Blog posts
Mykonos Greece – Where to Go, What to See

Mykonos Greece – Where to Go, What to See

EUROPE, GREECE, LUXURY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

I had always dreamed of Mykonos, the beautiful blue water with the white houses lined up on the hilltop with their beautiful blue doors.   It was with this lifetime of expectation that we sailed into our third stop on the Splendor of the Seas cruise.  Of course, I was worried about a potential let down but we arrived on a sunny still day to a enchanting exotic hospitable island: Mykonos did not disappoint.

Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos, Greece

Once we arrived at the port, the first thing I noticed was the enormous luxury yachts moored at the marina. One in particular caught my attention named “Barbie”.   My first thought was that the owner of Mattel must be here.  When I googled it I learned afterwards that it a private yacht with no clear explanation about the name but I’m sure we can all imagine.

Mykonos Harbor, Greece
Mykonos Harbor, Greece

The blue water of Mykonos in itself is something to marvel at.  I looked back at the pictures I took and found I had taken a good dozen of the striking deep blue color of the sea.

Mykonos Harbor, Aegean Sea
Mykonos Harbor, Aegean Sea
Aegean Sea, Mykonos, Greece
Aegean Sea, Mykonos Greece

Walking into the town, there are white little houses from the shore and up the hillside. The small town is charming, a seemingly endless network of winding,  sloping alleyways and nearly identical blue shuttered homes. Occasionally a small cat or nervous little dog scampered across the path, or a thick canopy of glowing flowers towered overhead. 

Mykonos Town, Greece
Mykonos Town, Greece
Mykonos Town, Greece
Mykonos Town, Greece
Orthodox Greek Church, Mykonos, Greece
Orthodox Greek Church, Mykonos Greece
Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos, Greece
Town of Mykonos, Greece
Town of Mykonos Greece
Steps in the town of Mykonos, Greece
Steps in the town of Mykonos Greece

We walked along the marina admiring the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea to the town center, which they call “Little Venice“.  It’s a small cluster of restaurants and cafes sitting right on the water looking out to sea.  We didn’t eat or drink there but strolled through it.  

Here’s a piece of advice we heard: “If it’s a bit choppy, pick an inland table. The waves will spray the seats nearest the sea.”

Little Venice, Mykonos
Little Venice, Mykonos Greece
Little Venice, Mykonos
Little Venice, Mykonos Greece

We came across this tiny little church sitting on the edge of the water. Small enough to fit probably 20 people inside.  It’s interesting to note that throughout the town of Mykonos, there are over 40 small churches, all maintained and holding a specific importance within the Greek Orthodox calendar.

Orthodox Church in the town of Mykonos Greece
Orthodox Church in the town of Mykonos Greece
Mykonos Town, Greece
Mykonos Town, Greece

The most famous of all the churches in the town of Mykonos is Paraportiani. The church dates back to the 15th century A.D.  The name comes from the word “Porta” – Door, as it was built next to the entrance of a medieval castle in town that was unfortunately destroyed. 

The Paraportiani Church, Mykonos Greece
The Paraportiani Church, Mykonos Greece
Mykonos Town Greece
Mykonos Town Greece

Some of the locals fish and food merchants set up along the water with carts of fresh fruit and flowers for sell.

Local Farm Market, Mykonos Greece
Local Farm Market, Mykonos Greece

When I think of Mykonos, my mind wanders to one of the most striking features of the island, the windmills set on the side of a hill overlooking the Aegean sea with whitewashed homes.  Pristine whitewashed and looking like sentential guarding the town below.  Cute little walking paths for streets that you can get lost in a minute, great little shops and a diverse group of cafes and bars.  The most powerful feature of Mykonos is the colors. I don’t know if it’s because of the light or the white buildings for contrast but as you can see from the photos, the colors just seem more vivid and charming than almost anyplace that I’ve ever been.

