Little Venice Mykonos

Little Venice is a waterfront quarter on the western edge of Mykonos Town, on the Cycladic island of Mykonos in Greece. Its tall, colourful houses, built in the eighteenth century by wealthy sea captains and merchants, stand directly on the rocks above the sea, and their wooden balconies overhang the water. In rough weather, waves reach the foundations, and spray can wet the tables of the bars and restaurants set along the edge. The quarter is a short walk from the old harbour along narrow lanes, and the route passes small galleries, shops and the Paraportiani church before opening onto the seafront. Many of the old houses are now cafés, cocktail bars and restaurants, with tables on terraces just above the water. Visitors typically spend one to two hours here, longer if staying for dinner or a drink at sunset. The row of windmills on the hill above, the Kato Myli, forms the classic backdrop. The best vantage points are from the windmill hill looking down toward the houses, from the lane near Paraportiani, and from a table on the water's edge at sunset, when the sun sinks behind the sea and the buildings glow orange. Blue hour, shortly after the sun has set, gives deep colours and lit windows. Wide-angle lenses help in the narrow lanes. Sunset is the busiest time, and tables near the water fill early, so many visitors arrive an hour beforehand, order a drink, and wait. Prices are higher than elsewhere in town. Daytime is calmer, and early morning offers an almost empty quarter with soft light and no waiters or tables in the way. The meltemi wind in July and August can be strong and sprays the terraces. Cruise ships crowd the lanes at midday. The area is entirely pedestrian, and reaching it involves walking over cobbled lanes. It is in the heart of Mykonos Town, a short walk from the bus stations.