Mykonos: Windmills, Whitewashed Cubes & the Art of Cycladic Luxury

Mykonos is an island in the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea, part of Greece. It is approximately 85 square kilometres and sits just a few kilometres east of the island of Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Mykonos has been inhabited since at least the 11th century BC, when Ionian Greeks settled on nearby Delos, but its modern fame as a luxury destination dates only to the 1960s, when Jackie Onassis, Aristotle Onassis, and the international art set began visiting.

The island is famous for its distinctive Cycladic architecture: whitewashed cubic buildings with flat roofs, blue-painted doors and shutters, and narrow cobbled streets designed to confuse pirates (and, today, to delight photographers). The main town, Mykonos Town (Chora), is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean.

The Windmills of Mykonos

The Kato Mili (lower windmills) are the iconic landmark of Mykonos. A row of 16th-century windmills sits on a hill overlooking the town, facing north to catch the strong northern winds (the Meltemi) that sweep the Cyclades. The windmills were built by the Venetians in the 16th century and were used to grind wheat for export; they remained in operation until the early 20th century. Today, one of them houses the Bonis Windmill Museum. Reference: [Mykonos Tourism — Windmills](https://www.mykonos.gr)

Little Venice

The Alefkandra district, known as Little Venice, is a neighbourhood of 18th-century houses built directly on the sea wall, with colourful balconies that overhang the water. It is the most photographed area of the town and the location of the finest sunset bars and restaurants. Reference: [Visit Greece — Mykonos](https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/cyclades/mykonos/)

Where to Stay

The Belvedere Hotel (belvederehotel.com) is the grande dame of Mykonos hotels, located in the heart of Mykonos Town. Established in the early 1970s and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, it is renowned for its Nobu restaurant (the first Nobu in Greece), its infinity pool overlooking the town, and its position as the social hub of the island. Reference: [Belvedere Hotel Official](https://www.belvederehotel.com)

Cavo Tagoo (cavotagoo.com) is the contemporary luxury landmark — a stunning hotel perched on a cliff above the old port, famous for its infinity pool that appears to spill into the Aegean, its cave-style suites, and its sunset bar. Reference: [Cavo Tagoo Official](https://www.cavotagoo.com)

The Beaches

Psarou Beach is the most exclusive beach on the island, home to the Nammos (nammos.com) beach club — the summer social epicentre of the international elite. Reference: [Nammos Official](https://www.nammos.com)

Elia Beach is the longest sandy beach on the island and one of the most beautiful, with calmer water than the northern beaches. Super Paradise Beach is the historic party beach, with beach clubs that have played music since the 1970s.

The Sacred Island of Delos

A short boat trip from Mykonos lies Delos — one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in Greece. According to Greek mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The island was a major religious sanctuary and commercial centre from the 9th century BC to the Roman era, and its extensive ruins include the Terrace of the Lions, the House of the Dolphins, and the theatre. Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reference: [UNESCO — Delos](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/228)

Getting There

Mykonos is served by Mykonos International Airport (JMK), with direct flights from Athens (Aegean Airlines, aegeanair.com) and seasonal direct flights from many European cities. By sea, Mykonos is connected by ferry to Piraeus (Athens) and to the other Cyclades islands. The principal ferry operators are Blue Star Ferries (bluestarferries.com) and SeaJets (seajets.com). High-speed ferries from Rafina (the closest port to Athens airport) take about 4–5 hours. Reference: [Mykonos Tourism](https://www.mykonos.gr)

Reference Links:

- Belvedere Hotel: belvederehotel.com

- Cavo Tagoo: cavotagoo.com

- Nammos Beach Club: nammos.com

- Mykonos Tourism: mykonos.gr

- Visit Greece — Mykonos: visitgreece.gr/islands/cyclades/mykonos/

- UNESCO — Delos: whc.unesco.org/en/list/228

- Blue Star Ferries: bluestarferries.com

- SeaJets: seajets.com