Turquoise, glass-like water was the first thing I noticed about Mykonos, Greece. Having lived all of my life in Huntington, N.Y., I have never really seen water that spectacularly clear. I am used to the murky green color of the Long Island Sound. The water in Greece is the antithesis of that. When I waded into the ocean up to my shoulders, I could actually see my toes wiggling at the bottom.
The windmills of Mykonos are some of the Greek islands’ distinguishing charming attractions. In their heyday, the windmills were used to power the refinement of grain before it was packed for transport.
While their purpose may be antiquated, several windmills remain on a steep hill on the coast. Just a short walk from the windmills is the area referred to as “Little Venice.” The restaurants hug the water’s edge with tables placed so close that it looks like the patrons’ ankles were frequently getting splashed as they ate.
The labyrinth streets of Mykonos are very narrow and filled with people and tiny shops. While I had a very difficult time navigating, the journey and the exploration were the most enjoyable experiences. I just wandered through the streets, taking photos of the quintessential, white-washed buildings frequently splashed with bright colors. I particularly loved the rich shades of royal blue that were on some of the buildings.
Walking through the streets, I could not help but notice the large prevalence of cats. Almost analogous to seeing squirrels in New York or lizards in Florida, the cats are everywhere in Mykonos. They bask and sleep underneath the Grecian sun. While the cats are wild, they don’t necessarily look mangy. I made it a personal mission to take pictures of all the cats I spotted in the streets, almost like a cat scavenger hunt.
Eating lunch at Ruovera, a restaurant right next to the ocean, there was a magnificent view of the cliffs and the harbor full of boats. I would have been satisfied with just the scenery, but the food happened to be phenomenal as well. I ordered spanakopita, otherwise known as spinach pie. It was light yet flavorful. I noticed the Greek cuisine I ate on my vacation appeared to be cooked in a healthier method than the Greek food I have eaten in New York. The food did not taste greasy; it had more of a freshness about it.
Still, the best dish on the table was my brother’s chicken souvlaki. Chicken souvlaki has chunks of grilled meat served in a pita with lettuce, tomato, onions and yogurt sauce. I would highly recommend Ruovera to anyone planning on visiting Mykonos. Additionally, for those technologically inclined, the restaurant offers free and strong WiFi signal.
Mykonos has a pelican mascot, Petros, who is said to have made Mykonos his home after a local fisherman rescued him during the 1950s. The original Petros passed away, but the locals opted to replace him with another pelican to keep his spirit and tradition alive. Currently, several pelicans inhabit the island. Coincidentally, my family and I were talking about trying to find a pelican after lunch when one strolled past the restaurant.
Many tourists flocked around him with digital cameras in tow, trying to document the moment. The pelican was actually enormous; he must have stood somewhere between three and four feet tall, because he was waist-high on most of his surrounding admirers.
Though I visited several Greek islands this summer, Mykonos resonated with me the most. The island was aesthetically unforgettable with its beautiful buildings, brilliant colors and stellar views of the Grecian ocean.
There was enough to do to keep me and my family busy, yet it was not overwhelming like a big city. The island has a relaxing and charming vibe that rests in the hands of its tradition.
Samantha Delle can be reached at samanthadelle@aol.com.
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