GENERAL INFORMATION
The many family “panigyria” – feasts are always, for the Mykonians, events that give a necessary respite from the intense rhythms of daily life, especially in the summer. To honor the saints’ day at a particular chapel, the family which owns or is responsible for the place provides – mainly – meat, broth, bread and wine for all participants and there is dancing to the accompaniment of local musicians. There are also “panigyria” for example Agion Apostolon or Agios Nikolaos) that are much more impressive: the sponsorship is undertaken by an Association, or the Municipality or the case of a major holiday, without a sponsor (-such as the 15th of August in Ano Mera.)
Culture and Entertainment
During the summer, the Municipality and the Cultural Center (D.E.P.P.A.M) or other sponsors organize many interesting events: concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, etc. Usually the locations for these events are the halls of the Cultural Center and the open theater in Lakka. Also all summer long, the municipal cinema, ‘CINE MANDO’, is open in the Metelopoulos Garden in Limni. The telephone of D.E.P.P.A.M. is 2289027190, 2289027191.
Sports
For fans of windsurfing there are schools at the beaches of Platy Yialos, Psarrou, and Kalafati. The majority of organized meets take place at Ftelia because its’ northerly orientation is the best: there is always enough wind.
There is also diving schools at Psarrou, Kalafati, and Platy – Yialos. If one has a boat, there are mooring both at the new harbor in Tourlos and at Ornos (information available from the Harbor Police) and day trips can be made to neighboring islets.
Nature
The countryside of the island is ideal for hikers and jogging enthusiasts. There are old paths, leading to the interior of the island (for directions, just ask the locals), where one can appreciate unique sights and the magic of primordial Mykonos. The flora – and fauna – of the island is extraordinary and pleasant respites are offered every so often along the paths; the farmhouses in ruins impressive rocks, “crocodile” lizards (the local lizard, agama stellio) atop the stone walls and even on the prickly peas, the bamboo groves and laurels, all can give such rare pleasure. The good weather presents opportunities for boating and fishing in the island’s clear waters of the island and its neighboring rocky islets.
Alternatives for the unadventurous are generously offered on the island: there are many uniquely beautiful beaches, some crowded other deserted.
Transportation
During the high season, the K.T.E.L buses (tel: 22890 23360) have regular, frequently – scheduled, routes to and from the countryside (Ano Mera etc.) and the majority of the islands’ beaches. Departures, depending on the destination are from the two bus terminals on the north (Museum) and south side (Fabrika) of town.
The main TAXI stand is in the Mando Square, prices are “fixed” for each destination. There is a 24 hours dispatching service: tel.:2289022400 and 228923700.
A wonderful means for visiting the beaches on the southern shore of the island are the “CAIQUES” small boats that, departing from Platy-Yialos and Ornos, make regularly scheduled round trips as far as Elia beach, to the east.
Boat tickets, schedules and information is available at the travel agencies on the waterfront.
“Olympic Airways” has an office in Fabrika, tel.:2289022490, 2289022495.
Important
Due to changeable weather conditions, airplane or boat departures may be delayed or cancelled, and it is in the travelers’ won interest to be well informed.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Tourist Police: 22890 22 482
Health Centre: 22890 23 998 / 23 994
Municipality of Mykonos: 22890 22 201 / 23 988
Centre of Public Services: 22890 28 621
Bus Station: 22890 23 360
Taxi station: 22890 23 700 / 22 400
Hoteliers' Association: 22890 24 760 / 24 540
Union of Room & Apartment Rentals: 22890 24 860 / 26 860
Olympic Airways: 22890 22 490 / 22 495
Mykonos - Delos: The islands of Light
This is the most famous tourist island in the Eastern Mediterranean and certainly the most cosmopolitan among the Cyclades, something which is not just by chance. Mykonos (which actually is a part of small group of islands, together with Delos, Rhenia and various rocky islets) easily captures the visitors interest, thanks to the great variety of choices offer here. There is something for everyone, whether one is demanding or unprepared a night owl, a typical world traveler or a nature lover; “holidays” here can mean anything from the most peaceful relaxation to the wildest partying. Located on the islands’ western harbor, the “Chora” of Mykonos is a very beautiful old island town, which in the past had its own merchant fleet. Today miraculously, it maintains a balance between tourism-related development and the preservation of its very picturesque features.
There are whitewashed houses, proud windmills, a multitude of chapels, busy back streets with balconies full of flowers and a multicolored fleet of fishing boats in the port.In the background is the Paraportiani Church; alongside it, sea-washed “Little Venice”. After sunset everything changes: crowds throng this luxurious marketplace and the restaurants, bars and discos consign the tiny town to the pleasures and the different rhythm of the night.
Ano Mera one of the most eastern side of the island, a tranquil village in the midst of farms, is a lovely locale, known for its excellent taverns. It is ideal for bicycling and hiking, and there are beaches nearby for swimming and water-sports. Tourists may also visit the two monasteries in the area, “Tourliani” and ”Paleokastro”.
