Tag: Agia Anna beach

  • The powdery white Mykonos beaches few tourists ever see

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    Snow on the Mykonos Town beach

    The snow on Agia Agia beach at the Mykonos Town harbour had at least one of the island’s resident geese in a flap. This photo by Argiris Chatzis has gone viral on social media.

     

    Snow on Psarou beach on Mykonos

    People who have danced on the sand at the world-famous Nammos beach club would probably never have imagined that Psarou beach could look like this in winter. The photo was shared on social media by Mykonos Live TV.

     

    Snow on Kalafatis beach on Mykonos

    Snow covers Kalafatis beach while ominous stormclouds lurk above the two hills at Divounia that Mykonos locals have nicknamed “Aphrodite’s Breasts.”  Ηλίας Παναγάκος shared this image to the Meteo GR weather group page on Facebook.

     

    Snowy strands: Mykonos is renowned for its dozens of beautiful beaches, but few tourists have ever seen them transform overnight from gorgeous golden sands to fluffy white powder.  That’s what happened this week when a winter weather system that meteorologists named Elpis swept across Greece’s Aegean islands, leaving a layer of crisp white snow in its wake.

    On Sunday January 23, Mykonos residents awoke to find their homes, yards and vehicles under a blanket of snow — the heaviest snowfall the island has received in nearly 40 years.

    While parts of the island got just a light dusting of the white stuff, some areas attracted deeper accumulations — and some no snow at all. That resulted in the striking sight of patches of vibrant green winter vegetation — another feature most Mykonos tourists never get to see during the dry, barren months of summer — surrounded by wide expanses of snow-topped fields and hills.

    On the other side of the Atlantic, we awoke to snowfalls, too (a normal January sight here in Canada), but were taken aback to find our social media pages filled with stunning pictures and videos showing Mykonos with snow-covered landscapes and moody winter stormclouds looming overhead — just like here!

    The famous Mykonos beaches looked amazing, though rather than showing off their usual tones of golden brown, they appeared just as white as the island’s iconic sugar-cube buildings.

    Below, we have re-posted some of the social media photos, to show you how striking the beaches looked in their white winter coats.

    We’re sure the images will astound people who have spent summer holidays partying , sunbathing and swimming at these beaches, but never imagined how drastically different they might appear in winter. The photos might even come as a complete shock to many people around the world who mistakenly believe Mykonos weather is similar to the Caribbean’s, since they’ve only seen pictures and videos showing the island in summer, with beaches, palm trees and swimsuit-clad tourists basking in the sunshine.

    — Ornos beach —

     

    Ornos beach area of Mykonos after a snowfall

    The Ornos beach area is seen in a photo that was widely shared on social media formats and credited to Dimitris Paterakis

     

    @katerina_brb Instagram photo of snow on Ornos beach on Mykonos

    Ornos beach and hillside view from an Instagram photo by @katerina_brb

     

    Snow on Ornos beach on Mykonos

    Snow on Ornos beach on Mykonos

    Above, two ground-level views from the southern end of Ornos beach as snow continued to fall. The images were both shared on Facebook by Kostantis restaurant, one of the beach tavernas at Ornos.

     

    Snow at Ornos beach on Mykonos

    Another  photo by Kostantis restaurant, this time showing  Ornos from the northern end of the beach

     

    — Super Paradise beach —

     

    Snowfall at JackieO Beach Club and Super Paradise beach on Mykonos

    Views of snowy Super Paradise beach and the JackieO Beach Club, seen in images shared in the club’s Instagram stories

     

    — Kalo Livadi beach —

     

    snow on Kalo Livadi beach Mykonos

    With this layer of snow giving it a different look, Kalo Livadi beach might be unrecognizable to people who have been to Solymar Beach Restaurant or Lohan Beach House in summer months. The photo was shared on Instagram by Island Mykonos Suites.

     

    — Agios Stefanos beach —

     

    Snow on Agios Stefanos beach on Mykonos

    Agios Stefanos beach next to the Mykonos New Port is seen in an image, credited to O. Kyrantoni, shared on the Delos Tours Instagram page

     

    Snow on Agios Stefanos beach on Mykonos

    A ground-level view of Agios Stefanos beach from the opposite direction to the image posted above. This picture was shared on Facebook by Olga Pavlidi.

