Ornos is a small village located in a picturesque bay in the South West of Mykonos island, just a ten-minute drive away from Mykonos Town (Chora). It is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months, with plenty of bars and restaurants, hotels, and of course, cats. It is a great place for a family vacation, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Outside of the tourist season, however, Ornos is nearly deserted. The bars and restaurants close down and the community cats have to fend for themselves. Winter in Mykonos can be quite cold, and it is not uncommon for strays to freeze. Cardboard boxes and sheds provided for them by volunteers are usually destroyed within a few days, and those photos that go around the internet showing a taverna opening its doors to freezing strays are the exception, not the rule. It is a myth that strays have it easy in Greece, because we are used to seeing them sunbathe and being fed by tourists during our two-week summer vacation. In reality, surviving the winter as a stray is extremely difficult.
If you are planning to visit Mykonos island outside of the tourist season, make sure to visit Ornos and bring some kibble and warm shelter to help the cats. This will aid them in surviving the colder months. If you’re lucky enough, the cats will reward you with a gentle rub against your leg. You can easily reach Ornos Beach by car, or you can take the bus from the Fabrica bus station in Mykonos Town (Chora). From here, you can also take the water taxi to the beaches Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia.
Have you ever visited Ornos? If so, did you meet any of these cats? It is easy to get attached to the cats of Ornos. They are gentle, loving creatures that deserve all the help we can give them. By bringing some kibble and warm shelter to the cats of Ornos, you can help them survive the cold winter months. You can also support the local animal shelters and volunteer organizations that are dedicated to helping the cats of Ornos.
It is important to remember that the cats of Ornos are a part of the local community. They are not just strays, but members of a vibrant and diverse population. By helping the cats of Ornos, you are helping the entire community. You are helping to ensure that these cats will continue to live in their beloved village for years to come.
The cats of Ornos are an integral part of the island’s culture. They are loved by the locals and visitors alike. By supporting the cats of Ornos, you are helping to maintain the unique culture of this beautiful island. So, if you ever visit Ornos, make sure to bring some kibble and warm shelter to help the cats survive the winter months. You will be rewarded with a gentle rub against your leg and the knowledge that you have made a difference for the cats of Ornos.
