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Mykonos
Don't let the crowds put you off exploring MYKONOS TOWN, the archetypal
postcard image of the Cyclades. Its sugar-cube buildings are stacked around
a cluster of seafront fishermen's dwellings, with every nook and cranny
scrubbed and shown off. Most people head out to the beaches during the day,
so early morning or late afternoon are the best times to wander the maze of
narrow streets. The labyrinthine design was intended to confuse the pirates
who plagued Mykonos in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and it
still has the desired effect.
You don't need any maps or hints to explore the convoluted streets and
alleys of town – getting lost is half the fun. There are, however, a few
places worth seeking out. Coming from the ferry quay you'll pass the
Archeological Museum on your way into town, which displays some good Delos
pottery; the town also boasts a Maritime Museum displaying various nautical
artefacts, including a lighthouse re-erected in the back garden.
Alternatively, behind the two banks there's the library, with Hellenistic
coins and late medieval seals, or, at the base of the Delos jetty, the
Folklore Museum, housed in an eighteenth-century mansion and cramming in a
larger-than-usual collection of bric-a-brac, including a vast four-poster
bed. The museum shares the same promontory as the old Venetian kástro, the
entrance to which is marked by Mykonos's oldest and best-known church,
Paraportianí, which is a fascinating asymmetrical hodgepodge of four chapels
amalgamated into one.
The shore leads to the area known as "Little Venice" because of its high,
arcaded Venetian houses built right up to the water's edge. Its real name is
Alefkándhra, a trendy district packed with art galleries, chic bars and
discos. Away from the seafront, behind Platía Alefkándhra, are Mykonos's two
cathedrals: Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox. Beyond, the famous windmills
look over the area, a little shabby but ripe for photo opportunities.
Instead of retracing your steps along the water's edge, follow Énoplon
Dhinaméon (left off Mitropóleos) to Tría Pigádhia fountain. The name means
"Three Wells", and legend has it that should a maiden drink from all three
she is bound to find a husband.
Mykonos Overview
Major Villages: Chora (Town), Ano Mera
Main Port: In Parikia
Airport: The airport of Mykonos is located 4 kilometres away from the town
of Mykonos.
Famous Beaches: Ornos, Agrari, Elia, Kalafati, Kalo Livadi, Aghia Anna,
Paranga, Platis Yialos, Aghios Stephanos, Panormos, Agios Sostis, Agios
Ioannis, Paradise, Super Paradise, Psarou, Lia, Ftelia, Korfos, Kapari,
Frangi, Glifadi, Houlakia.
Culture: Archaeological places, Museums, Churches
Accommodation: Luxury Resorts, Hotels, Hotel Apartments, Apartments,
Bangalows, Villas, Studios, Rooms, Campings, Traditional houses, Spa Resorts
Transport: Taxi, Topical Buses
Entertainment-Nightlife: Cafes, Bars, Clubs, Cinemas, Festivals
Food: Restaurants, Traditional Tavernas
Activities: Yacht Cruises, Water Sprorts , Diving, Wind Surf, Horce Riding,
Cycling, Spa Centers
Travel Services on the island: Reservations, Bookings, Check Availability,
Special Offers, Last Minute Offers, Holidays Packages, Travel Agencies,
Alternative Tourism, Rent a room, Car rentals, Rent a bike, Rent a car,
Ferries tickets, Flights, Airtickets
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