The Mykonos Villa Book
Greece
Destination Guide
Although one of the smallest islands of the Cyclades, Mykonos is definitely the most well known, a result of its natural beauty, fine sandy beaches, and excellent restaurants and beachside tavernas. Attracting people from A-listers and millionaires to backpackers and families, the amazing thing is that, despite its popularity and summer crowds, it has managed to preserve its charm and character intact. The island's landscape is a arid and rocky, serving as a fitting backdrop to the stunning white architecture, blue-domed churches and the numerous stretches of beautiful sandy beaches, all these accentuated by the wonderful Mediterranean light and deep blue background of the Aegean. There is a beach for every taste and mood; nudists, party goers, and families. The beaches on the south shore of the island have the best sand, view and are protected from the Meltemi, the local Cycladic wind. The north coast beaches are less developed but just as beautiful, and most suitable for those in search of a calmer ambience. Chora, the island's port town and capital, is still considered by many as the Greek Saint Tropez and it never fails to attract the crowds with its charming, narrow, white-washed streets, white cubed houses, with tiny balconies draped in bougainvillea and pots of geraniums, boutiques and restaurants. Little Venice is a picturesque neighborhood at the southwest end of the port and owes its name to the fact that many of the island's wealthy early captains built their houses directly on the sea here. It is the town's most idyllic spot, especially in the late afternoon, where one can enjoy the wonderful sunset in one of the stylish bars overlooking the water. On the high windswept hill nearby you can see another of the island's famous landmarks, the Mykonos windmills. Like Santorini, Mykonos’s worldwide reputation makes it easy to get to, either directly from the UK, or via Athens, or one of the islands. Two useful websites for those who want to travel between the islands. For flights: http://www.skyexpress.gr and for hydrofoil routes and timings: www.greekislands.gr