Mykonos:
The Island of the Winds

The most famous of the Cycladic Islands has been attracting the international jet-set since the 1950s. Legendary parties, uninhibited fun and a cosmopolitan atmosphere are part of its mythology and glamour.

The “Island of the Winds” is a place of unparalleled natural beauty with a long history. The brilliant white Mykonos Town, with its narrow labyrinthine streets and traditional sugar-cube houses, is a model of stylistic harmony and Cycladic aesthetics that has been admired by legends of architecture such as Le Corbusier.

The sandy beaches with limpid blue waters that sparkle in the dazzling Greek light take the breath away. Neighbouring Delos, with its evocative ancient city, the best preserved in Greece, adds further lustre to the island.

Mykonos is not only beautiful but also offers hospitality and five-star service, top culinary experiences and shops that rival the world’s most exclusive establishments. It is an irresistible combination that has won the recognition of travellers from every corner of the globe.

1. A visit to Delos. The island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was one of the most important places of worship in the ancient Greek world. Today, bathed in the light of the Aegean sun, the remarkable ruins of the ancient city on Kythnos Hill are an awe-inspiring sight.

2. A swim on the virgin beaches of Rineia, with their emerald waters and mysterious caves.

3. A morning excursion to the open-air market of Yialos to meet the local fishermen – and of course the famous pelicans that are Mykonos’ best-known attraction.

4. Exploring the extraordinary undersea world of the island and the rocky islets that surround it. Tragonisi is especially popular for its sea caves while Chtapodia is a good place to see the Mediterranean monk seal.

Mykonos has some of the loveliest beaches in the Mediterranean, true paradises of fine golden sand and turquoise waters. They have every amenity and are ideal for water sports, especially those that require strong winds. Discover:

• The famous Super Paradise, a favourite of young people for its all-day parties.
• The idyllic Psarou with its luxury beach bars that attract celebrities from all over the world.
• The cosmopolitan Kalo Livadi with its good music, high-spirited young people, and families with young children.
• The sandy Elia, with amenities and facilities to suit all tastes.
• The windswept Kalafatis for sports lovers and adrenaline junkies.
• Ftelia, a paradise for Greek and foreign windsurfers.
• Paraga, with its beautiful rocks and fantastic views of Delos.
• The exotic and secluded Kapari for swimming at sunset.

You can enjoy them by choosing one of the ferry tickets to Mykonos.

Mykonos Town
One of the most famous capitals in the Cyclades, Mykonos Town never fails to astound with its outstanding architectural harmony. Built in the 13^th century, it is a labyrinthine complex of whitewashed cobbled streets with stone benches and steps, small white houses with brightly coloured doors and flower-filled balconies, grand old captain’s houses, old churches, and ornate fountains. The gorgeous setting is enhanced by the hill with the windmills, the sandy beach in the old harbour with the fishermen’s boats in the background, and the domes and bell towers of the churches.

The Church of the Virgin Mary Paraportiani
One of the most iconic sights of Mykonos Town is located between the sea and the small gate (paraporti) of the medieval castle. The imposing building is actually a complex of five small churches dating from the 14^th to the 17^th century.

“Little Venice”
Built in the mid-18^th century right on the water’s edge, the houses of the rich captains and merchants of that time form the picturesque district of Alefkandra. The much-photographed image of colourful wooden balconies hanging over the sea has given the area the name “Little Venice”. It is an ideal place to enjoy a drink with a view of the sunset.

The Windmills
A trademark of Mykonos and one of its most famous images, the windmills stand atop a small hill south-east of the Town, overlooking the sea. The island’s wheat was milled here from the late 18^th century to the early 20th century and today, the seven windmills are one of the most popular attractions in the Cyclades.

Mykonos Archaeological Museum
If you choose one of the itineraries to Mykonos, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum. Housed in a building of 1902 in Mykonos Town, it has a collection of archaeological finds from the island of Rineia. The most impressive exhibit is the huge 7^th-century-BC “Mykonos Vase”, decorated with relief depictions of the Fall of Troy.

Ano Mera
This lovely mountain village with typical Cycladic architecture is the island’s only settlement outside Mykonos Town. It is dominated by the 16^th-century Monastery of the Virgin Mary Tourliani in its centre, with its ornate marble bell tower and a carved wooden icon stand made in Florence.

Armenistis Lighthouse
Built in 1891 in one of the most evocative locations on the island, this imposing lighthouse – one of the largest in the Aegean – offers amazing views of the sunset and the neighbouring island of Tinos.

Matoyannia
The main pedestrian street in Mykonos Town is not only one of the world’s most expensive shopping locations, but is also a popular place to see and be seen.

The “Villages”
The countryside on Mykonos is dotted with attractive little farm buildings (the so-called “villages”) as well as countless red-roofed churches dating from the 17^th to the 19^th century. They are unique monuments of folk architecture and well worth discovering. The prettiest of the “villages” are concentrated in the areas of Lino and Chalara.

Paleokastro Hill
Near the village of Ano Mera, in Paleokastro, the ruins of a medieval castle offer a glimpse of the years of Venetian rule. It was built on the remains of an ancient fortification that was the island’s second most important city in ancient times. Nearby, are the well-preserved Gyzi Castle, dating from the 13^th century, and the picturesque Church of Saint Vlassis.

Mykonos is a top culinary destination, with international-award-winning restaurants. The traditional cuisine of the island has some wonderful surprises. Delicious local specialities include kopanisti (spicy cheese), louza (air-dried pork), bouboulo (louza made from pork tenderloin), and herby Mykonos sausage. You should also try mostra (a meze of kopanisti cheese and tomato on twice-baked bread), kremmydopita (onion pie) and melopita (honey tart). Don’t miss the local amygdalota (almond sweets), rafiola (crescent-shaped parcels of dough filled with cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey), and kalathakia (almond tartlets).