Mykonos
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Mykonos Town (Hora): From Pirate Haven to Glamorous Getaway
Once one of Greece’s poorest islands, Mykonos now thrives on tourism, its economy transformed by summer crowds and high-end rentals. Locals lament the shift, as younger generations trade tradition for nightlife and winters in Athens.
📍 Cultural Legacy: Made famous by Jackie O in the 1960s, Hora is often called the “Saint-Tropez of the Aegean,” with whitewashed streets, iconic windmills, Little Venice, and the medieval Kastro quarter.
🏛️ Preserved Beauty: Thanks to the Greek Archaeological Service, the Old Town’s Cycladic architecture—cubical homes, red and blue domes, and wooden balconies—remains intact.
🌺 Natural Contrast: Pink oleander and hibiscus pop against the legally whitewashed buildings, while narrow alleys and outdoor staircases hint at a pirate-proof past.
⚓ A Pirate Past: Once a corsair stronghold under Ottoman rule, Mykonos evolved from raiding to trade, shaping its maritime legacy.
🌞 Daily Rhythm: Mornings bustle with deliveries and Delos-bound boats. Afternoons slow for siesta. By night, the town pulses with fashion, music, and late-night revelry.
🗺️ Start Here: Begin your exploration at Mando Mavrogenous Square—the heart of Hora.