The old town of Mykonos is also known as “Hora” meaning town in Greek and a common denomination for the name of the principal town in an island. Hora, lies on the west coast with unique beauty and quaintness. Follow the whitewashed curving alleyways leading to every corner of this enchanting Cycladic Capital. White cube-shaped houses with colourful wooden balconies, tiny churches with blue and dark red domes – the locals claim there are 700 churches on the island – make it memorable as one of the most beautiful places among the Greek islands. In this amazing maze there are hidden treasures of small traditional hotels and some of the best restaurants in Mykonos.
The picturesque, small district of Little Venice of Mykonos is worth a visit in Hora. It has become known worldwide due to its special architectural characteristics: two storey buildings built literally in the sea with colourful wooden balconies hanging over the water, facing one of the most beautiful sunsets in Greece. The Greek version of Venice is full of bright sunlight, colours and sea breeze situated in Alefkantra district. Just across Little Venice of Mykonos there are the famous Windmills. Don’t miss the chance to visit the islands most visited and photographed place and feel the Aegean Sea winds blowing your minds away.
The famous scenic of the Windmills have been chosen several times of great fashion designers to shoot their new collection photos here and give the island a new bust over the fashion and design industry worldwide. Windmills of Mykonos still contribute to Mykonos prosperity although they are not in use anymore.
Of striking beauty and historical interest are the medieval houses of the Fortress which form a wall to the west above the sea. Climb up on the small hill of the Fortress and here is the group of churches of Paraportiani, a wonderful white assembly of buildings.
Matoyianni is the widest and most famous alley and its width and fame are the main reasons to be characterized as street. Matoyianni as a word is very common and is used by the locals instead of the word alley to describe every alley in Hora. Here you will walk by the main shopping area in Hora where you will find shops of the most famous fashion designers and brands of clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery and art. Don’t miss the chance of going on shopping here either in daytime or even in the night as these stores are open till midnight during the summer.