Travel Review

Mykonos
Greek Island
 

Mykonos is easily accessible from Athens or any of the other Greek Islands. Just take a short flight or hydrofoil or a longer ferry ride and you are there. Keep in mind it is also one of the most expensive islands to visit, so budget wisely. If you have the time, ferry from island to island to find your favorite one.

If you wish for some culture and some history, you must spend at least half a day on Delos Island. The birth place of the gods Apollo and Artemis. It is just a short ferry ride from Mykonos. Be sure to take the early ferry so that you can walk all over the island to see what is left of the ancient buildings and still have time to visit the museum before the last ferry leaves back for Mykonos at 3pm.

Mykonos resembles the old Cycladic tradition or architecture which can be dazzling to see and the maze of twisting, winding, narrow streets can be exciting to get lost in. It is also the homosexual paradise. This island is well known as the island to be on if you are gay and want to party until the sun comes up. Even if you are straight, you will be welcome with open arms and still have a blast if you like to party the evenings away. There are several hotels which have a gay only policy and there are even gay day cruises to the less popular beaches for a bit of privacy from the straight folk. The universal rainbow flag will let you know if you are somewhere that you do or do not belong.

The days here generally begin around noon and end around dawn. Shopping generally doesn't start until after 6pm and finishes around midnight. If you didn't bring your club clothes, don't worry, there are plenty of designer clothing boutiques on the island for those who remembered to bring their high limit credit cards with them.

A must see is the Aegean Sunset in Little Venice. From around 7pm, the area known as Little Venice becomes crowded with tourists sitting in one of the many restaurants or cafes, enjoying a cocktail as they wait for the sun to set.

If you explore the many passage ways on the island, you will eventually come face to face with the pelicans. These birds are enormous and history has pelicans inhabiting the island since at least the 1950s. They are use to the tourists and are likely to pose for a photo (if they are awake that is).

There are many beaches to explore on the island. The next being more beautiful than the last. There are many boat rides you can take to each of the beaches so as to discover your favorite. There are many restaurants and cafes near the beaches so you won't go hungry. The further away you go from the main part of town, the more likely you are to find some peace and quiet.

Another well visited tourist attraction is the Paraportiani Church. It can be passed by at night without a second look. During the day, you can't miss it. The church consists of 5 churches built around the 16th century AD There are four churches on the ground floor and the fifth forms the roof. It is one of the most interesting buildings in Mykonos with its Byzantine architectural style. Great for all sorts of photo opts.

Being a straight, non party gal, I needed only 24 hours on the island. This was enough time to take in all the sites and to get a taste of what the island had to offer. As for dining, there is a crepe place around nearly every corner which are great places to eat, especially if you are on a budget and enjoy tasty food.

Hotel: I stayed at the Hotel Palladium where the room rate was around US$ 135 per night for double occupancy, including breakfast and hotel transfers. Email: george55@otenet.gr for more information or to book a room.The staff are extremely helpful and friendly. The rooms large and clean. The pool gorgeous to see and to swim in. Many of the rooms offer a captivating view of the sea from your own private balcony. There is air conditioning, satellite TV, telephones in each room and a hairdryer.

The hotel is only 3.5 km from the town center with a bus stop just outside the hotel. To get to the port, airport or town center via taxi, the fare is around 1,500 drs. The bus to town is around 250 drs.

It isn't unusual to have to share a taxi on the islands. This doesn't mean that your fare will be reduced, it just means that if you have to be somewhere at a particular time, be sure to leave earlier than necessary to get to your destination as there may be some unexpected stops on the way.

For more information on Mykonos and the other Greek Islands, check out the Lonely Planet Greek Islands book.

~Sheila, February 2001

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