Mykonos: A Pretty Girl in the Aegean

    Mykonos is well-known for its dynamic nightlife, but this enchanting Greek island offers many delights to those of us with a quieter lifestyle. Its characteristic whitewashed Cycladic architecture, glorious Mediterranean blue as background, and vibrant flora give the sensation of walking through a postcard. 

Life Giving Spring Orthodox Metropolitan Church Mykonos, Greece

    Mykonos Town, or Chora, is a deliberate labyrinth that shelters the walkers from the strong and frequent ocean breezes and provides endless options for high-end shopping and dining as well as the delightful Little Venice. Built primarily in the 18th century by wealthy merchants and captains, today its quaint overhanging balconies and historical buildings have been converted to fashionable bars, cafés, and shops.

And speaking of wind, no visit to Mykonos is complete without spending some time walking around its iconic windmills and taking in the views from atop their hill. Seven of the sixteen currently on the island sit on this mount. Of the sixteen, most were originally built by the Venetians in the 16th century, hence the proximity of Little Venice, although some date to the early 20th century.

    Sights, sounds, and aromas waft through this cozy town and invite you to immerse yourself into all that you perceive. After the short climb to walk around the windmills and taking in the stunning views from the hill, a fun bistro called Nice and Easy presented us with an unexpected al fresco lunch feast by the sea. Grilled chicken skewers, fried spring rolls with feta dipping sauce, cute mini burger sliders, vegetable patties with beet puree, cheese turnovers, falafel squares with cherry tomatoes and feta chunks. And for dessert, Greek yogurt with walnuts and honey accompanied by the freshest, sweetest, most succulent assortment of fruit. How could you walk anymore after all that food? you ask. Very leisurely, I tell you.

What better opportunity to slow down the pace after a satisfying meal than exploring the abundant 

museums in town as an excellent digestif activity. If you are a contemporary art enthusiast, Mykonos 

has a few galleries that feature works by some of the best artists working today. 

The Little Tin Man by Coderch and Malavia

    We strolled around the Aegean Maritime Museum, a lovely 19th century building devoted to the preservation of the close relationship between the Greeks and the sea throughout the centuries.

   

    There are 227 inhabited Greek islands to visit, and I'm sure each one has charms, beauties, and diversions to explore and enjoy. But for me, Mykonos has it all, and even when crowded, it gives a vibe of serenity and contentment that fills me with gratitude.