Captivating Mykonos

Mykonos  is a captivating labyrinth that’s home to white sugar cube houses decked with bougainvillea. These whiter than white houses that adorn the snow white cobblestone paths have mostly blue, red and green brightly coloured doors, windows and balconies. On our site seeing tour we enjoyed meandering through the little alleys and narrow streets admiring the chic boutiques, hidden churches and houses.CaptivatingMykonos018

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

In Mykonos town , Chora is the best place to stroll along the maze of twisting tiny alleys. No maps needed, just walk and sit while admiring the architecture. It’s easy to get lost in this deliberately confusing layout. But just keep walking, taking a turn here, a photo there. You’ll soon come back to a familiar location.

CaptivatingMykonos017

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

There is a strict architectural law that all buildings must abide by. The white and blue colours are said to symbolize the white wave foam of the Aegean Sea and the blue, reflections of the Greek sky. However, the white color of the walls also serves a more natural need, being reflective thus reducing heat absorption in the hot summer. The style of crisp white cubic houses with flat roofs is to provide protection from the strong Cycladic winds. The shady areas from the dense foliage on the exteriors contrast sharply with the spotless whitewashed walls. They glimmer in the sun and flood our senses from the moment we arrive.

CaptivatingMykonos002

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

We pass through Little Venice where the crystal clear waters lap up to the edge of the restaurants and cafes built directly at water level. Further along we admire the views of the famous landmarks of Chora, the signature of the island, windmills lined up on top the hill. Arriving in Mykonos the first thing you see standing on the hill are these Mykonos windmills.  It was beautiful, picturesque and windy so we spent a little time marvelling at the white buildings with splashes of colour and the old windmills.

CaptivatingMykonos021

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The sight is breathtaking, the sparkling, cobalt waters and contrast of the colourful fishing boats.

CaptivatingMykonos010

The monastery of Panangia Tourliani is place 8km from Chora town in Ano Mera village. Dating back to the 18th century the monastery has a marble bell tower with intricate folk carvings.

CaptivatingMykonos006

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

You’ll notice the scenery changes  as you wander along the white sands sweeping along the bay of Kalafatis beach.

CaptivatingMykonos009

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This is a cosmopolitan place to wander on your own and explore the little photogenic churches, Greek culture and delectable cuisine.

CaptivatingMykonos049

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Mykonos is such a beautiful place, contrasting sun drenched skies, crystal clear waters and bougainvillea in bloom against the whitewashed houses.

One of the most famous architectural structures in Greece is the church and Mykonos is an ideal opportunity offering a different aspect. Paraportiani, located near the main harbour entrance in Mykonos comprises 5 individual churches constructed at different times. These cube shaped, all white churches glow in the sunlight and look just as stunning on a cloudy day. In total there are over 600 churches throughout the island.

You may even see a woman selling fruit and flowers from baskets on a laden donkey.

CaptivatingMykonos052

We were in Mykonos as part of our Grand Mediterranean cruise. Have you been to Mykonos? Were you mesmerized with the colours and captivating walks throughout Mykonos like we were?

We have a small favour to ask before you go. Would you please share this post, leave a comment below or just hit the ‘like’ button below? If you want to read more from us why not subscribe to our Newsletter? We won’t spam you or share your personal details. If you’re not already doing so, please follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram or click the MixFlipboard or other social media buttons below to share this post with others who might enjoy reading it.

51 Responses

  1. Hassan says:

    This is such a beautiful post about an amazing city! I fell in love with Mykonos since the first picture as I saw and it is and will forever be one of the best cities I have ever visited. There are a lot of things to do and know about Greece in general and Mykonos in particular. And of course, those beaches are just incredible. They may be crowded a little bit but they worth it. It is an amazing place and I would love for everyone to visit it.

  2. Connie Reed says:

    I so want to visit the Greek Islands. I love the white with the splashes of color in your photos.

    • Lyn says:

      Mykonos was amazing Connie, I do hope you get there one day

  3. Nancie says:

    I love those windmills. I have not been to Mykonos, but have been to Kos. That was back in 1973, and I loved it. Thanks for linking up this week. #TPThursday
    Nancie recently posted…Bibimbap: Eating Your Veggies in KoreaMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Wow I can only imagine what it would have been like in 1973. Nancie thanks for hosting #TPThursday for us all to linkup.

