Barefoot and having fun in the nice weather, little girls stand on a few cobblestones that surround the Boni Windmill, one of the best preserved on the Greek island of Mykonos. (Katherine Bish / Special to S&S)
Barefoot and having fun in the nice weather, little girls stand on a few cobblestones that surround the Boni Windmill, one of the best preserved on the Greek island of Mykonos. (Katherine Bish / Special to S&S)
Looking down on Mykonos, the blue backdrop of the sea highlights the Cycladian architecture of the homes, shops and windmills. (Katherine Bish / Special to S&S)
White umbrellas and white-washed homes add to the charm of one of the beaches of Mykonos. (Katherine Bish / Special to S&S)
Boats sit along the stone walkway along the main harbor of Mykonos where much of the island’s life and activities occur. (Katherine Bish / Special to S&S)
A girl sits on a Mykonos porch watching the photographer take a photo. (Katherine Bish / Special to S&S)
Throughout its history, the island of Mykonos has been a breeding ground for sailors, a hideout for pirates and home for Greek freedom fighters. Today, it is a world-famous vacation destination known for its attractive setting, warm sandy beaches and busy nightlife.
An international mix of visitors weaves through a labyrinth of whitewashed streets and brightly painted buildings, stopping to inspect enchanting shops, tempting restaurants and small chapels supposedly built by the many seafarers as shrines.
At night, dance club lights replace the brilliant sun and bring out the tourists and beautiful people who jet in for the weekend or pour off the ocean liners anchored in the island’s harbor. The large windmills located around the island add to its beauty.
As far back as 3000 B.C., Mykonos, one of the 39 islands that make up the Cyclades between Greece and Turkey, was part of the trade routes connecting Asia Minor, Europe and the prosperous island of Crete.
Its residents were great sailors and, after the island became part of the Venetian empire in the 13th century, pirates, who used the island’s coves and inlets to hide their boats.
During the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century, the islanders rallied around the cause and helped throw off the rule of the Turks.
The winding lanes of the island’s main town, also called Mykonos, are said to be a throwback to the pirate days. Legend has it that the town was built that way to confuse invaders, who could not find their way into the heart of town or back out.
Today, visitors can spend endless hours wandering through the old town looking at the many crafts, clothing and souvenir shops. Or they can take a walk to an area along the bay on the west side of the island known as the Venice Quarter, lined with houses whose balconies project over the water.
Or they can climb the steep street leading to the Boni Windmill — one of the best preserved on the island — and get a good view of the island itself.
Better yet, visitors can just sit at one of the harborfront cafés and restaurants and watch the other tourists pass by.
Or relax at one of the many beaches, which are free of charge but also offer showers, beach chairs and sun umbrellas for rent. The magnificent beaches of Mykonos can be enjoyed day or night. Especially during the summer months when nightclubs and beach bars stay open until the early hours of the morning.
The delicious food served in Mykonos is another favorite of visitors. Whether dining at an elegant restaurant or at a small café, Greek cuisine is always delicious with lots of fresh seafood, grilled lamb and those wonderful Greek salads.
There are many ways to reach the island, such as high-speed ferry, plane or cruise ship. The short distance from Mykonos to Athens makes it easy to get there from Greece’s capital — and a nice break from the crowd and smog.
The high-speed ferry from Piraeus, Athens’ harbor, will take about two hours and cost about 30 euros per person.
Bus and taxi services operate all day, seven days a week and make traveling throughout the island easy.
You can choose to stay in a four-star hotel or one of the many bed-and-breakfasts. Booking a room can be done on the Internet. The more daring may want to just take a chance on finding a room when they arrive — sometimes at a discount. But be warned, the island gets crowded in the summer and you might find yourself without a room.
Find more information on the Web site: www.mykonosgreece.com.
Katherine Bish is a free-lance writer and photographer living in England.
