When Fall comes, there is a sweet swift of energy in the air of Mykonos. The weather is still perfect for long hours of swimming and sunbathing, everything is open —from fancy restaurants and bars to clubs and elegant boutique shops— but beach life becomes less loud. The beautiful island sort of quiets down, till next summer’s frenzy.
Many say that this is the best time to pay a visit to the most cosmopolitan island of the Cyclades! The season doesn’t end before the last week of October, the sea is calm, temperatures are still high, local life is at its best and there is no need to pre-book days ahead for dining in a trendy gourmet restaurant or for enjoying a private set of sunbeds, right where the sand meets the sea spray. Planes and boats keep going in and out from airports and harbors; only that at this time of the year, there are not long queues for boarding. As for dressing codes, besides beachwear and some more extravagant evening outfits, you certainly need a light sweatshirt or even jacket, as the air early in the morning and late in the evening can get a bit chilly. It is a pleasant dewiness though, that calls for some action different from the usual summer hyper activities!
When in Mykonos, having free time from the beach in the morning or afternoon, means having endless opportunities to explore the island from the inside and indulge to its inner beauties. Visiting churches and monasteries is definitely one of them; a mystifying journey that combines learning history and experiencing devoutness in the most spectacular surroundings.
Panagia Paraportiani
There are many famous churches and monasteries on the island. Most of them maintain their original character, standing proudly against time. Below are only a few, recommended by Mykonos lovers as a must see:
✔ The Monastery of Paleokastro, of typical Cycladic architecture, is located on a hill close to the village of Ano Mera.
✔ The church of Agia (Saint) Eleni, which until 1878 was the island’s Cathedral and right next to it,
✔ the church of Agios (Saint) Dimitrios, built from ancient marble parts and considered to be the oldest church in Mykonos town.
✔ Panagia Paraportiani is a unique in its kind complex of five smaller churches built one on top of the other, located in Mykonos town. It is one of the most photographed churches in Greece; if not in the world.
✔ The Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, in Ano Mera, has a most impressive bell tower and a beautiful Florentine wood-carved chancel screen.
Panagia Tourliani, Ano Mera village
✔ The small church of Saint Nicholas, in the old port of Mykonos, is distinguished for its distinctive blue dome and its black and white tiled floor.
✔ Finally, don’t miss the church of Agios Charalambos, right behind the legendary Mykonos’ windmills, offering a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
What are you waiting for? Book a villa in Mykonos to soothe your body and soul, but don’t neglect to feed your spirit; start exploring the “divine side” of the island, too!