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| Along the Mykonos waterfront |
Mykonos is slightly larger in size and a little smaller in population when compared to Santorini. There are similarities and there are differences. Mykonos has multiple large, white sand beaches while the beaches of Santorini are smaller and rocky. The Mykonos beaches are lined with bars and restaurants that are lively during the day. While we've never been there to confirm it, they have a reputation of being even more lively after the sun goes down. This has helped Mykonos earn the reputation of "the party island".
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| Mykonos Town on Mykonos Island |
We arrived at Mykonos around 7:00 AM. Like Santorini, Mykonos is a tender port. Also similar to our previous day in Santorini, there were several other ships with us. Mykonos is able to handle the large number of "day trippers" better than Santorini for a couple of reasons. First, they have a larger docking area for the ship tenders. The town (Mykonos Town) is just a short, flat walk from the dock, instead of up a steep hill. Additionally, with the option of nice beaches around the island, the crowds disperse out more so than on Santorini.
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| We could have probably swam from ship to shore, but that would be showing off! |
While we didn't rush off the ship immediately, we were in town as many of the shops and restaurants were starting to open. We had been out to one of the Mykonos beaches (Paradise Beach) on a previous visit. It was "off season" and there weren't too many people there that day, which was perfect for us. We chose not to make the trek to one of the beaches on this visit and simply enjoyed walking around the town for a while before returning to the ship for a relaxing final day.
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| There is a small, sandy beach in town. The larger, more popular beaches are a few miles out of town. The link below is to a TripAdvisor list of the islands 10 best beaches. 10 Best Beaches on Mykonos |
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| Typical narrow passage in the town |
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| There are still sixteen windmills scattered around the island. They were built by the Venetians in the 16th century for grinding agricultural products that were then transported off the island. |
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| Even with four ships docked offshore the crowds were more dispersed with many people heading for the beaches. |
The captain pulled up the anchor a little after 5:00 PM and we started making our way towards Athens, where this adventure would end, and we'd start the journey back to Florida. I'm pleased to report that we made it! I'm writing this final blog from Florida. It was a long travel day that included an hour and a half ride to the Athens Airport, a ten-hour flight from Athens to JFK, followed by a three hour flight to Miami and an hour flight to Tampa. We arrived back on Anna Maria Island about 26 hours after disembarking the ship.
We've already had two nice visits with Beth's mom (NaNa), who is recovering from a recent fall that could have been worse. We're also looking forward to the upcoming annual Beach House gathering that will commence here on the island in a couple of weeks. There will be upwards of 100 of Beth's extended family here on the island, an amazing tradition that is over 100 years old!
Beth and I are looking forward to having Sarah, James, Emma and Ben with us for a few days. It will also be extra special for our niece Kimberly to come for several of the same days which will make Beach House 2024 even more special (Joey, we'll miss you)!
