Falling in Love with the Fabled Blue and White of Mykonos, Greece

I turned my nose up at the offer of a map. The narrow, stone-paved streets of Mykonos begged to be explored randomly. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. So far, my Greece tour with Collette had explored authentic sites on the mainland and the Peloponnese peninsula, but there were whispers among our group that the islands had been taken over by the rich and famous. Everyone was wondering, “Is Mykonos overrated?”

When I saw scenes like this one in Mykonos, the answer to the question, "Is Mykonos overrated?" was easy. No. It's not. It's spectacular.
When I saw scenes like this one in Mykonos, the answer to the question, “Is Mykonos overrated?” was easy. No. It’s not. It’s spectacular.

I caught the early morning shuttle bus from my hotel, hoping to experience the island’s capital city of Chora Town before the tourist hordes descended. At the Old Port, I followed a path tucked between a seawall and the intensely turquoise Aegean. At every turn, another gorgeous view emerged. Tangled thickets of magenta Bougainvillea spilled over the stone retaining wall. Gentle swells splashed onto the walkway, straining to reach the thirsty vines. Seabirds screeched and dove beak first into the water, intent on breakfast. Brightly painted wooden fishing boats bobbed in the inner harbor. Ten minutes later, I rounded a final corner. Chora Town’s perfectly circular bay, with its panoply of whitewashed houses, spread before me.

Colorful wooden fishing boats bob in the Chora Town harbor
Colorful wooden fishing boats bob in the Chora Town harbor

At the fish market, where the fresh catch of the day had been laid out for the perusal of homemakers and restaurant owners, I turned away from the sea. I wandered willy-nilly through narrow streets lined with designer stores. Though not yet open for business, the neighborhood was a beehive of activity. Shop owners were out in force, rinsing down the stone-pavers with soapy water and polishing stoops to a dazzling whiteness.

Fishermen deliver their fresh catch to the seaside market every morning in Chora Town
Fishermen deliver their fresh catch to the seaside market every morning in Chora Town
My favorite store in Chora Town, where I spent way too much money
My favorite store in Chora Town, where I spent way too much money

I turned again and began to climb into a residential area, where the streets gradually narrowed until they were barely wide enough for two people to pass. Here the whitewashed houses competed for attention with splashes of color: a doorway painted purple, window sashes of cobalt blue, aquamarine wooden staircases, and even a bright red dome.

Whitewashed houses with cobalt blue trim, a signature of Mykonos, Greece
Whitewashed houses with cobalt blue trim, a signature of Mykonos, Greece
Brilliant colored trim adorns the whitewashed buildings on the island of Mykonos, Greece
Brilliant colored trim adorns the whitewashed buildings on the island of Mykonos, Greece

Suddenly, a door opened on my right. An elderly Greek woman, clad in black from head to toe, stepped gingerly out onto her stoop. Inch by wobbly inch, she tottered toward the edge of the step. I offered her my arm, which she gratefully accepted, and helped her across the street. I was rewarded with a broad smile and twinkling black eyes.

Houses, shops, and cafes perched on the edge of the sea have earned this area of Chora Town the nickname Little Venice
Houses, shops, and cafes perched on the edge of the sea have earned this area of Chora Town the nickname Little Venice

On the far side of the bay I discovered Little Venice, a neighborhood of elegant old houses perched precariously on the edge of the sea. I knew I was close to the Windmills of Kato Mili, a group of old flour mills spread across a low ridge, so I followed the winding paths down again toward the sea.

Peering down a street in Little Venice toward the historic Windmills of Kato Mili
Peering down a street in Little Venice toward the historic Windmills of Kato Mili

Just as one of the historic mills came into view at the end of a street, another door opened and a man stepped into the street. He grinned and tipped his hat. I pointed to my camera and back at him. Could I take his photo? He struck a pose, leaning ever so slightly on his gnarled wooden cane, and laughed. He didn’t speak a word of English but we understood one another. We were just two blissfully happy senior citizens. I said the only word of Greek I knew – Kalimera – good morning, before we went our separate ways.

A friendly local Mykonian greets me with a broad smile
A friendly local Mykonian greets me with a broad smile
Cafes and an old domed church in the Little Venice neighborhood on Mykonos
Cafes and an old domed church in the Little Venice neighborhood of Chora Town on Mykonos

I loved the exquisite scenery of Mykonos. I loved the food. I even loved the designer clothing shops, and I’m not typically much of a shopper. But in the end, it was the people and traditional whitewashed houses with myriad shades of blue trimmings that most enchanted me. Even though the island is inundated with tourists during the high season, it’s still possible to make a local connection like the ones I had, however brief. So is Mykonos overrated? No way. Not by a long shot. I’d go back in a New York minute.

A study in blue and white, with a dash of red, on the island of Mykonos, Greece
A study in blue and white, with a dash of red, on the island of Mykonos, Greece

Author’s note: I was a guest of Collette during my Exploring Greece and Its Islands, featuring Classical Greece, Mykonos & Santorini tour. However, the receipt and acceptance of complimentary items or services will never influence the content, topics, or posts in this blog. I write the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

The ancient and beautifully preserved Panagia Paraportiani Church on the island of Mykonos, Greece
The ancient and beautifully preserved Panagia Paraportiani Church on the island of Mykonos, Greece

*Offer of $100 per booking, is valid when using offer code BARBARA100 on new bookings only, made between now and 8/31/18, for departures through 4/30/20. Offers are not valid on group or existing bookings. Offers are combinable with Special Offers, but not Hot Deals or any other offer. A booking is defined as a minimum of two full-paying passengers in a double room or a single passenger in a single room. Other restrictions may apply. Call Collette at 800-468-5955 for more details. CST#2006766-20 UBN#601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279

9 thoughts on “Falling in Love with the Fabled Blue and White of Mykonos, Greece”

  1. Hi, I found your site searching for Greek blogs because we are going their next summer 2019. A few Greek Islands, mainland and a couple other countries. Really great info and I have only read a couple posts. Looking forward to reading more. Thanks

    Reply
  2. Love, love, love Mykonos…it was my favourite Greek island. Efharisto, Barbara, for highlighting it with your gorgeous photos!!

    Reply
  3. I’m visiting Mykonos this September! Wow! Your photos are so great- I’m getting excited! I’m so glad to be able to read your blog – gives me a taste of lots to see and do!

    Reply
  4. Hi, Barbara:
    I lived in Greece for 10 years and your gorgeous photos are making me feel very nostalgic. I really love that country and its people. I must go back there sometime soon.
    Incidentally, “kalispera” means “good evening”; “efharisto” means “thank you”.
    Keep up your wonderful work!
    Warm good wishes,
    Khali

    Reply
    • Oh my goodness, Khali, that’s embarrassing! Thanks for letting me know. I corrected the mistake. And thanks so much for your kind words about my photos. Glad you enjoyed them.

      Reply
    • Khali. For years I have wanted to reach out to you but have been unable to successfully connect. I would love to correspond. This is Vickie, Jim’s ex). Wishing you well. Not sure how to give you my email….

      Reply

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