  4. Greek islands are definitely on my travel agenda and Myconos sounds spot on:) Have you visited other islands, Lyn and how did you end up choosing Myconos for your stay?
    Victoria @celebratetheweekend recently posted…American Teen’s Trip to Japan. Part 1My Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Victoria we hasn’t been to any other Greek Islands, only Mykonos and Athens as two of the destinations on a Grand Mediterranean cruise, our very first experience of Europe and the perfect itinerary as our introduction to Europe.

  5. I never knew that about the architectural law of the blue and white – which would account for the same as Oia in Santorini… I haven’t been to Mykonos, but I have always heard great things about it. And now, from your photos I want to hop on a place there now, especially as I can hear the rain lashing down outside!
    Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Monday Escapes #14My Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Ting I am glad our photos have enticed you to want to board a plane and head to Mykonos. It’s interesting the building laws in such places.

  6. Linda Bibb says:

    We visited Greece a few years ago and fell in love with the country. Judging from the beautiful islands we did see — Corfu and a few other Greek islands in the Adriatic — I would imagine that the Aegean islands are just as beautiful. And yes, we definitely want to visit them.

    Dan would love to photograph Mykonos, I just know it. It just begs for a camera lens.
    Linda Bibb recently posted…One Day at Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo in Panama #TheWeeklyPostcardMy Profile

  7. Bryna says:

    I haven’t had a chance to visit Greece yet, but I think if I could go anywhere tomorrow, it would be Greece! I’ve long wanted to see Mykonos and the white and blue houses! What amazing photos you took as well!
    Bryna recently posted…St. Bavo Church, HaarlemMy Profile

  8. Sally says:

    So Mykonos just moved up on my must see list! Looks like just the place I want to get lost wandering around in. Love the photo of the lady and the donkey, just beautiful.
    Sally recently posted…Experiencing New Zealand: QueenstownMy Profile

  9. Jackie says:

    Mykonos looks amazing! I haven’t been, but visiting Greece and its islands is a definite! Your photos go beyond the typical sights and show such a slice of local life, too! Thanks for sharing!
    Jackie recently posted…Travel Hacking With Almost No Credit CardsMy Profile

  10. Zita says:

    I love the look of this place! There is so much of Europe that I am yet to explore and Greece is certainly high on my list!
    Zita recently posted…Five things to do in TorontoMy Profile

  11. Lovely photos! This really makes me want to go back to Greece for another holiday.
    Jennifer (Dr. J) recently posted…Stars and Stripes Forever at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in DublinMy Profile

  12. Rhonda Albom says:

    We were on Mykonos as a cruise ship stop and loved it as much as you did, although we wished we could stay longer. We didn’t get beyond the main town and windmills. Your photos are a great reminder of our half day on the island.
    Rhonda Albom recently posted…Photo Tricks: Shattering the Illusion of Broomstick FlyingMy Profile

  13. Gordon has been to Mykonos and loved it. We will get there together one day. Great photos
    Paula McInerney recently posted…Sleeping with The Animals, Jamala Wildlife Lodge, CanberraMy Profile

  14. Liz says:

    Such a beautiful place! I haven’t been to Mykonos but it is definitely on my list. 🙂 Thanks for an inspiring post!
    Liz recently posted…Day Trip from Paris: Fondation Claude Monet in GivernyMy Profile

  15. I love the Choras of the Greek islands – it always gives me that authentic Greek charm to it. I haven’t been to Mykonos yet though but have visited a lot of the lesser known islands, the Greek mister tries to avoid the touristy places. :p I have yet to drag him there.
    Pinay Flying High recently posted…An Afternoon at Agios Dimitrios Beach, Alonissos.My Profile

  16. Jacqueline says:

    This looks light a photographer’s delight! I just love all of the blues, in the water and around town!
    Jacqueline recently posted…taiwan’s love-hate relationship with typhoonsMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      So many blues, the skies, the waters and the contrasts on the buildings, such a photogenic place. Thanks for your comment Jacqueline.

  17. I’ve never been to Greece, but my teen keeps asking us to take him. Mykonos architecture and color scheme are so distinctive, but I didn’t realize that it was codified. I just thought it was a trend that everyone followed. I really like those windmills and hope to see them in person some day.
    Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted…Badlands Door Trail: Short Hike with a Big ViewMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Michele I actually didn’t think the windmills were as spectacular as some of the other places there, I really enjoyed Mykonos

  18. Elizabeth says:

    We loved Mykonos, very laid back feel about the place. Not as expensive as I thought it would be either. We stayed near Platis Yialos Beach, which during our visit, was less windy than the rest of the Island. There are a lot of great restaurants there by the sea and it is an easy bus ride to Chora. And I agree Chora is great for a wander. We got a map but wandering was much more fun!
    Elizabeth recently posted…Turkish Stuffed Eggplant RecipeMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Yes so many great restaurants and good prices. Elizabeth Chora is just made for putting the map down.

