Famous Places in Mykonos, Greece

 Mykonos is an island in Greece's Cyclades group and one of the most popular tourist spots in the nation, after Athens. The island is known for sunny beaches and a thriving nightlife scene, as well as picturesque whitewashed buildings.

The main town on the island is called Mykonos, although it is frequently referred to as Hora or Chora, meaning "town" in Greek. Most of the island's famous places are in Chora.

Panagia Paraportiani

The Panagia Paraportiani church is one of the most recognizable symbols of Mykonos. The building actually consists of five churches, four built adjacent to one another on the ground, and a fifth church perched on top of the others. It's unusual construction and location on the top of a hillside with panoramic views makes it one of the most photographed sights on the island. The church is located in the Kastro district of Chora.

Kato Milli

Just south of Chora are seven whitewashed windmills, located on the waterfront. Originally 10 windmills stood, but only seven have been preserved and restored for posterity. The windmills were built to grind wheat for the island's bakeries, which in turn provided products for the numerous ships that came into Mykonos' port. The windmills are another of Mykonos' symbols and frequently photographed by tourists, both from hills above the town and the water.

Little Venice

The Little Venice area of Chora is on the waterfront, with many of the houses hanging over the ocean. The homes are built directly on the town's sea wall and many of the balconies and porches of the buildings are only 10 to 15 feet above the water. Streets and sidewalks in this neighborhood end with an abrupt drop into the sea, and numerous cafes have outdoor seating with the water lapping just below the feet of diners. Many of the balconies in this neighborhood depart from the traditional whitewashed paint of the city and add a spectacular splash of color to the waterfront.

Archaeological Museum

The harbor-front Archaeological Museum (no website; 011-30-22890-22-325) in Chora is home to a number of artifacts from Mykonos as well as the nearby islands of Delos. Mykonos has been inhabited since the fifth century B.C. and thanks to its proximity to the sacred isle of Delos was an important place for the ancient Greeks. It is believed that Apollo and Artemis were born on Delos. The museum is full of art and artifacts in pristine condition and provides a more intimate experience than similar museums in Athens.