Mykonos Town & Little Venice

Mykonos lay on Venetian trade routes from the 13th century, and the windmills above the harbour date from the Venetian period, around the 16th century, when they helped the island grind grain for export. Panagia Paraportiani was begun in 1425 and only completed in the 17th century; its name, Our Lady of the Side Gate, recalls a small gate in the walls of the medieval Kastro district.

Little Venice, historically called Alefkandra, took shape in the 18th century, when merchants and captains built houses directly on foundations in the sea. Many of these homes are now bars, cafés and restaurants. The town has more than 70 post-Byzantine churches, many listed as historic monuments, reflecting a long tradition of family chapels and votive offerings. Mykonos was also the gateway to sacred Delos, and finds from both islands are displayed in the town's Archaeological Museum.

Despite heavy tourism, Chora keeps its Cycladic character, and the old harbour, Gialos, still shelters fishing boats alongside yachts. Families maintain many of the small chapels scattered through town, and churches are central to local festivals. Mykonos has a permanent population of around 10,700, and in winter the town returns to a much quieter rhythm, with many shops and restaurants closing until spring.