Simply amazing Greece!
Simply amazing Greece!
Cyclades
Cyclades
The Cyclades islands are amongst the most popular summer vacation destinations in Greece, as they offer beautiful beaches, picturesque villages important archaeological sites and some of them a lively nightlife. Situated southeast of the mainland amidst the Aegean Sea the little island of Delos near popular island Mykonos, is considered the center of this group of islands but the official ‘capital’ is the town of Ermoupoli on the island Syros.
You can start your hoping experience by taking a ferry to one of the islands from the port of Athens, Piraeus, or by flying to one and continuing your discovery by boat or (inland) plane.
The absolute Muse of the Cyclades is the island of Santorini. Visit it here!
Mykonos
Mykonos
Mykonos is often referred to as the Ibiza of Greece, and it welcomes about 70.000 people per day during the summer season, whereas only 10.000 people live there permanently. This island might seem dry and dull when you land at the airport, but once in the ‘city’ you will be swept away by the narrow picturesque roads filled with shops, restaurants and bars and flowers and…cats.
This is the island where you can be anyone you want to be, let your hair down and enjoy summer to the fullest, either you choose to sit in a bar and watch people go by, go shopping or party along on one of its magical beaches.
The harbor of Mykonos is one of the classical calls of ships cruising the Aegean sea bringing more daily visitors to the island, even if for a short visit. Strolling along the harbor and it’s many cafés & shops you will discover the picturesque church of Panagia Paraportiani located at the so called ‘Kastro area’ and a bit further the old windmills that feature on most postcards. There is also a small Folklore Museum showing the history and traditions of the island nearby Kastro, but if you like diving into history then you may consider visiting the Archaeological Museum situated in the old port area and the Aegean Maritime Museum near which you may have a peak at an old traditional Mykonian house: The house of Lena.
The ‘city’ is called Chora, and offers a wide range of shopping possibilities, even for the most spoiled shoppers.(Chanel, Burberry, Louis Vuiton shops & more)
Near the waterside of Chora you will discover a variety of lounge bars and restaurants that will keep you entertained until the early hours….
Mykonos has three important churches, one of which is the Panagia Paraportiani we already mentioned, that is well known due to its unusual shape, and consists of five other churches built in the 17th century. Also situated in the ‘town’ center is the Church of Zoodochou pigis, the actual cathedral that possibly is also built during the same period. There are stories of angels and miracles about it and in the inside many beautiful ornaments and icons to be discovered. The monastery Panagia Tourliani situated near the village of Ano Mera (8 Km from Chora) is the third remarkable church on the island and was built in the 16th century, and restored during the 18th century, when it took it’s current name and form. The locals will proudly inform you about its history and legends!
If you go hiking or driving around the island you will notice the many little chapels. There are about 800 on this small island! Nobody really knows why there are so many. Some say that the locals started building them as an opposition to the conquerors but many of them are more recently built and privately owned. Religion is very important to the locals, that is for sure, and the many chapels give the island the characteristic views you are about to discover.
Ano mera
Ano mera
It is the second and only ‘village’ and less populated, situated on the east of ‘Chora’. It’s beautiful white houses with many flowers and terrasses are very inviting and a beautiful start to a day-trip if you choose to also pay a visit to the monastery of Panagia Tourliani before heading to one of the beaches nearby. (Kalo Livadi, Kalafati, Elia, Ftelias)
Armenitis lighthouse
Armenitis lighthouse
May be a challenging walk during a hot summer day, or even by scooter or jeep but worthwhile for the photogenic scenery.
For more details click on the picture.
The island of Delos
The island of Delos
The island of Delos is not only considered to be the center of the Cyclades, it is for many the most important archaeological site in Greece, and Unesco world Heritage site, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, mythical Olympic twins. Although inhabited since 3000 BC. the oldest temples of Delos seem to have been constructed around the 8th century BC. Delos has a rich but unstable history, from being the treasury island of rich people and an important trading community to getting robbed and destroyed by pirates and visitors of all kind. If you are into history, THIS, is a MUST DO!
Beaches
Beaches
Mykonos offers beautiful sandy bays and beaches, and even though many of them are taken in by umbrella’s and benches for rent you might still find some quiet, unspoiled beaches where tourism has not yet washed away their idyllic beauty.
Either drive around by scooter, or car, and if you are more adventurous than that, hike around Mykonos discovering it’s hidden treasures, but don’t forget to take along a pic-nick , drinks and sun-protection!
Psarou
Psarou
Psarou Beach is the most exclusive and popular sandy beach on Mykonos and favorite to many a celebrity. It lies about 10 minutes a bus drive away from the town center. Busses leave at the ‘Fabrika square’ and drive frequently, until the late hours. Dream away watching the yachts nearby, or have a wonderful meal at one of the beach restaurants and feel a celebrity yourself! From here you could also hike to Paradise Beach, Agia Ana or Paraga.