As long as the sun is shining, the island’s greatest attractions are the many beautiful beaches and the clean blue-green sea.
On Mykonos there is something for everyone: location that the easily accessible by public transportation or “far from the madding crowd”; family style beaches or those frequented mainly by wind-surfers – or flocks of nudists. All categories of seaside accommodation, from campground to luxury villas, are available; plus one may enjoy a great variety of water-sports and many beaches bars and restaurants. Most of the beaches are on the south side of the island. Among these are the mach frequented Platy Gialos, Psarou, Ornos, Paranga “Paradise” (Kalamopodi), “Super Paradise” (Blintri), Elia, Kalafati, Kalo Livadi, and Lia. On Mykonos western shore are Agios Stefanos, Houlakia, Tourlos, Megali-Ammos and Agios Yannis (opposite Delos).A day devoting to exploring Delos is a must before returning home. This ancient ruined city dedicated to Apolo, was also a major center it the Mediterranean.
There are a number of small museums in Mykonos town and, during the summer, there is an outdoor cinema, the Cine Mando, and various art exhibitions, theatrical performances and concerts.
BEACHES
The most important maybe of the tourist advantages of Mykonos, which makes it special among all the islands of the Aegean Sea, are its beaches.
There are here, without doubt, the most –and the best– beaches one can finding in such a small island. Especially on its southern part, the scenic coves with their beautiful sandy beaches never end.
One can reach these beaches by car or motorbike, as the road network that radiates from Hora (the city of Mykonos) spreads almost towards every corner of the island.Especially because of this feature of Mykonos’ road network, many southern beaches are also connected with one another by boats which sail on a regular basis all day throughout the summer, something which could prove to visitors an excellent opportunity for excursions.
Leaving, then, Hora of Mykonos (in the port of which there is a small beach which some tourists prefer for convenience) with a direction towards the south, one can see in turn the following most popular beaches:
Megali Ammos
The closest to Hora worth-visiting beach on the island
Ornos
Lee beach on the north of Korfos, with regular bus service, considerable amount of hotels, restaurant. Small fish port and ideal anchorage for yachts. There is a SCUBA diving school. It’s the first in a series of southern beaches that follow.
Psarou
Beautiful, popular and organized beach with sea sports (SCUBA diving school and more.)
Platis Gialos
It is perhaps the most frequently-visited beach of Mykonos. It has a beautiful sandy beach, high class hotels, restaurants and very frequent bus service. It is the starting point of the sea transport connection to the southern beaches by boat: Paraga, Kalamopodi, Plidri, Agrari, Elia.
Paraga
A beautiful, small beach with a nice landscape (Drapanos cape). At its back is the beach of Ag. Anna and one of the two camping facilities of the island.
'Paradise' (Kalamopodi)
Beautiful and much-frequented beach, known since the “hippies” season. Big camping and sea sports. Transport.
'Super Paradise' (Plidri)
The most famous beach on the island. The crazy parties which come up on the beach made it the most important attraction for young visitors.After the 50’s it has been recognized as the special place where the VIPS meet. A lot of people, unbelievable clubbing and eccentricity at its best. If you suddenly see next to you an internationally known artist you admire, don’t be surprised
Agrari
One more beautiful beach on the island, more isolated, for those who do no like the crowds.
Panormos - Agios Sostis
The only beaches, suitable for swimming, on the northern part of the island, especially attractive, in the bay of Panormos. This characteristic provides all the conditions for someone to enjoy surfing in this bay.
Elia
Another beautiful, big and popular beach of the island. The last 'stop' of the sea transport by boats, which leave from Platis Gialos.
Kalo Livadi, Tourlos, Korfos, Agios Ioannis, Ftelia and others.
WORTH SEEING
Small Venice
“Small Venice” ("Mikri Venetia"), one of the most picturesque corners of the Aegean Sea, at the west of the Castle (Kastro). One can enjoy from here, among other things one of the most impressive sunsets.
Between the centre of the old Castle and the beautiful neighbourhood of Alefkadra, above the sea, is where scenic “Small Venice” is magically hanging. It owes its name, which is not traditional as one would think, probably to travellers of the beginning of the 20th century, who, obviously charmed, compared it to the eternal city of the Doges.
In reality, it is the western part of the post-Middle Age period Castle, the walls of which were formed by the well-built –although crammed– houses of its perimeter. For approximately six centuries it has been washed by the light blue water of the Aegean Sea, sometimes furiously some others calmly; it is decorated with balconies died in vivid colours and with wooden open air balconies. One can enjoy from here, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful sunsets in Greece.
Kato Myloi
The cluster of Kato Myloi (Lower Windmills), which rise proudly over the sea, on the small hill southwest of Hora (the city of Mykonos).
Kato Myloi are situated southwest of Hora, next to the sea, between scenic Alefkadra and the quarter of Niohori, and impress every visitor with their snow-white magnificence, built in a row, looking to the sea. Today, seven have been preserved out of ten (once there were more than twenty on the island), which existed here until the first decades of the 20th century and used to grind with the unstoppable power of the northern wind the local wheat.
