Myknos Island - Cyclades, Greece
One of the places, which first comes to mind when you say "a Greek island" is Myconos. If you add the words "fabulous" and "almost unreal" you won't be mistaken. Is it the granite rocks, is it the traditional whitewashed houses, the cozy taverns, the sirtaki music, or something indescribable - the spirit that makes this place so magnetic? You have to see for yourself.
Mykonos (Greek: Μυκονος;) is an island of the Cyclades, a group of islands in the Aegean Sea; it's between Tinos, Siros, Paros and Naxos. With a general area of 86 km2 and a relative elevation of 364 m, it is one of the middle-sized islands, but there's a lot going on at Mykonos. It is made mostly of granite and at hot summer days it creates the impression that it "shines". There are a little more than 6000 inhabitants (2002). The largest town is the so-called "hora" (main city) Mykonos, on the west coast.
The island is easily accessible by the frequent ferry and boat system; also there is an international airport right on the island, just 5 km south-east of the hora town.
From historical point of view, the island is extremely valuable, because there are many well preserved archaeological objects. It has been estimate that the first settlement on the island arose about 3000 BC. The name (as many other place names in Greece) comes from the mythology - Apollo's grand son was called Mykonos and he was famous for his bravery. It is believed that the legendary battle between Zeus (the main god) and the giants took place precisely at the island.
Today, Mykonos is a very cosmopolitan place, attracting more and more international tourists. Compared to more secluded places like Tinos for example, it is much livelier, and the life throbs - regardless of the time of day or night. Many Greek and international celebrities own summer houses in Mykonos and can often be seen walking round the narrow coble streets, or having dinner in one of the wonderful little restaurants. The island is definitely one of the most posh areas of Greece, and its real estate is very pricey.
At Mykonos you can enjoy clean, majestic beaches that offer anything from clear-blue waters, windsurfing, sea-side taverns with a splendid view (especially the sunsets), loud music and even full nudity. The nightlife of Mykonos is much more diverse than at the other islands; and that is precisely because of the people who frequent the island - regardless if they are tourists, or people who own property there. Mykonos is often rated together in a top ten of the Mediterranean resorts with Rimini, Ibiza, Ayia Napa. The fabulous beaches attract world famous DJs, who come to organize beach-parties - some of the most famous are Super Paradise and Paranga. Within the old Hellenic traditions (remember Safo and Lesbos?), Myconos is a gay-friendly place, there are even several gay clubs.
Bars predominate over clubs in Mykonos, but it should be noted that there are places for every taste.
Myconos has a few schools, lyceums, a high school, a couple of churches, banks, a post office and squares (plateies).
The places worth visiting are the Archaelogical museum - if you have a flair for history, this is the place for you.
In the Paleokastro region, the ruins of the ancient city of Mykonos lie. Among other things, there the visitor can behold the old church of Agios Vlassis with its neighboring large dovecote and a prehistoric graveyard.
The Monastery of Paleokastro is very interesting because it is one of the symbols of Cyclades - built in the traditional style, and sill functioning.
The Aegean Maritime Museum opened with the goal to preserve, promote and study the Greek maritime history and tradition, particularly the evolution and activities of the merchant ships. The Aegean Maritime Museum is housed in a traditional Mykonian building from the beginning of the 19th century, located at the centre of the town of Mykonos.
There are two galleries worth visiting: the Minima Gallery and the Orama Gallery.
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