remains still preserved today.
With the waning of Greek civilization, Mykonos first fell under the hegemony of the Roman Empire, thanks to which the island experienced a rather prosperous and flourishing period, and later passed into the hands of the Byzantines.
The Byzantine Empire made Mykonos a component of the province of Achaia but, following the Fourth Crusade and the fall of Constantinople, it was the Venetians led by Andrea Ghisi who occupied and ran it.
From then on Mykonos remained under their control until the Turkish privateer Kharyr al-Din Barbarossa intervened and subdued the island for a full 300 years.
Only thanks to the revolution was the Greek island finally liberated by declaring itself independent.
In the 1950s, Mykonos' tourist heritage rose to prominence again and the island, along with that of Delos, returned to repopulation thanks to a steady influx of tourists intent on visiting the island who, over time, have contributed in making tourism its most important source of economic development.
Even today, with its natural and anthropological wonders, Mykonos is an extremely sought-after tourist destination for travelers from all over the world.
What are the most beautiful locations on the island?
How and why to fly to Mykonos by private jet
The travel experience that flying to Mykonos by private jet gives is undoubtedly exhilarating and priceless, as the combination of comfort, flexibility and exclusivity that is created is perfect.
Discerning travelers, in fact, will be able to have enjoyed the journey by flying a craft that can satisfy their every desire, while at the same time enjoying breathtaking views as soon as one begins to fly over the Greek islands and the Aegean Sea that bathes them.
The customization of travel by private jet is almost total: the tourist, in fact, will be able to choose the plane, route and itinerary according to his or her schedule.
In this, Mykonos International Airport plays a crucial role, offering travelers exclusive access to private terminals, also known as FBOs, which allow them to enjoy a wide range of services including VIP lounges, catering, concierge, and ground transfers.
In addition to what has been specified so far, due to the rather high demand for private flights to Mykonos, the slots dedicated to private jets are rather limited; not only that, this special type of aircraft still has to comply with a particular constraint sanctioned by the air terminal, namely that of remaining on the ground for a maximum time frame of one hour.
Therefore, it is absolutely crucial to book the private jet well in advance so as to secure the best possible time slot according to one's needs.
In addition, it is equally important to specify that from June 20 to September 20, Mykonos Airport sees the introduction of a new summer tax with an amount of €2,500 for both arrival and departure.
Mykonos airport: distance from the center and other useful info
Despite being a rather small island located in the middle of the Aegean Sea, Mykonos has an airport that boasts a large number of connections that allow it to be connected to many major European hubs.
Inaugurated only in 1971 as an expedient to kick-start tourism on the island, it is located about 4 kilometers from Mykonos Town in the western part of the island, a distance that can be traveled in about ten minutes; in 2017 the number of tourists passing through it exceeded one million, effectively setting a new record for the number of passengers using Mykonos Airport that has so far remained unbeaten.
The single small building that makes up the airport terminal is arranged on 2 floors divided into 2 areas designated for domestic flights and international departures, respectively: the area dedicated to flights operated within Greek borders is equipped with 3 check-in desks, a bar and point where to make use of the airport's free WiFi network, while the area reserved for international flights is a bit larger and features 10 check-in desks, several offices for car rental companies and a bar.
Beyond the security checkpoints also rises an airside area equipped with a rather large waiting room where the 3 boarding gates are located; the second floor is entirely occupied by a duty free shop, ATMs, and currency exchange machines that tourists can use to perform final transactions before heading to the city.
What about connections to the island's main city?
Mykonos International Airport is served by numerous car rental companies, both local and international, whose offices are located inside the terminal or in its immediate vicinity.
Many companies offer the option for travelers landing in Mykonos by private jet to also rent a car online and pick up the vehicle in an area just outside the airport area that can be reached on foot in a few minutes.
Private jet to Mykonos: the costs and duration of flights
From what we have reviewed so far, choosing to fly to Mykonos by private jet is undoubtedly a great way to enjoy a unique and inimitable experience.
But what about the costs of a private flight depending on the route selected?
