Author: M Mykonos Villas

As you stroll around Chora, the beautiful capital of Mykonos, so serene in its fall dress, surrounded by a calm sea, you pass by Manto Mavrogenous square. This central “piazza” of the Old Port is “home” to a legendary woman, whose marble bust stands in the middle of the square.

Her fascinating story goes back to the times of the Greek revolution, in 1821, where Mykonos played a key role. Magdalene ‘Manto’ Mavrogenous was born in Trieste, in 1796, and raised in a well-off aristocratic, educated and politically liberal family. Her father was a successful merchant in Greece and abroad and her mother, a well educated, polyglot woman born in Mykonos, also took care of the family business. Manto received a high education and was much influenced by the ideals of the Enlightenment. As a result she grew up to being a dynamic young and very open-minded lady at a time when women were considered as “children of a lesser god”. Historians say that despite of having an intelligent, beautiful mind, Manto Mavrogenous was known in her cosmopolitan environment as ‘La bella Greca’.

Manto’s role in the Revolution

Nevertheless, Manto had no time for playing the role of a great looking debutante since her heart was already devoted to the idea of liberating Greece, that for the past almost 400 years was occupied by the Turks. She started speaking with unlimited passion to her European friends about the need for the independence of her country, raising interest and funds for the Great Cause.

The Greek Revolution started in 1809. Manto Mavrogenous alone equipped and manned at her own expense a fleet and an infantry, sent hundreds of men to campaign in the Peloponnese, forwarded army and money to other islands threatened by the enemy and kept spending every penny of her fortune to support the Great Cause in any possible way. In the course of things, she met famous Demetrius Ypsilanti, brother of a prince, and was engaged to him. Unfortunately their engagement was opposed and broken by several powerful politicians who didn’t want the unification of two powerful families. Manto went to Nafplio, first capital of Greece, where she lived, deeply depressed and without any money left. Later she returned to Mykonos where she started writing her memoirs. In 1840 Mavrogenous moved to the island of Paros where she died 8 years later.

Her fascinating life story and worth remembering contribution to the Greek Revolution made Manto Mavrogenous one of the greatest Greek heroines. In her homeland, Mykonos, she is still honored for her courage, integrity and strength.

With the sun setting a bit earlier every day and the wild “meltemi” winds gradually giving their place to the much milder fall breezes, September is a magical month for Mykonos!

Day temperature is still high, usually higher than expected, sea temperature is ideal for swimming, most beach bars and clubs are open, the colors of the horizon are majestic and the air is scented with a thousand new aromas. It is no surprise that many celebrities from the world of arts—writers, directors, painters—choose ‘September Mykonos’ for their inspiration.

So, if you missed the opportunity to visit this unique, exquisite island in June, July or August, now it is the time to plan a ‘journey to heaven’! Even a week would be enough time to enjoy its September beauties, especially if you know exactly what not to miss. Here are a few useful tips:

Take a ride to the inland, starting with a visit to Ano Mera, the only big village of Mykonos. Situated at a distance of 8 kilometers from Chora, which is the capital, Ano Mera is home to the famous 16th century Panagia Tourliani Monastery. Founded in 1542 the monastery features a beautiful collection of Byzantine icons. Take some pictures of the two impressive, ruined windmills topping the village and enjoy local food specialties at one of the restaurants on the big square in front of the monastery. The view from Ano Mera also includes the Monastery of Paleokastro and the remains of a Byzantine castle on the opposite hill.

According to mythology, the world renowned Delos Island, just next to Mykonos, is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, the twin offspring of Zeus. The archaeological site with the Doric temples, the markets, an amphitheater, houses with mosaics and the iconic Terrace of the Lions statues along with the Archaeological Museum displaying statues and items excavated from the site are much worth seeing. Let your hosts plan for you a daily VIP visit to Delos and enjoy an extraordinary experience. After all, as legend says, it has one of the most stunning sunset views in the world.

As for culinary delights, Mykonos has an excellent cuisine that you can taste not only in one of its many fine restaurants and taverns but also by signing up for a cooking class or for a wine-tasting tour. Even a weeklong visit to the island will leave you enough time to fill your days with endless hours of swimming and sunbathing and with spectacular outdoor activities, such as water sports or hiking adventure trips. The weather at this time of the year is mild enough to allow a sailing journey or a boat ride on a traditional ‘kaiki’ vessel to nearby Rhenia Island or to some deserted beach, as in the more popular ones, the party still goes on!

The August frenzy may be gone, but in September Mykonos remains alive with its clubs—and arms—open and its magical spell ready to seduce even the most demanding visitors, like you!

If your friends have already been in Mykonos they’ve surely told you what to see once you get there. See the windmills and the beaches; see Little Venice and the famous nightclubs; see the fishermen knitting their nets under the sun or Peter the Pelican proudly strolling down the quay. But if you really want to enjoy Mykonos, then you have to see its SEA-fun side, as this beautiful, shining Cycladic gem of the Aegean is like a huge Water Park!

Almost every one of its more than 25 organized beaches has its own water sport center, fully equipped to cover a wide range of activities. One of the most popular one is windsurfing. Mykonos is a top destination even for surfing pros as it is also known as the island of the winds, The famous “meltemi”, a strong north wind born in the Turkish mainland and traveling all the way down to Africa usually peaks during August, giving the sport’s lovers the chance to dance around the waves. It’s a totally different experience than this of the ocean’s waves but still very challenging.

An alternative to windsurfing is wakesurfing, a very exciting sport where you trail behind a speed boat riding its wake and then ride the waves like a dolphin jumping in and out the foaming surface of the sea! It is very similar to wakeboarding which is a combination of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing techniques. Talking about water skiing, it is the one and only aqua sport that you will most probably not enjoy much in Mykonos as it requires mirror-surface seas; and this is not the case in this area of the Aegean.

Another breathtaking adventure practiced in almost all organized beaches is scuba– or wreck diving. Discovering the wonders of the underwater world can be a lifetime experience. On the other hand, if you are not a real fan of the dark blue deeps, try snorkeling; a much lighter but almost equally magical experience.

However, if you wish to take a walk on the more extreme side of water activities you can try parasailing and find yourself attached to a specially designed parachute towed behind a boat for an unforgettable fun ride; or go kiteboarding where you will be asked to harness the power of the wind with a large power kite.

Another way to fly over the waves is by hydro-flying which involves a board connected to a watercraft. Water is forced under pressure to a pair of boots with jet nozzles underneath which provide thrust for the rider to fly up to 15m in the air!

And, to end an adrenaline-loaded day on the beach, don’t miss a sofa, donut, rings or tube ride, enjoying the amazing Mykonos kind of living!

Useful note: no matter what activity you choose, you can ask for group or private lessons and rent the equipment.