Paradise

I apologize in advance for the long post, but I’ve found heaven on earth and its name is Mykonos. I had heard such great things about the island but I wasn’t prepared for it to go over and above my expectations. I honestly think that it might top the list of places that I have visited.

To begin, I think the people that live in Mykonos are some of the most happy and friendly people that I’ve met. Every person that I made eye contact with gave me a big smile and a warm hello. But hey, I think I would be happy all the time if I lived in a place as beautiful as Mykonos.

Pictures, and much less my description of Mykonos, don’t do the island justice. Everything seems so much brighter there, the colors more vivid, the sea breeze more refreshing, and the food and wine more satisfying. (Can you tell that I’m in love?)

The first day we were there was pretty relaxing. We arrived at our hotel and enjoyed the view while we unpacked. Afterwards we went in Hora, which is the main town in Mykonos. To make it easier on the tourists, and for the locals to avoid hearing us butcher the name, Hora is simply referred to as Mykonos Town.

The whitewashed buildings were striking against the rich colors of the ocean. And the narrow streets were like a labyrinth that I definitely didn’t mind getting lost in. Fun fact, the town was actually made to have winding streets because it would confuse any possible invaders. So for the afternoon, we calmly walked around the town, went to see the famous windmills, and stopped for cappuccinos in “Little Venice.”

"Little Venice"

Famous Windmills

Our pelican friend

Cats everywhere..even on the artwork

That night, after a recommendation from some of the locals, we went to a fabulous restaurant in the heart of town called Kalita, and this time I actually managed to take pictures! The food and the atmosphere were equally amazing.

Delicious lamb

Suckling pig

 The next day we went to a little island about 30 minutes away by boat called Delos. This island was considered to be one of the most sacred places for the ancient Greeks. According to Greek mythology, the twin gods Apollo and Artemis were born there, and so the island used to be called the Island of Light. When we arrived, I definitely wasn’t expecting the massive space of ruins that were on the island. To walk around what was left of this city was astounding! For anyone who enjoys history and has the chance to visit Mykonos, I would definitely recommend the trip!

Delos!

On our last day on the island, we decided to try and be locals and rent a car and drive around the island on our own. Driving around these narrow roads was terrifying at first, but I quickly adjusted. We drove to all of these remote beaches, and one of them had no one on it so we made it our own private beach for a time. 

Agios Stosis beach

Ano Mera Monastery

Driving around definitely gives you a better feel for the island, and allows you to see things that aren’t on the regular beaten path. 

Adorable house on the side of the road

Overhead view of Mykonos town

On one of these beaches we found a restaurant right on the water that had amazing food, just like everywhere else we had eaten.

My mom loves candids...

Cutest parents evaaaa.

Delicious feta cheese with honey!

   

After going back to town to watch the sunset, we headed back to the hotel to pack and prepare for the next leg of our journey. Mykonos is a place that I’ll be dreaming about for years to come, and I hope that I get to visit again very soon!

I’ll post again soon after the adventures that wait in Istanbul, and if you'd like to be notified about when I post, enter your email to subscribe to my blog! Until then..

-- Maria