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MYKONOS – is just possibly THE most famous of all the Greek Islands. And a well-deserved honor - as well as being Party Central for the country...
One of the famed Cyclades Islands, Mykonos's fame and notoriety goes back hundreds of years. A war ground between so many differing factions, Mykonos reflects the grandeur of its history, as well as the excitement and modernity of being one of Europe's top tourist island destinations.
Easy to reach, in earliest days by Ferry from Piraeus, later a Hovercraft skimming over the bumpy sea. Nowadays it's just a quick 25 minute flight from Athens, so tourism escalates every year. Funny thing - Mykonos is known as The Island of Winds, and if you've ever been there you know why. One time we were landlocked for 3 days with nothing on or off the island. And it was cold but people only had summer clothes, all sweaters disappeared - and it was in July!!! Flights are still regularly delayed by the wind - but hey, you want to go to Mykonos. Then simply go and you'll be glad you did.
Mykonos is the name of the island and the main town. It's where "Peter the Pelican" is a tourist magnet and strides or stalks or whatever it is that Pelicans do... around the harbor. Every day, tourists arrive to see him strut his stuff, flap those enormous wings (watch out children!) and nuzzle close to local taverna tables in the hopes of being fed.
Transportation on the island is seemingly plentiful, until you depend on it! And even if you want to cab it around, there are a limited number of taxi licenses, and too many people needing rides. So, stay central to whatever you want.
Mykonos is idyllic in its appeal to people of all ages, economic levels and interests. If you're a beach person, welcome, there are gorgeous, clean sandy beaches and coves all over the islands. And wonderful taverna with fresh food, fish, and wines brought directly to your table. It's a perfect way to spend a day. If you're not a beach person and really want history and culture, Mykonos will fill that bill. Legend has it that it is the named for Mykonos, grandson of Apollo. And, where Zeus and Titans fought, and where Hercules killed the Gods brought down from Mt. Olympus. Yes, that's how old it is, almost beyond time itself.
Pirates, marauders, enemies and Mother Nature have all wreaked havoc on this island, and it bears the scars of it all. If you're Catholic, a truly ancient church started in 1668, renovated in 1677, and later rebuilt after fire destruction in 1991, helps with religious sightseeing. Archeological history is at every footstep of your visit. The major church, Paraportiani dates to the 15th century and took 200 years to finish in the 17th century. The town square is a tribute to Manto Mavrogenous, who dedicated her family fortune to the Greek cause in its fight against the Ottomon Empire and the Sultan.
And the windmills of Mykonos - we think of wind and solar power as being 20th Century inventions. But, throughout Europe, the last vestiges of its windmills can still be seen in many countries. And, of course, the windmills high over the harbor greeted people to Mykonos for centuries. Now they have been preserved and protected and are used by townspeople for a myriad of duties, including saving historical documents for future generations.
Food on Mykonos is typical Greek fare. Which means, it's not fussy, or haute cuisine, or fancy. But utterly delicious mouthwateringly fresh, just picked and washed, fruit and vegetables... cheeses just made at local farms... fish fresh daily from the boats in the harbor. There are fantastic pastry creations oozing and dripping honey, leaving you with licky fingers! And wines, well, I don't think I've ever had a fine or vintage wine in Greece. Then again, I've never needed one. Local vineyards produce wine and red Demestica table wines. Ouzo, drank straight (strong) or with water to taste is like a mouthful of licorice. And retsina - yes, made from retsin and very definitely an acquired taste.
Shopping is fun, but mostly local, beachy, sun, colorful and ready for beach or table. Some local jewelry will catch your eye, and bags or shoes/slippers/flip-flops are popular. But shopping is really of the tourist variety, not the "oh I must have it!" kind.
The truly Luxury Hotel on the island is Santa Marina, and there are a couple of other four star places, all with amazing views of the water, the port, the sunset. As always, I say chose the very best hotel for the area you want to explore. Nothing is really convenient in Mykonos, so it's a pick and perch situation. But Santa Marina is world class and a several day stay will leave you relaxed and happy.
If you can only get to one island on your trip, let it be Mykonos! But we warned, the same advice will be given on Santorini, or Rhodes, or event Crete. The Greek Islands are subjective, besides which, you can always go back.
March 28, 2023
