Our next stops on our trip to Greece were the islands of Milos and Mykonos. It was like stepping into a dream of white sand, blue waters, and a whole lot of adventure!
Milos
Our journey began on the volcanic island of Milos, where we discovered the ethereal beauty of Sarakiniko Beach. This stunning beach is a masterpiece of nature, sculpted from white volcanic rock known as pumice. Frothy lava cools rapidly, trapping gas bubbles to form porous pumice. This in combination with erosion, wind, water, and weather over time has given it its unique appearance and nickname “moon beach”.
Its Greek name, Sarakiniko, derives from the pirates who once sought shelter in the caves and crevices of the area, known as Saracens. As we explored the area, we couldn’t help but marvel at the geological wonders.
Our Milos adventure extended to Paralia Paleochori, a charming beach perfect for swimming and relaxation.
As the sun began to set, we decided to hike up the island for the most breathtaking views of the sunset, ending our time in Milos perfectly.
Mykonos
Continuing our adventure, we set sail for the iconic island of Mykonos, also known as the “island of the winds.” The island’s beauty struck us as soon as we stepped off the ship onto the old port. The famous blue and white landscape takes on new life as local fishermen replace ferries at the old port, their traditional boats adding splashes of colour.
While in Mykonos, we learned the reason behind the traditional whitewash is not only aesthetically pleasing to look at, but it originated during the cholera outbreak in the 1930’s. The lime in the white paint acted as a disinfectant, helping protect families in their homes. Still used today, the whitewash reflects sunlight, keeping homes cooler during hot summers.
Our first encounter with the island’s signature windmills left us in awe. Originally used for crushing agricultural products, these historical landmarks now stand tall overlooking the old port.
Our next stop was Panagia Paraportiani, one of the most photographed churches globally. This architectural marvel, known as “Our Lady of the Side Gate” in English, ingeniously combines five churches built atop one another.
Our Mykonian adventure led us to Paradise Beach, where a mesmerizing reef shelf provided us with hours of exploration and enjoyment. The gorgeous waters and the laid-back atmosphere created a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
During our trip to Greece in 2014 we didn’t have the opportunity to visit Milos and Mykonos, but Greece’s white and blue charm never gets old. These islands added a whole new chapter to our travel diaries – stories and experiences that are going to stick with us for life.
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