The renowned Windmills are an attraction that should not be missed when visiting ‘the island of the winds.’ Built on a strategic spot in Chora, they dominate the landscape offering a panoramic view over the town. Standing like plain yet imposing figures, the seven remaining windmills of the island’s capital town are nostalgic symbols of an era long past, when the locals harnessed the power of the wind to feed their own but also create trade ties with the surrounding islands. Some of them were built circa the 16th century, and there was a time when over 20 windmills operated non-stop. Today, they may be inactive; however, their noble presence is a reminiscence of the past.
Little Venice is a famous neighborhood of Chora, suspended above the Aegean Sea and hooked tightly to the Mykonian rock formations. One of the most famous picturesque corners of the island, boasting similarities with its namesake city in the Italian north, Little Venice has a history that goes back to the 16th century; a tumultuous time when pirates terrorized the area, and their hovering balconies were the easiest way for the residents to quickly upload a few essential belongings on a boat and escape. Today, this part of Chora is a favorite romantic spot among both locals and visitors, to marvel at a captivating view of the sunset. If you happen to enjoy a mouthwatering cocktail at one of Alefkandra’s bars (another name for the area), then the experience can’t get any better!
‘Paraporti’ means ‘small gate’ in Greek, and right next to such an entrance, on the medieval wall of Mykonos, stands one of the most photographed places of the island—Panagia Paraportiani church. It is considered the most famous among 365 churches in Mykonos due to its unmatched architectural style; it is worth mentioning that, as tradition has it, the locals built a church for each day of the year. Panagia Paraportiani consists of five small temples, each of them built on a different period in history and lined on top or next to each other, creating a structural amalgamation that captures one’s eye. This is another favorite spot to enjoy the magical hours of the sunset.
