Aegean Maritime Museum
The Aegean Maritime Museum is a non-profit institution. Located
on the island of Mykonos, it collects, studies and promotes Greek
maritime history and tradition. Visitors can enjoy wonderful models
of pre-Minoan ships, a superb collection of old maps and documents,
navigational instruments, as well as rare coins and engravings.
The museum is also proud of its three 'living' historical
exhibits, namely the 'Armenistis' lighthouse, the Perama-type
sailing boat 'Evangelistria', and the cable-laying steamship,
'Thalis o Milissios'. Along with these treasures, visitors can
stroll through a picturesque garden courtyard and admire anchors,
the top of the old Mykonos lighthouse, and replicas of drowned
sailors' gravestones.
All in all, the museum gives fascinating insight into the
island's history, and is a good stop for the entire family.
Address:
10 Enoplon Dynameon Street 846 00 Myconos island,
Greece
Aegean Maritime Museum
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Delos
The island of Delos is a must for history buffs and lovers of
Greek mythology. In fact, the UNESCO World Heritage site one of
Greece's most important mythological, historical and archaeological
locations.
People have lived on Delos since the 3rd millennium BC, with the
island serving as a sacred site for multiple religions, cults and
sects over the centuries. It has also played a role in numerous
historical events and been the subject of myths and prophecies.
Archaeological excavations on Delos are extensive and ongoing,
uncovering many valuable buildings and artefacts. Some of these are
on display in the Archaeological Museum of Delos.
Visitors should look out for the circular Sacred Lake, the
Minoan Fountain, the Terrace of the Lions, and several impressive
ancient buildings and temples. Travellers visiting Mykonos should
definitely include a trip to Delos in their plans.
The Lions' Terrace in Delos
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Mykonos Windmills
The white windmills are iconic on Mykonos island and are visible
from every part of Hora village. Those interested in the mechanics
of windmills - once such common and important technology and now
seldom seen - will be captivated by them and children also tend to
be enthralled. There is a reason for everybody to take a stroll to
the famous windmills though, and that is the spectacular views from
the hill. The hill is best visited in the late afternoon, towards
sunset, and overlooks the whole town of Hora and the harbour too.
There are 16 windmills left on Mykonos and seven of these stand on
the hill at Hora (also often called Chora). Some of them were built
by the Venetians in the 16th century, but construction continued
into the 20th century so they are not all that old, or have been
renovated since then. They were once an important means of survival
and income for the inhabitants of the town and were used primarily
to mill wheat. They are white-walled, thatched-roofed windmills and
are rather mesmerising, although they are now out of use. It is a
great spot for photographs and picnics and one of the mills has
been turned into a small museum. There is no need for directions as
the windmills are probably the first thing you see when you enter
the village or the port.
Windmills
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Given its thriving nightlife, Mykonos may not be an obvious
holiday destination for children. That said, many of its
attractions are wonderfully kid-friendly.
Families often stroll along the harbour, eating ice cream and
looking out for Mykonos' official mascot, Petros the Pelican. Also,
kids usually enjoy seeing the mechanics behind the windmills of
Kato Myli, or day tripping to Delos Island to hear wonderful
stories of Greek mythology.
The Aegean Maritime Museum presents another chance to mix fun
with learning, as kids absorb aspects of Greek nautical history,
and marvel at the models on display.
The Mykonos climate is characterised by hot, dry summer weather
and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August range from 86ºF
(30ºC) during the day to 72ºF (22ºC) at night. Rainfall is almost
non-existent in summer but showers can be expected between October
and April.
The island's weather is typical of the region, meaning it's
largely Mediterranean, with the odd influence from North African
climes. Visitors usually enjoy the temperate weather, though it can
be oppressive and quite overwhelming for some.
Mykonos is packed during the peak summer season. Spring and
early autumn are less busy and the weather is milder. The water is
also warm enough for swimming.
Mykonos Island National Airport
Location: The airport is located 2.5 miles (4km) from
Mykonos.
Time: GMT +2
Car Rental:
Avis and Hertz Rent a Car are available.
Parking
Short and long-term parking is available in the parking lot in
front of the terminal.
Often compared to the Balearic island of Ibiza, Mykonos has a
pumping party scene. Indeed, its nightlife is famous throughout
Europe.
Visitors often stop for sundowners before heading out for the
night. Celebrated gay clubs, live jazz, rock and blues all vie for
attention in Mykonos. The island also has many popular party haunts
with large pools, DJs, theme nights and great places for watching
the sunrise.
Visitors can find traditional Greek music and dancing too.
There are good ferry connections between the Cyclades islands
and the mainland, and in summer hydrofoils and high-speed
catamarans as well. Between May and September it is easy to
island-hop, although strong winds can upset the more sensitive
hydrofoil services. The ferry system in Greece is reliable and
convenient, if not always exactly comfortable. There are airports
at Mykonos, Santorini and Paros and during summer many flights land
in these resort hubs, often connecting via Athens. Reliable bus
services connect the main towns on the islands, and taxis are
easily available. Rental car agencies are available all over
Mykonos, as well as moped and motorbike hire, but as roads are
treacherously narrow and winding it is not advised unless you are
an experienced rider or driver. Having your own transport is a
great freedom on Mykonos but you can get around easily on public
transport if need be, and for some the stress of traversing the
dangerous roads (and dealing with the sometimes frightening local
driving) makes driving yourself around a burden. Once in the little
villages or resort areas you can almost always walk the short
distances.
Fun on Mykonos goes beyond good shopping and a cosmopolitan
nightlife. In particular, history buffs and mythology fans will
find much to their liking.
The Archaeological Museum, the Aegean Maritime Museum and the
Folklore Museum are great places to start. The 15th-century Church
of Panagia Paraportiani is another must-see attraction. Located
near the harbour, it features four churches on the ground and one
built on top of them. It's the most photographed church on the
island.
Visitors should also look out for Mykonos' official mascot,
Petros the Pelican, while strolling down by the harbour. The
trademark 16th-century windmills are worth seeing as well. The
18th-century Monastery of Panagia Tourliani and the Monastery of
Paleokastro are tremendous religious sites. Both are in Ano
Mera.
Visitors can day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos
Island. The mythological birthplace of Artemis and Apollo is a
national museum, and has famous archaeological sites. Little Venice
is enchanting, with its characteristic balconies hanging over the
sea's edge.
Otherwise, Mykonos' beaches are popular for a reason. Some are
nudity-friendly.
Aegean Maritime Museum
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The Lions' Terrace in Delos
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Windmills
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