  19. Fairlie says:

    The strong colour of doors and shutters etc contrasting with the white walls makes for very photogenic streetscapes! I’ve cruised past several Greek islands, but not actually visited.
    Fairlie recently posted…Are Australian beaches safe?My Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Some of the island from photos I have seen are amazing. I would love to do a Greek Isle cruise. Thanks for your comment Fairlie

  20. Nancie Lee says:

    Mykonos has always been on my list to visit, because of the beauty in the colors. I fall for beautifully colored buildings every time. Your photos really offered a nice taste of the area. I can’t wait to go one day myself!! Thank you for sharing!

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks for your kind words Nancie. We love colour too so adding Mykonos to visit was an easy choice.

  21. Em says:

    The bits of color really pop against all that white! Looks like a lovely, relaxing holiday. I don’t know much about Mykonos, but there’s a Fleet Foxes song named after it!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT-dxG4WWf4
    🙂
    Em recently posted…How to find peace at the International Peace GardenMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      I agree, the colours sure do pop, but nothing compared to those in the post you linked up. I’d never even heard of the International Peace Garden. Thanks for sharing the song too Em.

  22. Amber says:

    Oh wow, I love the photos! It’s really beautiful there.
    Amber recently posted…Interview – Laura NalinMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      It really is Amber, thanks for your comment.

  23. I’ve been to Greece several times, but never to Mykonos. It looks inviting!
    Juergen | dare2go recently posted…Valparaiso’s amazing StreetArt on this self-guided walkMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      I have only made to Athens and Mykonos so far, I’d love to see a lot more of Greece.

  24. Looking at that cruise ship, I totally want to go on a cruise in Greece one day. The country has been on my bucket list forever but I still haven’t made it there!
    Van (@snowintromso) recently posted…Reykjavik in Black and White // A Photo Tour in IcelandMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      I think a cruise is a great way to visit some places as a sampler, its like the ‘best of’ in a day.

  25. These pictures bring so many memories of my short time in Mykonos. I wish I had more time to walk around the main town and go to other parts of the island. Great to know there are laws protecting the architectural style.
    Ruth – Tanama Tales recently posted…Highlights of the 2015 Latin Food FestivalMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      I would love to stay longer next time too Ruth, it’s just to find the time. Thanks for your comment.

  26. Karen says:

    These photos are amazing! I love those little cube houses and all that white and blue. Just stunning.
    Karen recently posted…Weekend In MacauMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Thank you Karen, Mykonos is such a photographic place… and those colours gorgeous.

  27. Great post and pictures! We loved Greece although we did not get a chance to get over to Mykonos. The stunning water and the gorgeous windmill pictures you have shared make us add this island to our itinerary for next time. I didn’t realize they had a place considered Little Venice, how fun to eat right on the water’s edge.
    Brain & Amanda Eat_Work_Travel recently posted…Our 5 Favorite Spots on PSU’s CampusMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Oh thanks guys, so glad you enjoyed our pictures and that they have enticed you to want to visit. I hadn’t heard of Little Venice until we were there.

  28. Anne says:

    It feels like a lifetime ago I was in Mykonos! Hopefully I will get back there one day.

    • Lyn says:

      Anne it seems ages ago we were there too. I’d love to plan a trip back there again and will once we see a little more of Europe first.

  1. […] exciting collection of travel stories: #WeekendWanderlust at Casual Traveler,  #WeeklyPostcard at A Hole in my shoe and #wkendtravelinspiration at AlbomAdventures. Check them out for your next trip […]

  2. […] This post is part of The Weekly Postcard link-up over at A Hole In My Shoe. […]

  3. […] Princess Cruise Line provided one of the best itineraries and this voyage did not disappoint.  There were no problems incurred like the week before when they could not retrieve the anchor in Mykonos. […]

  4. […] the ruins of Pompeii and the famous Amalfi coast?   No. I could not imagine getting to Mykonos and not walking through the maze of alleys to see the white churches and windmills. Or how could I […]

  5. […] time. You get here some of the best nightclubs and bars; from classy cocktails to dancing music, Mykonos has it all. Once you come to this island, you won’t like to go back as there is so much fun […]

  6. […] This post is part of The Weekly Postcard link-up over at A Hole In My Shoe. […]

Leave a Reply

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

CommentLuv badge

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d bloggers like this:
Interested in travel?

Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.

Thank you for subscribing.

Something went wrong.

Send this to a friend