The gorgeous Mykonos is one of Greece’s most popular holiday locations and must-see destinations. It is easy to see why: it is an utterly stunning island dotted with pretty whitewashed towns, rich blue-coloured domed churches, cute tavernas, little boutiques and shops, trendy bars, donkeys carrying bundles up hillsides, and excellent spots to watch the incredible watercolour sunsets that put on performances above the island each night. If you want to get well and truly away from it all and enjoy the peace and relaxation that the slower pace of life on the Greek islands affords, then just find a vacation rental in Mykonos or a holiday rental in the South Aegean and either stay on the island or visit it for day trips.
While you visit the island, be sure to set aside some time to head to the Armenistis Lighthouse, a pretty and still-functioning historic lighthouse that offers one of the best and most heartrendingly beautiful views on the island. Located to the north-west of the island, above a homonymous bay, Armenistis Lighthouse was built after the wrecking of an English ship on the shores nearby in the 19th century, which left 11 crew members dead. It became apparent that something needed to be done to help prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future and, in 1891, a lighthouse was built.
While you visit the island, be sure to set aside some time to head to the Armenistis Lighthouse, a pretty and still-functioning historic lighthouse that offers one of the best and most heartrendingly beautiful views on the island. Located to the north-west of the island, above a homonymous bay, Armenistis Lighthouse was built after the wrecking of an English ship on the shores nearby in the 19th century, which left 11 crew members dead. It became apparent that something needed to be done to help prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future and, in 1891, a lighthouse was built.
Measuring 19 meters in height and with a focal height of 184 meters that flashes a white beacon every ten seconds, the lighthouse is an octagonal cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery at the top that cannot be missed. This lantern was once home to an original Fresnel lens that was of French origin and won the international exhibition in Paris but has since been replaced and put into a replica lantern house that is now on display in the garden of the Aegean Maritime Museum in Chora (i.e. Mykonos town). Powered by petrol after 1945, the lighthouse was electrified in 1982, and is today fully automated, meaning that a lighthouse keeper is no longer a necessity. Those who have worked the lighthouse, and their families, have lived in the few rooms that make up the little house next door.
The lighthouse, however, has not only has it been key in the maritime history of Mykonos and ensuring safe sea voyages in the waters around the island, it is also a striking beauty on an incredible site that attracts photographers and visitors from all over the world. Located about 6.5 kilometers from Chora on the north coast road of the island, Armenistis Lighthouse is one of the most interesting and most scenic lighthouses in the Cyclades. Positioned as it is, on the north-western tip of Mykonos, overlooking the strait between the island of Tinos and Mykonos, in an elevated and rather secluded position, it offers some incredible panoramic views over the Aegean Sea. It is also one of the best places on the island to go and take in the sunset, offering an endless image of sea and sky, unfolded in a stunning blaze of colour before your eyes.
So, if you have found a villa in Greece and are exploring this beautiful island, looking for spots to photograph, places to watch the sunset with a loved one, somewhere to take in sea views and breathe in salty air, somewhere remote and lovely, then you need look no further than Armenistis Lighthouse. Just head down the north coastal road, passing through both Stephanos and the Houlakia Bay area, and look out for the imposingly tall and striking lighthouse and then soak up the atmosphere and spectacular beauty of this stunning landmark.
The lighthouse, however, has not only has it been key in the maritime history of Mykonos and ensuring safe sea voyages in the waters around the island, it is also a striking beauty on an incredible site that attracts photographers and visitors from all over the world. Located about 6.5 kilometers from Chora on the north coast road of the island, Armenistis Lighthouse is one of the most interesting and most scenic lighthouses in the Cyclades. Positioned as it is, on the north-western tip of Mykonos, overlooking the strait between the island of Tinos and Mykonos, in an elevated and rather secluded position, it offers some incredible panoramic views over the Aegean Sea. It is also one of the best places on the island to go and take in the sunset, offering an endless image of sea and sky, unfolded in a stunning blaze of colour before your eyes.
So, if you have found a villa in Greece and are exploring this beautiful island, looking for spots to photograph, places to watch the sunset with a loved one, somewhere to take in sea views and breathe in salty air, somewhere remote and lovely, then you need look no further than Armenistis Lighthouse. Just head down the north coastal road, passing through both Stephanos and the Houlakia Bay area, and look out for the imposingly tall and striking lighthouse and then soak up the atmosphere and spectacular beauty of this stunning landmark.
Photo credit: Mateus Pabst / CC BY-SA 2.0
