Mykonos, places to visit?

A paradise in the heart of Greece

Mykonos is a true paradise in the heart of Greece, a fascinating world where glamour meets simplicity, an island where young people and families enjoy the Greek summer together among entertainment, history and traditions. A “treasure trove” to explore that satisfies all expectations.

According to mythology, the island of Mykonos was formed by the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules and took the name of Apollo’s nephew, “Mykonos“. Unlike the other capital towns of the Cyclades, the chief town (Hora) was not constructed in the shape of an amphitheatre, but extends over a vast area.

It is one of the best examples of Cycladic architecture and a fascinating attraction in which to stroll around the characteristic narrow pedestrian-only streets and admire the white houses with their colourful doors and windows, purple-flowering bougainvillea plants and secluded churches.

Worthy of visiting are the Church of Panagia Paraportiani (dating back to the fifteenth century, an imposing complex of five interconnected churches, four of which form the basis of the construction, the fifth sits above as a dome), the Town Hall and the Castle situated above the Port, the Archaeological Museum and the Maritime and Folklore Museums.

Shopping along the pedestrian streets of Hora is a treat not be missed. Always colourful and bustling, the most glamorous street, Matoyánni Street, is flanked by shops, coffee shops and fashionable restaurants.

The magical atmosphere along the lively promenade is to be enjoyed to the full while admiring the fishing boats colourfully reflected in the blue waters of the sea. The Kazárma building is found here, which served as a place of lodging for the soldiers of Manto Mavrogenous, a heroine of the Greek revolution.

One of the most panoramic corners of the island is Alefkántra or "Little Venice", an eighteenth-century district that is dominated by large residences with elegant and colourful balconies overlooking the sea. Here you can relax in a bar on the sea front looking out over picturesque windmills set on the hills that stand out against the intense blue of the sky.

The second town of Mykonos is Áno Merá, which is located around the sixteenth-century Monastery of Panagia Tourliani. To the north, in Fteliá, an important Neolithic area and a Mycenaean tomb dating back to the fourteenth-thirteenth century BC are found.

The beaches of Mykonos

A trip in discovery of the beautiful sites of the island continues towards sun-kissed beaches. The most famous beaches are found along the southern coast. Here, particularly at the well-known Paradise and Super Paradise beaches, wild parties keep the crowds active day and night.

Órnos and Psaroú are the places preferred by families. Platis Gialos is an organised beach for sunbathing or lazing about on the sun deck. If, instead, you prefer a tranquil bay for relaxing, the beaches on the northern coast of the island are ideal, such as Agia Ánna, Houlákia, Kápari, Agrári and Agios Stéfanos.

Mykonos is also a paradise for lovers of aquatic sports: "the Island of the Winds" in fact attracts surfers and sailors from all over the world. For windsurfing the most isolated beaches are the best, such as Kórfos, Fteliá, Meyáli Ámmos and Kalafátis. Tennis or mini golf is played at Agios Stéfanos, beach volley at Agia Ánna and sea parachuting or jet skiing in Eliá or Kalafátis.

Lovers of scuba diving can explore the underwater magic of Mykonos, which is at its best in September as the water is warm and the visibility to the marine floor is good. Another unmissable attraction is a boat trip to explore the island and discover secluded beaches or nearby islands, which are ideal places for fishing. A short boat ride leads to the small archaeological gem of Delos, which was a sacred island in ancient times and, according to mythology, cradle of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. The entire island is an open-air archaeological museum.

Culinary specialties of Mykonos

And after the beach, sport and cultural or nature tours in discovery of the island, all that is left to do is to enjoy tasting the variety of flavours in the culinary specialities of the Aegean Sea, such as pepper-flavoured Kopanistí, a soft cheese flavoured with pepper, which, on a biscuit with grated tomato, is a favourite local appetiser.

Dakos

Marathokeftedes

Loúzes

Melopita

Also excellent are the “Loúzes“, pork fillets cooked with spices, cabbage and herbs, and tasty local sausages sprinkled with pepper and local oregano caressed by the sun and dried by the north wind. Or mackerelwith capers, marathokeftedes (cheese and anise balls) and skordomakarona (pasta with garlic). To end the meal, two local sweets are "amigdalotá“, a cake with almonds, rose water and sugar, or “melopita”, honey tart.

Text by Lisa Maria River

Avion Tourism Magazine
Photos: Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

Video: © www.visitgreece.gr
Copyright © Sisterscom.com All rights reserved

Tourism Board

www.visitgreece.gr

Where to sleep in Mykonos

Mykonos is a welcoming city and offers different possibilities for accommodation.

