Mykonos - Experience the Essence of Greece
Mykonos captures the essence of Greece, with its whitewashed buildings, narrow cobblestone lanes, stylish boutiques, waterfront taverns, iconic hill-top windmills, and a sun-drenched harbour. Just a short boat ride away, Delos offers a wealth of ancient ruins from the heart of antiquity. A visit to Mykonos leaves no doubt—you’ve experienced the essence of Greece.
Embark on a captivating journey with Haswell Travelled's Mykonos YouTube video, where we enjoy the best of this perfect Greek island on a fine sunny day.
“Little Venice” on Mykonos
Southwest of Athens, Mykonos sits at the heart of the Cyclades islands, known for their dry, rocky landscapes and iconic whitewashed villages.
According to Greek mythology, Hercules fought and defeated the Giants here on Mykonos, and their petrified remains are the large rocks scattered on the island. The island gets its name from Mykons, its first ruler who was a descendant of the god Apollo.
Cruise ships often dock at the new port north of town, with convenient shuttle boats bringing tourists right up to its old town. Our stroll takes us through the best of this charming village. From its oldest church, we stop along “Little Venice” enjoying its waterfront, take in sweeping views from the iconic row of windmills, and wander through the picturesque maze of narrow lanes of white-washed homes, boutiques, galleries and cafes before returning to the lively waterfront.
Mykonos Town is often called “Chora” by locals which means “town” in Greek to help distinguish it from the rest of the island. The Old Town is a charming maze of narrow, stone-paved alleys, originally designed in the Middle Ages to confuse pirates and deter invaders. Its whitewashed buildings are tightly packed, featuring flat roofs and brightly painted doors and window frames—often in striking shades of blue, red, or green. This traditional Cycladic style is both practical and beautiful: it reflects the harsh Mediterranean sun to keep interiors cool, while creating a stunning visual contrast against the deep blue Aegean Sea.
Its iconic windmills were built on a hill to harness the strong northern winds for grinding grain. With thatched roofs and wooden sails, they have a commanding view over the harbour, and were also a navigational landmark for sailors arriving in Mykonos.
During the summer months, Mykonos transforms into one of Europe’s top party destinations, with nightlife that often lasts until the early morning hours—and sometimes features celebrity sightings. The beaches along the south coast come alive as vibrant party venues, boasting open-air dance floors and music pumping from afternoon through the night until sunrise, drawing world-famous DJs.
The small, uninhabited island of Delos is a 30-minute boat ride from Mykonos, and according to Greek mythology, was the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. The island thrived as a major sanctuary and later grew into a bustling commercial port during the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, until repeated pirate raids forced trade to shift elsewhere. Today, Delos is known for its well-preserved ruins, including temples, theaters, mosaics, and marble statues.
Immerse yourself in the captivating episode of Mykonos on the Haswell Travelled YouTube channel. The video is also easily accessible via the website’s Greece web page, allowing viewers to explore this enchanting content alongside other fabulous destinations.
