Little Venice, Mykonos, Greek Isles

Note: click photo for larger view. ©2017, David A. Porter

I captured this photograph on July 7th, 2017 at 2:30 in the afternoon while sailing with Azamara Club Cruises in the Greek Isles.  Behind me are the famous windmills of Mykonos which I’ll show you in another post.

One of the things that you’ll notice when you visit the Greek Isles is that all of the buildings are white, and many with blue trim.

According to an article in Quora, “the traditional white paint used in Greece is not actually “paint.”  It’s called Whitewash and it’s very easy to make and quite inexpensive.  You mix slaked lime (a white dust) with salt and water and slop it on.  It washes easily off your hands and clothing. Slaked lime itself is easy to make at home too, as Juergen Nieveler points out.  “To produce lime, you just have to burn clam shells… something easily available anywhere near coasts where people are likely eating clams/oysters. It can be tinted pink by adding iron oxide (rust); or other mineral colors can be added like ochre, for a yellowish tone.  It is thought that the use of whitewash in Greece goes back to the classical period. Another advantage is that it is harmless to goats if they eat it, and it is detrimental to bugs.  Whitewash was used in dairies all over Europe and North America to help keep them clean and sanitary. It is traditional in Greece to re-whitewash everything once a year just before Easter.”

I also learned in my reading that since 1974, all homes had to be painted white. Hence the iconic colors of the Greek Isles which can also be found in the Greek Flag.

Little Venice is a district located at the sea, famous for its picturesque medieval two and three-story houses, which stand like a wall above the sea, and their colorful wooden balconies. Little Venice is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the whole of Mykonos and offers a fantastic sunset. A favorite activity is drinking a cocktail in one of the many bars and cafes while watching the sunset on the seashore. You will reach Little Venice walking from the windmills down the stairs (via Wikitravel).

Stay tuned for more photos and stories from our visit to Mykonos.
 
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