Mykonos Town on the western coast of Mykonos Island in the Aegean Sea is also known as Hora or Chora Mykonos, and offers a great choice for your next getaway in 2018. Narrow streets wind through Mykonos Town in maze like formations, lined with white washed houses adorning brightly coloured front doors and shutters, leading to churches and chapels steeped in culture and history. Take a stroll to Panagia Paraportiani, a national cultural monument and church of spectacular architecture; also the old Venetian castle or Kastro on the hill overlooking Hora. There are a number of museums in Mykonos Town too. There is never a shortage of choice of eateries in Mykonos Town (Hora) with numerous cafes, chic restaurants and trendy tavernas open day and night. In Hora you will find many fine jewellers, small boutique shops, as well as many places to purchase your Mykonos holiday souvenirs. Summers here are lively, especially at night when the countless bars and nightclubs attract many visitors.
Mykonos island boasts stunning natural beauty typical for a picturesque island in the Aegean sea – white sandy beaches bordering crystal clear waters, as well as a dramatic and rugged rocky interior. In combination with a lively character, it promises everything you need and expect for a Greek island paradise getaway.
Mykonos Town, Mykonos
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Mykonos Town is an old city boasting many cultural landmarks worth visiting, most notably Panagia Paraportiani, a stunning whitewashed Byzantine church who's original building dates back to the 14th century but was not completed until the 17th century. It is the most popular and the most photographed of the 400 churches, made up of 4 ground level chapel, and one on the floor above – making it a must-see landmark to anyone visiting Mykonos Town.
Make sure to visit Little Venice, in the western part of town. This picturesque seaside district is made up of beautiful medieval era one and two storey houses, with colourful wooden balconies. With a unique and romantic ambience, this is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of cocktails and watch the sun sink beyond the horizon. Not far from Little Venice you'll find the famous windmills, which have stood overlooking Mykonos Town since the 16th century reminding visitors of the island's past as a major producer of wheat. The hills also provide a stunning view of Little Venice and the surrounding countryside.
For a better glimpse into the past, visit Mykonos Town's archaeological museum exhibiting a range of artefacts ranging from the prehistoric, to the late Hellinisitc period (25th -1st century B.C.) explaining the history and the emergence of this typical Aegean culture, so famous around the world.
Holidays to Mykonos Town promise an abundance of Mezze and other delicious Mediterranean snacks, as well as plenty of fine dining opportunities. Decades of established tourism have made Mykonos Town a hotspot when it comes to Greek as as well as international cuisine, with many local taverns and high end restaurants popping up everywhere. Kikis Tavern is a rustic locally owned tavern located right by Agios Sostis beach. Food is grilled on a large charcoal barbecue located outside, as the restaurant runs with no electricity – which also means you can't call ahead to book a table! Tucked away behind the bay area, there are also night signposts to help you mind it, making this a true gem not everyone gets to stumble across. M-eating is regarded as one of the best places to dine in Mykonos, serving high-end creative and innovative cuisine. Housed inside a small, typical Mykonian house, it boasts a modern and elegant interior décor, as well as a lush green veranda in the garden. Ideal for special occasions, M-eating is a dinner you will remember for a long time.
For an authentic local Mykonian experience head over to Madoupas Cafe, which faces the old port area of Mykonos town yet attracts mainly locals. Most traditional Greek specialities such as Moussaka and Souvlaki can be found here, as well as a good selection of local wines. A range of black and white photos give a glimpse of what Mykonos Town used to look like.
Mykonos is home to plenty of family orientated beaches, most notably Platis Gianos and Ornos. Calm and clear waters make this an ideal place for small children, while the soft white sand is ideal for making sand castles. Many family orientated hotels and resorts in Mykonos Town offer babysitting services, as well as numerous activities and entertainment programmes to keep the littles ones entertained.
Take a glass bottomed boat tour from Platys Gialos and let your whole family marvel at the colourful world which lied beneath the waves! Beach to beach cruises, as well as sunset cruises and day trips to Delos island are also offered.
To really get to know the island of Mykonos, book yourself in for a 4x4 Jeep Tour of the island, which takes you through the dramatic rocky interior of the island, as well as along stunning coastal roads. Customise your tour and visit authentic local villages seemingly untouched by time, as well as countless old churches and monasteries as well as several archaeological sites. The coastal roads on Mykonos also make mountain biking a popular sport.
