Tag: Cycladic architecture

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.

Before scheduling your holiday in Mykonos, you will most probably visit some of the most popular, reliable travel guides and read all about its spectacular beaches, picturesque alleys, whitewashed churches and fancy night clubs! Well, here we are to take you along a more private tour, that will reveal the secret side of this amazing island; an even more magical side that only a few have the privilege to discover while being there.

1. Act “Mykonian”

When in Mykonos, behave like if you’ve been there a hundred times before… This will make locals love you and share with you beauties of the island they would never share with newcomers! They will take you, for instance, to the best fishermen taverns and invite you to taste their best homemade tsipouro drink!

2. Eat Mykonian

If you like the idea of being welcome in a traditional Mykonian home, share the daily routine of its residents, help them prepare the food and enjoy the most delicious recipes of the island, then take the famous cooking classes, available every day in Chora (Mykonos town). More than a lesson it is a cultural experience of the traditional Greek way of life!

3. About Peter

Caught by a fisherman back in 1958, Peter the pelican was the symbol of Mykonos. When he was found he was badly injured and was adopted by the islanders who named it Petros, from “petra”, which in Greek means rock. He may be the most photographed bird ever, as even celebrities like Jackie Onassis wouldn’t miss the opportunity of a picture with the locals’ mascot! Unfortunately, in 1985 Petros was killed by a car. His story is one of a kind that every authentic Mykonos lover should be ready to tell.

4. Stars under the stars!

Open air cinemas are an exquisite attraction in Greece during the summer. So, while in Mykonos don’t miss a chance to visit Ciné Manto, located inside the Municipal Garden in Matoyianni. Inside the full of palm trees cinema area there is also an old church and an all-day cafe-bar-restaurant! You can choose to watch first worldwide released films and box-office productions for adults and children.

5. Go pro

Mykonos beaches are famous as perfect spots for windsurfing lovers. Just a few lessons will help you become the wind tamer you have always dreamt of. However you must take extra care and always follow instructions as every summer the island has a large share of the strong annual meltemi winds which can be an awesome natural force to experience. Best windsurfing beaches: Kalafatis, Korfos and Ftelia!

6. A reef in Paradise

Speaking about beaches, you may have heard that Paradise is one of the most amazing all-day party beaches in Mykonos, with crystal clear turquoise water. What you may not know though is that is a spectacular location for scuba diving, full of different species, such as sponges, wrasse, sea bream, starfish, octopus and much more. You can rent all equipment and take lessons on location.

7. Some ancient magic

A private tour of nearby Delos Island is an absolute must for every visitor of Mykonos. It is the only place in Greece where ancient private homes have been found in a wonderful state and are preserved in an equally wonderful way. Since 1990, Delos has been declared a World Heritage Site, protected by UNESCO.

Last but not at all least

Tips for an unforgettable stay in this unparallel corner of the world could go on and on for hundreds of pages. From excellent VIP services tailored to your needs and organized tours, to organic wine tasting and walking around Chora with your personal photographer, in Mykonos there is always a once-in-a-lifetime experience waiting for you, just for the gods of the Aegean to make sure that, while being there, all of your dreams have come true!