Windmills at Mykonos Greece
Windmills at Mykonos Greece
Streets of Mykonos Greece
Streets of Mykonos Greece
Colorful Streets of Mykonos Greece
Colorful Streets of Mykonos Greece

While wondering the streets of Mykonos I came across a jewelry store that caught my eye Georgios & Co .   One of my favorite things to do while traveling is “shopping”, especially for jewelry.   Some of my best jewelry finds were out of the country.   I’ve been searching for a wedding band for the past few years and never found one I really like that would match my ring.   They had exactly what I wanted (white gold band with diamonds on the top).   I was so excited about my ring that I found a matching bracelet to go with it.    Let’s just say it was a very successful buy.

Family Picture, Mykonos Greece
Family Picture, Mykonos Greece

The island of Mykonos was unlike any place I had ever been, I felt instantly captivated, and quite safe and welcome. I can certainly recommend this island to anyone who wants to get the full Greek Isles experience!

About the author

Carmen Edelson is the Founder of Carmen's Luxury Travel. Carmen has been traveling the world for over a decade. Her travels allow her the opportunity to pursue her itch to travel to the best luxury destinations, and experience those first class tastes from around the world.

36 Comments

  1. Lauren
    July 7, 2014 at 12:42 am
    Reply

    It is so charming here! All of the white buildings look straight out of a postcard or a movie or something! I would love to go here someday!

    • Carmen
      July 8, 2014 at 12:42 pm

      Hi Lauren, It does look like it’s from a movie. The white buildings along the hills and coast stand out from miles away. I hope you get to see it for yourself one day. 🙂

  2. Anda
    July 7, 2014 at 2:17 am
    Reply

    Your pictures look so inviting! I’ve never been in Greece, but it’s on my bucket list. Good post.

    • Carmen
      July 8, 2014 at 12:46 pm

      Hi Anda, Greece is definitely a must see. It had always been on my bucket list as well. We had the opportunity to visit only two of the islands on our last trip. I’m looking forward to returning soon.

  3. SJ @ Chasing the Donkey
    July 7, 2014 at 3:06 pm
    Reply

    Ahhhhhh brining back such awesome memories. Although my photos were not where near as hot as yours! Biggest thanks for linking up with us to #SundayTraveler again Carmen.

    • Carmen
      July 8, 2014 at 12:51 pm

      Hi SJ, It helps when everyone in the family takes pictures from their cameras. We are bound to get a least one or two good shots. 🙂 I hope to see you in Athens at TBEX this year.

  4. Adelina | PackMeTo
    July 7, 2014 at 10:57 pm
    Reply

    I love the white washed walls of the buildings. Stunning when sent against the intense blue of the sky and ocean. Sounds like it was a very successful trip.

    • Carmen
      July 8, 2014 at 12:58 pm

      Hi Adelina! We had a great time. My kids really enjoyed walking around the town thru some of the little alleys and shopping of course. They rented scooters and drove around the island too.

  5. jan
    July 9, 2014 at 3:24 am
    Reply

    We walked passed those windmills 35 years ago – they still look the same 🙂 It is a beautiful Island as your photos show. You were lucky (as were we) to have such stunningly good weather.

    • Carmen
      July 12, 2014 at 12:36 pm

      Hi Jan, Yes, the weather couldn’t of been any better. It was very hot on the day we went. My daughter who is very fair skin wore her jacket not to get sunburn. I’m looking forward to returning this year to Athens, and Santorini.

    • Jenny
      August 6, 2014 at 4:35 pm

      I will go see it in Sept ,2014 …how is look right now …:)
      Thanks u guys for Travel tip sharing

  6. Catherine Broughton
    July 11, 2014 at 5:36 pm
    Reply

    We spent 6 weeks in Greece a few years ago with our very aged Great Dane.

    http://www.turquoisemoon.co.uk/blog/part-12-caravan-trip-in-to-greece/

    • Carmen
      July 14, 2014 at 12:55 pm

      Hi Catherine,

      What a great trip! That’s fantastic that you took your dog with you.

