Fact is that Greeks have at least 20 words for merrymaking, noisy festivities, general liveliness and ensuing chaos. “Fasaria” is such an example, “vavoura” is another. Both though, come with undercurrents of aggravation and annoyance. Mykonos in Autumn is free of all this – no “vavoura”, no “fasaria”, just serene and lovely scenery, sunny skies, warmish sea, great food, friendly inhabitants and abundant beauty.
As locals enjoy their very own “little summer”, by opting to stay at a boutique hotel in Mykonos in the Autumn you have a first rate opportunity to discover the island’s other-much more subtle and subdued, but equally fascinating and certainly more authentic-side.
Read on for some suggestions as on how to make the most out of your holidays at a boutique hotel in Mykonos in the Autumn:
Indulge in some me- time at the San Marco boutique hotel in Mykonos in the Autumn
Let’s start with the basics: A serene, stress-free environment is key, if you’re yearning to relax, unwind and pamper yourselves rotten.
A few minutes drive from Chora, at the peaceful and distinctly picturesque Houlakia Bay, you may discover-and stay-at the San Marco boutique hotel in Mykonos in the Autumn for a holiday that blends haute aesthetic, premium services and total rejuvenation.
Admire the Aegean’s Big Blue as you lounge in the refreshing seawater pool (after all the weather is ideal for working on your tan!). Enjoy a signature cocktail -or two- at the atmospheric Pool bar. Delight your senses with the outstanding culinary creations of Pythari and Veranda; the critically acclaimed restaurants of the San Marco boutique hotel in Mykonos in the Autumn. Indulge in some ultra reviving therapies and treatments at the Houlakia Boutique Hammam Spa; and allow the San Marco’s expert concierge to arrange everything for you -from reservations to the most exclusive establishments in town, to a private yacht, or even helicopter- tour.
Explore Chora’s museums without the high season’s fuss
Built in 1902, the Archaeological Museum near Chora’s port, features an impressive collection of sculptures, ceramics and jewelry from excavations in Mykonos, Delos and Rhenia– some even dating from the Geometric period. Among the museum’s most impressive treasures is a 17th century jug, depicting scenes from the Trojan War.
Boasting a significant naval tradition ever since antiquity, Mykonos also has an equally interesting Maritime Museum. Housed in a 19th century, typical Cycladic mansion (once the home of a prominent Mykonian captain), the museum showcases the merchant-ship history of the Aegean Sea. Artifacts on display include ancient sailors’ marble gravestones collected from Mykonos and Delos, antique naval instruments, coins and engravings and models of various types of boats dating as far back as the pre-Minoan era. The most striking exhibit though is arguably the 130 year- old, original mechanism of the historic lighthouse, “Faros Armenistis”, which nowadays adorns the garden of the museum.
Right next to the Aegean Maritime Museum you will find Lena’s House, a recreation of a typical 19th century middle class home. Interiors and furnishings are representative of the era, so you’ll get to see -and feel- history coming alive.
Get active
Vioma is an organic, biodynamic farm which in any case merits a visit to sample of its some of its traditional Aegean sea, wine varieties and delectable local products. What’s more during the past couple of years they have been organizing guided bicycle tours across the unknown parts of rural Mykonos. The weather in Autumn is certainly ideal for such an escapade, so get your gear and your cameras ready! You’ll get fit and create havoc on instagram too- with your amazing shots of quaint, little churches, dreamy, old farms and sleepy villages and even abandoned, virgin beaches (they do exist at this time of year!).
Travel in time
An age old, seemingly pagan custom whose roots are lost into the depths of history is revived every October in Mykonos. Αround the time of the celebration of St. Lucas on October 18th, “Xoirosfagia’’ start -and rather savagely at that- with the slaughtering of a pig. Despite its paganistic cloak, this ritual essentially has to do with survival. As means of preservation were limited in the past, the butchered pig then became the “louza” and “siglino”-cured and smoked pork respectively- which would sustain the family’s needs throughout the year. Despite their island’s vast touristic development, Mykonians remain true to their heritage and traditions. Even though nowadays there is no actual imperative to preserve meat in this manner, “xoirosfagia” is still a cause of major celebration; and you’re most likely to be invited to partake in the feast as a guest in a total stranger’s home!
Most people choose peak season for their holidays. Yet the delights that await you should you opt to visit in a shoulder or an off season, are manifold. Stay at a boutique hotel in Mykonos in the Autumn, and get to see what it has to offer apart from the predictable and popular. It is undoubtedly enchanting and will get you forever hooked!