For example, getting to Mykonos from London involves a total cost of about €30,000 including taxes using a Light Jet, a price that doubles if you choose to employ a Medium Jet.
The flight takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes with a stop for refueling if you opt for the Light Jet; conversely, the flight with the Medium Jet is direct.
If the place of departure is Paris, however, the rental price of a Light Jet is €19,000, that of a Medium Jet rises to about €35,000, and with a Large Jet, about €50,000.
The distance separating the French capital from the Greek island is a whopping 2,200 km, which can be covered in a flight of about 4 hours total.
Getting to Mykonos by private jet from the Greek capital Athens involves a smaller expense given the distance of only 135 km between the two locations, with a total cost of about € 6,500 if you opt for a light jet and about € 13,500 if you select a medium jet.
The jet takes about 55 minutes to land on the Greek island; nevertheless, the view it allows from the air remains fascinating.
Another destination from which many travelers depart most frequently is Milan, a route that implies an expense of about €15,000 with a Light Jet and about €27,000 with a Medium Jet, as well as a flight duration of about 3 hours given the more than 1,600 km to be covered.
Finally, it is also worth mentioning Ibiza, probably one of the most distant places from the Greek island but, for obvious reasons, extremely chosen by travelers: leaving with a Light Jet to Mykonos involves a cost of about € 18,000 while if you do it with a Medium Jet the expense rises to € 31,500.
With a Large Jet the cost is around € 40,000.
In both cases, the total duration of the direct flight is about 3 hours and 40 minutes without any stops for refueling.
What to see and do in Mykonos
The beaches of Mykonos
When one speaks of Mykonos, the mind inevitably goes to its breathtaking beaches and the turquoise sea that laps its shores.
However, among the beaches most sought after by tourists and absolutely not to be missed if you find yourself visiting the Greek island are Paradise and Superparadise Beach, tongues of the finest white sand dotted with discos, beach bars and bathing establishments equipped with any service.
The sea that washes both beaches takes on breathtaking colors, nuances ranging from emerald green to turquoise blue; the seabed, rich in biodiversity, also allows snorkeling and diving enthusiasts to admire the underwater spectacle up close, while the presence of facilities that offer rental of specific equipment allows bathers to practice various water sports.
Little Venice
In addition to the natural and scenic wonders of Mykonos, the island's most important attractions certainly include the town of the same name known to locals as Chora, a little gem composed of colorful houses and very distinctive residential neighborhoods.
These include Little Venice, a neighborhood so called because it is characterized by a decidedly peculiar architecture composed of whole rows of brightly colored houses located just above the water's edge.
The neighborhood is populated by bars, cafes and restaurants that offer tourists the unmissable opportunity to lunch or dine by the sea.
Seen up close, Little Venice seems to float on the water, giving an unforgettable landscape to those who stroll its streets; however, the real spectacle is at sunset, when the sun goes to sleep diving into the blue Aegean Sea, tinging the bay with bright colors to be immortalized with unforgettable shots.
Mykonos Nightclubs
Mykonos is equally well known because of the intense nightlife that can be enjoyed thanks to the many bars and clubs where one can dance and have fun late into the night.
Some of the best-known clubs are Cavo Paradiso, Tropicana and Scorpios, very famous clubs in which to listen to live music and that put on by the various DJ sets while sipping the best-known and good aperitifs prepared.
Mykonos and shopping
In addition to its nightlife and tourist, historical and cultural points of interest, Mykonos is also famous for the opportunity to indulge in some of the wildest shopping: in fact, its streets are teeming with boutiques owned by very high-end fashion designers that offer the chance to buy jewelry, designer and latest fashion clothing, as well as unique and original works of art.
Best restaurants in Mykonos
Another experience not to be missed in Mykonos is certainly to sample the dishes and specialties of the local food and wine culture in the island's upscale restaurants.
For example, some of the most famous certainly include Splia Seaside Restaurant and Bar, a little gem that directly overlooks a natural cave located on Agia Anna beach.
The restaurant offers the chance to taste an incredible variety of unique Greek dishes thanks to an extremely diverse catalog consisting of dishes made from local ingredients, as well as a selection of Greek and Mediterranean dishes for all tastes.
