MYKONOS
Mykonos, also known as the island of the winds, is located in the heart of the Cyclades and is one of the world-famous Greek islands.
What sets Mykonos apart is that on the one hand it can be intense, glamorous and cosmopolitan, but on the other hand it is very picturesque, with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, chapels and windmills, exuding peace and tranquility.
It is said to have been named after the hero Mykonos, son of the king of Delos Anios, who was the son of Apollo and the nymph Rhoias. According to mythological tradition, the giants killed by Hercules were buried here, hence the island is dotted with large rocks.
Windmills
The hallmark of the island are the windmills that can be seen southeast of Chora. The Down Windmills are located next to the sea, between the picturesque Alefkandra (Little Venice) and the Niochori district and impress every visitor with their all-white imposing volumes in a row, oriented towards the sea.
Today, seven of the ten are preserved (in the whole island there were once more than twenty), which existed here until the first decades of the 20th century and milled the local grain with the help of the north wind.
The existence of windmills in insular Greece dates back to the beginning of the 15th century. Later, during the late 18th century to the middle of the 19th century, it is established that 28 windmills operated in Mykonos. Apart from Chora, windmills also operated in Ano Mera.
In addition, Mykonos was a necessary stop for passing ships between the 17th and 19th centuries. During that period, the island's economy was particularly developed and the mills that, as early processing units, supplied the ships with rusks contributed significantly to this. In general, the high frequency of winds in Mykonos favored, during this period, the business of milling and trading grains.
With the help of the windmill, the inhabitants were able to exploit an abundant source of energy, the wind, and improve their living conditions in the small and remote communities where they lived. In addition, during that period, flour was the most basic component of their diet, as a result of which the mill facilitated the process of grinding the grains.
However, mills began to lose their economic value after World War I due to technological developments.
Nevertheless, today they are one of the most popular monuments of the Cyclades.
General information & interesting sights
The country of the island will enchant you from the first moment, maintaining an undemanding and simple Aegean beauty. Narrow cobblestone streets, small freshly whitewashed houses with blue windows and small wooden balconies, pots with colorful flowers, churches, museums and streets with heavy commercial traffic dominate.
In the settlement, the church of Panagia Paraportiani, the Town Hall and the Castle, which is located on a hill above the port, stand out. On the beach is the Kazarma with the arches in which the soldiers of Mantos Mavrogenos (important woman warrior during Greek revolution 1821) were housed. In Chora you can also visit three notable museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Collection of Mykonos and the Maritime Museum of the Aegean. The Archaeological Museum, which was founded in 1905, houses finds from the neighboring island of Rhenia.
One of the most picturesque and famous corners of the island is Alefkandra or Little Venice, a district of the 18th century where the rich merchants and captains of the time had their homes.
The second traditional settlement of Mykonos after Chora is Ano Mera, which develops on a large area inland around the historic monastery of Panagia Tourliani.
North of Ano Mera, in the area of ​​Ftelia, there is an important Neolithic settlement and a Mycenaean tomb of the 14th-13th c. e.g. The sights of Ano Mera also include the church of Agios Georgios and the medieval castle of Gyzi, (13th century), with the church of Agia Triada.
When you visit Mykonos, don't forget to visit the neighboring Delos, which, although it is one of the smallest islands in the Aegean, was in ancient times the holiest island, as according to the legend, Apollo and Artemis were born there. On the island there is a unique archaeological site that is worth seeing.
BEACHES
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Agios Stefanos – Houlakia: Located on the west coast of the island, with a unique view of Delos and Rhenia. A short distance from the new port of Tourlos and 3 km north of Chora.
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Megali Ammos: It is located a five-minute walk from the center of Chora. The beach is suitable for wind and kite surfing, underwater fishing and horse riding offered by the island's riding schools
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Korfos: It is located just before the settlement of Ornos and at a distance of 2.5 km from Chora and is ideal for windsurfing enthusiasts.
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Ornos: A windless beach in the south of Korfos and one of the busiest and family friendly beaches of the island located in its southwestern part.
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Agios Ioannis – Kapari: These two beaches are 3.4 km from Chora and have a wonderful view towards Delos.
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Psarou: It is 4km from Chora. It is the most secular and organized beach with water sports
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Platys Gialos: Tourist beach with a sandy beach, in the southern part of the island. It is about 4km from Chora.
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Paraga: small beach with a view of Cape Drapanos. About 5 km from Chora.
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'Paradise' (Kalamopodi): famous for the parties that start at noon and last until the morning. It is located at a distance of 5.5 km from Chora.
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Super Paradise' (Plintri): Equally famous for parties until dawn. It is located at a distance of 7 km from Chora.
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Elia: One of the most beautiful beaches of the island, with fine sand in the southeast.
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Kalafatis - Agia Anna: Windsurfing is particularly popular here, as European Freestyle Windsurf competitions are often organized.
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Merchia: Located in the north of the island, 14km from Chora. Ideal for those who desire isolation and exploration.
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Ftelia: Northern beach in the bay of Panormos with amazing waters and sand. The most ideal beach for Windsurf and Kitesurf.
