If you take the Kosherica cruise to the Greek Island in August 2, 2015, the fourth day on the Costa Deliciosa will be aptly named: deliciosa indeed.
At 3 pm, shortly before stores reopen from their daily siesta, your beautiful liner will dock facing the epitome of all that is amazing about a Greek Island: the sparkling white washed paradise, right in the heart of the Cyclades.
Legend says that it was formed from the petrified bodies of the giants killed by Hercules, and the name Mykonos was given to the island, after Apollo’s grandson, Mykonos.
As your boat gets closer to the harbour, the blinding white washed houses of the Island, built on a rocky terrain, with a base of granite, and an abundance of beaches, which gave it the nickname ‘Capri of Greece’.
The Island relies on tourism for its economy, and luckily, is so enticing that the place is packed year round. With its beautiful vistas of the white washed main town of Chora, glistening in the Aegean sun, the island is full of things to do and see. It’s fantastically gorgeous panoramic views and its signature windmills, decorate the shoreline of the city. They were built in the 16th century to harness the energy of the strong northwest winds. Many of the windmills served as storage for important documents and even as shelter for some locals. Mykonos has drawn visiting famous artists, wealthy Europeans and politicians, as far back as the 1930s. Vacation homes went up, and after a temporary halt during Second World War, Mykonos once again became a tourist hot spot.
Since the 1950s to the present, Mykonos is relying on its thriving tourism as its main source of economy. Archaeological digs have unearthed some important artefacts, all housed in the Museum of Archaeology. Little Venice – or Mikri Venetia – are rows of fishing houses with their balconies hanging over the sea. They used to belong to wealthy merchants, with doors leading directly to the sea. Many of these buildings are now converted into bars, cafes, shops and galleries.
Little Venice is considered the most romantic spot on the Island, and at sunset, people gather there and artists paint the vista.
There are shops one can visit that re-open exactly when the boat docks. There is enough time until 11 to partake of many delights the island has to offer and retire that night with a smile and a tan.