Vacationing in Mykonos with a baby? Are there so many quiet places to go? Where will you run the poor thing? Since the island is not for family vacations, what will you do there?
We heard these and many more before traveling to the most famous island of the Cyclades from friends and acquaintances! Unfortunately, Greek society effortlessly labels and creates stereotypes. But is it really as the haters present it?
Mykonos may have created a myth around itself (which is maintained by the media desperately looking for a few clicks), by the celebrities who visit it and by the hordes of wannabe influencers, but the island is for everyone! For families, for students, for couples, for party animals and for those seeking the ecstatic beauty of the Cycladic landscape.
You must go to the “island of the winds” leaving behind the generalizations and fairy tales of today’s pseudo-lifestyle. See it with the eyes that Kazantzakis, Elytis, Seferis, Karagatsis, Melpo Axioti, Camus, Le Corbusier and many others saw and praised it.
You will surely find that wealth, show and extravagance are everywhere. But our country's tourism needs them too. Since some can offer them, let them do it here. If you as a region do not offer them, someone else will be found to offer them (see Ibiza, French Riviera, Capri, Marbella, etc.).
This does not mean, of course, that you will not find economical offers or that you will not enjoy one of the most beautiful islands with some of the best beaches in our country. The authentic Cycladic landscape is always present and the energy field of Delos, which many have written about, will win you over from the moment you set foot on it.
For us, Mykonos was a conscious choice this year as its Chora is almost flat and ideal for stroller rides! And while in previous years we may have visited it solo, the time has come to experience it with our little one. So, let's take a detailed look at what's worth seeing and doing on the island, as well as some tips for making the most of your stay there.
How to reduce the cost of your accommodation
1) Search for accommodation Don't wait until summer to start your search. In a world-famous destination, budget accommodations sell out early. 2) Don't go during high season as accommodation prices increase dramatically. You also won't enjoy strolling through the narrow streets of Chora due to the crowds. 3) Go with a big group. If you are a family, get together 2-3 or if you are solo or couples, get organized and book a villa for 8-10 people (there are many in the area). Booking and Airbnb) which will be quite affordable. Also, don't forget that Mykonos has everything from campsites to hostels (if you're that kind of traveler).
What will you see in Chora?
N. Kazantzakis had said: "If you haven't seen Jerusalem, St. Petersburg and Mykonos Town, you don't know what a beautiful city is like." And he was absolutely right! Mykonos Town is a doll that you can't get enough of walking around! Sparkling from end to end, it reflects the blinding white of the houses in the deep blue of the Aegean. It was not without reason that it was designated a monument of modern cultural heritage. In its numerous alleys, blooming bougainvilleas emerge between the blue, red or green windows.
Its labyrinthine alleys were built this way in the past to confuse pirates during their raids and so that the residents could set up ambushes. You will happily get lost in them many times and wander carefree in their incomparable beauty. In every corner you will discover something special that will persistently ask for your photograph!
The famous Swiss architect Le Corbusier once said, "If you haven't seen the houses of Mykonos, you can't be considered an architect. Everything architecture has to say, it says here."
After leaving your car in the comfortable parking lot of the port, you will start your walk from the small but interesting Archaeological Museum. Most of it consists of objects found in Mykonos and Rhenia. The large 'Pithos of Mykonos', a clay amphora with scenes from the Trojan War, is impressive!
Continue to the Gialos district and the square Mantos Mavrogenous with the statue in honor of the Mykonian heroine of the revolution. A descendant of an aristocratic family, she spent all her fortune buying and equipping ships for the needs of the Struggle and caring for soldiers and families in need.
Then you will face the church of Saint Nicholas of Kadena or Gialos. It was built in the 1700s, when that point was a separate island. At that time, an iron arched bridge, with chains (kadenas) connected this point to the mainland and it owes its nickname to it.
Behind her the Town hall, a building from 1780, which was the residence of the Russian Duke and was built during the Russo-Turkish War. Next to it, the simple and imposing building “of the Black"It was the first public school in Mykonos and was built during the reign of King Otto (1859).
The following is the section of Folklore museum (The Castle House) in a typical captain's house with replicas of Mykonian costumes, collections of old furniture, Byzantine icons, utensils and ceramics, old souvenirs and decorations. The district is called Kastro, as there was a fortress there until the 17th century, while excavations at this point show findings of habitation since prehistoric times.
Continuing your tour, you come across the most photographed monument on the island! Panagia Paraportiani. It also owes its name to the “paraporti” a small gate of the medieval castle that used to exist there and is essentially five churches in one! It began to be built in the 15th century and the last addition was made in the 17th! The result is a mixture of human intervention, time and the elements of nature (with the damage it causes), giving this architectural complex an unsurpassed aesthetic!
Next comes the famous Little Venice. It is rumored that people who were involved in piracy lived in the houses built in the 18th century. They built their houses at this point so that they could take their loot directly from the ships. This neighborhood was formerly called “Alefkandra” as the women of Mykonos gathered there to wash their husbands’ linen. Don’t forget to have your coffee or drink there while enjoying the incomparable colors at sunset.
Of course you can't miss a walk to the iconic Windmills (or Kato Myloi). They were built in the 16the century by the Venetians and operated until the 20ththeThere were once 28 windmills on the island and with the help of the well-known winds, the milling and trading of grain contributed to the economic prosperity of Mykonos.
