Mykonos

Mykonos is famed for its party image yet there is so much more to discover here. This is where Shirley Valentine was filmed as well as the last few scenes from the Bourne Identity.

Mykonos is often called the 'White Island'; nowhere is this more evident than Mykonos Town's brilliant-white houses and deep blue shutters. Mykonos Town is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere with the revelry often lasting long into the night!

Mykonos is much more than a party island and a visit to Ano Mera is recommended. It's close to Mykonos Town, yet worlds apart. The focal point is a little square surrounded by many family-run tavernas (we recommend a meal here) and a few coffee shops. Also of interest is the Monastery of Tourliani, patron saint of Mykonos, built in the 16th century. It's a small but intensely spiritual place and is open mornings and evenings. There are over 500 churches on Mykonos -some are so small that you would be pushed to squeeze half a dozen people inside!

The most photographed church is Paraportiani, dating from the 15th century. It stands by the main harbour in Mykonos Town and is actually a complex of five churches; four on the ground level and one on the roof with an exterior stone staircase. It gets its name from the small gate at the ‘side door’ of the mediaeval stone walls encircling the area.

Look out also for the dovecotes – nearly all farmhouses have them. There are several hundred on the island and are now mainly used for decorative purposes.

Mykonos is a paradise for sun worshippers. From the aptly named Paradise and Super Paradise beaches on the south coast to the quieter Kalafatis, Anna and Kalo Livadi beaches on the south east there is a wide choice. Kalo Livadi is our favourite and is easily reached by car, boat or bus (plus a walk from the top of the road). It isn't a ‘party beach’ like Paradise and is good for families.