Author: M Mykonos Villas

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.

Paying a visit to the imposing Armenistis Lighthouse is a must for everyone traveling in Mykonos — especially if you love taking pictures or videos of stunning sunsets!

A distant beam, randomly flashing among gigantic waves, bringing the promise of a safe harbor or alerting sailors for danger. There is no “sea-novel” or movie that doesn’t include fascinating stories and old legends about ships in storms and brave lighthouse keepers who spent their days and nights helping to save human lives at sea.

The beautiful Aegean archipelago with its fascinating golden beaches and deep blue azure waters is full of such isolated faros, as locals call them; monuments of naval history that have been shedding their guiding light for centuries. Among them, one of the most imposing is the Armenistis Faros (Lighthouse), located about 7km from Mykonos Town, in the “Fanari” area, on the north-western part of the island.

Built in 1891, Armenistis is an octagonal stone tower that stands in full harmony with the traditional Cycladic architecture. Overlooking the sea passage between the islands of Tinos and Mykonos, the lighthouse offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding Aegean Sea that at the specific spot can get pretty rough, due to the meltemi, the strong north-east summer wind. And while, during the summer, the meltemi becomes a natural air-conditioning system that keeps the temperature relatively cool and the air fresh, in the winter the northern winds can become so fierce that smaller boats need to seek for a refuge. Apparently, in 1887, on such a stormy night, the British steamship Volta sunk near the north coast of the Mykonos, leading to the construction of the 19-meter tall Armenistis Lighthouse, with the purpose to help keep ships safe.

Paying a visit to the Armenistis Lighthouse is a must for everyone traveling in Mykonos! Especially if you love taking pictures or videos of stunning sunsets and exquisite sea views, this is the perfect spot. Located in cape Armenistis, close to Agios Stefanos beach, the old historical lighthouse is managed by the Hellenic Navy’s Hydrographic Office and remains in operation. It is worth noting that the mechanism of the original lamp of the lighthouse was made in France and awarded by the International Exhibition of Paris. In 1982, Armenistis was electrified, while the original lantern has found its place in the Aegean Maritime Museum in Mykonos, which is one more reason —among thousands— to book now your villa and visit this rare Cycladic gem!

Find it on the map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/srTzf7ogYC2dj6Ge8

Renting a villa in Mykonos may be the absolutely best way to discover the magical secrets of this heavenly Aegean rock that proudly stands in the circle of the Cyclades, opposite to ancient, sacred Delos Island.

Living in your luxury vacation home means, among other, choosing when and how to mingle with the rocking crowds; or when and how to enjoy a perfectly relaxing and totally care-free private time with your own people.

In Mykonos, “care-free” is a tradition. Ever since the ’50s, this amazing island with the sublime, sun-washed golden sand beaches, the crystal-clear azure blue waters and the notorious nightlife is attracting world-class celebrities who fly in to enjoy not only the mild climate and one of the most beautiful coast lines in the Aegean archipelago, but also the epitome of exclusive luxury services.

And this is exactly the kind of services you can request when renting a paradise home in Mykonos, so that all your needs and desires can be looked after in the most professional and creative way:

• Hiring well-trained multilingual reliable and discreet personnel, that includes babysitters, private chefs, butlers, security guards, and much more.
• Access to the best agencies on the island for chartering yachts, helicopters, luxury vehicles with chauffeur services and organizing private tours and cruises around Mykonos and the greater area of the Cyclades.
• VIP table reservations in the island’s fine dining restaurants and world-known clubs.

Nevertheless, while in Mykonos keep in mind that this spectacular place is not only about sunbathing, swimming, and partying; by hiring a private guide you will have the opportunity to discover the island’s historical sites, like Little Venice or the Armenistis Lighthouse, its religious monasteries, and monuments, like Palaiokastro and Panagia Paraportiani, and other beauties that arise from its rich heritage. Last but not least is a must-go tour around the also world-famous historical site of the neighboring Delos Island, that will take your breath with its mythological history and once-in-a-lifetime sunsets!

Our villa manager at M Mykonos Villas will handle your every request with professionalism and care, to transform your holiday into one of the most memorable experiences of your life! Learn more about our personalized services.