     

    Snowy Mykonos beach photo shared on Instagram by o_lofos

    The view toward Delos and Rhenia islands from Agios Stefanos beach, as seen in an image shared on Facebook by  O Lofos Luxury Boutique Suites

     

    — Psarou beach —

     

    @kostis_krg Instagram photo of snow at Psarou beach on Mykonos

    The snowy slopes surrounding Psarou beach seen in an image shared by @kostis_krg

     

    Aerial view of snow at Psarou beach on Mykonos

    Another aerial view of the snow-covered hills and beach at Psarou. This image was shared on Instagram by Betty Chanozidou.

     

    Snow on Psarou beach Mykonos

    Mykonos Live TV captured this image of sunshine sparkling on the turquoise waters at snowy Psarou beach

     

    Snow on Psarou beach on Mykonos

     Another Mykonos Live TV view of Psarou

     

    Ioannis Revithis photo of Psarou beach on Mykonos

    Ioannis Revithis shared this photo of Psarou beach on Facebook

     

    snow on Psarou beach Mykonos

    Snowy Psarou beach and the surrounding hillsides are shown in an image Mykonos Animal Welfare shared on its Instagram account, along with a message urging island residents to open their hearts and doors for strays and farm animals that might need food, water and shelter during the cold snap that will last several days.

     

    — Agrari beach —

     

     snow on Agrari beach on Mykonos

    A Mykonos Live TV social media image of snow-laden Agrari

     

    snow on Agrari beach on Mykonos

    The golden sand of Agrari beach is completely covered by snow in this image shared on social media pages for Mykonos Live TV and Agrari Beach

     

    — Paraga beach —

     

    Snow on Paraga beach on Mykonos

    Snow on Paraga beach on Mykonos

    Snow-dusted Paraga beach is seen in two screen captures from a video that Paraga Cafe shared in its Instagram stories

     

    — Kalafatis beach —

     

    Snow on Kalafatis beach

    Skandinavian Bar shared this photo showing a view toward Divounia from the snow-powdered sands of Kalafatis beach

     

    snow at Kalafatis beach on Mykonos

    A view of Kalafatis from the southern end of the beach. The photo was widely shared on social media and credited to Stacey Papaiannou.

     

    — Elia beach —

     

    @yioris_gk Instagram photo of snow on Elia beach Mykonos

    Sunshine breaks through clouds above Elia beach in an image shared on Instagram by yioris_gk

     

    — Agia Anna beach at the Mykonos Town harbour — 

     

    Snow on Agia Anna beach at Mykonos Town

    This photo of Agia Anna beach in Mykonos Town was shared on social media by Delos Tours and credited to photographer V Delarosa

     

    Snowy Agia Anna beach in Mykonos Town

    An Agia Anna beach photo shared on the Facebook page for Mykonos Promo

     

    Geese pigeons and snow on Agia Anna beach at Mykonos Town

    The wing-flapping goose and its companions are joined by a flock of pigeons for this shot, which was shared on social media by Mykonos Animal Welfare. 

  • 2012 Greek holiday trip report: Mykonos Part 2

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    Tourlos new port area of Mykonos

    Mid-morning view from Hotel Tagoo of the Mykonos New Port at Tourlos …

     

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    Norwegian Jade cruise ship

    … where  the 2,400-passenger Norwegian Jade is docked for the day

     

     

     

     Here’s a videoclip showing the morning views from Hotel Tagoo

     

     

    Wednesday May 16

     

    I awoke to an absolutely gorgeous Mykonos morning. Sunny skies and warm temperatures promised perfect weather for a beach day. From the terrace outside the hotel breakfast room, I could see four cruise ships including the Norwegian Jade docked at the New Port and the Azamara Quest, Windstar Wind Spirit, and Seabourn Quest, all anchored near the Old Port. I made plans to hit the beach for the afternoon then spend the evening in Mykonos Town where, I assumed, the streets would be lively and teeming with tourists from the cruise ships.

    CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

  • Top 6 memories of my Mykonos holiday in 2012 #2: Exploring the streets of Mykonos Town

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    Mykonos Town

    A hillside view overlooking Mykonos Town and its harbour area

     

    Lots to see: Unlike a lot of visitors, I never get bored of Mykonos Town. Many people think they’ve seen all that’s worth seeing after they walk along the harbourside, visit Little Venice, and stroll some of the narrow, twisting streets.

