Mykonos is among the most beautiful and picturesque towns of the Cyclades archipelago. Made of small white houses, it lies on the gentle slope of a hill, where narrow labyrinthine alleys and characteristic views follow one another, interspersed with small churches and boutiques. Thanks to the picturesque Venetian neighborhood called Little Venice, the ancient port of Hora and the white churches is considered the white pearl of the Aegean. The city of Mykonos is suitable for everyone, with its crowded streets where you can stroll admiring the cobalt blue sea and go shopping. But the city of Mykonos is much more than this: it boasts small hidden museums and characteristic windmills of the 1500s that overlook it, without forgetting its transgressive soul.
History
With the Roman occupation of the Cyclades, the city of Mykonos experienced a period of great albeit brief prosperity, which ended in 88 BC. when the nearby island of Delos was razed to the ground during the First Mithridatic War. Under the Byzantine Empire the island of Mykonos was inserted in the province of Achaia and after the fall of the empire with the siege of Constantinople it was occupied by the Republic of Venice. The construction of the agglomeration of churches of the Panaghía Paraportiani dates back to this period, which continued until the 17th century. Conquered in 1537 by the corsair Khayr al-Din Barbarossa, its territory was then occupied by the Turks until the revolution of 1821. The inhabitants of the city of Mykonos distinguished themselves as protagonists of the struggles for Greek independence, in particular the heroine Manto Mavrogenous according to some historians native to the island. In the years following the liberation, famine and emigration unfortunately led to a progressive depopulation of the Cyclades. Starting in the fifties, with the increase in tourism, the city of Mykonos began a strong economic development, to become the main destination for fun lovers, and not only.
A little mythology
According to Greek mythology, the name Mykonos derives from that of Mykons, son of Anio, king of Delos and nephew of Apollo. Mykonos is also referred to as the place where Gigantomachy ended, with the victory of Heracles over the Giants. According to mythology, the bodies of the latter, thrown into the sea by the demigod, petrified and gave rise to the island.
What to do in the city of Mykonos
One of the symbolic places of the city of Mykonos, also known as Chora, is Little Venice, the picturesque neighborhood is so called because the ancient houses, with the colorful balconies, are built on the edge of water and are very reminiscent of the buildings of Venice. Little Venice is located in the center of Mykonos Town, near the port and is made up of traditional houses, which belonged to wealthy merchants and captains in the 1700s. It is a truly suggestive place and becomes even more so at sunset, not to be missed. With the waves crashing on the promenade while the sky is colored with pink shades. The streets of Little Venice form a labyrinth, once designed to confuse pirates, today it is the artists' quarter, in fact it is full of art galleries and exhibitions.
The Paraportiani Orthodox church is located at the bottom of the port, in the Kastro district and is the oldest church in Mykonos. The external architecture is very interesting: the structure is composed of levels, among which it is possible to recognize elements of at least five other previous churches built from the XV to the XVII century. The harmony of shapes and the play of light make the building surprising, especially at sunset. In fact, many tourists gather in this area to admire the beautiful sunset of the island. The lime white of the building highlights even more the intense colors of the sunset of Mykonos .. not to be missed!
On a hill that stands out on the city of Mykonos are the famous windmills of the sixteenth century, it is impossible not to see them .. The white mills were once used to grind wheat and were fundamental for the economy of the island. Today they are one of the main tourist attractions of the city. In addition, one of the mills has been transformed into a museum with photos and captions in English that tell the story and the commercial importance of windmills. The location where the mills are located is called Kato Myli and is easily accessible from the center of the island. There is also a parking lot near the mills for those arriving by car or scooter. You can comfortably reach the area with one of the buses.