Walking through the alleys of Chora you will encounter the Peter the pink pelican-mascot of the island! The first Petros arrived on the island in 1955 injured and exhausted. A fisherman treated him and took care of him at his home. From there on, he became the trademark of the island. Later, Jackie Kennedy donated a female pelican, Irene, to the island so that Petros would not feel lonely. In the mid-'90s, another young pelican arrived injured on the island and stayed like the previous ones.
Within the labyrinthine alleys you will find a well-hidden space that is a true oasis of coolness! It is the cinema Cinema Mantle "drowned" in pine trees, palm trees and cacti, it is a refuge from the bustling life of the island. In addition to the cinema, a café-restaurant is open during other hours.
Mykonos Town is the joy of shopping therapy and window shopping. Charming boutiques, state-of-art stores fully harmonized with the Cycladic landscape will make even the most unmoved person enjoy their charm.
MatoyianniaOn this road you will come across three wells that supplied the area with fresh water. Here you will also find the Maritime Museum and Lena's House (a 19th century Mykonian house).th century and one of the branches of the Folklore Museum of Mykonos).
Finally, let us mention that the tour of Chora was done with the valuable contribution of Marilena (aka bespoke_mykonos) which we highly recommend you book for a tour so that you have a complete view of the island.
What else will you see on the island?
Armenistis Lighthouse
After the sinking of the steamship “VOLTA” in 1887, Charilaos Trikoupis decided to build a lighthouse to prevent another accident. This lighthouse was one of the largest in the Aegean and operated for about 100 years. Its original mechanism, made in France, was awarded at the Paris International Exhibition. Make sure to go when the sun sets and enjoy the view of the Aegean and the surrounding islands!
Monastery of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera
It was founded in 1542 and renovated in 1757. The wooden carved ''baroque'' iconostasis is rumored to have been made in Florence. The exterior decoration of the church is made of marble, a sample of the rich marble sculpture tradition of the Cyclades.
Delos
“This is not an island; it is the sun itself, half submerged in the waters of the sea!” wrote M. Karagatsis. Delos is an open-air museum that you should not neglect to visit! In ancient times, it was one of the most important religious centers as it was there that light was born, that is, Apollo-Helios, the god of light! Tip: Go early in the morning as there is no shade on the island and make sure the boat you take also makes a stop for a swim at the beaches of Rheneia with its exotic waters! This year we were unable to go so as not to bother our baby, but we have been in the past and were truly impressed!
Beaches
We don't remember since we started traveling that we came across another island with so many amazing beaches, one better than the other (with the exception of Crete, but there we are talking about other sizes). Fine, golden sand, turquoise crystal waters create an ideal setting to enjoy diving, but also endless hours of relaxation or fun.
And because on organized beaches the price for an umbrella-sunbed set reaches unimaginable prices, take your own chairs, an umbrella with supports so the wind doesn't blow it away, and a portable cooler and you will save a significantly large amount.
If not It's windy, get supplies and go enjoy the amazing and unorganized beaches of Agios Sostis, Fokos, Ftelia and Kapari.
When has wind, prefer the southern beaches which are more protected. For peace you will go to Elia, Agrari, Kalo Livadi, Kalafatis and Lia, if you want to “party” you will go to Paraga, Paradise and Super Paradise and if you want something in between then Ornos, Platys Gialos and Psarou are for you.
Tip: There is no free parking at the beaches of Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Panormos, Paraga and Agia Anna Paraga.
Food – Entertainment
If you think that there are no affordable food options in Mykonos, you are wrong. You will have to search a bit but you will find them. Maybe not so much in the main town but mainly around it. And for drinks or coffee in the more touristy places we found normal prices. Coffee in Little Venice was 5 euros and beer 8 euros. Of course there were more expensive options but all the shops have their catalogues at their entrance and on their website so you can see and choose.
We will list some value for money restaurants that we found after being recommended by locals and when you go, send us a message so we can write you more. In Country Choose this for food. Appaloosa (Mexican), the D' Antzelo for pizza, the Pita Wrap & Pizza Mykonos (you will change your opinion about fast food) and Oregano. Knear Chora the Maizevelo, the Ladle and Carteri (the back has a courtyard with a view of the sunset), in the Agios Stefanos the Limnio with exquisite daily dishes and a view, at Ano Mera the Araxame Street (go there for breakfast too), above the Wide Glass the International Station, in the Agios Sostis the Kiki's Tavern (you'll wait a little but you'll remember us) and to Seal at the unique taverna located above the beach. Don't forget to try the traditional products of the island such as louza (allantiko) and Mykonian sausages, kopanisti and xynotyra, mostra (similar to dakos) and almond cakes.
And because the hangouts are more or less well-known for your entertainment, we will make a special mention of 180th Sunset bar which is truly a must see! It is a lounge spot with chill music, which will accompany you as the sun sets, giving you the most beautiful view of the island. If you make a reservation through the website them, it will cost you a little more but you won't have to wait in line. We suggest you go well before sunset, pay the entrance fee which is deducted from your consumption. It may sound a bit excessive but it's worth it!
Closing
Long before Instagram and hashtags, Mykonos had already decided that it would be one of the most cosmopolitan islands in Europe! If you haven't been there, you will be surprised that few people talk about its incredible beauty and numerous attractions and prefer to spend their time watching the antics of celebrities and the international jet set. As much as many things seem to change year after year and everyone is looking for something to criticize, the island of the winds remains hospitable, disarmingly beautiful and incomparably charming. Let the rest of you search other islands for the most beautiful country in the Aegean while you walk carefree through its sparkling alleys. Mykonos will enchant you, seduce you and believe us... once is not enough!
