Mykonos
Mykonos is the most famous island in the Aegean Sea as well as the most
cosmopolitan of all Greek islands. It attracts visitors from all over the world
including a lot of celebrities. The beautiful golden sandy beaches, the lively
atmosphere and the traditional cycladic architecture represented by the numerous
small churches and the houses, along with little Venice make Mykonos an island
to remember.
The windmills constitute one of the symbols of the island along with the
islands mascot "Petros" the pelican who lives at the port of "Hora"
the capital of the island. Although Mykonos has no real historical background there are
3 interesting museums to visit. For further educational trips you should visit Delos isle,
which in antiquity was the most sacred island in the Greek world.
Museums
Archaeological Museum
Housed in a neo-classical building of 1901, in the northeast side of “Hora”.
It contains exhibits from the nearby island of Rhenea, sculptures, pots and
statuettes. Look for the big vase of clay from the Trojan War. Folk Art Museum
opened in 1962, contains collections of furniture, ceramics, traditional
costumes and traditional musical instruments. Among the exhibits you will see
the first "Petros" the pelican, stuffed.
Nautical Museum
Opened in 1985, here you can see ships from the early Minoan period to the 19th
c, maps and documents and in general exhibits from the naval tradition of the
island.
Panagia Paraportiani
The most photographed monument on the island is Paraportiani church. It consists
of a complex of five churches. Four of them are on the ground level and one
raised. The ground floor of the complex consists of Agios Efstathios, Agioi
Anargyroi, Agios Sozontas and Agia Anastasia The church of Paraportiani is built
above Agios Efstatios and actually got its name from the fact that it stands at
the small entrance to the medieval fortress. The building started in 1425 and
was not completed until the 17th century.
Windmills
In the past there were 16 windmills serving for the grinding of agricultural
products. These days some have been restored and are used as museums and
others have been renovated and are used as houses.
Mykonos Town
Mykonos is a prime example of Cycladic architecture. It consists of narrow
whitewashed alleyways, small churches, white houses with wooden doors and
windows and brightly – coloured balconies. In the colourful harbour where
small fishing boats and yachts coexist, where taverns, "ouzeris", cafes and
shops are spread on the coastline, you will also see a pelican eating fish, it
is one of a series named Petros. Mykonos has all the necessary facilities of a
modern resort giving satisfaction both to visitors seeking an active and
cosmopolitan type of holiday and those who favour a more peaceful vacation.
Matogiannni with its chic shops, cafes and bars is where the island’s pulse
throbs. Nightlife in Mykonos is unique. Numerous clubs, discos, bars, pubs are
always full with people especially during summer time.
Little Venice
Little Venice is one of the most charming districts of Hora and one of the prettiest
places in the Cyclades. Its picturesque two - and three - storey houses, with
colorful balconies, windows and doors built right on the sea, form a unique
picture. Little Venice is the perfect spot from which to view the sunset.
Shops
A respectable commercial section exists in Mykonos. You can go shopping or window
shopping in the fabulous boutiques which carry exclusive name brands, among them
outstanding Greek jewelers, souvenirs as well as works of art.
Restaurants
Katrin’s:
One of the most famous and oldest restaurants on the island,
with classic French and Greek cuisine and excellent service.
Caprice:
It is in little Venice area, next to the bar of the same name, with tables on the
water’s edge. It serves good traditional dishes.
Philippi:
Historic spot in a lovely garden with good food.
Mamacas:
A beautiful garden with
trees near the main square, it offers good Greek cuisine.
Sale Pepe:
Small restaurant with excellent Italian cuisine
Taverna O Nikos:
One of the best taverns, with excellent Greek cooking. Taste its casserole dishes.
Beaches
Kalafatis:
One of the most organized beaches of Mykonos. Water sports facilities including
scuba diving and a beach bar are available.
Psarou:
A beautiful organized
beach with water sport facilities and a tavern for lunch. Elia: Another
popular organized big beach of the island. It offers water sports and two good
taverns.
Plati Gialos:
A sandy with crystal clear water beach, perhaps
the most visited beach of Mykonos. Small boats to the other southern beaches,
like Paraga, kalamopodi and Elia leave from here.
Super Paradise:
One of the famous beaches in the Aegean, with crystal-clear blue water. It is preferred
by people of younger age and generally people who like to swim and swing at the
same time.
How to get there
- By air: from Athens airport, Eleutherios Venizelos
- By ferry: from Piraeus port
DELOS
Delos is a small, rectangular, waterless and uninhabited island and one of the
most important archaeological sites in Greece where according to the myths the god
Apollo was born.
Archaeological sites cover almost the entire island, starting from the harbour at the
west side. You must explore the exhibits with a guide. The most important ruins in
this district are:
The temples of Apollo:
The three temples dedicated to Apollo
The Altar of Dionysos:
Remains of a huge phallic monument
The Lion Terrace:
The famous lions of Delos, gift from the Naxian’s.
The sacred lake:
The place where Apollo was born.
Cleopatra’s House:
A building (2nd c BC), which took its name from the two
headless statues of Cleopatra that where found in it.
The theatre:
Built in 2nd – 3rd century BC, it could seat 3.000 to 5.000 spectators.
House of Dionysos, House of the Masks and House of the Dolphins:
All of which contain marvellous mosaics.
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