Chora, the inimitable capital of Mykonos

With its patterned alleyways, whitewashed houses, blue balustrades and shutters, and small chapels, Chora has, without realising it, created a truly picturesque setting over the centuries that would be described today as 'Instagrammable'.

The capital of Mykonos is just like the island itself: Cycladic to the core, bling-bling in attitude, and always at the cutting edge of current trends.

Chora is not only photogenic: it is also and above all the nerve centre of Mykonos life, the place to see and be seen, the beating heart of the island. After a day grilling on the southern beaches, Chora is the place to be for the evening.

Here, the shops close late and are as diverse as they are varied, from souvenir boutiques to international luxury brands: Mykonos is a top shopping destination, and it's never too late to update your look.

The latest trends can also be seen on the menus of Chora's restaurants: traditional tavernas are an endangered species. Mykonos prefers contemporary, inventive cuisine that blends contemporary influences and relies heavily on aesthetics, both on the plates and the decoration on the walls, not to mention the soundscape.

Chora's nightlife is renowned throughout Greece, and far beyond. The centre is packed with cafés, bars and clubs, and the atmosphere lasts until the early hours. A must for party-goers. Mykonos has no equal in the Cyclades, and Chora is the epitome of it!

Before Mykonos became the fiesta capital of Greece, it was very much a fishing and seafaring town. Today, this ancient protected harbour has been completely overtaken by the influx of liners and cruise ships, to the point that a new port, better suited to the traffic, has been built a little further north at Tourlos.

An incredible number of visitors from all over the world pass through Chora every summer. A cosmopolitan destination, the small capital has nonetheless retained a certain architectural unity that can be seen even in the recent constructions that are spreading further and further out around the town. You have to be able to accommodate all these people!

Chora is the perfect link between Mykonos' past and its current success. Despite unbridled tourist development, the little capital has retained its Cycladic charm throughout the town centre. The typical Alefkandra district remains a meeting place for photographers: it's home to all the island's most emblematic shots!

In this small area, you can see the wave-washed houses of Little Venice, with their balconies overlooking the sea, and the venerable church of Panagia Paraportiani, a cluster of five chapels dating from the 15th century. A few steps away, and lost in the maze of the historic centre, are the famous windmills of Mykonos, built here in the 16th century. They are as picturesque as you could wish for, with the added bonus of an unbeatable view of the Mykonos sunset!

But Chora's aesthetic appeal is not based solely on its iconic sites. It's when you lose yourself in the narrow streets, wandering at random, that you really get to grips with its charm. Don't hesitate to try your luck early in the morning, when the city is just waking up, to discover an atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to that of the evening. A new highlight on Chora every day!