Mykonos, Greece: Whitewashed and Wild

Jacquelyn Kennedy Onassis put Mykonos on the map when she vacationed here in the 1960s (imagine big black sunglasses, miniskirts and go-go boots).  A popular cruise ship port, this island has a reputation of having a free-spirit and party atmosphere.

Mykonos’ iconic whitewashed buildings and colorful blue roofs can be seen from miles away.   The island is considered one of the Greek Cyclades and measures 7 by 10 miles.  The main town of Mykonos is called Chora or Hora, translated as “The Village” and is also referred to as the “Old Port”.

We were tendered in from where the cruise ship was anchored where small fishing boats occupy the harbor.  A small Greek Orthodox church, which had been converted into a ticket kiosk, was where I purchased my ferry ticket to the island of Delos.

With a couple of hours to explore Mykonos before catching the ferry, I began my adventure looking for “Little Venice”, a popular village neighborhood that mimics the Italian city with the same name.  Along my route, I passed the most photographed church on the island, the Church of Panagia Parapotiani.  The whitewashed stucco walls and the sky blue rooftops of the church are the perfect representation of Greece’s iconic Cycladic architecture.

I knew I had arrived when I could see the symbolic windmills on the ridge of Kato Myloi.  Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, the purpose of the these cylindrical stone structures was to grind the grain for their bread.  At one point, there were over 600 mills throughout the islands of the Cyclades.  Today, a total of five still remain on the western side of the island and one, the Boni Myli windmill, is open to visitors.

Mikri Venetia, more commonly known as “Little Venice” is also set along the coast on the western side of the island, within sight of the windmills.  Considered one of the most romantic locations in Mykonos, its charming quarter overlooks the bay.  Offering elegant restaurants and a scenic backdrop to include spectacular views of the Aegean Sea, it is the perfect location for enjoying the evening sunset.

I became easily lost among the winding streets of Mykonos.  The beautiful chaos of cobblestones led me through narrow passages lined with charming shops and cafes.  I enjoyed the white and blue storefronts with the bougainvillea flowers flowing down from  overhead.  I eventually referred to my map to lead me back to the harbor where I would catch the ferry to Delos.

Soon, I found myself back at the cove mesmerized by the deep blue shades of the Mediterranean Sea.  A stretch of restaurants lined the beaches and tourists were strolling in to take a seat on the patios to place their order for food and drink.   With the ferry terminal in view, I placed an order for tzatziki and pita bread to compliment the Alfa, a local Greek beer.

I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the island’s most famous resident, Petros, but the local pelican had not appeared.   Instead, I watched the cats as they crowded near the fishing boats, waiting for scraps of fish.   I studied them, lazing in the sun with their bellies full and couldn’t help but wonder if they knew how lucky they were to live on the spectacular island of Mykonos.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Mykonos?  What did you do while you were there?  I would love to hear about your adventure and thoughts of this fabulous Greek island if you would kindly leave a comment below!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Church of Panagia Parapotiani
Xwpa, Mikonos, 84600 Greece
in the neighborhood of Kastro in the town of Chora

Boni Myli windmill
Ano Mili, Mykonos Town, Greece
On the east side of town

Mikri Venetia
Mitropoleos Georgouli, Mykonos Town, Greece

Where to Stay:

Harmony Boutique Hotel – Mykonos Town
Pros Palaio Limani
Mykonos Town 846 00, Greece
Telephone: +30 2289 028980

Where to Eat:

What to Eat:

• Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
• Greek Salad
• Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
• Gyros
• Lamb
• Local Olives
• Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
• Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
• Pomegranates
• Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
• Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
• Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
• Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
• Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read:

• Murder in Mykonos by Jeffrey Siger
• The Lion of Delos by Anne Worboys
• The Double Image by Helen MacInnes

Photo Guide for Mykonos:

• Little Venice…especially for the sunsets
• The Windmills of Kato Milli
• Chora, the Old Town of Mykonos
• The Doors, Stairs and Walkways of Chora
• The Cats of Mykonos
• Mykonos Harbor
• Paraportiani Church
• Nammos Beach Club
• Scorpios Beach Club
• Cavo Tagoo Resort
• The beautiful Bougainvillea
• Hotel Little Rochari

Santorini: Life on a Volcano
The Island of Delos: A Lesson in Greek Mythology
Corfu: An Old Town, Palace and Monastery
Corinth, A Biblical and Historical Perspective
The Site of Olympia and its Role in the Olympic Games
The Archaeological Museum at Olympia
Athens, Greece: A Living Museum