Cosmopolitan nightlife, large clubs, superb beaches, famous restaurants and a pole of attraction for both the international and the domestic jet set: the queen of the Cyclades referred to, as the island of the winds, is a destination of a million faces and goes by the name known to all…Mykonos.
It all started during the first decades of the 20th century when, initially, visitors of the island were amongst the ones who wished to visit the archaeological site of a neighbouring island, Delos. This is how Mykonos , Greece was discovered, which served as a stop on the way to Delos. The tourist boom took place during the 60s when the island became a pole of attraction for the international jet set and their followers. The island’s picturesque landscapes, its neatness and the insistence of the locals upon the preservation of the Cycladic architecture, the warm hospitable manners and its unique set of natural beauties placed the island at the top of the list of the internationally known and appreciated destinations. In the decades that followed, Mykonos acquired an extreme magnitude for visitors regardless of age, nationality, sexual orientation and wealth power, who simply wanted to stroll along its numerous narrow alleys and indulge in times of happiness and carefree days in a beautiful ambience, not to be found on another island and certainly not in the same dosages.
Massive clubs and partying till the morning hours -both of which a heritage of the 90s-, keep attracting the crowds nowadays, who basically come here to have fun in luxurious surroundings, apparent across the island and at top hotels offering multimillion star services.
This is precisely what Mykonos is: an exciting melting pot amidst the Aegean Sea, where there is enough space for everyone and plenty of choices to cover all tastes, whether it is the family who dines quietly at the village taverna, or the young holidaymakers, who spend their day simply loitering about the wooden decks at Cavo Paradiso, the celebrities parading up and down the alleys of Matoyiania or even the true romantics who prefer to gaze at the blue sea from Mikri Venetia and equally the fans of luxurious accommodation and the good living provided by spas and five-star hotels and resorts.
Chora of Mykonos
This is where the heart of the island beats strong. This is where most visitors will show up for their morning coffee in style, for their boutique shopping sprees and their evening cocktails. From the island’s port to Mikri Venetia -a spot which looks like a micrograph of Venice, thus called small Venice-and from the Matoyiania stone-paved alleys to Mando Mavroyenous square, Mykonos town is a heavenly place for endless strolls and people watching. Meander through its labyrinth of picturesque alleys and be a witness of the most cosmopolitan way of living and doing things on the Greek island, Mykonos.
In your walks within Chora you are bound to come across the island’s trademark – the pelican. The wounded bird was found by a fisherman in 1958, it acquired the name Petros and has been living on the island of the winds ever since. Also worthy to see are the famous windmills for an amazing sunset. Head to the southeast part of Chora where the complex of Kato Windmills are located and date back to the early 20th century and admire as many as seven out of a total of ten, preserved in splendid condition. For a first round of cocktails, approach the famous neighborhood called Small Venice, select one or more of the bars in a row and indulge in a cocktails session sipping slowly as the orangey-red shades of the sky keep you company.
Ano Mera village
It is the sole village on the island of Mykonos and you will access it via an 8-kilometre drive from Chora heading north. The picturesque village cherishes many specimens of the island’s traditional way of life while around its main square you will find numerous cafes and tavernas serving local dishes made of the freshest locally sourced products. The square also hosts the Church of Panaghia Tourliani, as well as, an ecclesiastical museum.
The Beaches
Mykonos is embraced by beautiful, sandy beaches most of which are well organized with the relevant amenities, parasols, sunbeds and plenty of beach bars to choose from.Paradise and Super Paradise are the two most famous beaches on the island and where the party is an ongoing phenomenon.
Less crowded and more relaxed, are the beaches of Elia, Psarou, Aghia Anna and Kalo Livadi. For moments of seclusion and tranquillity prefer the beaches of Aghios Sostis, Lia and Kapari. In addition, you could have a tour of the island and discover many other beaches less crowded and less known which, nonetheless, constitute hidden treasures for the few visitors who will make the effort to come into contact with the essence of the island. Don’t hesitate to search for the beaches of Lia, Fragkia, Fokos and Mersini which will all reward you to the maximum with their amazing setting.
Mykonos at a glance
The beautiful island of the Cyclades hosts some amazing places to dance and party, enjoy a lovely meal and have a drink or two. But Mykonos is not only a cosmopolitan place with a buzzing nightlife. In Mykonos you will find beautiful, secluded coves to swim in the shimmering waters, traditional fish villages and settlements by the sea. You will lose yourself in the charming architecture. Strolling down the cobblestone alleys, through the colourful markets, and the little churches to the long-standing windmills, hanging tall on the tops of the hills. You will cross paths with some of the most hospitable and friendly people and you will savour the local delicacies.
Enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunset in Little Venice, party on the Super Paradise beach, dine at a local fish tavern on one of the quiet beaches. Go on a boat tour of the island and visit as many beautiful beaches as possible; swim in the crystalline waters, go snorkeling and scuba-diving. Visit the sacred island of Delos and learn about its history. Wander around the ancient buildings and monuments.
