Heads up: a few of the hyperlinks on this web site are affiliate hyperlinks. For those who click on and make a reserving or buy, I’ll make a fee (at no further value to you). I companion with firms I personally use and the $$ goes in the direction of creating extra superior, free journey content material.
With its iconic white stone structure, sapphire waters, and pulsing nightlife, Mykonos in Greece is a dreamy mix of historical past, tradition, and hedonism. Specifically, the Outdated City, also called Chora, captures the quintessential Greek allure and affords a plethora of fascinating sights. Right here’s how one can greatest discover this traditional Mediterranean jewel.
An Intro to Mykonos Outdated City
The historical past of Mykonos Outdated City, also called simply “Mykonos City” or “Chora”, dates again to antiquity. In line with mythology, Mykonos was the situation of the epic battle between Zeus and the Titans, named after Mykons, who was purportedly a neighborhood hero and grandson of the god Apollo.
Through the Byzantine period, the island served as an important provide level, whereas the Venetians later established management within the thirteenth century, making a bustling industrial hub. The distinctive structure of Mykonos, characterised by cube-shaped, whitewashed homes, labyrinthine streets designed to confound pirates, and vibrant, colourful doorways and balconies, began taking form throughout this time.
Over the centuries, the island advanced, changing into notable as a refuge for artists and a spot of bohemian life-style. In the present day, Chora retains its conventional allure whereas embracing trendy luxurious, presenting a mix of wealthy historical past and trendy sophistication. This juxtaposition provides to the distinctive attract that Mykonos Outdated City exudes, fascinating guests from throughout the globe.
High Issues to Do in Mykonos City
Mykonos Windmills
Start your journey in Kato Myli, dwelling to Mykonos’ well-known windmills – a logo of the island’s historic financial energy. Set in opposition to the azure Aegean Sea, their white silhouettes make for an iconic landmark.
Out of 16 authentic Sixteenth-century mills, seven have been properly preserved, highlighting the efforts to safeguard Mykonos’ heritage. Beforehand used for grinding wheat, these windmills harness the strong island winds and remind guests of their industrious previous.
Though now not lively, the windmills captivate locals and vacationers alike, evoking tales of energy, perseverance, and the timeless fantastic thing about Mykonos.
Little Venice
From the windmills, stroll all the way down to the enchanting quarter of Little Venice. This neighbourhood stands out with its brightly-painted balconies flirting with the glistening waves beneath.
As soon as upon a time, sailors constructed their properties straight on the water in Mykonos. In the present day they’ve been reworked into bars and eating places that welcome vacationers to benefit from the lovely sunsets. Among the tables are so near the water that you simply’ll really feel a splash of sea spray as you sit there.
Seize a cocktail at one of many waterfront cafes and soak within the view of the windmills as you benefit from the mesmerising sundown and the sound of waves crashing in opposition to the rocks. There’s actually nothing fairly prefer it.
Listed below are a few of the greatest bars in Little Venice:
Kastro’s bar-restaurant: Instantly overlooking the ocean, Kastro’s is a historic venue providing a singular Mykonian ambiance with lovely artwork items, distinctive crafted cocktails, and delicious bites.
Caprice Bar: Often known as one in every of Mykonos’ most well-known bars, Caprice affords a full of life and vibrant environment, magical sundown views, and an unlimited number of cocktails and native drinks.
The Outdated Barber Store: Distinct in character, this trendy cocktail bar captures the essence of Mykonos with its vibrant environment and artistic drink menu – all set in a renovated outdated barbershop!
Scarlet Mykonos: An aesthetic vacation spot providing an elegant setting, beautiful drinks, and jazz tunes. It’s an ideal spot for a night of relaxed luxurious.
Breeze Cocktail Bar: This bar is beloved for its setting on the seafront, energetic surroundings, and large number of cocktails. Breeze ensures your night time begins or ends on a excessive observe.
Mykonos Harbor and Outdated Port
Subsequent, amble over to the Mykonos Harbor and Outdated Port. Right here, you’ll discover a bustling, vibrant environment full of fishermen hauling of their day’s catch, idling catamarans, and full of life tavernas. The harbor is the idyllic spot for leisurely walks and people-watching.
Panagia Paraportiani
The Church of Panagia Paraportiani is a must-visit. Identified for its architectural peculiarity and uniqueness, it affords a commanding view of the city, good for photograph lovers.
The distinguishing attribute of this church is its uncommon composition – it’s an astounding meeting of 5 particular person church buildings interconnected, creating one cohesively architecturally splendid construction.
The oldest of those 5 church buildings is the Church of Agios Anargyros, initially constructed within the latter a part of the 14th century. The remaining 4, Saint Sozon, Saints Anargyroi, Saint Anastasia, and Virgin Mary Portiani or Portaitissa, have been added progressively over a number of centuries, lastly accomplished within the seventeenth century.
This distinctive ‘church inside a church’ construction seems as if whimsically composed but is rooted in deep religion, providing an attention-grabbing perception into Mykonos’s ecclesiastical historical past. Its whitewashed partitions distinction superbly in opposition to the blue sky and the cobalt sea, rendering it a favorite topic for photographers throughout the globe.
Positioned within the Kastro neighborhood, the best level within the city, the Church of Panagia Paraportiani additionally affords commanding panoramic views of the charming white-washed homes of Chora and the encircling seascape.
Mykonos Citadel
Mykonos Citadel, also called Kastro, is a historic remnant from the island’s Venetian rule within the thirteenth century. Although a lot of it now lies in ruins, the fortress’s web site affords majestic views of the Outdated City and the azure Aegean sea. The traditional edifice exudes a way of mystique and offers insights into the island’s wealthy previous. Near the fortress, you’ll discover the enduring Church of Panagia Paraportiani, including to the general attract of this historic space. A go to to Kastro is a step again into the enchanting historical past of Mykonos.
