Jan
10
Mykonos Holiday & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Greece
A trip to Mykonos
Mykonos sports establishments and activities in the vain of exactly what you’d expect from a mass-tourism location. A saturation of football jerseys and late night, boozy twenty-somethings is most prominent in July and August, but at quieter times of the year visitors can see the real Mykonos, replete with fascinating culture and history. The Aegean turquoise waters are, however, worth coming for at any time of the year.
Flights to Mykonos
Mykonos is easily accessible from other Greek cities, with several daily flights operated by Olympic Airways arriving from Athens and to a lesser extent Thessaloniki. International flights mostly land in Athens, from where a smaller plane will bring you to Mykonos. In peak tourist season there are direct charter flights available from European cities. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Mykonos try Expedia.
There are also some good options for inter-island travel, with ferries connecting the island with Paros and Athens’ port, the Piraeus. There are also high-speed catamarans from Santorini. As far as getting around the island after you arrive, there are scooters and cars for rent, or if you’d rather take in the scenery the island is equipped with a well-operating bus system. Even in Hora, the main city on the island, taxis can be scarce at night, so having your own wheels can save you some frustration.
Mykonos
Sightseeing in Mykonos
The first bit of sightseeing you’ll do on Mykonos is look at the beautiful sea and the other islands in the distance. The idyllic Greek isles hit hard, in a nice way of course, and you may find it hard to pull yourself away from these views and the beach.
There are two cities on the island, Hora and Ano Mera. Smaller than Hora but containing more sights of historical interest, Ano Mera is a quieter alternative. Buildings of note include the Panayia Tourliani Monastery and the Monastery of Paleokastro. Both places will take you back in time, and with the water lapping on the shore they are great place to just sit and be. The windmills on the island are straight out of a picture book.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
All of the above are what you get in Hora, especially if you arrive during the busy summer season. Being an international place, you’ll smell English breakfasts before anything else, meaning there are possibly more international food options than places serving traditional Greek fare. The pubs, taverns and discos are what many come to the island for, and those looking for a party will not be disappointed.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
Unless you’re shopping for your next beer, you probably won’t find anything of great interest on Mykonos besides the standard set of tourist wares. If shopping for booze and dancing the night away wears you out, don’t despair. There are many good beaches dotted around the coastline, historical buildings to see and if you’re feeling guilty for your hedonism, check out the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos to remind yourself that you are still in possession of a functional intellect.
Daytrips
Although the island’s many sandy beaches are the main attractions of Mykonos, there are a number of worthwhile attractions which can easily be visited from town. The nearby tiny island of Delos is considered one of the country’s most important archaeological sites and is now a national museum in its entirety. Daily excursions are available from many of the beaches as well as from the main harbour. Climb Mount Kythnos for beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
It is well worth spending an afternoon exploring Mykonos Town, otherwise known as Hora, with its labyrinth of whitewashed alleyways and excellent selection of tavernas. For a contrast, head inland to the village of Ano Mera. The highlight of this unspoilt and charming village is the 16th century monastery, Panayia Tourliani, featuring 18th century sculptures.
Must-see attractions
Mykonos is full of fascinating attractions, and the imposing Paraportiani Church is one of Greece’s most important architectural structures. Constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries, this fantastic example of architecture lies within the old town.
Perhaps the most iconic attractions of the island are the 16th century windmills which once served to grind grain. Although their numbers have massively declined, the beautiful windmills can still be seen around the old port but one of the best examples is the 16th century Boni Mill, which overlooks the village.
All who visit Mykonos will at some time stroll through the charming area of little Venice, with its lovely buildings virtually hanging over the sea. Petros the pelican has made his home on the town’s waterfront for years and has now become the official mascot. Although the old bird has perished, the residents have found a replacement who can be seen fishing and preening by the harbour.
Best time to go
Mykonos can be enjoyed year round, with July and August tending to be the hottest months, when temperatures reach far into the 30s (°C). January and February are the coldest months but even in the winter, rain rarely falls. Temperatures tend to be pleasant throughout the year, occasionally dropping to 0°C on winter nights. Throughout the summer and winter seasons, the island experiences consistent and strong winds.
Rainy day attractions
Although you are unlikely to encounter many rainy days in Mykonos, a handful of indoor attractions are well worth visiting. The Aegean Maritime Museum displays objects from the islands shipping history, while the Archaeological Museum houses a collection of ancient ceramics and other artefacts from ancient times. The Folklore Museum and its branches also house some interesting collections.
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