Maspalomas on Gran Canaria. Sitges in Catalonia. Torremolinos in Andalusia. Mykonos in the Cyclades. These are arguably the main – and cliché – resort destinations for European gay beachgoers. But that’s not why Steve and I are going to Mykonos. We’re not beachgoers, we don’t have beach bodies, we don’t enjoy going out. No, we just want to visit the archeologic island of Delos. So making the best of coveted free time during the 2023 school summer holiday, we’re off to Greece!

Apart from our excursion to Delos, we actually did not venture outside Mykonos Town, on the the Island of Mykonos. Why not? Steve and I are not beachgoers and we’re not party animals. We also didn’t have any motivation to rent an AVT (quad bike) or car to go anywhere. So we stayed in Mykonos Town. 

Our hotel – Mykonos Town Vencia Boutique Hotel – was on the edge of the pedestrian city centre, which suited us. 

This meant we visited the town many times. You could say we walked ‘every street’. Not literally, but you’ll excuse my exaggeration. 

Mykonos Town

Mykonos Town is actually named Chora or Hora. Χώρα in Greek. Χώρα means country. But it’s definitely a town. “There are 10,134 inhabitants (2011) most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, a common denomination in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town)”, Wikipedia says. 

Mykonos Town highlights

What are the things to and see in Chora? The internet has a few standard answers?

• The Windmills (Κάτω Μύλοι). The iconic windmills are a symbol of Mykonos. You can find them perched on a hill overlooking the town and the sea. They offer a fantastic viewpoint for capturing the beauty of the town and the surrounding area. They are a landmark, a brand for for the island and a photo hotspot. 
• Little Venice (Μικρή Βενετία). This is a district of Mykonos Town known for its colorful houses built right on the edge of the sea. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy stunning sunsets and relax in seaside cafes and bars. Little Venice is cramped, busy and noisy. 
• Matoyianni Street (Οδός Ματογιάννη). This is the main shopping street in Mykonos Town, lined with boutiques, art galleries, jewelry stores, and souvenir shops. It’s a great place to shop for local crafts, fashion, and gifts. We honestly barely saw street names. 
• Paraportiani Church (Εκκλησία Παραπορτιανή). This unique church complex is a combination of five small churches, blending various architectural styles, and is considered one of the most photographed churches in Greece. But we had a hard time getting this church complex on photo. Next to Paraportiani there are the ruins of the Kastro (Κάστρο) or Castle.
• Mykonos Archaeological Museum (Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Μυκόνου). If you’re interested in history, this museum houses a collection of artifacts from the island’s history, including sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry. But it was closed “until August 2023”, a sign said. And we were there from 31 July to 4 August 2023. Ha! 
• Mykonos Old Port (Παλιό Λιμάνι Μυκόνου). This is the main port of Mykonos Town and a hub of activity. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the views of colourful boats, and indulge in seafood at the many restaurants. The beach there is not used, but the one at the bay further north in direction of the museum, yes. 
• Museums and galleries. Mykonos Town boasts several art galleries and small museums showcasing local and contemporary art, such as the Rarity Gallery and the Municipal Art Gallery (Δημοτική Πινακοθήκη).
• Cine Manto, Chora Mykonos 846 00. “Cine Manto is overall a multi-space of cinema, arts, flavors and activities. Foods and colors, sounds and moving images, Cine Manto is a place like no other. From the gardens to the cinema, we offer an alternative experience in Mykonos, where you can unwind and find peace while taking part in interesting activities.”

Cityscape

I would divide Mykonos town in three parts. The ‘central centre’, from the Windmills in the south to the Old Port in the north, is the pos area. Knokke, for those familiar to a Belgian context. 

South of the Windmills there are still many streets with plenty of activity. But it’s cheaper. Both literally, with lower prices, as in vibe. Let’s say it’s more Blankenberge.

The north side of the Old Port is where cruise ships tend to be anchored. We barely went there. 

Walking the streets

The streets of Mykonos Town are narrow. They’re painted white, with grey spots. During the day and on evenings, they’re pedestrian. It can be very crowded on the ‘larger’ streets – that’s quite relative – but the ‘connecting alleys’ are calm, sometimes eery. 

You’ll encounter many cats. 

Shops, bars and restaurant

Basically, Chora is filled with souvenir shops, clothing shops, memorabilia shops, galleries, bars, clubs and restaurants. It is fun to walk through, although most offer similar products. 

Some bars and restaurants tend to have an exclusive vibe and have this expensive aura. We did not bar hop. 

We had lunch or dinner at

• Perry’s Taverna, Nikiou 1. Decent, cosy, modern feel. Good value for money. The ‘traditional with a twist’ cliché. 
• La Petite Taverne, Mitropoleos 11. Same category as Perry’s. Modern traditional Greek cuisine. 
• Lucky Fish, Nikiou Kalogera 6. A level up. Steve had a splendid sea bass in crayfish bisque and fresh herbs. I had octopus orzo.
• Niko’s Taverna, Porta. The most basic we had. Good quality, but the most traditional, low brow, homely Greek cuisine. Good in its category, but we hoped for a better end of the trip. 

So? 

You’ve seen Mykonos Town in less than a day. We did it in two and half. 

Mykonos & Delos 2023

1. REVIEW | Aegean from Brussels to Athens and Mykonos in Economy.
2. REVIEW | Mykonos Town Vencia Boutique Hotel & Karavaki Restaurant.
3. GREECE | Delos excursion from Mykonos.