According to the legend, the Greek hero Heracles fought a group of giants. Having won, he tossed them into the sea, and the giants turned to stone. This is how the Greek Cycladic island of Mykonos came into existence – today a party hotspot and meeting place for high society.
Mykonos is part of the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea and offers long sandy beaches, white houses with colourful doors, staircases, windows and flowers, narrow streets, lively squares and plenty of places worth seeing and postcard scenes on an area of around 86 km². It is one of the most expensive luxury and party islands in Greece and attracts stars and starlets to the holiday paradise every year.
Sights on Mykonos – Of Windmills and Greek Legends
Kato Myli – The Windmills of Mykonos
One of the most famous photo motives and must-sees on Mykonos are the famous windmills Kato Myli. These 5 old windmills stand on a hill, not far from Mykonos’ old town Chora. While in the past, often owned by wealthy people, they used to grind flour using the strong Aegean winds to feed the population, today they are the island’s landmark. The 5 remaining windmills at the northern end of Mykonos town offer a beautiful view of the old town from their hill. Conversely, the best view of the postcard scene is from the old town.
Mikri Venetia – Little Venice
Besides the windmills, there is another well-known sight in the Chora of Mykonos. Adjacent to the old town alleys is a section of houses that stands directly on the sea and, with its colourful balconies and terraces directly on the water, is strongly reminiscent of the architecture in Venice. It is not without reason that this part of town is called Little Venice. In addition to what are probably the most expensive flats in the city, you will find high-priced and beautiful bars and restaurants, art exhibitions and galleries provide a special flair.
Archaeological Museum
Also in the old town is the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos. It was built in 1902 and exhibits important archaeological finds from the area. These come mainly from the neighbouring island of Delos and consist mostly of ceramics, jewellery, statues and gravestones. Relics from the island of Rheneia can also be found here. The most famous exhibit in the museum is a relief pithos, an urn with the oldest known image of a Trojan horse, which dates from the 7th century BC.
Island of Delos
The island of Delos itself is also worth a visit. Excursion boats leave daily for Mykonos’ neighbouring island, which is only about 5 kilometres long and 1.3 kilometres wide. According to legend, the island, which was considered sacred in ancient Greece, is the birthplace of the god Apollo. After Delos was first conquered and then destroyed by King Mithridates of Pontos, the island was unable to recover. Today, the uninhabited island is one of the most important archaeological sites in Hellas and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. It is home to temple foundations, numerous ruins, ancient theatres and essentially serves as a walk-in open-air museum.
Armenistis Lighthouse
After an adventurous drive, a little further inland you reach an architectural gem from the 19th century, the Armenistis Lighthouse.
Built in 1891, the building is located in the gardens of the Aegean Maritime Museum and is especially worth a visit at sunset. The lighthouse can be climbed via numerous steps and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring island of Tinos from the top.
Panagia Paraportiani Church
Just a few minutes from Mykonos Town is the Panagia Paraportiani Church.
This 15th century church with a white façade is architecturally unique due to its asymmetrical shape. Inside it houses 5 chapels, which were originally independent, but over time became a single complex. The oldest of the chapels dates back to 1425. In the meantime, the church is in danger of collapsing and can therefore only be visited from the outside. It is nevertheless definitely worth a visit.
The Town Mascot Petros
If you are lucky, you will find a somewhat unusual sight in the Chora of Mykonos.
According to legend, an injured pelican stranded on the beach of Mykonos in the 1950s. A fisherman named Theodoros found it and nursed the animal back to health. The pelican was christened Petros and lived on the island for another 30 years.
Since then, there are always pelicans that are baptised with the name Petros and given to the city as a gift.
With a little luck, you will come across the feathered mascot, which can also be found as a souvenir in the form of key rings and soft toys all over the island. The chances are particularly high in the area around Niko’s Taverna.
