Category: Blog

The locals call it “Chora”; a word that can be literally translated as “country” but that for Greek islanders is used to define the main towns of their homelands. There are several Choras around the Aegean but Mykonos Town is without doubt the most beautiful and picturesque!

Whereas in many other islands these towns were built on top of hills in order to be easily protected from possible pirate attacks, the unusually large Chora of Mykonos is located by the sea and climbs up the hill either with narrow streets or with stairs. Full of small whitewashed houses with blue, green or red shutters, the town has two harbors: the old, usually full of dozens of colorful fishermen boats, and the new that can accommodate hundreds of tourists daily.

When approaching the island by sea, the first thing that attracts the visitor’s attention is the spectacular sight of the four windmills—trademark of Mykonos—overlooking the sea; like proud guardian angels with wings ever dancing to the strong meltemi wind. And then, once entering the small streets of Chora, the whistling sound of the wind suddenly seems to stop as it is hushed between the walls of the endless tiny streets; a true labyrinth designed to confuse any “invader”!

But guests of Mykonos Town are not treated like invaders. On the contrary; they are always welcome like kings, enjoying from the first moment the famous Mykonian hospitality. For them, the town is full of surprises: exquisite restaurants and small fish taverns, exclusive little shops and fashionable boutiques, tiny cafés, and of course dozens of churches—including the renowned Panagia Paraportiani which is probably the most photographed church of the Aegean.

Among the unparalleled beauties of Mykonos Town, the Little Venice neighborhood with its’ colorful houses perched over the sea is a must!

Before leaving, with your bags packed with the delicious local amygdalota sweets, plan a visit to the archaeological and maritime museums and also make sure that you pass by the famous Fabrica square that sets the borders between the core of the town and its outskirts.

Last but not least, when back at the waterfront don’t forget to greet one of the proud pelicans hanging around the port’s cafés and bars, for they will be there to welcome you at your next visit!

Dining in Mykonos is an irresistibly spectacular—yet easy to enjoy—experience! International cuisine in exclusive restaurants, delicious sea food in small tavernas by the beach, souvlaki corners… Just name it and you’ve got it! But if you want to indulge in the real pleasures of this beautiful island’s authentic gastronomy, there are a few things you shouldn’t miss.

Mykonos is the queen of super tasty, low fat sausages. So don’t even think of leaving the place without trying them and maybe taking a few with you back home! They come from baby pigs raised in family lawns and their secret lies in the rich content of lean meat instead of fat as well as their seasoning with fine aromatic herbs and spices that grow on the island.

Speaking about cold cuts, don’t miss the famous Louza (or Loutza), Mykonos’ “national” product! This is the fillet from the pork’s back, dried out under the early winter sun and wisely seasoned with a blend of local herbs. It is a real delicacy that perfectly matches with a glass (or two!) of ouzo and tsipouro, the super popular Greek pure alcohol drinks.

Kopanisti is another “national” product of Mykonos, famous for its taste throughout Greece. It is a spicy, creamy white cheese made from cow’s milk, used in salads, pies etc. So, when in one of the traditional tavernas spread around the island, ask for a “mostra”; an appetizing local dish where wet rusks are topped by freshly cut raw tomatoes, extra virgin oil and a rich serving of Kopanisti. (And while being there also ask for a local pie, like the famous mouth watering onion pie which is a must)

Last but not least are the exceptional sweets and cookies mostly made from almonds, flour, butter and eggs, with the addition of the tempting flavor of spices. Either you call them amygdalota or kalathaki you will surely love their uniquely balanced taste!

And as we say in Greek, “Kali oreksi”, which means “have a good appetite”!

Once you book your ticket to Mykonos, you are on for a magical tour that includes everything; from ancient legends to sublime delicacies and from crazy nightlife to secret temples that still attract the energy of mythical gods!

Once the plane starts descending to Mykonos international airport, your sight will be mystified by the exquisite deep blue color of the Aegean Sea lying below. According to the legend, when Aegean, the king of Athens, sent his son Theseus in Crete to kill the monstrous Minotaur, he went to wait for his return in Cape Sounion, where the waters of the Saronic gulf blend with those of the Archipelago. They had agreed that if Theseus won the critical battle he would sail back in white sales. Unfortunately the son forgot his father’s wish and left Crete in black sales. So when the king saw from afar Theseus’s ship dressed in the color of death he jumped in desperation from the temple of Sounion in the rough sea and drowned; so the sea was named after him.

During the final approach to Mykonos airport, like jewels spread on the restless surface of the waves, you will have a first glimpse of the famous Cyclades; this unique complex of small islands that lie in the center of the Aegean Sea, as if they are forming a circle around their holy Delos Island that is almost attached to Mykonos.

And then, once you have landed on the island and settled in to your villa, save some energy to explore the secret life hidden behind the dazzling beaches and 24-7 party going on from one end of Mykonos to the other! Be Greek for a change, climb on the hills to find where the best authentic goat cheese is made. Ask the elders to explain their faultless merominia method; a calculation model lost in time according to which some natural phenomena or signs during the first 12 days of August can accurately give the weather forecast for the whole year.

The only thing left to do before driving back to M Mykonos Villas is to ask the fishermen to give you some good sailing advice and tell you what a captain should do when the moon looks like lying on its back and why it is always safer to travel when the north wind is much aged. Your magical mystery tour has just begun…

In the meantime have a great New Year and see you soon in Mykonos!