Mykonos & Santorini

MYKONOS & DELOS    



Hora, Mykonos

(Click on the photos to make them bigger)

Mykonos Town

It’s a real pleasure to wander round the narrow “streets” of Mykonos. I was there just before the Greek Easter and the town was a hive of activity as the local shopkeepers and restaurant owners prepared their businesses for the coming months. And the result is well worth travelling to see. Contrary to what the guidebooks say, it’s not that easy to get lost.

Leto Hotel

I strongly recommend this hotel. It’s very conveniently located right on the seafront overlooking the port and capital, Hora, which is a two-minute walk away, and the view from the sea-facing rooms is excellent. Many of them have large balconies from which you can watch the sun go down over Syros. The public rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and the breakfast buffet is very good value (www.letohotel.com/).



A street in Hora, Mykonos

Restaurants

The restaurants on the seafront of Hora all appeared to be of a good standard. I ate at the Allegro Music Bar and was not disappointed. I would also recommend the Appaloosa (appaloosa-mykonos.com/) and La Casa, which are on one of the narrow streets near the seafront.

Ancient Delos



Terrace of the Lions, Delos



The two guidebooks I consulted do not mention that you can reserve tickets to Delos through the website of Delos Tours, the company that ferries visitors to and from the island (www.delostours.gr/en/). It takes about half an hour to get to the island and although there’s not a whole lot to see, the excursion is very pleasant. Climb up Mt Kynthos for good views of the site and the surrounding area. The on-site museum has a good selection of artefacts found during excavations. Three hours is probably enough for a leisurely visit.

SANTORINI

Fira, Santorini



Caldera Edge Walk

One of the highlights of my visit to the island was the walk along the caldera edge from Fira to Firostefani and Imeroviglia and back. The path is easy to follow and offers breathtaking views all the way. The contrast of the white houses, the blue sea and the brown sides of the caldera make it a photographer’s dream! At Imeroviglia you can take the steps down to the natural fortress of Skaros for good views back to Fira and across to Oia.

(www.santorini.com/castlefortresses/skarosrock.htm)

Oia

Don’t miss this village on the northern tip of the island. The path that runs the length of the village has amazing views of Santorini and the nearby volcanic islets. The shops offer more upmarket products than the more touristy stuff on sale in Fira and there are several good restaurants.

Oia, Santorini



Ancient Thira

Even if you’re not particularly into ruins, the views from this archaeological site are worth the trip up the steep switchback road that starts in Kamari. You can also walk up from Perissa or Kamari if you’re feeling fit. Apart from the views, there are a number of interesting rock carvings and the information boards give you a good idea of what the settlement was like.(www.santorini.com/archaeology/ancient_thira.htm)

 Ancient Akrotiri

Although there’s not a lot to see here either, the remains of the pre-eruption settlement give you an idea of how people lived here nearly 4000 years ago. It’s all protected by a giant roof and there are a few Minoan-style amphorae at the far end. If you want to see the beautiful frescoes that were discovered here, you have to go to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira.

(www.santorini.com/archaeology/akrotiri.htm)

Papyrus Mural from Ancient Akrotiri



 Art Space

This is an art gallery-cum-winery just outside Kamari. After checking out the paintings on display, you can opt for an explanation of the different wines they produce and taste some of them. The staff are very pleasant and informative (www.artspace-santorini.com/).

 Santo Winery

Just outside the town of Pyrgos, this large cooperative has superb views over the caldera from its cafeteria and terrace and an excellent shop where you can buy their wines and other produce from the island. The tour is nothing special though (www.santowines.gr/).

 RESTAURANTS & BARS

 Mama’s House

I’m not surprised this restaurant is in all the guidebooks. The staff are very friendly and professional and speak excellent English. The food is well prepared and the portions large. They don’t take reservations, but I didn’t have to wait long to get a table (www.mamashouse-santorini.gr/).

 Nikolas

It’s a pleasant surprise to find this traditional tavern on one of Fira’s most touristy streets. It’s a great place to eat cheaply and well. No concessions are made to modern cuisine; just simple, tasty fare served up by the jovial owner and his efficient serving staff. There’s no wine list, only house wine in carafes.

 Selene

In Pyrgos, a fifteen-minute drive from Fira, is this excellent restaurant which uses local ingredients to produce superb Greek dishes. The dining room is tastefully decorated and the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. It’s well worth the drive if you’re staying in Fira (selene.gr/). 
 

Pelican Café and Wine Restaurant

A large garden full of trees and plants located just down the hill from the centre of Fira, it's a great place to have a drink. The restaurant looks very nice too, although I didn’t eat there myself (www.pelican.gr/cafe-winerestaurant/).