MYKONOS TRAVEL GUIDE

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AREAS

Hora

The town of Mykonos or Hora impresses its visitor at first sight, just a short walk through the narrow picturesque alleys will convey its charm.

Despite the large tourist growth of the island, it has managed to keep its traditional Cycladic character. Whitewashed, box shaped houses with blue windows and wooden balconies typical of the Cycladic architectural style. Picturesque cobbled lanes, innumerable chapels, grand churches and the motionless, for centuries, windmills compose a picture of unique beauty.

The fame of Mykonos and the large number of visitors created the corresponding commercial movement that made Mykonos famous. This becomes clear after a stroll in Matogianni, the most commercial street in Mykonos with its many shops of traditional rural art, elaborate jewellery and designer clothes.

In the settlement of Kastro stands a regal church dedicated to the Madonna of Paraportianis, which is recognized as a National Monument. Below, towards the harbour in the district of Alevkandras, is ‘Little Venice’ of the Aegean that charms its visitors. On the coastal road are many cafeterias and tavernas with views of the harbour and the colourful fleet of caiques and boats.

There are many hotels and groups of rooms of all categories in Hora. Mykonos has a well-known lively night life with an abundance of choices for all tastes.

Ano Meras or Meria

The Ano Meras or Meria is the second largest traditional settlement on the island, after Hora, located roughly in the centre of the island 8 km from Hora. In this settlement is the historical monastery of the Madonna of Tourlianis, founded in the 15th century, where, each year on 15th August, it has a memorable festival.

The settlement is well organised with many hotels and lodgings, restaurants and shops. Nearby are some of the more beautiful beaches of the island: Kalafatis, Elia and Kalo Livadi.

Ornos

The picturesque settlement of Ornos is a popular tourist resort and is located in the south west of the island, 4 km from Hora. Its main characteristic is its small leeward harbour where fishing boats are moored. Hotels and rooms for rent, as well as a wide choice of amusements, are to be found here.

In its bay is a beautiful beach and opposite this beach is the bay of Korfou, which is suitable for windsurfing because of the northerly winds.

Platis Gialos

Platis Gialos is a coastal settlement which is located on the southern coast of Mykonos. It is renowned for its tourist facilities as it supplies a rich range of hotels and lodgings of all categories. It is just 4.5 km from Hora and has regular bus and boat transport to the popular beaches on the island. Naturally, the beach of Platis Gialos with its golden sand and spotless waters attracts many visitors. Close by are the ruins of the three towers of the Hellenistic period in Lito which are worth a visit.

Agios Stefanos

The settlement of Agios Stefanos is located 3 km from Hora/Mykonos and enjoys a marvellous view of the nearby islands of Tinos, Syros and Rineia.

It is a popular resort with well-developed tourist facilities and regular transport. In the settlement are many picturesque chapels. One of them is Agios Stefanos which is located at the end of the gulf and from which it took its name.