Magic Mykonos

The three colours of Mykonos, grey, blue, and white. 

White houses dazzling in the morning sunlight, with balconies and stairways
festooned with pots of basil and bright geraniums.

Crystal blue water surrounds this barren rock island lying 94 nautical miles from Piraeus. Mykonos belongs to the Cyclades group of Islands, and has a area of 85 sq km, producing about 30,000 barrels of wine each year, and I can say with experience the quality is exceptional.

Potted Colour

Like most Greek place names they come from Myth. Mykonos is no different. The original Mykonos was the son of Anios, himself a son of Apollo. 

 

In other words it was an island of light, taking its name from a hero closely related to the light-giving god. 

Traditionally the Mykonians were seafarers or farmers accustomed to living scattered about the island, as they do today.

Mykonos (Hora)

This is one of my favourite Greek islands. 

What makes Mykonos (Hora) so appealing is the seemingly lack of planning, the narrow streets of Hora, or the water front properties of Little Venice, as the water laps the walls at high tide.

 

Housing is a combination of good taste and practicality, and gives the concept of plasticity. To economise on space, rooms are even built out over the street, bridging the gap between houses. 

 

To conserve space houses are unable to have gardens, and so the houses are decorated with beautiful pots of colour; geraniums or bougainvillea , colour pops and sizzles against the white walls.

Alevkandra (Little Venice)

 

The amazing Alevkandra (Little Venice) were housing appears to be
falling into the sea. Historians write that in the 16th Century Mykonos was a pirate haven, either independently or in collusion with the Barbary corsairs.

Little Venice is an enchanting area, a haven for artists seeking inspiration in its thrilling traditions, delighting me with it's atmosphere of history, romance, and mystery.

If you are visiting Greece or the Greek islands then Mykonos should definitely be on your destination list. 

Cat Lady of Little Venice

I loved every moment I travelled through the Greek Islands. I could have stayed longer. 

Where have you been on your Greek travels?