If you love shopping Matoyianni is the street for you .. It is a narrow and long street that starts near the old port and almost reaches Little Venice. Walking along Matoyianni you will find shops of all kinds: from high fashion, to pret-a-porter, to shops selling ethnic items and more. Matoyianni teems with restaurants and pubs of all kinds that fully reflect the cosmopolitan soul of this island. What is surprising is that despite the large number of tourists who flock to the island of Mykonos, especially in August, Matoyianni preserves the Greek atmosphere intact, with its narrow alleys and its small and charming shops. White houses, windows with blue doors and flowered balconies complete the delightful picture. The city of Mykonos is an enchantment, especially in spring and September, when the high season draws to a close.
Nightlife
In Mykonos there is the most famous nightlife in all of Greece, including elegant cafés, trendy clubs, gay friendly clubs and groove bars. If you love nightlife don't miss the famous parties on the beaches of Paradise and Superparadise Beach and the discos where the most famous international DJs of the moment perform. On the island, any excuse is good for partying at any time of day or night. After all Mykonos, like Ibiza in Spain, is the island of fun par excellence. From the aperitif until dawn you will be spoiled for choice among the various clubs that follow one another on almost all the beaches of Mykonos. For quieter evenings we recommend a walk in Little Venice, where there are a large number of bars and clubs directly on the sea, creating a truly romantic atmosphere. Among the streets that start from the promenade you will find a large number of souvenir shops, bars and small taverns, but above all bars and disco-pubs. In the city of Mykonos the fun never ends!
Museums
The Folk Art Museum located near the Paraportiani Church is very interesting to discover the uses and customs of the ancient inhabitants of Mykonos. In fact, it collects an interesting collection of period furniture, plate sets, prints, engravings, traditional clothes and art objects. The underground floor is dedicated to the city of Mykonos and the sea and various numerous naval memorabilia and not only, including model boats, cannons, vintage photos and a life-size ship used during the war of independence of 1821.
The museum is open from April to October, with free admission.
In the Alefkantra district, between Little Venice and the famous windmills of the city of Mykonos, there are at least 10 churches including the cathedral of Odos Mitropoleos, and Panagia Rodariou, the only Catholic church on the island, which houses an important icon.
Naval Museum of the Aegean is located in the Odos Enopion Dinameon district and houses a collection of models from 1500 BC, inspired by the frescoes of Akrotiri, the ancient archaeological site of Santorini. Here you can admire the evolution of navigation in the Aegean Sea: Assyrian dinghies, Egyptian sailing ships, holkades, up to impressive Greek war triremes of the fourth century BC. Ancient amphorae, nautical instruments on board, anchors, rudders and portraits are also exhibited. The museum also houses a small thematic library.
The Aegean naval museum is open from April 1 to November 1
Also worthy of note is the Archaeological Museum, located on the harbor road. It houses Corinthian vases and a funerary stele of Rhinia from the 1st century BC. In addition to jewelry, gold jewelry and terracotta statuettes and other ceramic finds from the nearby islands of Rhina, Paros and Delo,
Also interesting are the Museum of Folklore, the Museum of Agriculture and finally the lovely Casa di Lena, an authentic traditional home of the bourgeoisie of Mykonos. Lena's house, located next to the naval museum, dates back to the 19th century and belonged to the daughter of a wealthy merchant. You can perceive the elegant and welcoming atmosphere of the time and you can admire splendid furnishings and personal items.
Lena's house is open from April 1st to October 31st with free admission
The excursions
From the port of Mykonos town many tourist boats and sailing boats appeared for day trips and mini cruises on the islands of Rhenia, Delo and Tinos. In half an hour by boat you arrive on the island of Delos, to visit the famous historical sanctuary, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The guide will show you the ancient temples, villas with mosaic floors, the famous "Lions" of Delos, the amphitheater and much more ..
In the city of Mykonos there is the possibility to rent any type of boat to freely turn the wonderful beaches and coves of the island. If you love the thrill you can even book a helicopter ride to admire the city of Mykonos from above. In short, you are spoiled for choice ..
Once back in the city, enjoy a sunset cocktail on the promenade and then party all night in the elegant discos and cafes of the city of Mykonos!