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Greek Islands

Greece is a relatively small country, as countries go, but its land mass becomes recognizably larger when islands in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas are taken into account. The largest of these is Crete, which, along with Thera, offers the most ancient and extensive archeological sites. Neither of these, however, were "ports of call" for the Footsteps of Paul tour. And, indeed, the three islands we did visit -- Mykonos, Rhodes, and Patmos -- were not particularly important to Paul, though Rhodes and Patmos have importance for later Christian history.

Mykonos

Considered the most "cosmopolitan" of the islands, it's principal town, also named Mykonos, was built around a mediaeval castle. The buildings, in a style common to these islands, are fitted onto narrow streets that form a maze designed (according to the story) to confuse invaders by the pirates who once made it their home. Now they confuse but also fascinate visitors.
The island and town are well-known as a haven for artists from over the world and the countless shops cater to jet-setters as well as more casual tourists who search for bargains in jewelry and luxury consumer goods. Before entering the maze, however, the windmills at the harbor suggest that the picturesque churches and the stairways on the outside of buildings may be every bit as alluring as the contents of shops and stores.

To Rhodes