Mykonos island

General info
Mykonos (Myconos) is located in the centre of Aegean. It belongs to the Cyclades island cluster, covering 73 square km and having a population of 14.000 residents approximately.
Mykonos, the biggest part of which is covered by granite, has been distinguished as one of the most beautiful islands due to its unusual natural beauty, its famous organized sandy beached with cold crystal waters, and its cultural life.

The so called “island of winds” has been synonymous to cosmopolitan and intense night life and it has been a main tourist destination of VIPS from all art sectors and from all countries since the early 30s.

Due to this, Mykonos is an exceptionally highly developed island which offers luxurious restaurants and accommodation facilities, bars, night and beach bars but also remarkable artistic and cultural events.

Mykonos is found between Naxos and Tinos and is close to Delos, a tiny island famous for its open museum.

Historical profile
According to Greek mythology, in Mykonos was held the Gigantomachy, between Hercules and the Giants. After the later were killed by Hercules, they were buried under the impressive granite rocks of Mykonos.

First habitants of the island are referred to be Cares, Phoenicians and Cretans. Kate in history, the island was occupied by the Romans, the Byzantines and the Venetians. In 1573 Mykonos was destroyed by the ottoman Barbarossa. Mykonos’ contribution to the Greek War of Independence in 1821 was valuable and one of the prominent features of this War was Manto Mavrogenous, a rich brave woman who gave all her fortune for the liberation of Greece.

Villages
Mykonos’ Town (Chora) is the island’s capital, an enchanting mixture of an air both luxurious and romantic. Narrow stone-paved paths, tiny chapels, traditional houses and plenty of coffee bars, clubs, elegant restaurants, traditional taverns and an exceptionally qualitative market. Don’t fail to take visit the Old Town, a place famous for its galleries and shops of any kind, which dates back to the 14th AC and  is found  in the centre of Chora and the  Little Venice, a place quite astonishing as the delightful houses and the coffee bars are built just at the sea front.

Another worth-seeing settlement is Ano Mera, with its authentic Cycladic architecture and its fine white mills.

Beaches
The most popular beaches of Mykonos (especially among VIPs and young people) are the Super Paradise and Psarou beaches, both of which are   highly organized, famous for their fine sand and their beach parties. The Platis Gialos and Kalo Livadi beaches are equally well-organized and overcrowded, but if you prefer more quiet beaches away from the crowd you should visit the Panormos (Agios Sostis) beach, Mirsini and Kapari which are known for their serene natural environment.

Access
Access to Mykonos is easy by sea or by air since there are scheduled trips from Piraeus Port, and Rafina Port, as well as regular flights from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). There is also a connection with the islands of Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Syros, Milos, Sikinos, Andros, Serifos, Amorgos, Ios, Patmos, Rhodes and Crete. Charter flights also land in Mykonos’ airport during summer time.