Mediterranean Cruise 2106 - Mykonos

MYKONOS

As we sailed into Mykonos we realized that this island was unique. Mykonos is a Greek island that has unusual charm. 

The buildings are all white but without the familiar red roofs. They are white cube like structures with mostly flat tops and the trim is usually blue. Many of the buildings have designs on them.

Many properties had rock walls rather than fences. Everything was so clean and bright.

Sometimes we would see red or green shutters and doors but blue was prominent. There are small church like buildings where people are buried. 

This island is a glamorous place where the rich and famous from everywhere vacation. Menu prices reflect this. Greek "jetsetters" have a home here or they visit every summer. The island has a party reputation and has very well developed nightlife.

Between two hills on Kalafatis Beach is a fishing village. The hills are called the two Breasts of Aprodite, you can see why.

We took the opportunity to wade in the beautiful clear waters of the Aegean Sea. The beach was not that great in our opinion. It was very much like gravel rather than sand.

We made a stop at the Panagia Tourliani Monastery.  It was built in the 16th century.

The chute-like opening you see in the top right was over the door and was used for defending the monastery. If invaders approached hot oil would be poured through the chute to stop them from entering the door. 

 It was picturesque outside.

The inside was very ornate.

There are six windmills on the hill overlooking the harbor. They are a famous sight and a symbol of the rich history of the island. There used to be 28 windmills on the island, 10 of them in this area. Today 16 still stand, 6 on this hill. Most of them have been renovated. Some have been turned into houses, others into historic museums or monuments.

The little town is a labrynth of delightful streets with shops, restaurants and homes.

Walking back to the ship we saw some huge yachts belonging to the rich and famous, the picture doesn't do them justice.

Our day on Mykonos is over. What a pretty place!

Mykonos Fun Facts

- The island spans an area of 33 square miles

- The island has just over 9,000 inhabitants 

- There are only 31 taxis on the entire island
- Tap water is not drinkable anywhere on the island
- You cannot flush toilet paper down the toilet as you do in America
- There is only one runway, one gate, and one baggage claim at the airport
- The roads are very narrow and traffic flows in both directions.  If you happen to cross paths with a vehicle coming at you head on, lots of times both vehicles cannot fit on the road, so one vehicle may need to back up until the road widens