Mikonos

After the quiet of tiny Kynthos, we were quite looking forward to a bit of life in Mikonos, but at this time of year everywhere is quiet and has that end of season feel to it. The marina at Mikonos was typical Greek i.e excellent infrastructure but no services connected and a bit neglected. We managed to moor on a pontoon and pick up one of the few lazylines that were connected, so were nice and secure. The boat next door dropped his anchor and moored stern to, but hooked his anchor around the huge chains on the sea bed which the lazylines should be tied to. He was still trying to free himself by the time we left, and could still be there for all we know!

The marina is a couple of miles outside of the town, so we decided to splash out and spend the 1.45Euros and get the bus in. It is a really pretty town, typically Cycladean with white washed houses built on a maze of narrow streets with so many twists and turns that it is easy to get lost. Apparently, they built the towns like this to stop the meltemi wind from being able to whistle down the streets, and also to make it harder for pirates! Now the town, although still very pretty has the feeling of being there simply to serve foreign tourists, with prices to match – 7 Euros for a coffee! I suppose whilst it remains on the cruise ship itinery they will continue to get away with it, but you have to wonder who the pirates are now! We did manage to see Petros the pelican who is the town mascot, but he looked a bit ropey, even he looked as though he was glad to see the end of a long season!