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The Island of Mykonos,
believed to have been populated since the 10th century BC, takes
its name from Mykon, a descendant of Apollo. The island is
mentioned in several key stories of Greek Mythology and its
history also includes settlement by the Phoenicians, rule by the
Persians, participation in the Roman Empire, administration by
the Byzantine Empire and conquest by the Ottoman Empire in the
16th century.
Mykonos is a popular travel destination and the island has
thrown off much of the classic Greek island culture and assumed
the role of a more cosmopolitan playground. Mykonos is
best known for great beaches, enchanting windmills,
nightclubbing, "beautiful people" and
having fun.
Mykonos is picturesque and considered by many as the
leading place
to be in the Greek Islands. Others consider it limited, offering
only sun, sand, numerous "nude" beaches and "hop till you drop" nightlife. However, if that is what you are
looking for, Mykonos is the best place to find it in the Greek
Islands.
The center of activity is Mykonos Town, which known by its
"picture postcard" looks. The town is comprised of numerous whitewashed buildings
complete with colorful
doors and a myriad of wandering, cobbled lanes that help give
the Mykonos its unique, mysterious and romantic atmosphere.
You can visit the
town's famous windmills, take in a church or two or visit
the island's small but modestly interesting museums.
However, we think you will find the town understated, at least
until the nightlife starts, and prefer to spend your days playing
in the sun at one of delightful beaches for which Mykonos is so
well known.
The old fishing port at Mykonos is still charming,
even though the island has evolved into a
jet-set attraction featuring fine hotels and
amenities. |
Sunsets at
Mykonos can be spectacular. The number of cruise
ships on the horizon should tell you that this is a
popular place with travelers.
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Delos
Another reason for visiting Mykonos is that it is the best
place to start a tour of the impressive archeological site
on the nearby island of Delos, Greece. Delos, a small,
rocky island, was one of the most sacred places in Greek
mythology due to its role as the birthplace of the twins Apollo
and Artemis, two of the most important gods of the early Greeks.
The island's small size does not prepare you for the incredible
extent of ruins and ongoing excavations that can be found on
Delos. We highly recommend a visit, as Delos is, perhaps,
the most outstanding archaeological site in Greece, outside of
the Acropolis and other ancient sights in Athens.
The Lions of the Naxians at Delos, Greece
If you visit, be sure to tour the small but excellent
Archaeological Museum of Delos of Delos.
Delos is hot and dry much of the year, so bring water, sunscreen
and a hat. Sturdy footwear is recommended. There is much
to see here, so joining a tour or hiring a guide is highly
recommended.
Mykonos does not have an official tourism website and the one
posted by the municipality of Mykonos lacks detail. The
commercial website
Greeka is a good resources, as is
Mykonos Web. Both provide additional information on the places we
recommend in Mykonos, as well as details on lodging, tours and
more.
Check our recommendations for the
best places to visit in Greece for more details on this vacation
paradise
Additional information on travel in Greece can be found at
Visit Greece, the official tourism website for the
country.
For country facts on Greece, as well as travel information related to visas,
driving rules, safety, medical conditions, visas and other travel-related
information, see this page on
Greece Travel from the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the U.S. State
Department. Regardless of your home country, we think you will find the
information provided to be useful when planning a trip to Greece.
If you need information about another travel destination, try
our
Destination Guide Index
or Googling the web.
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Mykonos has many inviting cobbled lanes.
The simple but beautiful rooftop view of one of the
many whitewashed churches of Mykonos.
The ruins of the "Lake House" at Delos.
