Ferry to Mykonos

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One of those absolutely great days of travel that makes all of the little problems along the way seem not only worthwhile, but essentially meaningless in the big scheme of things. Set off from Piraeus on the 7:35 ferry to Mykonos. And really I don't think ferry is the right word. These are basically cruise ships that are huge and have restaurants, bars, gift shops, you name it. So the 5 1/2 hours it took to get to Mykonos went relatively fast, and was broken up by stopping at the islands of Syros and Tinos on the way.

Mykonos is the first great Cycladic island you reach if you set off from Athens. It's most famous for its just-across-the-water location to Delos, the heart and center of the Cyclades, and home to the most important ruins in the area. On a different note, Mykonos is the Vegas of Greece, and while it doesn't have gambling, has no shortage of bars. The waterfront and town itself, though, are both incredibly beautiful, and you notice right away the love of white and light blue paint so famous in the Cyclades (and on Greece's flag). It's a pristine little town, and a great place to spend a couple of nights.

I'm a ten minute walk from the center, in a little, family-run place called Dina's Rooms. Very nice, kind owners here, who picked me up at the docks and I think really like me because I have the same name as their little son. As a perfect end to the day, I watched the sunset at the famous windmills on the waterfront. The sky is still dark pink over the Aegean right now.

Tomorrow it's off for a day trip to Delos.

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Photos

Leaving Piraeus
Just outside of the port in the early morning.

From the Deck
The land in the distance is the island of Syros.

Down another Side-Street
Just like the colors of the Greek flag.

Nearing Sunset
This is the old harbor.