Mykonos

Before there were holidaymakers bronzing on the golden-sand beaches and dining out at trendy tavernas, this was an active seafaring island. Brush up on merchant-ship history through handsome displays of model ships, old maps and nautical memorabilia in the bite-sized Aegean Maritime Museum. Step into the tranquil back garden where ancient anchors, ship wheels and a 1890 lighthouse are planted among the flowers.

From garden tavernas shrouded by the gnarled branches of ancient olive trees, rustic footpaths lead to a long stretch of sandy coastline that curves toward the sun. The crystalline waters of Panormos Bay glisten with shades of turquoise and azure, gently lapping these golden shores. A humble Greek church is nestled into the dunes above seemingly keeping watch over this unspoiled beach far from the crowds.

Wooden spindled windmills with thatched roofs and white towers are essential to the Mykonos skyline as a reminder of the island’s agrarian past. Elevated on a rise overlooking the harbor, the well-maintained Boni is one of the best examples of a 16th-century windmill. While no longer functioning, this lookout point is a stunning spot to catch the dazzling sunset.

White lions, carved in stone, sit regally among crumbling walls and arid desert wildflowers. For thousands of years they have stood watch over the mythical birthplace of twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Extraordinary archaeological sites cover this fabled island just off the southern shores of Mykonos. Some date back to the fourth millennium B.C. when this most holy island was covered in temples dedicated to Greek deities.

Elegant whitewashed houses trimmed in crisp blue hug the shoreline of Mykonos’ most photographed enclave, Little Venice, once home to wealthy sea captains. Look the breezy-beachgoer part with a pair of Michael Rampias’ handmade sandals, a must-have since the Mykonos Sandals shop opened in 1948. Celebrate the iconic purchase over sunset cocktails from a seafront table at Caprice Bar.

Stroll the narrow stone alleyways and admire the postcard-perfect sugar-cube white homes lining the way. Browse trinkets at simple souvenir shops tucked in between the houses, and pop by a charming taverna for savory snacks.