Mykonos is a grand example of Cycladic architecture set around a picturesque fishing-village bay. Sparkling under the Aegean sun, between blue skies and even deeper blue seas, the Medieval towns' whitewashed buildings form a maze of narrow alleyways and streets: A postcard-perfect picture complemented by well-preserved windmills and tiny red-roofed churches, notable museums and the Unesco world heritage site of neighboring Delos. Combined with the island's manifold delights it is no wonder Mykonos has been crowned “the Aegean Sea’s sparkliest jewel”.
Mythology & History
Legend says that Mykonos was named after the hero, “Mykonos”, son of the king of Delos, Anios, and a descendant of Dionysus. According to ancient Greek mythology, Hercules, in one of his twelve tasks, killed the Giants and threw them into the sea. They were petrified and turned into huge rocks, forming this characteristically stony island.
In antiquity, due to its proximity to Delos -the Mediterranean's greatest commercial and spiritual center- Mykonos was an important supply station. The short, 1,5-mile distance between the two islands was frequently crossed since religion mandated that no one should be born or die on Delos. Around the time of Alexander the Great, Mykonos had evolved into a prominent center for agriculture and maritime trade. In 1207, like the rest of the Cyclades, it came under Venetian rule, until 1537 when the Turks took over. Mykonians were great sailors and proved instrumental in the Greek Revolution in 1821. Following the country's independence in 1830, the island's economy was gradually re-established.
In the interwar period, artists and scholars started to discover Mykonos on their visits to the archaeological site of Delos. During the '50s, modern-day tourism grew, along with the island's population, but it was in the following two decades of the '70s and '80s that, thanks to jet setters and socialites the likes of Jackie O, Mykonos became one of the most cosmopolitan resorts in the world.
Nowadays Mykonos is the hip holiday queen of the Mediterranean: From its chic restaurants and elite boutiques to its vibrant beach bars and mega-clubs -Scorpios, Nammos, Solymar, Principοte, Alemagou, Jackie O and Cavo Paradiso, to name but a few- Mykonos’ glamorous venues are world-famous. The same goes for its indulgent, carefree days and nights. From horseback riding, snorkeling, diving or beach hopping to exploring quaint villages and antique monasteries, sunset sailing, cruising to Delos, or partying with the stars, choices abound. We cordially invite you to come and live the Mykonos experience!
