Mykonos

Mykonos (Greek: Μύκονος; see also List of traditional Greek place names) or Myconos is an island of Greece and one of the top tourism destinations in Europe. It is one of the Cyclades, a group of islands of the Aegean Sea, lying between Tinos, Siros, Paros and Naxos. It has an area of 86 km² and an elevation of 364 m and is made mostly of granite. It has little natural fresh water and relies on the desalination of sea water to meet its needs. There are approximately 6200 inhabitants (2002). The largest town is Mykonos, also known as Hora, on the west coast.

Panorama Image of Mykonos town at sunset looking West [Source]

History

The Trojan horse, Burial Pithos, c. 670 BC, Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, Greece

Archaeological finds indicate that the Ionians were found to have settled on Mykonos in the early part of the 11th century BC. More recent discoveries have uncovered remnants from the Neolithic Kares tribe dating back to as far as 3000BC. In Greek mythology Mykonos was the location of the battle between Zeus and the Gigantes. and the island was named in honor of Apollo's grandson Mykons. During these ancient times, Mykonos, due to its proximity to the then highly populated island of Delos (situated about 2km away), became very important as a supply island and possibly as a getaway location for Delian citizens.

Satellite Image of Mykonos [Source]

Mykonos Google Earth

Modern Day Mykonos

Today, Mykonos is a very cosmopolitan island, made famous the last few decades by the international jet set visitors that spend their holidays on the island. Mykonos has clean, magnificent beaches that offer everything from clear-blue waters, windsurfing, sea-side tavernas, loud music and even full nudity. Many Greek and international celebrities have summer residences in Mykonos and can often be seen walking the charming white-washed roads or having dinner at a small street-side table of a local taverna. The island is Greece's playground and one of the top holiday destinations in the world. Some people think you have not really seen what Greece has to offer until you visit Mykonos. The island is one of the most upscale areas of Greece, and its real estate is very expensive. The popularity of the island has given rise to a wave of real estate development (private homes/villas and hotels) and concerns have been expressed that the island is gradually losing its character. The good thing is that (by law) every new building has to abide by the rules of the cycladic architectural style.

Beaches

Mykonos has clean, magnificent beaches that offer everything from clear-blue waters, windsurfing, sea-side tavernas, loud music and even full nudity.

Nightlife

The nightlife of Mykonos is considered by many to be among the best in Europe. Mykonos is often rated among the top clubbing destinations in the Mediterranean, along with Ibiza, Ayia Napa and Rimini. Mykonos also attracts world-famous DJs to its beach bars the most well-known of which are Paradise, Super Paradise and Paranga. Mykonos nightlife focuses mainly on bars rather than clubs, yet there are notable clubs also.


Mykonos is connected by ship with Piraeus, Rafina, Thessaloniki and the many of the other Aegean islands and also has many daily flights in and out of the island.

Communities

  • Agios Stefanos
  • Ano Mera
  • Ftelia
  • Kalafatis
  • Marathi
  • Myconos or Chora
  • Ornos
  • Platy Gialo
    • Psarou

Mykonos Island National Airport

Municipalities and communities of the Cyclades Prefecture

Amorgos | Andros | Ano Syros | Drymalia | Ermoupoli | Exomvourgo | Ios | Kea | Korthio | Kythnos | Milos | Mykonos | Naxos | Paros | Poseidonia | Santorini | Serifos | Sifnos | Tinos | Ydrousa |

Anafi | Antiparos | Donousa | Folegandros | Irakleia | Kimolos | Koufonisi | Oia | Panormos | Schoinoussa | Sikinos

Links

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