Delos Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards and Mobile Providers

Greece has three main mobile network providers: Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind.

Details

Purchase SIM cards at Athens Airport, phone stores on Mykonos, or local kiosks. Your passport is essential for registration.
Prepaid SIM cards with data bundles are affordable, typically ranging from €10-€20 for data, calls, and SMS.
EU citizens benefit from "Roam Like At Home" policies, allowing use of their home mobile arrange without extra charges.

Internet Access and Wi-Fi Availability

Wi-Fi is widespread in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and many public parts of Mykonos.

Access Points

On Delos: Limited Wi-Fi availability exists at the Archaeological Museum of Delos. Do not rely on it for internet access during your visit.
On Mykonos: You often find free public Wi-Fi in Chora. Many accommodations also feature Wi-Fi as a standard amenity.
Postal Services: Post offices (ELTA) are available on Mykonos for sending postcards or parcels. They offer reliable services for both domestic and international mail.

Language Barriers and Translation Resources

The official language is Greek (Ελληνικά). English is widely spoken in tourist zones on Mykonos.

Language Assistance

English is common in hotels, restaurants, and with tour guides. It is less common in very remote areas or among older generations.
Utilize the Airalo eSIM for internet access and the Google Translate app (download the Greek language pack for use without internet).
Carry a phrasebook for quick reference. Learning a few basic Greek phrases conveys respect and promotes better interactions. For language learning, consider Rosetta Stone.

Important Phrases with Pronunciation Guides

Basic Greek phrases for common interactions.

Phrases

Hello/Hi: Yassas (formal/plural) / Yassou (informal/singular)
Thank you: Efharisto (eff-ha-ree-STO)
Please/You're welcome: Parakalo (pa-ra-ka-LO)

Business Hours & Schedules

Operating Hours

Archaeological Site of Delos: Summer (April-October): Typically 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Winter (November-March): Reduced hours, often 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM.
Ferry Boats to Delos from Mykonos: Start around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM, with last departures for Delos in the early afternoon, and return ferries until late afternoon. Schedules change seasonally.
Mykonos Shops: Typically open 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Tourist-focused shops in Mykonos Town stay open much later in summer.
Supermarkets: Often open non-stop from 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM.

Banking and Holidays

Restaurants: Lunch usually runs from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Dinner often begins from 7:00 PM and continues late into the night.
Banks: Found on Mykonos. General hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM. ATMs are widely available on Mykonos; no ATMs exist on Delos. Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocking.
Religious and Public Holidays: Greece observes several public holidays; banks, government offices, and some businesses may be closed or have reduced hours. Delos archaeological site closes on specific holidays.
Seasonal Closures: Many businesses on Mykonos close for winter (November to March/April). Ferry services to Delos are significantly reduced or suspended in the off-peak period.

Travel Tip:

For seamless connectivity and language learning, consider using an Airalo eSIM and Solis Wi-Fi for portable internet, plus Rosetta Stone for useful sayings.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Observing local customs and etiquette shows respect and enriches your interactions.

Greeting Customs

A handshake is common. A simple "Yassas" (hello) is polite and widely appreciated. Maintain eye contact during conversations, as it shows engagement.

Appropriate Attire

Delos: Casual and comfortable attire for walking and sun protection. Religious Sites: Cover shoulders and knees. Restaurants/Evening: Neat but informal for dinner.

Photography Ethics

Photography is generally permitted at archaeological sites for personal use. Avoid flash in museums. Be respectful when photographing people; always ask permission. No drone flights over archaeological sites without permits.

Taboos and Sensitive Topics

Certain topics are best avoided to maintain a pleasant atmosphere.

Conversation Caution

Avoid discussing politics, religion, and the Cyprus issue, as these are sensitive topics.
Refrain from overly critical comments about Greece or its culture. Show respect for the country and its inhabitants.
Respect privacy; do not photograph private homes or individuals without consent.

Gender Considerations and LGBTQ+ Information

Mykonos is known for its open and inclusive environment.

Inclusive Environment

Greece is generally a patriarchal society, but in tourist areas, women travelers should not encounter significant issues. Mykonos is very cosmopolitan.
Mykonos is one of the foremost LGBTQ+-friendly destinations globally, with many gay-friendly bars, clubs, and hotels. Greece legalized same-sex civil partnerships and marriage.
Overall, these aspects are generally accepted in major tourist hubs.

Dining and Tipping Practices

Dining Experience

Greeks have leisurely meals.
It is common for meals to arrive because they are ready, not necessarily all at once.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory (5-10% or round up the bill).

Religious Site Etiquette

When visiting churches or monasteries on Mykonos: Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered).
Maintain quiet and respectful behavior inside.
Avoid interrupting services or private worship. Avoid loud conversations or inappropriate conduct.

Important Note:

Mykonos can be quite lively, especially in peak season. Embrace the energy while respecting local sensibilities.

Accessibility Information

Delos has significant difficulties for travelers with mobility issues. Mykonos offers varying levels of accessibility.

Infrastructure for Travelers with Mobility Challenges

Assess the terrain and facilities for ease of movement.

Site Conditions

Delos: Extremely limited. The ancient site poses substantial difficulties due to its rough, uneven terrain, numerous steps, and lack of ramps or paved paths.
Wheelchairs would be virtually impossible to navigate beyond the very entrance area on Delos.
Mykonos: Mykonos Town features narrow, cobblestone streets with many steps, making it difficult for wheelchair users.

Accessible Attractions and Transportation

Planning is for accessible experiences.

Points of Access

Delos: The museum might have some accessible areas, but access to the main outdoor the location is very difficult.
Mykonos: Some modern hotels and a few specific restaurants may offer better accessibility. Newer hotels and resorts are more likely to hold accessible facilities.
Public transport (buses) may not be fully accessible across the fleet. Private accessible transfers would need arrangement in advance.

Services for Travelers with Visual or Hearing Impairments

Specialized services are limited but exist.

Available Support

Limited specialized services exist. Assistance dogs are generally accepted in public places.
Inquire directly with attractions or service providers about specific accommodations before your visit.
Contact specific hotels or tour operators directly to inquire about their accessibility provisions before booking.

Resources and Organizations Providing Accessibility Information

Organize your trip carefully, considering the limitations of ancient sites.

Further Information

Websites specializing in accessible travel for Greece might offer some general guidance and lists of accessible venues.
Always confirm specific details directly with venues or service providers, as accessibility information can change.
A well-researched itinerary will address potential challenges.

Delos Specific Warning:

Uneven Terrain

The archaeological site on Delos has extremely rough and uneven ground.
Many steps and no paved paths make general mobility difficult.
Wheelchair navigation is nearly impossible beyond the immediate entrance area.

Limited Facilities

Restrooms and seating are very limited throughout the site.
No ATMs or shops outside the small museum area.
Consider visiting Delos provided that you are equipped with good mobility.

Practical Phrases

Essential Interactions

Yes: Nai (nye)
No: Ohi (OH-hee)
Pardon me: Signomi (see-GHNO-mee)

Time and Needs

Good morning: Kalimera (ka-lee-MEH-ra)
How much?: Poso kani? (PO-so KA-nee)
Water: Nero (NEH-ro)

Accessibility Advice:

For visitors with limited mobility, exploring Delos is very difficult due to the uneven archaeological site. The Island of the winds also has many steps and narrow streets. Research modern hotels on Mykonos for better facilities if accessibility is a concern.

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