Mykonos

Exploring the island’s capital town

Varying other Cycladic capitals, Hóra (capital of the island) 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.

Strolling around its narrow marble streets, admire the  whitewashed houses with colourful doors, wooden window frames,and hidden churches. Visit to the church of Panayia Paraportiani, the Town hall and the castle situated above the harbor, not forgetting to take a visit to the Archaeological, Folklore and Maritime Museums  to take in a little history.

Wander around the pedestrian shopping streets of Hóra, alive , vibrant , always colourful and busy. The most exciting  of all is Matoyánni Street, with brand name stores lines in rows, charming cafés and Elegant restaurants.

Soak up the atmosphere along the lively waterfront (Yalos) and admire a fleet of fishing boats casting colourful reflections in the azure waters. At this point you will find the Kazárma building.It served as accommodation for the soldiers of Manto Mavrogenous, a heroine of the Greek Revolution. The first floor served as her personal residence.

While you’re out admiring the small wanders of the Island , don’t be surprised if you come across the official mascot of Mykonos, which is nothing other than a… pelican! Pétros the Pelican was found by a fisherman after a storm in 1954, and eventually became the locals’ companion. When he died, the grief for his loss was so deep that a replacement was soon found. In honour of Pétros, the locals have established a long tradition of pelicans wandering around the waterfront as an essential part of everyday life. So, a picture with the successor of the famous pelican Pétros is a must!!

One of the most scenic corners of the island is Alefkántra or “Little Venice”, an 18th century district, influenced by grand captains’ mansions with colorful balconies and stylish windows. With balconies perched over the sea, pictures of the famous Italian city spring to mind.

Have a drink  at a waterfront café and relish the view of the quaint windmills standing in a grand manor on the hillside above, set against a brilliant blue backdrop.

Another traditional settlement of Mykonos is Áno Merá, situated around the historic monastery of Panayia Tourliani (a 16th century church with a brilliant carved wooden iconostasis). To the north, in Fteliá, lies an important Neolithic settlement, and a 14th-13th century BC Mycenaean tomb.

Using Hóra as your base, Set out on a journey to discover a fascinating world where glamour meets simplicity, discover the beauties of the island particularly its silky sandy  beaches.

Along the southern coast you will find a great selection of the most cosmopolitan ones. Here, wild parties keep the crowds rocking day and night. Paradise and Super Paradise may already be familiar to you. Órnos and Psaroú are favorite spots for families. Taking a  visit  to Platis Yalós, with a well-organized beach where you can soak up the sun with a good book. However, if you are looking for a serene beach to unwind with a book, pick a less organized one on the northern coast of the island, like Ayia Ánna, Houlákia, Kápari, Agrári and Ayios Stéfanos.

Exploring the island’s capital town

Varying other Cycladic capitals, Hóra (capital of the island) 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.

Strolling around its narrow marble streets, admire the  whitewashed houses with colourful doors, wooden window frames,and hidden churches. Visit to the church of Panayia Paraportiani, the Town hall and the castle situated above the harbor, not forgetting to take a visit to the Archaeological, Folklore and Maritime Museums  to take in a little history.

Wander around the pedestrian shopping streets of Hóra, alive , vibrant , always colourful and busy. The most exciting  of all is Matoyánni Street, with brand name stores lines in rows, charming cafés and Elegant restaurants.

Soak up the atmosphere along the lively waterfront (Yalos) and admire a fleet of fishing boats casting colourful reflections in the azure waters. At this point you will find the Kazárma building.It served as accommodation for the soldiers of Manto Mavrogenous, a heroine of the Greek Revolution. The first floor served as her personal residence.

While you’re out admiring the small wanders of the Island , don’t be surprised if you come across the official mascot of Mykonos, which is nothing other than a… pelican! Pétros the Pelican was found by a fisherman after a storm in 1954, and eventually became the locals’ companion. When he died, the grief for his loss was so deep that a replacement was soon found. In honour of Pétros, the locals have established a long tradition of pelicans wandering around the waterfront as an essential part of everyday life. So, a picture with the successor of the famous pelican Pétros is a must!!

One of the most scenic corners of the island is Alefkántra or “Little Venice”, an 18th century district, influenced by grand captains’ mansions with colorful balconies and stylish windows. With balconies perched over the sea, pictures of the famous Italian city spring to mind.

Have a drink  at a waterfront café and relish the view of the quaint windmills standing in a grand manor on the hillside above, set against a brilliant blue backdrop.

Another traditional settlement of Mykonos is Áno Merá, situated around the historic monastery of Panayia Tourliani (a 16th century church with a brilliant carved wooden iconostasis). To the north, in Fteliá, lies an important Neolithic settlement, and a 14th-13th century BC Mycenaean tomb.

Using Hóra as your base, Set out on a journey to discover a fascinating world where glamour meets simplicity, discover the beauties of the island particularly its silky sandy  beaches.

Along the southern coast you will find a great selection of the most cosmopolitan ones. Here, wild parties keep the crowds rocking day and night. Paradise and Super Paradise may already be familiar to you. Órnos and Psaroú are favorite spots for families. Taking a  visit  to Platis Yalós, with a well-organized beach where you can soak up the sun with a good book. However, if you are looking for a serene beach to unwind with a book, pick a less organized one on the northern coast of the island, like Ayia Ánna, Houlákia, Kápari, Agrári and Ayios Stéfanos.

 Mykonos Highlights:

• Rich nightlife
• Extraordinary Beaches
• Picturesque Scenery
• Delos, the island that was sacred to ancient Greeks on account of its being the birthplace of the divine twins Apollo and Artemis. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delos is a vast archaeological site and veritable open air museum.

   Museums & Activities

• Archaeological Museum, Hora: Visit this gem of a small museum and admire forms and decorations in a complete collection of ingeniously restored pottery and artifacts that present the history of the island.
• Folklore Museum, Hora: This museum showcases the interior decoration of the traditional white-washed houses of Mykonos. Its rich collection of beautiful, everyday household objects spans hundreds of years, and ranges from medieval times to the twentieth century.
• Marine Museum, Hora: This Naval Museum will take you on a journey into the past, inspired by the memorabilia from the island’s naval history and tradition, and will enhance your understanding of everyday life at sea through the centuries.
• Take a sailing tour around the island and enjoy the best beaches