Mykonos Town (Chora)

Overview

Mykonos Town (Chora) is a labyrinthine Cycladic settlement of dazzling white cubic houses, narrow marble-paved alleys, and hidden churches. Deliberately confusing in layout — designed to disorient invading pirates — it rewards aimless wandering.

Highlights

• Whitewashed Maze: Over 400 interlinked alleys painted in the island's trademark white-and-blue palette, festooned with bougainvillea.
• Over 60 Churches: Tiny chapels appear at nearly every turn, most built by sailors to give thanks for safe voyages.
• Pelicans: The town's mascot pelicans wander freely near the harbour — a tradition since a fisherman adopted a wounded pelican in the 1950s.

History

Chora has been the island's main settlement since antiquity. The street plan was intentionally made maze-like to confuse pirate raiders. Under Venetian and Ottoman rule it grew into a prosperous trading port, and its architecture reflects centuries of organic growth.

Visitor Tips

• Get Lost on Purpose: The maze is small enough that you'll always find your way back to the waterfront.
• Early Morning or Late Evening: The alleys are most atmospheric (and least crowded) before 10 AM and after 8 PM.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.