    But those people see only the highly commercial, touristy side of Mykonos Town — the lanes lined with jewellery stores, T-shirt shops and tavernas. They don’t wander far enough away from the main tourist zone to walk the quiet residential streets or climb to hillside lookout points that offer amazing views over the town, harbour and beyond.

    Even after 7 separate visits to Mykonos, each of which has included a lot of walking around town, I still keep discovering streets and vantage points I’ve never seen in my favourite Greek Island town.

    CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

  • Greece holiday 2011: Three Mykonos restaurants that hit the spot with great food, service & prices

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    Nicolas Taverna Agia Anna Beach Mykonos

    The dining highlights of our Mykonos visit in May included a delicious home-cooked lunch on Agia Anna beach at the Nazos family’s Nicolas Taverna …

     

    Oregano taverna on Mykonos

    … a hearty and very satisfying dinner at Oregano Cook & Grill  …

     

    Ithaki taverna at Ornos beach on Mykonos

    … and a wonderful meal with a good friend at Ithaki on Ornos beach

     

    Mmmm-mmm Mykonos: I hope you’ll pardon the pun, but one of my biggest “beefs” about Mykonos is that the island has so many dining spots, you smell food cooking and see people eating practically everywhere you go. That’s especially the case in the confusing maze of streets in Mykonos Town, where a half-hour stroll will take you past dozens of tavernas, cafés and snack bars with chairs and tables in the narrow streets or bougainvillea-shaded terraces and courtyards merely steps away. It literally seems like everywhere you look, restaurant staff are busy serving food and beverages, while tourists and locals alike are sitting down to enjoy their snacks, meals or drinks. Of course, everything always looks tantalizing and smells divine!

    CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

  • Greece holiday pics of the day

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    Blue Star Superferry II

    Passengers on the Blue Star Ferries Superferry II take in views of Mykonos Town as the ship prepares to set sail from the island’s Old Port in September 2007. Built in 1974, the ship can carry 1,530 passengers and up to 260 vehicles.

     

    Blue Star Superferry II

    The Superferry II observed from Agia Anna beach at Mykonos Town harbour in 2007. Earlier this year, Blue Star Ferries sold the ship for €4.65 million to Golden Star Ferries Shipping Co. of Greece. Two new ferries will join the Blue Star fleet in its place: delivery of the Blue Star Delos is expected this summer, while the Blue Star Patmos will arrive in 2012. The Superferry II continues to operate between Mykonos and the mainland port of Rafina.


  • Meet Petros, the famous pelican mascot of Mykonos

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    a pelican on Mykonos

    A pelican on Agia Anna beach next to the harbour at Mykonos Town

     

    Famous feathers: Mention Mykonos, and most people instantly think of windmills, sandy beaches and white cube-shaped houses with blue shutters and doors. Yet one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island is a bird — a 53-year-old pelican named Petros. Actually, there’s not just one pelican on Mykonos — there’s a pod of three. And even though they all seem to be called Petros, they aren’t in their 50s.Yet.

    According to local legend, the original Petros apparently flew from mainland Greece to Mykonos during a fierce storm. He was found, half-dead, by a fisherman who nursed him back to health. Island residents named him Petros and took turns feeding him. Petros became such a hit with tourists that he was designated as the official mascot of Mykonos. But he met an untimely, scandalous demise around 1986 when he was either run over by a car (some locals blame a drunk taxi driver) or sexually assaulted (some blame a drunk tourist).

    Another legend maintains that jet setter and regular Mykonos socialite Jackie Onassis gave the island a new pelican to replace its maimed mascot, while another says a German zoo donated a bird as well. Yet another story says a third pelican wound up on Mykonos when he was discovered on a beach, injured like the original Petros, and brought back to good health by the locals.

    Whatever one or all of the stories is true, it’s a fact there’s at least three pelicans entertaining tourists on Mykonos these days. They can often be spotted as a group, in a pair, or sleeping or strolling around solo. Their favourite places to hang out are at Niko’s Taverna (where they pose for photos with diners and then collect fresh fish treats from the kitchen), Paraportiani Square, Little Venice, the windmills on the hillside above Little Venice, and along the Mykonos Town harbourfront.