The Most Beautiful Towns of Mykonos – Mykonos and Ano Mera
There are many quiet small towns on the island of Mykonos. The two best known and most important are Mykonos Town, also known as Chora, and the somewhat quieter settlement of Ano Mera in the island’s interior.
Mykonos Town
Mykonos Town, with its old town of Palea Chora, is one of the most photographed places in all of Greece. With its harbour promenade, picturesque chapels, whitewashed houses, colourful wooden balconies and staircases, the town is a popular postcard subject – and rightly so.
The narrow, pretty streets are lined with boutiques, art galleries, museums and souvenir shops. There are also bars, cafés, taverns and restaurants galore. The prices here are in the expensive segment, but you can find something suitable for a smaller budget after a quick search.
From midday onwards, the streets fill with people, as Mykonos is also a popular destination for cruise tourists. So if you are planning to take beautiful holiday photos with as few people as possible, it is better to be in town early in the morning.
Ano Mera
In contrast to the expensive and busy old town of Mykonos, things are a little quieter and more relaxed in Ano Mera, a settlement on a plateau in the centre of the island.
The traditional village, located about eight kilometres east of Mykonos Town, consists of a small pedestrian zone, a village square and many rustic tavernas. The price level is considerably lower than in Mykonos Town. The most important sight of Ano Mera, the Panagia Tourliani monastery, is located in the town centre. The monastery was built in the 16th century and impresses with its architecture, an imposing bell tower and a wall of icons. There is also a museum on the first floor.
Ano Mera is definitely worth a visit and will delight anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital for a short while.
The Most Beautiful Beaches on the Island
On Mykonos there are not only beautiful sights, but also a lot of dreamlike beaches and bays. Especially the bays on the north and east coasts are a bit more secluded and therefore not overcrowded even in high season.
If you are planning a beach excursion, it is best to hire a vehicle, as not all beaches are accessible by bus.
Agios Sostis Beach
Agios Sostis Beach is located in the north of Mykonos. In this picturesque and secluded bay, you can always find a quiet spot on the reddish sandy beach, while crystal-clear water invites you to jump into the cool water. There are no rentals, parties or bars on Agios Sostis Beach, making it ideal for a relaxed and quiet beach day.
Paralia Psarou
With its high-priced beach bars and extravagant sun loungers, the Caribbean-like dream bay of Paralia Psarou attracts the upmarket clientele of the Uraluber. It is not unusual to see expensive yachts anchored in front of the bay. If you are looking for a little luxury, this is the place to be.
Kalafati Beach
Kalafati Beach is perfect for families with children. It has a sand and pebble beach and shallow, turquoise waters. You can get some free sunbeds and parasols on site, and the Petrino taverna caters for your physical well-being.
Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach
Probably the most famous beach on Mykonos is the 350-metre Paradise Beach. While it used to be mainly a meeting place for hippies, since the 1960s it has been known for the best beach parties and a distinct nightlife. In the morning, the coarse-grained sand and crystal-clear water attract many tourists looking for relaxation and a refreshing dip in the water. From the afternoon onwards, Paradise Beach turns into a party location. In clubs such as the Paradise Beach Club, well-known international DJs regularly play and the numerous bars and taverns entice with happy hour offers. If you are looking for the best parties in the island, Paradise Beach is the place to be.
Super Paradise Beach is also not far away. This is where the upscale clientele hangs out, and it’s rather quiet and relaxed with champagne and cocktails.
Holiday on Mykonos
It takes only about 3 hours by plane to reach the Greek island from Germany. The main tourist season on Mykonos is from May to September. At this time of year, it is around 30 degrees during the day and the water has a refreshing temperature of around 20 degrees. If you are looking for peace and quiet and want to avoid the tourist crowds, it is best to book in the low season, in April or October.
We are happy to help you find the perfect accommodation and plan your unforgettable Mykonos holiday. Feel free to contact us by email at info@fincas-balear.com or browse our website for the most beautiful villas and holiday homes on the gorgeous island of the Cyclades.
