Greece's most famous cosmopolitan island is sold as a whitewashed paradise in the centre of the Cyclades Islands. According to mythology, Mykonos was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules. Did you know that the island took its name from the grandson of Apollo, "Mykonos"?

In contrast to the other islands we have visited, the capital town (Hóra) is not built in the shape of an amphitheatre but instead spreads out over a wide area. Mykonos is famous for its 16th century windmills which line the hillside on the south side of the town. As we wandered in that area we spotted some tango dancers - I was in awe of her ability to dance on the uneven cobble stones with such high heels !!

Little Venice is quite charming. A maze of tiny streets once built to protect against pirates, although what protection they offered I cannot see. The waterfront offers a lively atmosphere in which to admire the boats that line the harbour and provide colourful reflections in the clear blue water. There is a vibrant shopping area where a plethora of goods from souvenirs to brand name items can be purchased.

NO we did not come across the official mascot of Mykonos, a... pelican! The story goes that Pétros the Pelican was found by a fisherman after a storm in 1954, and eventually became the locals' companion. When he died, the grief for his loss was so deep that a replacement was soon found. In honour of Pétros, the locals have established a long tradition of pelicans wandering around the waterfront as an essential part of everyday life.

As you stroll around its narrow marble streets and admire whitewashed houses with colourful doors and window frames, bougainvillea trees in purple bloom and hidden churches you get the feeling that everything is "on show". Yes the island is cosmopolitan and trendy but it is not for me