Mykonos, Greece, is a sophisticated and Cosmopolitan Shopping port.

One of my favourite Mediterranean ports of call is Mykonos, Greece. It’s a very relaxed and scenic place to be.  Take your cameras as around every corner; you will find yet ANOTHER “perfect” picture.  Visited many times while running the Port Shopping Program for Crystal, Regent and Oceania Cruises.

Mykonos was a former 18th-century pirates’ bastion but is now a sophisticated and cosmopolitan little resort island with a maze of winding streets, graceful windmills, inviting beaches, domed churches, and white-washed houses accented in blue.  In amongst the streets is some amazing shopping which is a must when visiting this port.  You’ll find the waterfront is the hub of action – cafés with a view of the bay, taverns, restaurants, bars, and incredible shopping.

Two essential things to do in Mykonos – one is to visit the windmills, and the other is to shop.

Let’s talk about the famous Mykonos Windmills first.  The Mykonos windmills are an iconic feature of Mykonos, one of the Cyclades islands, which neighbours Delos in the Aegean Sea. The windmills can be seen from every point of Mykonos’ village, the island’s principal village, frequently called the Chora.  Translates to “Country” in Greek, but refers to an island’s “Town” on Greek islands.  For more information on this majestic port click this link.

The windmills are the first thing seen when coming into the harbour of Alexandria.  They stand on a hill overlooking the area. Most windmills face the North, where the island’s climate sources its strongest winds over the largest part of the year. There are currently 16 windmills on Mykonos.  Seven are positioned on Chora’s landmark hill. The Venetians built most of them in the 16th century, but their construction continued into the early 20th century.

The lucky thing about cruising to Mykonos is that you will have time to visit the windmills and shop. You will find fantastic jewellery, excellent customer service, a relaxed and hospitable environment, the amazing Greek design jewellery.  Most cruisers can’t resist a little something special from Mykonos.

People buy the gold and the Greek designs available in white, yellow, or rose gold and 14, 18, or 24kt gold.  There are several reputable jewellery locations in Mykonos; please book a call with me when you are ready to travel here, and we will give you the most up-to-date information.  You will see many pieces inspired by the Greek museums’ designs, and all the jewellery is beautifully finished in sufficient detail and craftsmanship.

Something you will find in select boutiques is Europe’s most extensive collection of the beautiful KABANA inlay jewellery which has the EXCLUSIVE Mykonos Collection.  Kabana’s Designer is Greek, so it’s only natural to create a collection dedicated to his homeland, Mykonos, Greece.  The Greek Key design represents eternity and is one of the oldest fashion symbols of all time.  Greek Key design is called a meander or meandros.  A decorative border constructed from a continuous line, shaped into a repeated motif. Such a design is also called the Greek fret or Greek key designs, which are more modern.

Meanders are common decorative elements in Greek and Roman art. In ancient Greece, they appear in many architectural friezes and bands on ancient Greece’s pottery from the Geometric Period onwards. The design is common to the present day.

The Greek Key designs are among the most important symbols in ancient Greece.

Symbolizing infinity and unity; many ancient Greek temples incorporated the sign of the meander.  Greek vases, especially during their Geometric Period, were probably the main reason for the widespread use of meanders.  Alternatively, very ocean-like patterns of waves also appeared in the same format as meanders.  Which can also be thought of as the guilloche pattern.

The Tombs of Vergina’s ceremonial shield is a decorative shield found in the Royal Tombs at Aigai (now known as Vergina) in Northeast Greece, decorated with multiple symbols of the meander. Meanders are also prevalent on the pavement mosaics found in Roman villas throughout the Roman Empire. A good example is the Chedworth Roman Villa in England, leading historians to believe that the pattern was part of the original inspiration for the Latin “G” character.

It is hardly surprising that the great designer Kabana who comes from Mykonos Greece created the Greek Key symbol in the Kabana Mykonos collection perfectly interlocks by blending rose gold, carved Mother-of-Pearl inlay, and diamonds, creating a smooth, seamless, and irresistibly beautiful result.

Kabana’s collection includes a timeless selection of rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets and a wide variety of natural Mother-of-pearl colours. From white to the lovely and rare pink mother of pearl and Turquoise.

Kabana also works extensively with only the best quality natural Australian Opal, where there is so much fire in every piece; the colours and fire are incredible.

When you visit Mykonos on your cruise if you pop into our recommended jewellery boutiques and art galleries and experience their fabulous Greek hospitality, you will love it; for more information, book your FREE 15-minute Port Shopping Guide.