PORTS OF CALL

Venice, Italy

Bari, Italy

Katakolon, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Mykonos, Greece

Rhodes, Greece

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Mykonos, Greece

Visit the village of Chora. Go to the windmills, feed the pelicans, have a drink in the little harbor and visit the Parapotiani church. And of course, go shopping. There are five museums: an archaeological, a laographic, a maritime, a cultural and a private one with old rooms and furniture. Visit the monastery and the little church museum from the 15th century in the small, pretty village of Ano Mera. Or just relax on one of the several beautiful beaches.
Average temperature in September is mid 70’s for highs and mid 60’s for lows

Below is a short overview of Mykonos, Greece.  For more detailed information click on the link below which includes the history of Mykonos, maps and photos of some of the most famous places you may want to visit. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mykonos

General Information

Mykonos island is part of the Cyclades islands group located in the Aegean Sea near Paros and Santorini. The history of civilization on Mykonos is not well chronicled, however a major mark in history appeared in 1537, when Mykonos was under Turkish rule.  This heralded a period of great riches and influence for Mykonos, thanks to considerable commercial maritime activities, becoming by the end of the 1700s one of the most powerful islands. The island became independent in 1821. Mykonos, situated about 11/4 miles away from the island of Delos and became very important as a supply island and possibly as a getaway location for Delos citizens. Delos is one of the most extensive mythological, historical and archaeological sites in the world. Visit the birthplace of Apollo on the historic island of Delos. Dating back to the third millennium B.C.  Mykonos, also known as Chora (in Greek) where the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town which lies on the west coast.

Places to Visit

Chora Village is located on the west side of the island. It has whitewashed cubic houses with wooden colored doors, windows and balconies, narrow streets forming a maze, beautiful churches, lovely chapels and purple bougainvilleas contrasting with the bright white of the buildings’ walls. The famous whitewashed windmills trademark of the island, are standing on a hill overlooking the city and from where one can enjoy a magnificent view over the Little Venice, one of the most beautiful parts of the capital. Especially amazing is the sunset views from Little Venice. It’s whitewashed edifices against the backdrop of the azure blue Aegean Sea is simply marvelous.  Ornos beach is situated 11/4 south of town and is the closest beach to the capital in front of a small fishing village.

Panagia Paraportiani Church is the most famous and most photographed church of Mykonos and is a real architectural marvel.  The main church is dating from the 15th century and its name, Paraportiani, comes from the word “porta” which means door, for it used to be standing near the entrance of a medieval castle which has been destroyed. The church, with seven chapels around a square, is located in the picturesque hillside Kastro area.

The Archaeological Museum Mykonos was erected in 1902. The Museum was set up primarily to preserve the relics recovered from the "Purification Pit" which dates back to 426-425 B.C. The spacious room to the east of the museum was built in the year 1972 to make room for numerous additional historical relics and relics of the past.  On display at the museum are countless intricately designed vases, some of which dates back to the prehistoric times. One of the museum’s principal attractions are the rather artistically done up pithos (ancient Greek storage jar) skillfully depicting the scenes from the Capture of Troy.

Food and Fun

Grilled fish is a highly recommended Mykonos specialty.  Greece is famous for honey, olives, olive oil, pistachios and cheeses, such as salty feta. All are generously used in this delicious, flavorful cuisine.  

The island of Mykonos is one of the most picturesque - and popular - of the Cyclades islands. . Its Cycladic capital is full of whitewashed houses and blue domed churches and its magnificent sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters. It is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and is widely known for its extremely rich, diverse and often intense nightlife featured by a vast number of bars and nightclubs featuring 24-hour music. Mykonos also attracts world-famous DJs to its clubs and beach bars, the most well-known of which are Paradise, Super Paradise and Paranga.

Local Currency

The Euro (EUR), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of Greece. Many stores and restaurants also accept major credit cards, which usually offer you a good exchange rate. When shopping, remember there is a Value-Added Tax added to most purchases.  

Costa offers group excursions. For those interested click on the link below and enter Eastern Mediterranean as destination, Greece as country and then Mykonos as port of call.

Excursions Finder