Chora: The Heartbeat of Mykonos

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Yah sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Πώς είστε;
  [Pos iste?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kala. Esis?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;
  [Milate Anglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menu, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Στην υγειά σας!
  [Stin yia sas!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fiye!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astinomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε έναν γιατρό!
  [Kaleste enan yatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Ime arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να χαμηλώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na hamilosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία η ώρα
  [Ine mia i ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (dekα)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dio]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Επτά
  [Epta]
• 8Οχτώ
  [Ohto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Borite na mou dixete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για ....)
  [Ena isitirio (ya ....)]

Chora, the capital of Mykonos, is steeped in ancient history, with its origins tracing back to the 3rd century BC. According to mythology, Mykonos was named after the hero Mykonos, a companion of Hercules. The island's strategic location in the Aegean Sea made it a crucial point for trade and navigation in antiquity, with historical accounts referencing its participation in the Delian League.

During the 14th to 16th centuries, Mykonos was under Venetian rule. This period was marked by frequent pirate invasions, leading to the construction of defensive structures in Chora. The iconic windmills and the fortress-like architecture of the town were part of the island’s response to the threats from the sea, showcasing a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Chora played a significant role during the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829). Mykonos was one of the first islands to join the revolution against Ottoman rule. The local population actively participated in naval battles and supported the revolutionary forces, which fostered a sense of national identity and pride that is still celebrated today.

Post-World War II, Chora began to transform into a tourist destination. The 1960s marked the onset of a tourism boom, leading to the development of infrastructure and services catering to visitors. This shift altered the socio-economic landscape of the town, turning it into a vibrant hub known for its nightlife, beaches, and cultural events.

Today, Chora is celebrated not only for its picturesque streets and stunning sunsets but also for its rich cultural heritage. The town houses numerous churches, traditional Cycladic architecture, and historical landmarks such as the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos. Annual festivals, such as the Feast of Panagia, showcase the island's traditions, reinforcing its identity as a vibrant cultural center in the Cyclades.

Chora, the main town of Mykonos, is easily accessible from other neighborhoods on the island. If you are coming from the airport, taxis are available for a direct route to Chora, taking about 10 minutes. Public buses also run regularly between the airport and Chora. For those already in Mykonos Town, walking is a pleasant way to explore, as Chora is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Alternatively, local buses connect Chora to other popular areas such as Ornos and Platys Gialos.

Chora is best explored on foot due to its narrow, winding streets. However, there are local buses that provide service to surrounding beaches and neighborhoods. Taxis are readily available, and you can also rent bicycles or scooters from various shops in the area. Be aware that parking can be limited, so using public transport or walking is often the best option.

Chora is generally safe for tourists. However, it's advisable to remain vigilant, particularly in crowded areas where pickpocketing can occur. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and keep an eye on your belongings. While there are no specific high-crime areas, staying aware of your surroundings and not displaying valuables can enhance your safety.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is located in Mykonos Town. It is recommended to have travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout Chora, where you can find over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear light, comfortable clothing suitable for the warm climate, but avoid overly revealing outfits in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in churches, by dressing modestly and covering your shoulders. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and a polite 'Kalimera' (Good morning). Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties such as moussaka and seafood. Don’t be overly loud or disruptive in eateries, as a quiet atmosphere is preferred.

To experience Chora like a local, explore the lesser-known paths and alleys away from the main tourist spots. Visit local bakeries for fresh pastries and enjoy a meal at family-run tavernas that serve authentic Greek dishes. Engage with locals; they are often very welcoming and can provide insights into the best places to visit. Also, consider attending local festivals or events for a deeper cultural experience.