Mykonos

We visited the postcard like island of Mykonos with its hundreds of white washed churches, thatched roofed windmills and promenade restaurants surrounding a harbour bobbing with fishing boats and luxurious private yachts.  This island has a population of 9000 with 11,000 workers coming in for the summer months to cater to the 150,000 tourists that are there on an average day thankfully we were there at the end of the season.  Most businesses are only open for the tourist season.  This is one of the driest islands as is very brown but by law the houses and buildings must be painted white so they are a nice bright contrast.  Islanders no longer are required to paint their trim blue so there is some variety seen.  One must paint your home twice a year to keep it bright white in this climate.  Seems like becoming a painter in a country with such high unemployment might be a smart move.  We did a tour of the island which gave us a good overview.  We visited a winery and had a wine tasting. Their vines were very low to the ground and after the first two years require no irrigation so produce a different tasting wine though quite nice.  A visit to a local taverna for some ouzo and traditional homemade mere or appetizers accompanied by Greek music was enjoyable.  The old town is literally a maze of narrow alleyways designed by the Mykonians centuries ago to discourage would be invaders from finding their way.  It also works on tourists but the town is small and the alley ways are lined with coulourful shops and cafes so it a very pleasant stroll.  A lunch of fresh octopus in a charming restaurant overlooking the harbour before going for a wonderful swim in the sea made for an ideal day. 

Adios Giannis Beach where the movie Shirly Valentine was filmed so many years ago

Alleyway lined with plant pots to introduce some green to a very dry island 

A large percentage of homes have their own church on their property as in years gone by many of the men were fishermen and this is where family went to pray for their safe return

The vineyard was very dry and the vines miniscule to what we are used to seeing

The cobble stoned alley ways were fun to explore and were a mix of homes and shops.

Churches were of course inter mingled with the homes and businesses 

This area of Mykonos is referred to as Little Venice as the homes are built right over the water.  Apparently it is very sought after real estate.

The iconic wind mills of Mykonos are no longer in use today but have been restored for their tourism value.

The main town with the dry hills in the background. Not a tree in sight.

Beautiful contrast with the bright white and blue

Small cafe right outside the church in case one needs to make a quick visit

Homes interspersed with the shops

This church is a world UNESCO site in Mykonos

View from our table at lunch on the promenade 

My lunch of grilled octopus. Yum!  I was a happy girl.