Author: M Mykonos Villas

Before the ancient Greeks created a universally recognized civilization that inspired the contemporary values, culture, and philosophy of the western world, it seems that they were legendary storytellers!

With amazingly imaginative minds, the ancient Greeks they tried to explain the creation of life and the wonders of the world through the adventures of heroic gods and demi-gods who lived on the mount of Olympos and pursued the eternal battle between mortality and immortality.

Their stories were first spread most probably by Minoan and Mycenaean singers in a beautiful poetic language and still reach the heart of humanity through the epic works of Homer and Hesiod. It is by reciting the Iliad, the Odyssey, the Theogony and the Works and Days, that common mortals would understand the genesis of the world or the origins of the divine rulers, human woes, and sacrificial practices. This knowledge that includes gods, heroes, heroines, and other mythological creatures has been perfectly depicted in thousands of artifacts that were —and still are— found by archaeologists in their excavations around the Mediterranean.

The island of Mykonos was often mentioned in mythology, mostly in relation to the nearby sacred Delos Island, which today is designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just a few miles away from Mykonos, it is visited by millions of people every year who don’t want to miss the opportunity of walking around the astonishing ruins of the Greek civilization. According to the myth, Delos emerged unexpectedly from the depths of the Aegean Sea, to offer a safe place so that the beautiful Leto, granddaughter of Uranus and Gaia, could give birth to her twins, Artemis, later goddess of hunt and Apollo, god of music.

As for Mykonos itself, mythology says that it was named after Mykons, a local hero who was its first ruler and the grandson of Apollo. According to another myth, the large rocks scattered around the island are the petrified corpses of the Giants; the famous invincible tribe that also lived in Olympos and whose members were thrown away from their home by the famous hero of Greek mythology, Hercules!

So, next time you schedule a holiday in Mykonos, before indulging into the magic of its legendary golden sand beaches, amazing sunsets, explosive nightlife, boutique shopping, fine dining and so much more, take some time, sipping an iced drink by the pool of your private, luxury villa, to read the breathtaking stories about god Zeus, goddess Hera and all the stars of the fascinating Greek mythology!

Sure, there are many places on the beautiful island of Mykonos that give you the opportunity to fill your Instagram feed with gorgeous photos! But if we had to single out the top five, they would be the following.

The Windmills of Mykonos

The trademark of the Cyclades, the windmills or “Kato Mili”, is definitely a must-visit site in Mykonos! The mills are standing majestically on the south side of the island’s capital, right across Little Venice, facing the Aegean Sea. Such a special scenery deserves to be photographed at sunrise for the absolute people-free experience! Just let the peace and serenity inspire you.

Little Venice

The charming houses with their colorful balconies overlooking the sea set up one of the best photographic spots on the island! After enjoying your coffee or cocktail, simply get lost in Little Venice’s gorgeous alleyways and take some captivating photos.

A stunning viewpoint over Mykonos Town

Only 10 minutes away from Mykonos Town (or “Chora”, as locals call it), this unique point of view will give you the opportunity not only to take enchanting photos but also to gaze at the turquoise waters and the picture-postcard whitewashed houses of Mykonos from above! To see it on the map, follow this link: https://goo.gl/maps/ryknMdvwBSSNsyMj6

The “Happiness” store

Walking down the picturesque alleys of the island, you should absolutely stop at the clothing store called #happiness. Some of you might already know it from their “#HAPPINESS” door that is becoming quite popular on Instagram, especially during summer. You may prefer to take photos while it’s closed and crowdless; however, it is also worth visiting the store while open and full of people. This little gem will fill your heart with positive feelings!

Armenistis Lighthouse

Last but not least, a great spot to capture the sunset is the famous lighthouse of Mykonos. Armenistis is located north of Agios Stefanos beach and the ride is a little bit adventurous; but this is definitely the right place to take a deep breath and appreciate the beauty of our world.

In 1954, after queen Frederique of Greece invited royalties from all over Europe on a cruise around the Cyclades, including a visit to Mykonos. This small, beautiful, fishermen island, with the white-washed houses, golden sandy beaches, sunny skies, and amazing azure blue coastline started attracting famous tycoons like Aristotle Onassis, Hollywood stars like Grace Kelly, legends like Maria Callas and many other celebrities of the time. For them, Mykonos was love at first sight and eventually became their almost private paradise that soon evolved into one of the world’s most desired destination for the rich and the famous. Back then, there was no airport on the island. Just an old port, too shallow for bigger vessels though, which had to anchor in the open sea and bring passengers (and luggage) ashore, on small fishermen boats.

The first thing incomers would see while waiting for their turn to disembark was the seven huge, stone-made windmills, situated in the Kato Mili area, on a hill that overlooked the Town of Mykonos (Chora) and the most picturesque Little Venice neighborhood. With their wings open, the strange three-stores buildings looked like friendly giants, opening their arms to welcome exhausted travelers who had sailed for long hours, often in a rough sea to visit Mykonos.

Windmills are a trademark not only of Mykonos but of most Cycladic islands. Standing tall and proud yet often deserted they are witnesses of a strong manufacturing activity in the area, between the 16th and the 19th century, which aimed at grinding agricultural yields, mostly wheat and barley. Powered by the strong, north “meltemi” winds, these tireless “workers” produced tons of excellent flour, out of which were made the famous Cycladic rusks.

According to the locals there used to be at least 28 windmills in Mykonos, including the ones in Kato Mili that still “greet” the visitors of the island. Only 16 survived, among which, the majority have been totally renovated and converted into museums, galleries, houses, and hotels. Two of them can be visited: Geronymos Mill, the privately owned, oldest remaining windmill in Mykonos that dates to 1700 and Bonis Mill, heart of Mykonos’ Agricultural Museum, where visitors can relive the whole process of making flour. Every year, on the second Sunday of September, a Harvest Festival is organized at Bonis Mill, where guests are offered local food and drinks.