Mykonos, Greece by Richard Martin

Catching the Bus

During the busiest times a bus runs from the airport to Fabrika, one of the two bus stations in Mykonos Town (otherwise known as Chora). Like the taxis, the busses are good value for money if one is already there but as they are very infrequent, this is unlikely.

For travelling around the island itself, the busses are a little better and more frequent. Fabrica bus station has busses going to Platys Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Ornos and Agios Ioannis, most with one or two busses departing every hour. In the evening, there are hourly departures to Platys Gialos and Paradise, from which much of the south side of the island is accessible.

The Northern bus station on Mykonos situated near the old port has departures for Ano Mera, Elia (departing at 11AM, noon, 2PM, 4PM, 6PM and 7PM, returning 30 minutes later) and Kalafatis. If you need to get from one bus station to the other, it requires a short walk across the town.

If you intend to purchase your ticket directly from the bus driver, be warned you will need the exact change ready however you can also buy a ticket prior to boarding from a ticket vending machine, special kiosks, mini markets and many other shops around Chora. If you find yourself without the change needed while on the bus, don’t be tempted to try to sneak on as tickets are checked regularly.

Hiring a car or Scooter

While the public transport on Mykonos is great for getting to and around the southern beaches, it is not so good when it comes to discovering the rest of the island. The east, west and northern beaches are generally less populated as a result which is one good reason to want to visit them.

There are many little spots and hidden beaches that are great to explore and some of which have nearby small, local restaurants and taverns that offer a change from the usual tourist scene. To do this, it is best to hire a car or a scooter for one or more days to enable you to get around more freely. There are a number of rental agencies available, most of whom are located either near Fabrika Bus Station or behind the Archaeological Museum.

This article is a contribution of Hotel Palladium, a boutique hotel mykonos.

The post A Traveller’s Guide To Mykonos Island | Greece appeared first on Best of European Union.

Palermo Cathedral in Sicily / Photo by admin

1. Have a basic knowledge of Italian

It can be helpful to know at least a few words of the language. While you will come across English speaking natives, knowing some of the language can help you have a more pleasant experience.

2. Invest in a Travel Italy guide book

Read up on all the places to go and see beforehand. Knowing what to expect will help you avoid the unexpected!

3. Keep your money safe

Just as if you were visiting cities in your own country, you want to ensure that you have your money and your valuables safe and sound. Don’t carry too much cash on you at one time and leave your valuables in a safe place.

4. Take the train

The train can be a cheaper alternative to taxis when traveling in Italy. Take the train to save some money.

Train in Italy / Photo by admin

5. Realize that the culture is different

Things that you find rude in your home country may be acceptable in Italy. If someone seems rude, just forget about it. Addressing the locals because of rudeness will make matters worse for everyone.

6. Realize that dress codes will be enforced

Depending on where you travel, you may be expected to dress the part. When entering churches or other venues, you may be required to dress modestly.

7. Have a plan of action before you leave for your destination

Know the places that you are going to visit and find out enough information about them that you can make a plan of action for the days you want to visit them while on your trip.

8. Know how to shop

Shopping can be quite expensive in Italy. Get tips for how and where to shop. For example, you want to avoid shopping on main streets in Italy that mark prices way up.

Market in Palermo, Sicily / Photo by admin

9. Go with the flow

Italians will expect that you agree with and follow their way of life. They have many different customs such as eating lunch after 1 p.m. and dinner after 8 p.m. Do you best to go with the flow so that you don’t stand out like a sore thumb.

10. Mingle with the locals

If you are having trouble navigating through the city, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Locals are often more than welcome to help foreigners out. They can give you helpful advice such as where to eat.

11. Smaller cities first

If it is your first trip to Italy, you may want to visit the smaller cities that aren’t as overwhelming. Save the larger, more populated cities for a time when you are more familiar with the country.

Small town of Cefalù in Sicily / Photo by admin

12. Realize that lines will be long at popular tourist destinations

Plan plenty of time to visit popular places such as the Colosseum. These are locations that everyone wants to see and you can literally expect thousands of people to visit this area. This can put you waiting in line for hours so be prepared.

13. Expect rain and sunshine!

You want to be thoroughly prepared. Realize that the weather can change on a dime.

14. Go during a time when a festival is going on

. Festivals in Italy are popular. This is a great time to visit the area and can provide tons of things for you to do.

15. Be prepared to walk

You will do lots of walking in Italy so be sure that you bring comfy shoes and hiking sticks for the occasion. Don’t be surprised if you choose to walk rather than take other modes of transportation as getting around Italy isn’t always an easy task.

Visiting Italy for the first time can be quite overwhelming. Use the tips above to help make the most of your experience. These tips can help you make important decisions about your trip.

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