How can we not mention Scorpios, a famous restaurant on the beach that allows tourists to experience Greek cuisine with a special preference for organic and local ingredients, while giving a magical setting and a rather lively atmosphere.
Finally, another way to delight one's taste buds is by going to Avra, a top restaurant located in a lovely garden in the center of Mykonos Town; its menu is almost entirely based on the freshest fish and the selection of local products is truly enviable.
The most glamorous events in Mykonos
In Mykonos, especially during the summer season, it is possible to participate in a large number of events, such as the Mykonos Summer Festival, an annual occasion that takes place from June to September and celebrates Greek art and culture through a wide variety of performances, concerts, and art exhibitions.
Its enormous scope encompasses many exclusive locations on the island and features both local talent and international stars.
Also worth mentioning is the Mykonos Biennial, an art festival that brings together enthusiasts from around the world through numerous exhibitions and evening performances.
To be celebrated are the 7 arts, including film and music, for an unprecedented experience.
When to go to Mykonos: climate and best times
Establishing an itinerary to visit Mykonos far and wide also comes from selecting the best time to go there while taking into account what is the climate on the island for much of the year.
Mykonos has a Mediterranean climate, with very hot summers and fairly mild winters.
The spring season, a period roughly from late March to late May, is characterized by mild weather and is a great time to visit the Greek island; temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C, but the sea water is still quite cold for diving.
Undoubtedly, the glimpse given by nature beginning to blossom and vegetation coming back to life and coloring the plains and hills of Mykonos is an experience worth having.
While spring is a great time to visit Mykonos, summer is definitely the peak tourist season for the island: tourist influx is definitely more pronounced, especially in July and August, thanks to a perpetually sunny and warm climate with a total absence of rainfall.
Although less sought-after than summer, autumn is also a pretty good time to go to Mykonos: the weather is a bit cooler, with temperatures dropping to a range of 19°C to 25°C.
However, the sea temperature remains warm enough and pleasant enough to take the last baths, while the tourist influx drops conspicuously, a phenomenon that makes it perfect to visit the island if you want to do so with less confusion.
Finally, winter in Mykonos is characterized by decidedly colder temperatures, which, however, very rarely go below 10°C; the weather, however, becomes particularly windy, which forces many places to stay closed.
In any case, the winter season may be suitable if you prefer to visit Mykonos in a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
Best planes to fly privately to Mykonos
The private jets available for charter are many and all perfectly capable of offering the best possible services to the traveler.
Light jets certainly include the Hawker 400XP, an aircraft that incorporates 7 seats and is capable of sustaining the maximum speed of 420 kts (corresponding to about 770 km/h), which makes travel from any destination rather quick and comfortable.
The internal width of the aircraft is 1.5 meters, just like the overall height, dimensions that make it a perfect jet for any need.
In the group of medium jets, it is worth mentioning the Cessna Citation XLS+, an aircraft that consists of as many as 9 seats and touches 430 kts (about 800 km/h).
It can travel about 2,000 nm on a single full tank of fuel (about 3700 km), and thanks to the internal width of its compartments of about 1.7 m, travel comfort is assured.
In Large Jets, one cannot fail to mention the Bombardier Global 6000, an aircraft in which as many as 14 passengers can travel and which can travel very large distances in extremely short times thanks to its ability to touch 511 kts (945 km/h).
The internal width of the jet reaches up to 2 meters, giving passengers a comfortable ride, as well as the opportunity to admire the view from above in total relaxation.
How to go to Mykonos by helicopter
A viable alternative to the private jet is to opt for a helicopter trip to Mykonos: this is a solution that allows tourists to depart from Athens International Airport and transfer by private helicopter to the Greek island.
The average flight time is about 30 minutes total given the 130 km distance; alternatively, one could opt to charter a private helicopter to tour the surrounding islands in Mykonos, such as Delos, Syros, or Santorini, all places that are 40 minutes to an hour's flight from Mykonos and each has an airport that may have free landing slots.
Most frequent flights to and from Mykonos
Below of the most frequent connections to Mykonos:
