The Secret Charm Of The Mykonos
The charming island of Mykonos is not all that meets the eye. Beyond its stunning beaches and picturesque streets lies a secret charm that captivates visitors from all over the world.
Mykonos is home to a rich cultural history, dating back to ancient Greece, as well as a thriving art scene and a lively nightlife. The island’s winding alleys and white-washed buildings transport visitors back in time and offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
This is our last stop from our cruise vacation.
The ship arrived early in the morning and we docked far from the island.
This time we had the entire day to explore the place, and we could take the sea bus anytime we wanted to go back and forth for just a single ticket worth 8 euros.
As soon as we got off the sea bus, we could already see that the place was bursting with tourists. We decided not to take any excursions because of the price, but instead, we explored the place on foot.
We discovered lots of little streets that we could get lost in.
However, we couldn’t help but notice that Mykonos seemed to be just a tourist trap.
Many cute littles churches to visit.
There are 9 Churches in Mykonos
With over 500 dotted around the island, churches are a central aspect of Mykonian culture. It is impossible to visit them all, but we visit a few .Some churches are so tiny, only one person at a time.
Here is a sample of what the island has to offer.
The windmill and the Donky
The only touristy thing that caught our attention was the windmill with the cute donkey. Though the island is small, there are still a few other things to visit, such as small churches, but it is mostly filled with restaurants and shops, which are quite expensive.
Walking around Mykonos you can observe the imposing presence of big windmills that were mainly being used, in order to crush agricultural yields from the 16th to 19th century.
The produced flour was sold to local bakeries, farmers, and their families, and to ships in order to deliver it wherever they wanted. It is obviously one of the most characteristic features of the island, representing a part of Mykonos’ past..
Who takes care of all the cats?
It was heartening to know that the people of Greece are compassionate towards their feline friends. The cats of Mykonos, in particular, are well taken care of by the locals, restaurants and shops, and can survive despite being strays.
The island is famous for having an estimated population of around 40,000 cats, outnumbering the human inhabitants. These furry creatures have become an integral part of the island’s identity, and one can easily get lost in the winding alleys filled with sleeping cats.
Greeks have a long history of keeping cats as pets, and they consider them to be good luck, which explains the high number of cats in the country.
Ever wondered why the houses in Mykonos are painted white?
It’s not just because it looks pretty. 
In fact, there’s a practical reason behind it. When the islanders first started building their houses centuries ago, they used stone as wood was scarce and expensive.
But the dark-colored stone absorbed sunlight and heat, making the interiors unbearably hot in the summer. The solution? Paint the houses white. White reflects sunlight and keeps the interiors cooler, making living conditions more comfortable.
But the white exteriors aren’t just practical – they’re also visually stunning. The white-and-blue combination has become synonymous with Greek islands, and Mykonos, known as the “Island of the Winds,” is a prime example of this classic architecture. Its narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and vibrant blue accents create a picturesque scene that attracts over half a million visitors each year.
So next time you’re strolling through Mykonos, don’t forget to wear your sunglasses!
The little streets are heaven for a photographer
Our shopping experience was amazing but pricey. The restaurants were also expensive, but we expected that since the island is a tourist destination. Despite its small size, we made the most of our visit and enjoyed everything it had to offer.
Some of the restaurants are situated so close to the water that the view is breathtaking, but be cautious while walking by.
Love the photos. So beautiful, thanks for sharing!
Thank you :O)
Greece is on my bucket list! Thank you for sharing your insight and photos!
My pleasure