Stamps in My Passport

Why Greece Is More Than Just a Destination- mini series Part I

After being swept up in the ancient grandeur of Athens — marble ruins, mythology, and echoes of philosophy — I didn’t think Greece could surprise me again.

And then came Mykonos.

This dreamy little island didn’t just greet us — it embraced us with arms full of sunlight and wonder. As our ship approached the shore, the first glimpse of Mykonos took my breath away: whitewashed buildings stacked like sugar cubes against the hills, their blue shutters glowing like jewels under the Grecian sun. It felt like we had sailed straight into a painting — only this one smelled like sea salt and blooming bougainvillea.

But here’s the truth:

Greece isn’t just a destination.

It’s a feeling — one that follows you long after the suitcase is unpacked.

As we stepped off the ship, the Aegean breeze wrapped around us like silk. The harbor buzzed with life — boats rocking gently in the water, the call of seagulls above, whitewashed shops with pastel-colored shutters nestled along stone paths below. There was a joy in the air that was almost tangible.

Getting Lost in Chora

We spent the morning wandering through Chora — the heart of Mykonos Town — where getting lost felt like a gift. The labyrinth of alleyways felt like a maze built for wandering, not arriving. Vivid pink flowers spilled down white walls. Cats stretched lazily in the sun. Painted doors stood like bright secrets waiting to be discovered.

We walked along the coast to the Little Venice area, where colorful buildings perched over the water like they were holding hands. Waves lapped against the stone foundations, cafés were filled with the clinking of glasses and soft music, and everywhere you looked, there was something beautiful to notice.

Eventually, the path opened to one of the most iconic sights in all of Greece: the windmills. Towering on a hill overlooking the sea, the windmills of Mykonos are picture-perfect reminders of the island’s past. We stood there for a while, letting the salty wind whip through our hair as the waves crashed below. It was one of those rare moments of stillness in travel — when the world seems to pause so you can take it all in.

It was the kind of pause we often forget to take. The kind that reminds you — this is why we travel.

A Taste of the Island

When in Greece, you eat. And in Mykonos, you savor. We grabbed a small table at a café and ordered a few local favorites and a freddo caffe’. Later, we found a tiny bakery tucked into an alleyway and bought a few tasty desserts to share. The flavors were fresh and simple — just like the island itself. Then we rode across the island with pit stops at a few beautiful beaches as we made our way to a Mykonian farm & vineyard on the opposite side of the island. Their delicious wine was light and refreshing, the perfect pairing wtih lovely views of the Mykonian countryside.

*Fun Fact: Did you know that Mykonos has a law that every home must be painted white with blue or green accents or pay an expensive fine? In fact every home on the island abides by this law, except one and they pay an extra $5000 euros yearly to have their home painted differently. See photo below, would you pay $5k to paint your home this color?!;) We also learned that Mykonos island has 400 churches and chapels, many of which are privately owned. We enjoyed spotting them all over the island during our tour.

What Mykonos Left Me With

Mykonos wasn’t just beautiful — it was freeing. There’s something about the way the island invites you to wander, to rest, to laugh, and to savor that stays with you long after you leave. It reminded me that sometimes the best days are the ones where you don’t plan too much — you just follow the wind (and maybe a cat or two) and let the magic unfold.

If you’re ever planning a trip to the Greek islands, let Mykonos sweep you off your feet. Whether you’re chasing light for a photograph, craving authentic flavors, or looking for a moment to feel truly alive — you’ll find it here.

That’s the real gift of Greece.

It’s not just about where you go — it’s about what you feel when you’re there.

And if you’re open to it, Greece has a way of awakening something deep inside you.

A longing for simplicity. For presence. For peace.

So if you ever find yourself on a journey through the Greek isles, let Mykonos remind you:

Sometimes the best days are the unplanned ones — the ones where you simply follow the wind and let the magic unfold.

One of my favorite travel resources is Get Your Guide, great for booking tours, tickets for entry at museums/landmarks etc. and so much more! Download the app today & snag a 5% discount using my special code: STAMPSINMYPASSPORT15 at this link:

Next up: Crete — Myths, mountains, and Mediterranean charm. If you missed the first post in the series you can find it at the link below- as well as access  Mediterranean Travel Journal Pages — printable prompts to help you remember, reflect, and relive your adventures. [Download now ➝] at link below.

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With love & sunshine,

— Krista

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