Mykonos :: 8 Things That Will Bring You Back

… again and again! Mykonos “Island of the Winds” is one of the 200 islands in the Cyclades, an archipelago in Greece, many of which are uninhabited.

Its history is so compelling when you realize that during the age of pirates the houses made of vernacular stone remained colorless for them to easily blend with the landscapes as a strategy against the pirate raids in the Aegean. And they were built in a maze-like pattern to confuse the pirates, giving the locals more time to escape. But oh what a beautiful place to get lost in.

The white paint also helps keep the houses cooler in the scorching heat. In the 60’s and 70’s a military government ordered everyone to paint their houses only the colors of the Greek flag. This rule also helped bring Greece into the limelight attracting tourists from all over the world. What a picturesque place – Greece is now known for the white houses constructed in an attractive maze along their hillsides. Read more about Greece here.

Here are 8 of my favorite things about my visit to Mykonos ::

8. Seaside bars

One of the things that make Mykonos so charming is all the little bars located in places you don’t expect. Tables outside along a white (of course) building seems unlikely to be one but this is Kastro Bar. I found it among several charming hangouts in Mykonos town. Love all the views!

7. Old Harbor Fishing boats

I loved hanging out in the harbor and watching the fishing boats come in and going out. All of the restaurants in Mykonos serve the freshest of fish these local fisherman bring in daily. The boats themselves are so colorful and make a beautiful contrast to the mostly white background of Mykonos town.

They also offer fishing expeditions and tours for those who love to fish.

6. The Churches

There are a total of between 600 and 800 churches, monasteries and chapels in Mykonos which adds up to be about one church or chapel per local family! Mykonian custom is to place the bones of dead family members in a shrine in the church. This is still practiced in modern times across the island. Perhaps this is one of the main reasons there are so many churches in Mykonos.

I visited four of these adorable churches in town or “Chora” (pronounced hora). Each is white of course but each is unique in its own way. 

Agios Charalambos

You will find Agios Charalambos just behind the windmills in the Chora sitting above the waterfront with a lovely view of the ocean and the surrounding hills.

Agia Kyriaki

Agia Kyriaki which still holds regular services throughout the year is located in the square of the same name where you will also find the public library. This large church with its tall, white walls stands out among the little shops that line the charming square.

Agios Nikolakis

One of the most picturesque churches in Mykonos Agios Nikolakis is a small antique building perched on cobbles near the port and features a beautiful blue dome.

Panagia Paraportiani

Panagia Paraportiani means “Virgin Mary standing next to the entrance door” or otherwise known as The Church of our Lady. You will find this adorable church with a little bell at the top right next to the side entrance of Castle Panigirakis in the Kastro neighborhood. Its interesting architecture and history makes this one of the most photographed churches, it is said, not just in Greece but in the world.

The really unique thing about this church is that it actually consists of five small churches that were built one on top or next to the other. The church of Agios Efstathios is the center of this complex, surrounded by the churches of Agios Anargyros, Agios Sozon and Agia Anastasia. On top of these four churches, there is the church of the Virgin Mary, which looks like a dome.

The five churches were built gradually at different times over centuries. The oldest church is Agios Anargyros which was built in the late 14th century. The other churches were built in the 16th and 17th centuries with renovations till 1920.

5. Seaside restaurant Kavos

Restaurant Kavos is set in a perfect location next to the ocean. Shielded from the winds which occur daily in Mykonos you can have a leisurely meal here and pick your own fresh fish from their fish bar. Comfortable and charming. The wait staff as throughout Europe really are not in a hurry to serve you or to give you the check so don’t be in a rush. Take your time and do as the Greek do :: relax and go with the flow. Greek time is different from what we Westerners consider for time so anyone in a hurry here is going to be frustrated by the slower pace. Five minutes might mean 15 minutes. Just allow more time for your meal, soak in the atmosphere. You will be so glad you slowed down enough to truly enjoy being in Greece!

Tip :: Gyro. I know the pronunciation has been debated. But this is what I learned :: It’s not a “hard G,” it’s not a “hero,” it’s pronounced YEE-roh and don’t forget the rolling R!

4. Little Venice

Little Venice built in the mid-18th century consists of rows of fishing houses along the waterfront, some having been converted into bars and cafes and shops, and yet another of the most popular places in Mykonos to be photographed. Originally built for rich merchants and captains the bottom floor offered direct access to the sea. The legend is that the owners were secretly pirates. 

Many artists come here to paint the picturesque coastline. Best time to visit is 9-10am to have breakfast in some of the local bakeries. Or you can come down between 5 and 7pm to enjoy a stroll through this unique spot, have a cocktail and watch the sunset in what many people consider to be one of the most romantic spots on the island.

3. Castle Panigirakis

The Castle of Panigirakis was built on the foundation of the love between Marcos Panigirakis and his wife Ismini in the 18th century, surrounded by 7.5 acres of gardens and stone walls overlooking the Aegean Sea. This historic property is protected by the Ministry of the Environment as a ‘Preservable Monument of the Pre-Industrial Period.’

Today it serves as a hotel with 5 stars across the board. With breathtaking panoramas, lavish interior and exclusive accommodation :: an oasis of tranquility and indulgence. It is also a popular spot for weddings and spectacular events. 

Rooms at the castle go for anywhere between $178 to $359 USD per nite but you would be hard-pressed to get a reservation as it is booked well in advance.

Location :: Axioti 310, Mikonos 846 00

2. Kato Mili Windmills

Located next to Little Venice, the conical white windmills capped with wood and straw, the 3-story windmills are iconic to Greece and in Mykonos there are actually 16 of them on the island but in the most famous are the five overlooking the harbor. Built in the 16th century they were primarily used to mill wheat and mostly by wealthy families. Most of the windmills face towards the north where they have the strongest winds.

Some of the windmills in Mykonos have been refurbished and restored to serve as homes and some as vaults for Mykonos’ heritage documents.

Tip :: be prepared for a little wind! Mykonos is known for its windy skies all year long and probably the reason for the windmills in the first place. But if you aren’t prepared it may just catch you off guard and sweep you off your feet!

1. The Views

The views are absolutely breathtaking. From where the windmills are to the castle to Little Venice… you have an amazing vantage point from wherever you are in Mykonos.

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What a beautiful island! We were not expecting to enjoy it here as much as we did. Quaint little beaches and shops and streets and houses in this adorable Greek town on the island of Mykonos :: it is really beautiful here! We walked all around the town, through the narrow, winding streets and alleys, all the way up to the windmills and back around to the shore. The views were incredible, waters beautiful, little white houses on the hills picturesque… I can see us coming back this way again one day!