While staying on Naxos, we visited the island of Delos. It is not possible to stay overnight on the island but boat trips run once a week (more often in high season) visiting the islands of Delos and Mykonos, staying for around 3 hours on each. The journey to Delos took a little over an hour and we were lucky enough to have a perfect, sunny day. The island is a World Heritage site and has been considered a sacred island for thousands of years. It was the mythical birthplace of the god Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. In Roman times it was apparantly a wealthy trading island with a tax haven status. The ruins are extensive and well worth visiting, as is the modern museum on the site, containing some wonderful micro-mosaics, statues and other finds from the site. We also climbed to the 100 metre peak of Mount Kynthos, a steep climb in the sun but worth it for amazing views over the ruins and nearby islands.
We have avoided holidaying on Mykonos, due to it's reputation as a "party" island but were interested to see it for a few hours on this trip. There is no doubt that Mykonos Town (also known as Chora) is pretty, with it's turquoise sea, sandy beach and blue and white houses. The island is popular with well heeled youngsters and is also frequented by the cruise ships
Some pictures from this trip:
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/359676/index.html
Great pictures. I know both islands well and have travelled there for many years. I'm pleased you also enjoyed Mykonos town, in my mind one of the prettiest in the Cyclades. May is a good month to visit, before the madness of July and August.
If you ever do visit the island again I recommend the short 10 minute trip by bus to Agios Ioannis. From there, you look straight across to Delos and the colours of the sea in between are amazing. If you are very lucky you will also see what the locals call the Apollonia effect that starts from the area close to the small pier at Agios Ioannis. You see what looks like a roadway of shimmering light that runs straight from that pier right across to Delos.
Bill
Thanks for posting those pics Maria. Mykonos looks gorgeous, I want to go there Here I go again, another island to research
Have had a look on the resort report page, but nothing on Mykonos. So, if anybody has been to Mykonos for a holiday (not just a day trip) can you either post a review, or reply on this thread as to what it is actually like. i.e party town or not. Or maybe other resorts on Mykonos??
We spent a week here staying in the Mykonos View studios. The accommodation was excellent with great views over the town & harbour. The pool had just been completed which was real bonus as no mention was made of it in the brochure. Dont be put off by the islands reputation, out of season we found it fine although eating out especially in the town was expensive. Its certainly more commercialised than many other Greek destinations but very pretty and not a lager lout destination. As always Maria's pictures make us wish we were there.
I've seen many changes over the years I've visited but as I said in my earlier post, I still feel the town itself is the prettiest in the Cyclades.
Yes it can be a party island and the months of July and August should be avoided if that's not your thing. May, early June and mid to late September I have always felt are the best months.
As rdv helpfully said it can be expensive but, as an old timer, I now know the places where I can eat as cheaply as on other Greek islands.
You have also the 'must see' island of Delos and can day-trip to both the islands of Naxos (an organised tour) or Tinos (regular ferry). The island's southern beaches are fantastic but it's northern beaches, quieter and more windswept, are also terrific, especially for surfing.
There are places on the island that folks have as favourites. Mines is Agios Ioannis where you will see light and sea colours that are spectacular.
The only other town on the island is Ano Mera which in itself is fascinating. Here you can find the ruins of a 13th century castle, a monastery from the 18th century and about a mile from this town some neolithic tombs.
The island is widely covered by a superb 'small bus' network which means many folks decide not to rent a car or scooter.
I hope, some day, you will visit. I've a feeling you might enjoy it.
Bill
After getting excited about this island, I've been trying to access the photos again to show hubby. However, I've been trying to connect open the link since last night and I can't seem to get into the worldisround site . is anybody else having problems please?
the link is not working for us either
The Worldisround site seems to have been down for a couple of days - I don't know what has happened. I'm a bit worried, as I have loads of travel pics on there! In the meantime, I also have some of the pics on Flickr - will also be adding the Santorini ones in a few days. There were a few more shots on the other site, as that is more of a travel photo site - hope it gets fixed soon!
shirley h - I'm coming with you - what a beautiful place.
It looks stunning doesn't it but I'm struggling to find a TO apart from Thomson that goes there.
Try Sunvil Shirley. We went with them for the first time this year after they were recommended to us. I couldn't fault their service and they allowed us to be flexible - i.e 5 nights on Santorini and 9 on Naxos. Worth a look.
We agree with Maria we've been using Sunvil for many years. This year we are using Greek Sun who have a great number of islands and also do tailormade packages of any duration, they also have a good reputation.
Thanks for posting those pics Maria. Mykonos looks gorgeous, I want to go there Here I go again, another island to research
Off to Mykonos in a couple of weeks - so will do full report when back We're staying at Platy Yalos - self catering (not that we will be LOL!) From research I've been doing - yes there are certain beaches for partying etc etc..but more families and honeymooners seem to be returning to the island.
we are just back from the Cyclades. We did the Delos/Mykonos trip from Paros on the Alexander, a very good day out. Your photos really capture it well. I also took the climb on Delos which was quite tricky due to the Meltemi blowing really hard. The short trip to Mykonos was grim with no one allowed on deck and waves breaking over the boat. We really enjoyed Antiparos, the cave here is spectacular and the 411 steps to the bottom are not too bad because its cool inside. We even found beaches to ourselves in July!
Glad you had a good time Bob. Delos was fascinating. Fortunately the sea was calm for our boat trip! Paros is firmly on my list for a future holiday too, so I'll be interested to hear of your experiences.
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