The windmills of Mykonos, early processing units, decisively contributed between the 17th and the 19th century to the economic prosperity of the island, which, being a necessary station for the passing sailboats, supplied them with rusk. After the 1st World War, through the progress of technology they lost their financial value and were finally marked as one of the most popular monuments of the Cyclades islands and, their picture as a ‘trademark’ travelled all around the world.
In 1700 the cluster with the 11 windmills had already been developed and operated. Today, the Windmill of Geronymos (private) is in the best condition, which used to operate until the 60’s and, the greatest part of its equipment has been preserved
SIGHTSEEING
Paraportiani Church: In the Kastro, which is the original nucleus of the present-day town of Mykonos (on its northwestern edge), stands the Paraportiani, a group of building impressive for its shapes plasticity. In this location, during the Middle Ages, there was a tall, fortified tower, side by side and above one of the entrances to the Kastro. Now there is a complex made up of five churches altogether, four on the ground level and on the floor above, the church of the Virgin, which is the oldest of all. The Paraportiani, and the windmills are the island’s trademark.
Post-Byzantina Era Churches
The Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Tourliani
The Monastery of Paleokastro and its Environs
The Public Library: Besides its’ approximately 10000 volumes (the majority of which belong to the historical library donated by Alex. Meletopoulos), the library houses a large collection of photographs various 18th and 19th cent. Documents, gravures, etc. It is located in the square beside the church of Agia Kyriaki, on the ground floor of a marvelous 18th century mansion.
Panagia “Lozaria”
Marathi-Ampelokipos
The Three Wells: In the center of the present-day town, in the area known as “Tria Pigadia”, are the tree wells which were the main water supply for Mykonos Chora form the middle of the 18th cent. until 1956
The Town Hall: The Town Hall, built about 1780, is an early neoclassical two-story building with a tile roof, which was constructed after the 1760-1774 conflict between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, in order to house the Russian Consul General of the Archipelago. A few years later it came under the jurisdiction of the “Koinotita” (the local self-governing body of the island of the Greek revolution) and, since then, the office of the Municipality of Mykonos have been located there.
LOCAL PRODUCTS
Mykonos, like most of the Cyclades islands, has a mainly arid ground and a mild and dry climate. These characteristics don’t generally do a lot of good to the development of particular agricultural cultivations, like cereals, grapevines and vegetables. The result is a small-scale production of goods of exceptional quality, which are absorbed by the local market. Barley and grapevine seem to have been cultivated here since the ancient times and are characteristically depicted on ancient coins of the island.Cattle-raising, which is very limited today on the island, provides today the well-known “kopanisti”, a type of soft spicy (after repeated fermentation) cheese, and aromatic “ksinotyra” in limited amounts. The cooked pork meats of Mykonos, sausages, “louzes”, “paydes” etc. are always in great demand by the Greek and foreigner “gourmets”.There should be, finally, a special reference made to the well-known and also many times prize-winning “amygdalota” (marzipans) of Mykonos, a type of traditional sweet of oriental origin with beautiful aroma; and also “soumada”, (a type of traditional non-alcoholic refreshing drink) made again by almonds.
DELOS: HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL PLACE
Delos is the Sacred Island of the Ancient Greek, which according to mythology, was revealed among the waves of the Aegean to Leto, who was being chased by the jealous Hero; it was the refuge where she gave birth to Apollo and Artemis.
On Delos are found the admirably well-preserved ruins of one of the largest, most significant, and best- organized ancient Greek settlements. The island was first settled, probably by the Kares, about the 3rd millennium B.C. In the beginning of the 8th cent. B.C. it developed into a center of worship and was the capital city of an amphictyony of Aegean island.
At the end of the 6th cent B.C., the tendency of the Athenians was to take over the island: IN 540 B.C. Peisistratos ordered the first purification of the sanctuary. As a result of the second purification (426 B.C.) the entire contents of all the islands graves were remove to neighboring Rhenia. Afterwards in order to prevent desecration of the sanctuary, both births and deaths were forbidden on the island of Appolo.
The Athenians consecrated the first “Delia” dedicated to Leto, Artemis, and Apollo. In 315 B.C., when Macedonians arrived on the island, Delos achieved its independence and developed commercially.
During the Roman period, the island thrived, until, until 88 B.C.; the population included Egyptians, Syrians and Italians. Then, after two dreadful attacks during the Mithridatic War, Delos went into decline and was finally abandoned in the 6th cent A.D.
In the 1873 the French Archaeological School of Athens started excavations and restoration enabling the wealth of the islands history to be revealed to everyone who is interested. The Archaeological Museum of Delos house one of Greece’s most significant collections, including rare exhibits of ancient sculpture ceramic vessels, epigraphs and wonderful mosaics etc.
The sites of Delos and Rhenia are under the protection of the Ministry of Culture; thus, both the mooring of private boats there and staying overnight without official permission are strictly forbidden.
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