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is THE place to be if you are a 20-something (feeling) party-animal! This too, is a wonderful sandy beach with many restaurants bars an open-air discotheques where you can party all day and night. You can walk coming from Psarou Beach or Agia ana but there are also busses leaving from Fabrika square in Mykonos center that drive until the later hours…
Platys Gialos
Platys Gialos
Platys Gialos is one of the most known, beautiful sandy beaches and lies about 15 minutes a bus drive away from the town center. This beach is surrounded by many hotels and apartments and offers plenty of possibilities for food and drinks, watersports etc. but you can also take a water-taxi from here to discover more quiet bays, or start your hiking tour here.
Super Paradise
Super Paradise
Super Paradise Beach is a favorite within the gay community of Mykonos and a well-known party-beach! Off course there is no need to be gay to enjoy the crystal clear waters and the lively atmosphere. It lies a 15 min drive away from Mykonos center but there is no official bus-connection. There is however a shuttle from Fabrika to the beach that drives a few times per day and belongs to the nearby resort that bears the same name.
Elia
Elia
Elia Beach is a popular sandy beach with turquoise waters and also has a naturist/nudist part. There is a shuttle bus that drives there from the old port of Mykonos and leaves every two hours and you can easily park there by car after a 25 minutes’ drive from the town.
More popular beaches are Paranga, Ornos and Kalo Livadi. Here is a site exclusive about Mykonos Beaches that may help you discover!
Wine
Wine
Did you know that Mykonos has it’s own winery? The unique microclimate of Mykonos is the ideal environment for growing grapes of a superior quality. This is what VIOMA vineyard and bio-farm wants to share with you, providing a great experience for the whole family. Either you take the bicycle tour, visit the farm with the kids or come for a wine-tasting with combined local specialties. Find out more, by clicking on the picture below.
Gay community
Gay community
There are plenty of exclusive Gay establishments to be found on Mykonos, but most places are just as accessible to all public. Interested in finding the hotspots? Check it out by clicking on the photo below.
Mykonos nightlife
Mykonos nightlife
Mykonos nightlife has as main ingredients fun, bars, beaches and crazy outfits and events but you can as well find chill lounge and jazz bars, often with live music and specials guests visiting.
Check out the details here.
Greek food and drinks
Greek food and drinks
Hiring a car or motorbike for a few days will enable you to discover some well-hidden secrets on the island of Mykonos, such as the beach of Panormos, and Agios Sostis, that can only be reached by a small walking path, after you park your car or motorbike uphill. Agios Sostis offers a natural, quiet scenery to enjoy, and uphill you will find Kiki’s taverna, the place to be for no-nonsense, seasonal dishes that will make you want to lick your fingers off! However, Kiki’s does not take reservations, so it will be first in-first served, but it is worth waiting!
In Ano Mera you will find the ‘To steki tou proedrou’ family taverna, serving traditional Greek and local dishes in a simple, relaxed atmosphere. You will find it on the central square of the village. (Tel: +302289071925)
Speaking of traditional Greek cuisine, just about 3 Km outside of Chora (city) you will find the ‘Limnios tavern’ near Agios Stefanos Beach. A ‘must’ for a lovely family dinner with a view.
Another beautiful place at the beach is ‘Scorpios Beach club’ at Paraga Beach. They serve mainly seafood with an exotic twist, that you may enjoy in a chill scenery with your feet in the sand!
If you love seafood, In the old harbor of Mykonos city you can enjoy the ‘catch of the day’ along with home-made cuisine at ‘Salparo’.
Looking for a Mediterranean treat in the Mykonos Chora, then you might want to reserve a table at ‘Noa’. It is not the cheapest option, but the food is absolutely delicious!
Here’s a beautiful blog with more tasty addresses and Mykonos tips!
Where to stay
Where to stay
Here’s a hand full of beautiful choices for your stay. Click on the titles to be transferred to Booking.com for more details. Try one of my favorites or search for something else here!
Situated in Agios Stefanos, 300 m from Agios Stefanos Beach, Habitat Mykonos All Suite Hotel features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a bar. Among the various facilities of this property are a garden and a terrace. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
Offering a sun terrace with sea view, the traditionally built Avra Mykonos is situated in Tourlos, 700 m from Mykonos New Port and 1 km from the cosmopolitan Mykonos Town. It offers accommodation with a balcony or terrace.
Located in the centre of Mýkonos City, 1.2 km from Korfos Beach and 300 m from Mykonos Windmills, Sole Blu Mykonos Town Apartment Two offers free WiFi and air conditioning. The property is 100 m from Meletopoulou Public Garden and 200 m from Manto Open Air Cinema.
Situated in Agia Anna, 300 m from Kalafatis Beach and 300 m from Agia Anna Beach, Case di Venia features accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a garden and a terrace.
Hop to...the island of Syros!
Hop to...the island of Syros!
You can easily travel from Mykonos to Syros by boat. The trip takes a bit more than an hour and you can schedule your trip online here
Click on the picture to be transferred to Syros