Mykonos is a charming island and town with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and high-end shopping. This Greek resort caters to beachgoers, nightclubbers, the rich and famous plus normal folks in shorts and flip flops.
Mykonos is a charming island and town with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and high-end shopping. This Greek resort caters to beachgoers, nightclubbers, the rich and famous plus normal folks in shorts and flip flops.
Mykonos is part of the Cyclades group of islands. It became the hot spot for jetsetters during the 1960s thanks to regular visits by Jackie Onassis and Grace Kelly. Although it has remained a popular tourist destination ever since, Mykonos has recently experienced a resurgence among the rich and famous. It is not unusual to spot an entertainer, movie star or professional athlete lounging along the beach or dancing the night away in the clubs.
Serakonta, Mikonos 846 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Mykonos is the name of a Greek island and its capital. The locals call the town Chora. You will probably call it enchanting as you explore the maze of narrow cobblestone walkways. Shoppers of every budget can find something here – from expensive designer brands to inexpensive souvenirs. Foodies love the specialties including cheese, salads and desserts. You will also enjoy seeing the whitewashed buildings with blue trim and visiting the museums.
Kambani, 3, Mikonos 846 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
In 1954, a fisherman found an injured great white pelican and nursed him back to health. For over 30 years, Petros the Pelican was a celebrity and the official mascot of Mykonos Island. After he was killed by a car in 1985, his legacy lived on when three other pelicans became permanent residents. Jackie Kennedy-Onassis donated Irene. Another wounded bird is called Nikola. The Hamburg Zoo gifted this one who carries on the name Petros.
Mykonos Waterfront, Mikonos 846 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
A Greek jewel in the Aegean Sea is Mykonos Island. Its white-washed buildings, cobble-stone streets, windmills, pristine beaches and active night life are a magnet for tourists. Next to the main town of Chora is the Old Port Harbor. Here you’ll find weathered fishing boats and Agios Nikolaos Church which has the blue dome in the background.
Mykonos Waterfront, Mikonos 846 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
There are hundreds of churches and chapels on Mykonos Island. Few are as quaint and picturesque as Agios Nikolaos Church. Its namesake is Saint Nicholas. He lived during the 4th century and is the patron saint of fishermen and sailors. The blue dome of this Cycladic church matches the water in the Old Port leading to the Aegean Sea.
Mykonos Waterfront, Mikonos 846 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Greece’s national colors are blue and white and so is their flag. Some believe the blue signifies the sky and the water while the white symbolizes waves and clouds. These two colors dominate Mykonos island with a simple yet dramatic visual effect. The third color is red. It tends to be reserved for shutters, doors and church domes. This uniformity of colors and Cycladian architecture in Chroa is no accident. All new construction carefully conforms to strict building standards.
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Hugging the coastline are these colorful row houses with balconies that overhang the sea. This neighborhood is Mikri Venetia, more commonly called Little Venice. Some of these homes were built in the mid-18th century by wealthy ship captains and merchants who wanted direct access to the water. Today, they are filled with small shops, restaurants and pubs. This is an expensive area to have a drink. But the glorious sunsets over the Alefkandra harbor are worth the extra money. Not surprising, this picturesque place is also the artists’ quarter.
Lamprou Katsoni 1, Mikonos 846 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Megali Panagia or Metropolitan Church stands out in Mykonos because of its tall bell tower. This Greek Orthodox Church, which dominates the Alefkantra Square, is called “The Island’s Main Church.”
Kouzi Georgouli 58, Mikonos 846 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Don’t be fooled by the deserted appearance of these stairs on the western edge of Chora. They lead down to the charming Little Venice neighborhood in the background. They also lead up to the iconic Kato Myloi windmills on the hill. Soon after cruise ships enter the port, these stairs are jammed with tourists clutching their guide books and cameras.
Mykonos Town, Ag. Antonios (Myloi - Venice), Mikonos 846 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
It seems everyplace in Greece is rooted in ancient mythology and Mykonos is no exception. According to legend, this was the location of the epic battle between the Titans and Zeus, the king of gods and the ruler of Mount Olympus. The island was formed by the corpses of invincible giants who were slayed by Zeus’ favorite son, Hercules. The namesake of the island is Mykons. He was the first ruler and the son of Apollo.
Molinos de viento mikonos Mikonos 846 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
These five windmills on a seaside hill are the ionic symbol of the city and the island. During the 16th century, the Venetians were the first to harness the seasonal winds – the Sirocco in the winter and the Meltemi in the summer – to drive these mills for grinding grain. At one time, Mykonos was dotted with 28 windmills, especially along the western coastline. Now only a few remain. This row is called Kato Myloi meaning lower windmills.
Molinos de viento mikonos Mikonos 846 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
There are approximately 6,000 Greek islands of which 220 comprise the Cyclades archipelago. I am sure anyone who has visited this region has their favorite but Mykonos always ranks towards the top. Although it is only 33 square miles, people flock here to enjoy its three hundred days of sunshine. Come visit the “Islands of the Winds.” You will be blown away by its charm.
Molinos de viento mikonos Mikonos 846 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Over a million tourists arrive on Mykonos Island during the peak season. This is great for Greece’s economy after three challenging years of riots and unrest kept the tourists away. But it is annoying to the cats who stroll freely through Chora because all of these people keep interrupting a purrfectly good nap in the sunshine.
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Judging from this view of the rocky western shore, you might wonder if Mykonos has any beautiful beaches. It sure does! So many in fact that some people call the island the “Capri of Greece.” Most of them are located along the southern coast. Each one attracts a different type of sun worshipper. You will find beaches devoted to parties, gays or families. The stretches of quiet sand are along the north. Go there if you are a book reader who wants to lounge your day away under an umbrella. Take your pick or sample them all. In the background is Agios Charalambos, a delightful small church with red doors and shutters.
84600 Kato Mili, Mykonos Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Four photos of Mykonos, Greece are One of the Kato Myloi windmills that were used to process grain until early in the 20th century in Alefkandra harbor south of Hora, The successor of Petros the Pelican who became a celebrity and the town’s mascot in 1954 on the waterfront, Cat napping in Mykonos Town, and Agios Nikolaos Church with blue dome.
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