Saint Nikolaos Church
Saint Nikolaos Church, positioned on the harbor of Mykonos, is a superbly preserved nineteenth century Orthodox church. A testomony to conventional Cycladic structure, its white exterior contrasts strikingly in opposition to the blue sea backdrop. Framed by the bell-tower and accented by non secular frescoes, the church creates a serene environment amidst the colourful harbor exercise. This lively place of worship additionally affords spectacular sundown views, making it each a religious and visible sanctuary on the island.
Take pleasure in Greek Meals at Nikos Taverna
If you wish to attempt some conventional Greek meals, drop by Nikos Taverna, a stalwart in Mykonos’ Outdated City. Identified for its glorious Greek delicacies and heat hospitality, it’s the proper place to relish mouthwatering seafood and native dishes like Greek salad, tzatziki and Mykonian pie. This place is usually packed on summer time evenings, with a full of life atmosphere and loads of out of doors seating for eating al fresco.
Go to Scandinavian Bar
The island’s nightlife is known, and to not be missed is the favored Scandinavian Bar. With its vibrant environment and nice music, it’s an important cease for night time owls seeking to dance the night time away. The bar is positioned within the coronary heart of Mykonos City, and it’s open till the early hours. It’s an awesome place to satisfy new folks and luxuriate in a few of the greatest cocktails on the island.
180 Sundown Bar
Settle in at 180 Sundown Bar after an extended day of exploration. This bar is positioned above the city and has a big terrace with flooring cushions the place you’ll be able to sit and luxuriate in an beautiful view of the sundown. Mix this with a heady menu of cocktails, and a relaxing atmosphere and you’ve got the proper spot to finish your day.
Through the summertime, the bar hosts DJs, singers and musicians, with common dwell performances. On the menu you’ll discover loads of recent seafood, plus nibbles akin to Greek mezze and cheeses.
Wander the Streets
Mykonos City is a labyrinth of slim, winding paths dotted with cute memento retailers, high-fashion boutiques, and vibrant cafes. Each flip is a pure delight!
Dedicate a while to wander down Matoyianni Road, which is among the most photogenic streets on the island. In every single place you go in Chora you’ll discover alternatives to have your photograph taken with colourful doorways and whitewashed buildings.
Rarity Gallery
Artwork lovers ought to go to Rarity Gallery, the primary established modern artwork gallery on Mykonos. It hosts works from worldwide artists and affords a mix of pop, surreal or hyper-real artwork. The gallery is positioned within the coronary heart of Mykonos City, only a brief stroll from the port. It’s open day by day from 10am until late night time and admission is free.
Have Dinner at one in every of Chora’s Finest Eating places
Mykonos outdated city is filled with eating places so that you’ll be spoiled for alternative, however these are a few of the greatest rated ones:
- M-eating: A famend vacation spot for upscale eating, M-eating impresses with its seasonal menu, mixing conventional Greek flavors with modern methods. The restaurant’s intimate al fresco eating space units the proper environment for a memorable culinary expertise.
- Avra Restaurant: Housed inside a bustling backyard, Avra is an beautiful fusion of enchanting ambiance and delectable Mediterranean delicacies. The varied menu affords a mouthwatering mixture of Greek, Italian, and Asian-inspired dishes, guaranteeing there’s a palate pleaser for everybody.
- Kastro’s Bar-Restaurant: Famed for its waterfront location in Little Venice, Kastro’s serves very good conventional Greek delicacies, utilizing recent, regionally sourced components. Paired with tantalizing cocktails and an intensive wine checklist that enhances the culinary expertise, Kastro’s is a must-visit.
- Eva’s Backyard: A hidden oasis within the coronary heart of Mykonos City, Eva’s Backyard serves a mixture of Greek and Italian-inspired delicacies, generously garnished with native aptitude. This family-run restaurant affords a captivating backyard setting that can transport you right into a world of relaxed indulgence.
- To Maereio: Nestled in a comfortable alley, To Maereio affords warming home-style Greek cooking, with an emphasis on native produce and seasonal flavors. The low-key environment, complemented by glorious service and pleasant dishes, make for an pleasant and satisfying eating expertise.
The place to Keep in Mykonos Outdated City
For those who plan on staying in Mykonos Outdated City, listed here are a few of the greatest choices:
Mykonos Blu, Grecotel Unique Resort: This luxurious resort affords cycladic-styled bungalows and personal villas, with beautiful views overlooking the beautiful Costa Smerelda.
Belvedere Resort Mykonos: A boutique resort combining elegant lodging with world-class eating and a central location. It boasts a world-renowned sushi restaurant and an on-site spa.
Kouros Resort & Suites: Positioned on the outskirts of Mykonos City, this 5-star resort affords magnificent sea views, trendy suites, and a effective eating restaurant.
Poseidon Resort Suites: Overlooking the Mykonos windmills, this charming resort offers comfy rooms, glorious service, and a pool space good for rest.
Resort Rochari: A family-friendly resort that includes a big pool space, comfy rooms and easy accessibility to native sights. It affords panoramic views of the city and the Aegean Sea.
Summing Up
Immersing your self in Mykonos’ Outdated City is an absolute immersion into the soul of this Mediterranean gem. Its attract lies in its capacity to create a harmonious steadiness between outdated and new, historic and modern, tranquillity and vibrant vitality – irresistibly fascinating in each sense.
Plan your go to right this moment, and fall in love with the charms of Mykonos Outdated City!
