The Art of Arrival: Getting to Mykonos the Right Way
In Mykonos, the holiday doesn’t begin when you unlock the villa door. It begins the moment you decide how you’re going to get there.
For most guests, arrival is an afterthought — something to sort out after the villa is booked. In our experience, it’s worth thinking about first. The transfer sets the tone for everything that follows, and in peak season, a poorly planned arrival can unravel an otherwise perfect trip before it’s even started.
Here is how we recommend arriving in Mykonos in 2026 — and why each option matters more than most people realise.
1. Private Aviation: Arriving Without the Airport
Mykonos International Airport (JMK) in July and August is, to put it plainly, not the experience you’re looking for. The summer congestion is well documented and the standard commercial arrival — even in Business Class — adds hours of friction to what should be a seamless journey.
There are three ways around it.
The Helicopter Transfer from Athens
For guests arriving on long-haul international flights into Athens, the helicopter transfer is the most elegant solution. The flight takes 25 to 35 minutes and deposits you — and your luggage — directly onto the island, bypassing JMK entirely. We arrange twin-engine Airbus H135s and Bell 429s, chosen for comfort as much as speed. On a clear day, the flight over the Cyclades is worth the journey in its own right.
One important note for 2026: the Athens to Mykonos heli-shuttle is our most requested route this season. Book early. Availability fills faster than most people expect.
The Private Jet and Delos VIP Terminal
For private jet owners and charterers, Mykonos has a General Aviation Terminal (GAT) that operates entirely separately from the main airport. We coordinate directly with the VIP terminal — handling arriving ETA, apron logistics, and the ground transfer — so that your driver is waiting as your cabin door opens. You do not touch your own luggage. You do not look at a departures board.
Landing slots at JMK during July and August are notoriously difficult to secure, particularly for parking. If you are flying privately during peak season, we recommend confirming your slot at least six weeks in advance. Drop-and-go is often the only option for late bookings, and that requires its own planning.
The Empty Leg
We maintain direct relationships with a number of boutique private aviation operators. When a suitable aircraft is returning empty — a Gulfstream G650 repositioning from London, for example, or a Citation Latitude heading back through Nice — we can often secure that cabin for our clients at a significantly reduced rate. It requires flexibility on timing, but for the right guest it is an exceptional option. Ask us and we’ll tell you whether anything relevant is available for your dates.
2. Arriving by Sea: The Transfer Worth Having
For guests staying in waterfront villas in Agios Ioannis, Ornos, or along the southern coast, arriving by boat is not just an option — it is genuinely the better choice. A luxury RIB or a private day cruiser from the port means you bypass the island’s notoriously congested roads entirely and arrive at your villa from the water. On a warm afternoon in August, there is no finer introduction to Mykonos. We occasionally arrange what we refer to informally as a chase boat — a separate vessel for luggage and equipment — so that guests can take their time on the water, stop at a quiet cove, and arrive unhurried. It sounds like an indulgence. In practice it is simply good planning.
3. Ground Transport: The Standard We Hold
Once on the island, the roads between destinations require their own consideration. Mykonos in peak season moves slowly, and the difference between a driver who knows the island and one who doesn’t is measurable in time and in temperament. Our ground fleet is built around the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and the Range Rover Autobiography — vehicles chosen for space and comfort as much as presentation.
Every driver is professional, English-speaking, and familiar enough with the island to know which route avoids the Chora at 2pm and which beach road is worth taking in the evening. We offer both point-to-point transfers and full disposal service — meaning a dedicated driver available throughout your stay, on call at any hour. Whether it’s an airport pickup at 6am, a late departure from a beach club, or a last-minute run to Ano Mera, your driver is available when you need them without you having to ask twice.
One shift worth noting for 2026: we are seeing a significant move toward luxury electric SUVs among our clients. Quieter, smoother on the coastal roads, and increasingly the preferred choice for guests who want the journey to feel as considered as the destination.
The Goal
A well-planned arrival should be invisible. You should not have to think about it, manage it, or problem-solve it. From the moment your flight lands to the moment you step onto your terrace, every transition should feel handled. That is what we arrange. If you are planning your arrival and want to discuss the options for your specific dates and itinerary, get in touch. We will tell you honestly what we recommend and why.
About Curated by Ros
Curated by Ros is a Mykonos-based luxury villa and concierge specialist. Every property in our collection has been personally visited and assessed. Every service we arrange is one we stand behind. We have been on this island long enough to know which villas are worth your time — and which ones look better in photographs than they do in person.
