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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Some of the locals fish and food merchants set up along the water with carts of fresh fruit and flowers for sell.
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.
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.
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!
Lauren
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
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. 🙂
Anda
Your pictures look so inviting! I’ve never been in Greece, but it’s on my bucket list. Good post.
Carmen
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.
SJ @ Chasing the Donkey
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
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.
Adelina | PackMeTo
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
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.
jan
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
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
I will go see it in Sept ,2014 …how is look right now …:)
Thanks u guys for Travel tip sharing
Catherine Broughton
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
Hi Catherine,
What a great trip! That’s fantastic that you took your dog with you.
Lyn - A Hole in my Shoe
I love Mykonos too and you certainly took me back to my trip to Mykonos, such a great read.
Carmen
Hi Lyn, Mykonos is such a great place, we want to go back and spend a few days next time.
Bianca @itsallbee
I have been dreaming about Greece for the longest time now. Hopefully next year that will happen.
Carmen
Hi Bianca,
I hope you get a chance to visit Greece. The islands are so beautiful.
No-Backpacker
Beautiful pictures that makes me want to go to Greece again!
Carmen
Thanks! We really enjoyed our time in Mykonos. Our time in the island was too short.
Margherita @The Crowded Planet
Amazing! I’ve been to Santorini and Crete but never Mykonos. Looks fabulous!
Carmen
Hi Margherita, We are going to Athens in October for the TBEX conference. I’m hoping to spend a few days in Santorini.
Christine
Beautiful pictures! Makes me want to got to Greece even more!!
Carmen
Hi Christine, We loved Greece, the food was incredible and the people were very friendly.
Samantha @ The Wandering Wanderluster
What beautiful pictures! I love Greece and I have been to many islands but not Mykonos! It reminds me a lot of Santorini 🙂
Carmen
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.
Jessica (Barcelona Blonde)
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
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.
Dana Newman
Can’t get over the contrast of the bright colors on the white buildings!! Looks like an amazing place.
Carmen
Hi Dana, The buildings look like they were just painted white. I loved the contract of the buildings with the bright color doors.
Ashley
Gorgeous pics, those buildings!
Carmen
Thanks Ashley! We really enjoyed walking through some of the streets and admiring all the white buildings along the water.
Lisa Goodmurphy
I loved our port day in Mykonos but my younger daughter and I got quite lost trying to find those windmills!
Carmen
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.
Maounas
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
You live in a beautiful part of the world!