    The last two times we’ve been to Mykonos, we’ve encountered pelicans in cocktail bars at Little Venice and on the harbourfront. Which makes me wonder … haven’t they been warned that it’s dangerous for them to hang around people drinking booze?

    Below are photos of some of the pelicans we’ve met during some of our visits to Mykonos.

     

    two pelicans on Mykonos

    Two pelicans swimming in the harbour at Mykonos Town

     

    a pelican on Agia Anna beach Mykonos

    A pelican entertains tourists on Agia Anna beach at the harbour

     

    pelican at Niko's Taverna in Mykonos

    A pelican catches a snooze in the square next to Niko’s Tavernan

     

    pelican sleeping on Mykonos

    The pelican appears to be sound asleep …

     

    Mykonos pelican taking a peek

    … but he’s fully aware of all the tourists and cameras close by

     

    pelican on Agia Anna beach in Mykonos Town

    A pelican on Agia Anna beach

     

    pelican watching the boats in Mykonos harbour

    Watching the boats in Mykonos Town harbour

     

    pelican on Agia Anna beach in Mykonos Town

    Taking a long slow stretch on the beach

     

    a pelican on a street in Mykonos Town

    A pelican pauses while walking down a street in Mykonos Town …

     

    pelican in a Mykonos jewellery store

    … en route to a jewellery store near the waterfront, where he checks himself out in a mirror before being shooed back outside by the shopkeeper

     

    a pelican on Mykonos

    A pelican poses for pictures at the Mykonos Town harbour

     

    Donny and a pelican in Mykonos

    A pelican poses for a picture with me on Agia Anna beach

     

    a pelican at Sunset Bar at Little Venice Mykonos

    A pelican at the Sunset Bar in Little Venice

     

    Mykonos pelican beak

    Petros gives us a full frontal face view

     

    pelican at Skandinavian Bar in Mykonos

    A pelican in the courtyard at Skandinavian Bar

     

    pelican at Skandinavian Bar in Mykonos

    Waiting for someone to buy him a beer, perhaps?

     

    pelican at Camares bar on Mykonos

    Enjoying evening cocktail hour at Camares bar near the harbour

     

    a pelican at Little Venice on Mykonos

    A close-up look at the pelican’s neck pouch, which apparently can expand to hold nearly three gallons of water or fish

     

    a pelican at Little Venice on Mykonos

    Another close look at the pelican’s colourful beak

     

    a Mykonos pelican

     This pic reminds me of an old Hollywood entertainer wearing a fake hairpiece

     

    a pair of pelicans at Nikos Taverna in Mykonos

     A pair of pelicans waiting for fish at Niko’s Taverna

     

    pelican at Nikos Taverna in Mykonos Town

     A pelican waits outside the kitchen door at Niko’s Taverna

     

    three pelicans at Nikos Taverna on Mykonos

    Three pelicans line up for fish treats at Niko’s Taverna

     

    pelican on Agia Anna beach in Mykonos Town

    A pelican stands proud on Agia Anna beach at the harbour

     

  • Snapshots of Agia Anna beach on Mykonos

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    View toward Agia Anna Paraga beach on Mykonos

    Approaching Agia Anna beach along a coastal pathway from Platis Gialos

     

    Convenient crescent: One of my favourite beaches on Mykonos is Agia Anna, a small, golden sand crescent wedged into the rocky peninsula that juts into the Aegean Sea between Platis Gialos and Paraga. It’s a peaceful little strand (in spring, at least) with only a handful of rental umbrellas and lounge chairs, and unimpeded views across the turquoise waters toward busy Platis Gialos beach on the opposite side of the bay.

     

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    Although it’s book-ended by two of the island’s most popular beaches, Agia Anna feels like it’s a little out of the way, yet still conveniently located. It’s just a 15-minute hike to Platis Gialos along a coastal trail, while Paraga is a short five-minute walk away. And what I like best about Agia Anna: Nikolas Taverna, a family restaurant beside the beach, with a row of tables under some shade trees right on the sand. Even if you’re not big on beaches, I recommend making the trek to Agia Anna just to savour a delicious home-cooked meal at Nicolas — the cuisine alone is worth the scenic walk!

