It’s no secret that The Island of the Winds is one of the most beautiful Greek islands. So, what are some of the best spots for architecture lovers Mykonos has to offer? Here is a little guide to all the places you have to go see during your trip to this gorgeous destination in Greece.
What You Need to Know About Mykonian Architecture
There is a reason why Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, such as Mykonos and Paros, are some of the most popular destinations in Greece. One thing they all have in common is that they were built in a unique architectural style. They are a part of the Cyclades, so their architecture represents the unique Cycladic style. Some people might think that there was a lot of thought and planning that went into this type of Mediterranean style of architecture. However, in reality – locals didn’t care about the aesthetics.
They were just trying to cover their basic needs. For example, you might think that the only reason why the entire island is almost exclusively painted in white and blue is because of the aesthetics. The true story is completely different – some of these buildings are a couple of centuries old.
At that time, houses were made out of a type of stone that was darker in color, and it wasn’t very suitable for the hot weather. That’s why locals decided to paint it white, so it can reflect a bit of heat. Ever since, whitewashed short, cubic houses with blue domes became a staple on Mykonos, The Island of the Winds.
You Must Visit Some of These Best Spots for Architecture Lovers in Mykonos
If you’re looking to see some of the amazing Cycladic buildings and streets firsthand in Mykonos town, there are a couple of cultural and historic sites you must check out during your visit to Mykonos. It would be a shame not to visit these magical places that radiate classic Greek architecture:
Chora Is Filled With Gorgeous Buildings – Even the Restaurants Look Beautiful
If you want to see some beautiful sights, all you have to do is take a walk along the paved streets of the old Mykonos town, Chora. Everywhere you look, you will only see white buildings with blue details. All buildings are made of stone, they are whitewashed with wooden accents in blue, and they’re mostly short, like other classic Greek houses. Besides the regular buildings, such as local shops and restaurants, there are so many other Mykonos attractions you can visit – we recommend walking down the famous Matogianni Street, one of the most beautiful streets in the world.
The Church of Panagia Paraportiani Is an Island’s Staple
Mykonos is known for having several small churches all around the island. However, the one church that stands out the most due to its architectural importance is the stunning church of Panagia Paraportiani. It’s one of the most important historical buildings and the most popular tourist attraction. When translated, the name of this church means “Our Lady of the Side Gate,” as this temple was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The construction of this beautiful cultural site lasted for over 150 years – it began in 1425 and wasn’t completed until 1600.
Panagia Paraportiani Church Is the Perfect Example of Mykonian Architecture
This gorgeous building is located in the Old Town, and it’s a prime example of Cycladic architecture – its facade is a whitewashed stone with very few color accents, and it has a white dome on top and a white bell tower. The entire church complex consists of five smaller churches located next to one another, resembling one church:
- The Virgin Mary – the one with the gorgeous white dome on top,
- Agios Efstathios – located in the center of the complex,
- Agios Anargyros, Agios Sozon, and Agia Anastasia – located around the center.
Little Venice Is the Most Romantic Part of the Old Town, and It Has Many Beautiful Buildings Worth Seeing
If you ask any architecture fanatic what part of this Greek island they loved the most, they will all say Little Venice. It’s a gorgeous, romantic neighborhood in the center of Chora. It’s very easy to reach, and there are many wonderful attractions to see in this Instagrammable spot.
This neighborhood is the perfect mix of Greek and Italian styles, as this area was a part of the Venetian trade routes back in the 14th century and was heavily influenced by Italian architecture. Little Venice is filled with old buildings that rich Venetians built back in the day. It’s the most picturesque place on the island, and it’s definitely worth a visit.
The Iconic Windmills Near Little Venice Offer a Gorgeous View of the Sunset Over the Beach
Last but not least – you have to see the famous five Mykonos windmills. They are the heart and soul of the island and one of the attractions that Mykonos is famous for. These windmills are only a short walk away from Little Venice, and they offer the most beautiful view of the sea and the iconic sunset.
If You Want to Visit All the Beautiful Places on This Little Island, Contact The Ace VIP and Rent a Luxury Mykonos Villa
If you want to spend your summer vacation here, exploring all the hidden gems and beautiful buildings, you need to make travel plans – and The Ace VIP is here to help you with that. The only right way to go about the accommodation is to stay in one of Mykonos villas for rental. Each one of these fabulous private villas in Mykonos is not only equipped with all the modern amenities one could ever need, but they also offer complete privacy.
So, all you need to do if you want the perfect summer vacation is choose your accommodation, contact us, and book one of the Mykonos luxury villas. You can also treat yourself to a fun time cruising the Aegean Sea on a Mykonos yacht rental, and if you want an easier way of getting around the island, you can always rely on us to rent a car.