To find the ideal hotel and the best offers you can do a search for the stars but also for districts or landmarks.

STARS

Hotels for stars, differentiated by type of services:

5 stars

DISTRICTS

Hotels in the districts

LANDMARKS

Hotels in tourist areas

Archaeological Museum

AIRPORTS

Hotels near the airports

Mykonos Airport (JMK)

HOTELS NEARBY

Mykonos Island

where to go IN MYKONOS

Museums in Mykonos

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

The Archaeological Museum, housed in a neoclassical building (1902) and hosting an exhibition of ceramics originating from the mass grave discovered near Rineia, headstones, small artifacts, statuettes made of clay, jewellery and weapons.

FOLKLORE MUSEUM

The Folklore Museum, established in 1962 thanks to the actions taken by the Folkloric Collection of Mykonos and the initiatives and donations made by Prof. V. Kyriazopoulos, is housed in 18th-century building and hosts collections of traditional furniture of Mykonos, Post-Byzantine sculptures and ceramics, bronze and iron keys and popular instruments.

AEGEAN MARITIME MUSEUM

The Aegean maritime Museum, housed in an old 19th Century Cycladic manor house, hosts a collection of heirlooms associated with the maritime history of Mykonos, such as historical maritime documents, old maps, engravings, navigational instruments, tools and accessories as well as old anchors.

Excursions in Mykonos

HORA

The capital town of the Mykonos Island is Hora. In contrast to other Cycladic capitals, Hora is not built in the shape of an amphitheatre but instead spreads out over a wide area. It is one of the best examples of Cycladic architecture and a spellbinding attraction for visitors. The tourist can stroll around its narrow marble streets and admire whitewashed houses with colourful doors and window frames and churches. The most glamorous of all street is Matoyanni Street, lined with brand name stores, cafés and stylish restaurants.

WATER SPORT

The island is a paradise for water sport enthusiasts. The “Island of the Winds” attract surfers and sailors from all over the world that can choose beaches for windsurfing from Korfos, Ftelia, Meyali Ammos and Kalafatis, where surfing lessons are also available.

Diving fans can explore the underwater magic of Mykonos. September is thought to be the best month for diving, as the water is warm and visibility is good down at the seabed. On the island you can find many well-organized diving centers.

KAZARMA

Kazarma building served as accommodation for the soldiers of Manto Mavrogenous, a heroine of the Greek Revolution. The first floor served as her personal residence. While strolling out you come across the official mascot of Mykonos, which is a pelican!

Petros the Pelican was found by a fisherman after a storm in 1954, and eventually became the locals’ companion. When he died in honour of Petros, the locals have established a long tradition of pelicans wandering around the waterfront as an essential part of everyday life.

ALEFKANTRA

One of the most scenic corners of the island is Alefkantra also named “Little Venice”. Alefkantra is a 18th century district, dominated bymansions with colourful balconies and stylish windows. With balconies perched over the sea, pictures of the famous Italian city to mind. It is possible to relax at a waterfront café and admire the view of the quaint windmills standing imposingly on the hillside above.

Mykonos

In Mykonos a half day island tour. Visit: the port of San Giovanni and the church with the cell where the saint lived; a view of the airport; the village of Ano Mera; the Mykonian Spiti farm; the monastery of Panagia Tourliani and the open-air market. After lunch visit: Ano Mera with the hidden beaches of Kalo Livadi, Kalafati and Agia Anna; the former lignite mines; Maou. Discover the tour: Authentic Mykonos tour

From Mykonos to Delos

4-hour guided tour with a 30-minute boat trip from Mykonos to Delos, an ancient sacred place. You visit: the House of Dionysus with its mosaics and frescoes; the theater of Delos; the Stoà di Filippo, the Propilaia, the Casa dei Nassi and the temple of Apollo; the archaeological museum. Discover the tour: From Mykonos: the original morning Delos guided tour

Cruise from Mykonos to Delos and Rhenia

Cruise departing from Mykonos to the islands of Delos and Rhenia. From the port of Agios Ioannis you can reach the island of Delos. Walking tour of the historic center of the island of Delos and visit to the archaeological museum. Visit of the island of Rhenia with lunch on board of the boat. Baths and dives from the boat and snorkeling equipment. Discover the tour: From Mykonos: 6 hour Delos and Rhenia Islands boat trip

Luxury

Riva destinations: exclusive lounges, privées and decks in spellbinding locations