Wish You Were Here In Mykonos

OVERVIEW

Wish you were here in Mykonos centuries ago, when Byzantine chapels, Venetian traders and Ottoman rule were each leaving their mark on the island. Recognize how the architecture of Mykonos has evolved through the centuries by exploring landmarks that were built during different time periods. For a glimpse into the island’s Byzantine-style architecture, you will visit Panagia Paraportiani, a complex of five small whitewashed churches in the atmospheric Kastro neighborhood. A short walk will bring you to the island’s iconic windmills, some of which the Venetians built in the 16th century. The windmills overlook Little Venice, a jumble of houses precariously perched right on the water’s edge. The neighborhood dates to the time when Venetians ruled Mykonos, starting in 1390. The Ottomans also ruled until ousted in a revolution that broke out in 1821. One of the heroines of that struggle was princess Manto Mavrogenous, a Mykonos resident whose statue you will see in her namesake square. While standing atop a scenic overlook, you will enjoy a sweeping view of Old Town that ties all these stories together—gentle time travel for the soul, from the Mykonos of past centuries to the whitewashed island you see today.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Step into the Mykonos you wish you could have seen centuries ago, walking through Old Town as it shifts from Byzantine chapels to Venetian windmills and Ottoman-era lanes.
• See landmarks from the 14th to 20th centuries, each one a glimpse into that time period.
• Gain insight into the influence of the Venetians and Ottomans that once ruled Mykonos.
• Admire the ultimate view of Old Town Mykonos from an elevated viewpoint.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.