  7. Lyn - A Hole in my Shoe
    July 13, 2014 at 2:29 am
    Reply

    I love Mykonos too and you certainly took me back to my trip to Mykonos, such a great read.

    • Carmen
      July 14, 2014 at 3:37 pm

      Hi Lyn, Mykonos is such a great place, we want to go back and spend a few days next time.

  8. Bianca @itsallbee
    July 13, 2014 at 12:01 pm
    Reply

    I have been dreaming about Greece for the longest time now. Hopefully next year that will happen.

    • Carmen
      July 14, 2014 at 3:39 pm

      Hi Bianca,

      I hope you get a chance to visit Greece. The islands are so beautiful.

  9. No-Backpacker
    July 13, 2014 at 12:41 pm
    Reply

    Beautiful pictures that makes me want to go to Greece again!

    • Carmen
      July 17, 2014 at 12:50 am

      Thanks! We really enjoyed our time in Mykonos. Our time in the island was too short.

  10. Margherita @The Crowded Planet
    July 13, 2014 at 1:31 pm
    Reply

    Amazing! I’ve been to Santorini and Crete but never Mykonos. Looks fabulous!

    • Carmen
      July 14, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      Hi Margherita, We are going to Athens in October for the TBEX conference. I’m hoping to spend a few days in Santorini.

  11. Christine
    July 13, 2014 at 3:32 pm
    Reply

    Beautiful pictures! Makes me want to got to Greece even more!!

    • Carmen
      July 14, 2014 at 4:16 pm

      Hi Christine, We loved Greece, the food was incredible and the people were very friendly.

  12. Samantha @ The Wandering Wanderluster
    July 14, 2014 at 3:17 pm
    Reply

    What beautiful pictures! I love Greece and I have been to many islands but not Mykonos! It reminds me a lot of Santorini 🙂

    • Carmen
      July 14, 2014 at 3:45 pm

      Hi Samantha, We are heading to Santorini this year in October. I wanted to go last summer, but we didn’t get around to it. Mykonos is definitely worth it.

  13. Jessica (Barcelona Blonde)
    July 14, 2014 at 9:23 pm
    Reply

    The water is so incredibly clear! This makes me want to go to Greece right now. I’ve never been, but it is SO high on my list.

    • Carmen
      July 17, 2014 at 12:58 am

      Hi Jessica, Greece was everything I expected it to be and more. It’s no wonder that most travellers visiting always want to come back.

  14. Dana Newman
    July 16, 2014 at 9:36 am
    Reply

    Can’t get over the contrast of the bright colors on the white buildings!! Looks like an amazing place.

    • Carmen
      July 17, 2014 at 1:02 am

      Hi Dana, The buildings look like they were just painted white. I loved the contract of the buildings with the bright color doors.

  15. Ashley
    July 17, 2014 at 4:36 pm
    Reply

    Gorgeous pics, those buildings!

    • Carmen
      September 5, 2014 at 11:06 pm

      Thanks Ashley! We really enjoyed walking through some of the streets and admiring all the white buildings along the water.

  16. Lisa Goodmurphy
    September 5, 2014 at 10:30 pm
    Reply

    I loved our port day in Mykonos but my younger daughter and I got quite lost trying to find those windmills!

    • Carmen
      September 5, 2014 at 11:18 pm

      Hi Lisa, I know it’s quite a walk from the port to where the windmills are. We walked along the water, thru Little Venice until we reached them. The view from the windmills is fantastic.

  17. Maounas
    May 10, 2017 at 4:50 am
    Reply

    Mykonos is just like a movie i live r;ight now and really evergy day i like it more!
    All residents and not just the services we try to give the most vip services in mykonos and spend as beautiful and comfortable as possible!

    • Carmen Edelson
      May 10, 2017 at 8:07 am

      You live in a beautiful part of the world!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

3 × 1 =