Mykonos

The island of Mykonos is part of the Cyclades group of islands to the southeast of mainland Greece, lying more or less in a circle around the holy island of Delos, already a major religious centre by 700 BC. There are 56 islands in total, but only 24 are inhabited.

Mykonos is dry and barren, but its beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife make it one of the most popular of the Cyclades. It is known as the wealthiest and glitziest of all the Greek islands. The residents number more than 9 000, and the capital is Mykonos Town, also known as Chora.

Places of interest

Kastro, the oldest part of the capital, overlooks the waterfront from a hillside. The most famous church on the island is the Panagia Paraportiani in the Kastro, which includes 4 chapels at ground level and another above, and partially dates from 1425. From the Kastro, one can follow the alleys to Venetia, or Little Venice, the artists’ quarter, where the balconies of buildings are constructed right over the water’s edge.

The large cathedral of Panagia Pigadiotissa stands on the main square, the Plateia Alefkandras. Another place worth visiting is the Maritime Museum of the Aegean, which boasts a collection of models of ships from pre-Minoan times to the 19^th century, as well as maritime instruments and paintings with a nautical theme. Lena’s House, next door to the museum, is the preserved 19^th century house of a noblewoman of Mykonos.

Windmills

Since the 16^th century, the windmills of Mykonos have been iconic. The windmills were used to grind corn by families all over the island.

The Vonis Windmill has been restored to full working order, and can be viewed as part of the Folk Museum at the harbour front, one of the best such museums in Greece.

The museum also has a great collection of ceramics, embroidery and ancient and modern textiles.

Economy

Mykonos consists mostly of dry and barren granite, and since the 1950s has relied almost exclusively on tourism for its income. Its wonderful sandy beaches and dynamic nightlife, as well as its international airport, indeed contribute to make it a very popular holiday destination.

The holy island of Delos

Mykonos is the closest island to the tiny, now uninhabited island of Delos and the natural place from where to undertake a day trip. In ancient times, around 1000 BC, Delos was the centre of the cult of Apollo, with an annual festival during which games and music were played in his honour. It later became a place of pilgrimage, and today is an open-air archaeological museum.

Accommodation

Hotels and guesthouses abound on Mykonos. One of the best is the 5-star Mykonos Grand, which overlooks Agios Ioannis Bay. Other 5-star establishments are the Belvedere, the Cavo Tagoo, the Mykonos Theoxenia, and the Princess of Mykonos, situated on an exclusive beach 4 km from Mykonos Town. The 4-star Zorzis is situated in the centre of Mykonos Town, while the 4-star Pension Matina, Rochari and Villa Konstantin are just outside of the town centre.