Mykonos is a Greek island, a part of the Cyclades, and located between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island is nicknamed “The Island of Winds, has an area of 85.5 square kilometres, and a population of nearly 12,500, most of whom live in the main town, Mykonos, also known as Chora (i.e. ‘Town’ in Greek, following the common practice in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town).
In Greek mythology, Mykonos was named after its first ruler, Mykonos (Μύκονος) the son or grandson of the god and local hero, Apollo. The island is also said to have been where the great battle between Zeus and Giants happened, and where Hercules killed the invincible giants after luring them from their safe haven on Mount Olympus. According to legend, the large rocks on the island are said to be petrified corpses of the giants.
A well-known landmark for the island is the windmills that stand on the hills of Mykonos – you can see them clearly when you enter the island by boat. They have stood there since the 16th century and were originally sixteen mills – today there are seven.
There are fifteen beaches on Mykonos, so it’s not surprising that it’s a very appreciated holiday destination. Closest to the port of Mykonos are the beaches of Malalianos and the Tourlos. We also recommend that you take a bus from the port to Platys Gialos beach and go to Paradise, Agrari or the quiet Elia, which are claimed to be the best beaches on the island of Mykonos by boat.
Even if you’re not out to shop, Matoyianni street close to the harbor, is great for a slow stroll and a stop at one of the many cafes or restaurants along the street, which also happens to be one of the most photographed locations in the Greek Islands. This is not surprising – the whitewashed houses with blue, turquoise doors and windows that line the narrow stone streets are truly “photogenic”. The street is close to the harbor, so it is easy to get here.
If you’re not done snapping amazing pictures, you will find the most photographed church in Greece, the Church of Panagia, in Mykonos town. You need to see it to understand why – originating from the end of the 15th century, it looks like it’s one church, but it’s actually four plus one small, beautiful churches that have been built into one.
Mykonos has a hot semi-arid climate The sun shines for up to 300 days a year, and the rainy season lasts from October until March. The average daily temperature in the winter is around 15 °C, and 27 °C in the summer.
Time zone: UTC+2
Currency: Euro