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 The air above the roofs of Mykonos seems to flicker, a lonely car can be heard in the distance, and some lonesome figures stretch out in the shades. It is noon on a summer day in the capital of Mykonos and the town seems deserted. The sun burns onto the blue and red rooftops of houses and
churches, the island waits for the cooling Melmeti, a steady north wind that blows away some of the heat during main season. The Melmeti gave Mykonos its nickname: island of winds. Only after the greatest heat has gone can one truly appreciate the beauty of Mykonos Town in the western part of the island. White houses with blue roofs, wooden doors and Venetian windows line the steep cobble streets. Flowers grace the balconies and the setting sun bathes everything in a surreal golden light. The town’s landmark, the Kato Mili, sits on a hill above the town. Once the hill of Ano Mili, was home to ten wind mills which provided the island with its main export product: processed grain.
The harbour paints a different picture of Mykonos Town. This district is called Little Venice due to its Venetian-style architecture. Trendy bars, restaurants and exclusive shops can be found here and make Mykonos a relatively expensive travel destination within the Greek Islands.
After sunset the town begins to awaken. Islanders as well as tourists fuel up on good food and wine for the night. Around midnight hot spots like Celebrities, Caprice and the club, Space start to fill up and remain busy until the early hours of the morning.
On the outskirts of the town, the Panagia-Paraportiani Church is the most popular spot for photography. What were originally five separate churches were linked to a large complex over time, the oldest dome being almost 500 years old. Unfortunately it can only be admired from the outside, as the structure of the church is dangerously weak.
The archaeological museum of Mykonos has ceramics, head stones, clay statues, and delicate jewellery on display, allowing you to travel back all the way to the ancient times.
Although Mykonos is very rich in history you are not limited to exhausting educational trips across the island. The south coast is lined with miles of fine sandy beaches, not far from Mykonos Town and easy to get to by car hire. 
Paradise beach is the busiest and particularly popular among young people. Bars and clubs in the area attract all those with a love of good night life. The Cavo-Paradiso is a big night club on a hill above the beach and includes a pool, a restaurant and a beach bar.
The camping ground behind the beach offers cheap and quiet accommodation. The neighbouring Super Paradise beach is less noisy but equally as popular. Most of the major beaches are served by a ferry that leaves from Platis Jialos. This is another popular beach that specializes in water sports like jet skiing, water skiing etc. The northern beaches are much less busy and the Meltemi really gets the surf going. Windsurfing adventurers tend to seek out Ftelia and Korfos.
Traditional Greek architecture, history and beach parties: that’s (holiday) life on the Cycladic island of Mykonos. |