     

    sunbeds on Agia Anna beach on Mykonos

    Umbrellas, lounge chairs and windbreaks at little Agia Anna beach on Mykonos

     

    Agia Anna beach on Mykonos

    A view of Agia Anna beach from the peninsula separating it from Paraga

     

    Agia Anna beach on Mykonos

    Another view of Agia Anna beach from the peninsula

     

    Agia Anna beach on Mykonos

    Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rent in front of Nikolas taverna …

     

    Agia Anna beach on Mykonos

    … but there’s plenty of space elsewhere on the beach to drop a mat or towel

     

    Agia Anna beach on Mykonos

    Looking across Agia Anna beach toward the big rocky peninsula

     

    Agia Anna beach on Mykonos

    Looking from Agia Anna beach across the bay toward Platis Gialos beach

     

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    Agia Anna beach on Mykonos

    Another view toward Platis Gialos from Agia Anna beach

     

    Agia Anna beach on Mykonos

    Lounge chairs and umbrellas on Agia Anna beach

     

    Nikolas Taverna at Agia Anna beach on Mykonos

    Tree-shaded Nicolas taverna next to Agia Anna beach

     

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  • Greece holiday May 2011: More Mykonos photos

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    Ornos beach

    Ornos Beach on May 17 2011

     

    Mykonos in May: We started our 2011 holiday with a three-night visit to one of our favourite  Greek islands, Mykonos. Here are more photos from one of our island walkabouts.

     

    Hotel Tagoo Mykonos

    The view from Hotel Tagoo in the Tagoo district of Mykonos

     

    Hotel Tagoo swimming pool

    The Hotel Tagoo swimming pool in late afternoon sunshine

     

    Mykonos goats

    Some goats in a field in the Tagoo district of Mykonos

     

    Cycladic architecture on Mykonos

    An example of typical Cycladic architecture on Mykonos: a white cube building with rounded corners

     

    Mykonos Town harbour

    A cruise ship and a private yacht at Mykonos Town’s Old Port

     

    Mykonos Town

    White cube buildings on the hillside above Mykonos Town

     

    Mykonos Town

    A view towards the heart of Mykonos Town

     

    Mykonos Town and harbour

    A view of Mykonos Town’s harbour and the famous windmills at Little Venice

     

    Mykonos archaeological museum

    A red-domed church sits next to the Mykonos Archaeological Museum

     

    Mykonos Town

    The main harbourside street in Mykonos Town

     

    Paraportiani church Mykonos

    Paraportiani church at Little Venice

     

    Little Venice area of Mykonos

    Taking pics on the seaside at Little Venice

     

    seaside cocktail bars at Little Venice

    Enjoying the sea view from the cocktail bars at Little Venice

     

    hotels in Mykonos Town

    Hotels on the Tagoo district hillside above the Old Port

     

    luxury yachts at Mykonos

    Private luxury yachts docked at the Old Port at Mykonos Town

     

    Agia Anna beach

    Agia Anna beach between Platis Gialos and Paranga beaches

     

    Nicholas taverna at Agia Anna beach

    Nicholas taverna at Agia Anna beach

     

    a church near Megali Ammos bay

    A red-domed church overlooking Megali Ammos bay

     

    a cove on Megali Ammos Bay

    A cove below the church overlooking Megali Ammos bay

     

    Megali Ammos bay

    A cruise ship anchored off Mykonos Town viewed from Megali Ammos bay

     

    Megali Ammos beach and bay

    Megali Ammos beach and bay

     

    Megali Ammos beach and bay

    Hotels on the hill above Megali Ammos beach

     

    Joanna's and Niko's Taverna

    Joanna’s and Niko’s Taverna at Megali Ammos beach

     

    Megali Ammos beach and bay

    Megali Ammos beach

     

    Megali Ammos beach

    Megali Ammos beach

     

    Mykonos Bay Hotel

    The swimming pool at the Mykonos Bay Hotel

     

    Mykonos coastline

    The coast on the way to Ornos Beach

     

    Ornos beach

    Ornos beach

     

    Ornos beach

    Ornos beach

     

    Ornos beach

    Lounge chairs and umbrellas on Ornos beach

     

    Ornos beach

    Ornos beach

     

    Ornos beach

    Looking down on the Ornos beach area

     

    a church at Ornos beach

    A church on a hillside above Ornos beach

     

    Ornos bay on Mykonos

    Ornos bay on Mykonos

     

    Ornos bay

    Ornos bay