Mykonos
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 Mykonos (Μύκονος) |
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| Coordinates | 37°27′ N 25°20′ E | |
| Country | Greece | |
| Periphery | South Aegean | |
| Prefecture | Cyclades | |
| Population | 9,320 source (2001) | |
| Elevation | 35 m | |
| Postal code | 846 00 | |
| Area code | 22890 | |
| Licence plate code | ΕΜ | |
| Website | mykonos.gr | |
Mykonos (Greek: Μύκονος; see also List of traditional Greek place names) or Myconos is an island of Greece and one of the top tourist destinations in Europe. It belongs to the Cyclades, a group of islands in the Aegean Sea, lying between Tinos, Siros, Paros and Naxos. It spans an area of 86 km² and rises at an elevation of 364 m at its highest point. The island is composed primarily 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 Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, a common denomination in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town), which lies on the west coast. It is believed that the island was named after a local hero, who is considered an offspring of the god Apollo and was worshipped locally in ancient times.
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[edit] History
Archaeological finds indicate that the Ionians settled on Mykonos in the early part of the 11th century BC. More recent discoveries have uncovered remnants in Ftelia beach from the Neolithic Kares tribe dating back to as far as 3000 BC.
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.
[edit] Modern Mykonos
Today, Mykonos is a cosmopolitan island, having become increasingly popular especially during the last 50 years due to the many international jet set visitors that spend their holidays on the island. Much of the popularity of Mykonos is derived from its 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 white-washed roads or having dinner at a small street-side table of a local taverna. The island is Greece's playground and considered one of the top holiday destinations in the world[citation needed]. 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 with the construction of private homes, villas, and hotels. This has raised concerns that the island is gradually losing its character. In order to prevent this, the island's zoning requires all new buildings to abide by the rules of the Cycladic architectural style.
[edit] Nightlife
The nightlife of Mykonos is considered by many to be among the best in Europe[citation needed]. Mykonos is rated among the top clubbing destinations in the Mediterranean, along with Ibiza, Ayia Napa and Rimini[citation needed]. Mykonos also attracts world-famous DJs to its beach bars, the most well-known of which are Paradise, Super Paradise and Paranga. In addition, Mykonos is a gay-friendly resort area during the summer, featuring several gay clubs. Mykonos nightlife focuses mainly on bars rather than clubs, yet there are notable clubs also.
[edit] Historical population
| Year | Communal population | Change | Municipal population | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 4,895 | - | - | - | -/km² |
| 1991 | 3,935 | -960/-19.61% | 6,179 | - | 71.85/km² |
[edit] Attractions
- Petros the Pelican - An old celebrity of the town's waterfront, "Petro" has been the official mascot of Mykonos for over 50 years.
- Windmills - From as early as the 16th century, they are one of the most recognized landmarks of Mykonos.
- Little Venice - Here the buildings have been constructed right on the sea's edge with their balconies overhanging the water.
- Paraportiani - One of the most famous architectural structures in Greece. It's name means inner or secondary door which it was to the Medieval stone walls which encircled the area.
- Archaeological Museum - Houses marble sculptures, ceramics and jewellery recovered from the islands of Delos, Renia and Mykonos.
- Aegean Maritime Museum - Displays models of a collection of ships from the pre-Minoan period through to the 19th century and nautical and ancient artifacts related to the history of shipping on Mykonos.
- Delos - One of Greece's most famous archaeologic sites, it is an island located 2 kilometers to the west of Mykonos. The entire island has been declared a national museum.[1]
[edit] Communities
- Agios Stefanos
- Ano Mera
- Ftelia
- Kalafatis
- Marathi
- Myconos or Chora
- Ornos
- Platy Gialo
- Psarou
[edit] Other
Myconos has schools, lyceums, a gymnasia, churches, banks, a post office and squares (plateies). There are also two ports, the "old" port and the "new" port.
[edit] External links
- Municipality of Mykonos
- Travel guide for Mykonos fully detailed
- Photos of Mykonos
- Mykonos Beaches Images
- Wander around Mykonos
- Mykonos Travel guide
- Mykonos, Greece
- Mykonos Mini Guide
- Mykonos Biggest Travel Guide
- Mykonos Football Club
- Map and Aerial photos:
- Mapquest - Myconos, street map not yet available
- Mykonos travel guide from Wikitravel
[edit] See also
| Municipalities and communities of the Cyclades Prefecture |
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| Amorgos • Andros • Ano Syros • Drymalia • Ermoupoli • Exomvourgo • Ios • Kea • Korthio • Kythnos • Milos • Mykonos • Naxos • Paros • Poseidonia • Santorini • Serifos • Sifnos • Tinos • Ydrousa • Petaloudes • Rhodes • South Rhodes • Symi • Tilos |
| Anafi • Antiparos • Donousa • Folegandros • Irakleia • Kimolos • Koufonisi • Oia • Panormos • Schoinoussa • Sikinos |