Kayaking is a popular activity, and one of the best ways to experience the crystal-clear water and stunning coastline around Mykonos. Half and full day tours are offered, as well as group tours of different skill levels.
Scuba Diving is another attractive option, as the rich and colourful waters of the Aegean Sea attract thousands of divers every year! Courses are offered to those interested.
Numerous picturesque beaches can be found around Mykonos Island. Coves with soft sand offer excellent choices of water sports and other day time activities, as well as sunbeds and umbrellas for those who want to soak up some sunshine! Agios Ioannis Beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches on Mykonos, and is located on the west of the island and easily reached from Mykonos Town. Its soft white sand, elegant chalk stone formations and perfectly clear water attract many visitors during peak season. Aghios Stefanos Beach is the closest beach to Mykonos town, about a kilometre from Troulos and the new Mykonos Port.
If you decide to go on a day trip of different beaches then make sure to see Agrari Beach, about 10 km away on the south coast near Elia, as well as Paranga and Paradise Beaches which are also worth a visit. Each boasts a different atmosphere, yet remains quintessentially Greek.
Mykonos is one of Greece's most desired destination, known for its exceptionally vibrant nightlife scene which promises something for every kind of visitor. Most notably, it distinguishes itself for its cosmopolitan, yet friendly ambience and environment found in the many bars and clubs scattered across Mykonos Town.
Start your evening at Cosi, a sandwich and salad cafe during the day, and high-end cocktail by by night. Enjoy delicious and exotic cocktails in a friendly environment with minimalistic décor, before heading on to Montparnasse Piano Bar, right by the seafront. This casual and cozy bar located in Little Venice often hosts live music events. Countless others, such as Agyra Bar get packed every evening, and enjoy a sociable and lively atmosphere.
Those looking to dance all night should look no further than the Skandinavian Disco located in Mykonos Town. This huge nightclub is the most famous meeting point on the island, where people come to meet fellow holidaymakers and see world-famous DJs who perform here during peak season. If you don't mind venturing a little further afield, Paradise Beach is home to two large and lively nightclubs, namely Cavo Paradiso and Paradise. The former is a clubbers paradise offering a truly special layout and a capacity for over 3000 people! The latter is likewise a huge club, drawing thousands of visitors every year.
Mykonos Town is an ideal place for a holiday with your special someone, with its exclusive and cosmopolitan atmosphere fostering an air of intimacy and privacy. Treat yourself to something special with a stay at Kouros Boutique Hotel, or the Mykonos Hermes Hotel, both of which are located in quiet areas in Mykonos Town. Offering exclusive service, and most notably world class spa facilities, these are the places to enjoy special occasions with your partner.
Mykonos Town itself is a romantic city, boasting a unique atmosphere expressed in areas such as Little Venice – a jumble of scrubbed and polished white houses with colourful doors and wooden balconies. Walk through the small alleyways, and discover rustic and quaint tavernas serving the freshest Greek and Mediterranean specialities, best accompanied with a glass of local wine.
Enjoy a sunset cruise from Platys Gialos beach, and explore Mykonos' stunning coastline from the water for an unforgettable experience. Try finding yourself a quiet spot on one of the many beaches on Mykonos, and enjoy an intimate and romantic picnic set to the gentle sound of the ocean waves.
The island of Mykonos is steeped in history and culture from many ages and epochs, making it a favourite among holidaymakers eager to learn about everything which makes Greek culture so special and recognisable. 400 churches, most of which belong to the Greek Orthodox branch of Christianity, are dotted around the island showing varying styles of architecture. The most famous amongst those is Panagia Paraportiani, a beautiful Byzantine church, whose whitewashed walls show a stark contrast to the rocky surroundings. Taking almost 3 centuries to complete, is a magnificent reminder of the significance this island has had throughout the ages. You’ll learn more about Greek history in the archaeological museum of Mykonos Town, exhibiting pottery and other objects from prehistoric times, up until the late Hellinistic period.
Take a day trip to the uninhabited and small Delos island. It is widely considered to be amongst the most important archaeological, mythological and historical sites in the whole of Greece.