| Mykonos |
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Mykonos A secluded, forgotten island like Mykonos, seeming to drift off lost and forlorn into the Aegean Sea would be an unlikely destination for over 800 thousand tourists every year, who pile in on domestic flights and cruise ships to take part in one of wild nightlife, scenic views, powdery golden beaches and superb examples of Greek architecture. The history of Mykonos developing into such a hot destination is fit for a sociological study, the masses wishing to imitate the elites who historically had made Mykonos their private playpen. Nowadays, August, and especially July, constitute a veritable open season, and require some rerouting of your daily schedule if you wish to avoid being totally suffocated by the crowds.
Despite the tourism, the intrinsic charm of Mykonos won’t be lost on you. Just get in reverse-tourist mode, which means get up early and enjoy the morning sun on the untouched waters surrounding the island, and splash into the aquamarine coolness as the golden light of the morning adds an extra sparkle to the splash. Among delightful water sports such as boating and snorkeling and windsurfing, Mykonos is also one of the only places where SCUBA diving is permitted in the Greek Isles, so be sure to sign up for a morning session. Various places to rent diving equipment can be found in the city.
As the masses begin rolling out of their beds and onto the beach, take this as a cue to start exploring the city, as it empties out. Indeed, spending the hot afternoons strolling around the cool, shaded streets of the old city is one of the more exquisite, if lesser-known pleasures of Mykonos. A great place to start is the Church of Paraportiani, a magnificent example of the periodic architecture, something that undoubtedly sparked the notice of aristocratic pleasure seekers as a truly refined destination. A mid afternoon picnic on the hillside is a wonderful way to enjoy views of the harbor and sea, while discovering peaceful isolation above the din of the city. That din, however, may be just what you’re looking for as the lights turn on in the city; nightlife in Mykonos is as raucous and fun-filled as it is inviting.
The island has a long tradition of locals renting out rooms in their places to tourists, in addition to newer hotels, pensions, and vacation rentals. Be careful: accommodations will be absolutely unavailable during the peak season, unless you book well in advance. |
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