General information:

Mykonos is without a doubt the most mundane island of Greece. The high mountains we see on most cyclade island, make place for low rocky hills, that together with the enchanting beaches, are the most well known features of the landscape of Mykonos.

Mykonos, with its bright light contrasts, possesses the plastic beauty that is so characteristic for all Cyclades. The island mainly consists of ashlar, is hilly (maximum 350 m high) and mostly dry and plain. Agriculture and fishing are still practised on a small scale. Fresh water has always been scarce on Mykonos; therefore, the houses have, even more than on other islands, typically flat roofs, with the purpose to catch as much rainwater as possible.

Chora, the picturesque capital of Mykonos where the fisher boats and the luxurious yachts lie side by side in harmony, looks different from most cities in the Aegean. Bright white cubus shaped houses with stone benches, wooden blinds and doors, and brightly coloured balconies, small but beautiful churches, picturesque taverns, and shops with folkloric articles and art objects decorate the streets of Chora.

Mykonos has its own airport (3km southeast of Chora), which has the international code JMK. From Mykonos, regular flights go to Athens. In the high season, there are also other connections to other islands. Boats leave for Ikaria, Tinos, Rafina, Syros, Andros, Naxos, Paros, Donousa en Pireaus from Mykonos. You can discover the island perfectly by bus.

There are nice excursions to the historical island Delos (entrance is 5 euro per person, excursion not included) and to many other Cyclades.

Nightlife:

The nightlife on Mykonos is absolutely spectacular. The island is known for its lively nightlife and is loved among homosexuals. It has wonderful sandy beaches, such as Elia beach, Paradise beach and Super Paradise.

Sightseeing:

Chora: absolutely worthwhile, the city itself, the white mills, the harbour, "Venice," and Kastro. Chora has an archeological, naval, regional, and community museum. The fortress in Chora dates from the 15th-17th century, with at the foot "Little Venice"(Alefkandra), the artists district with its high buildings and elegant balconies that stick out over the sea. Then there is the nice white church Paraportiani in the harbour and Lena's House (decorated by the original inhabitant Lena Skrivanou). From the harbour, taxiboats leave for the island Delos. In the harbour, you will find Mykonos' mascotte, Petros the pelican (and his two buddies). The town has nice and cosy shopping streets.

Ano Mera: traditional village with the Panaija Toerliani Monastery from the 16th century. The beautiful tower has been made by marble workers from Tinos. Old frescoes, clothing and embroidery can still be seen in the church. Nearby is another monastery, the Moni Palaikastrou (17th century).

Delos: a small uninhabited island some 2,5 km from the southwest of Chora (entrance 5 euro per person). It is one of the most important archeological sites of Greece. Here, one finds the Sanctuary of Dionysus, the Holy Lake that witnessed the birth of Apollo, The Lion's Terrace, with 5 lions that surround the Holy Lake. Furthermore, there is Dionysus' house, The Theatre district, House of Dioscourides and Cleopatra, the Theatre, the House with the Masks, House with the Dolphins, Apollo's Sanctuary, and the Archeological Museum.

History:

Tracks have been found from all great civilisations on Mykonos, but nowhere in important quantities. The Byzantines left icons behind in numerous churches and chapels. The Venetians were on the island from 1200 until 1537. Then came the Turks, who stayed nearly 300 years. Especially the Turks left hardly any tracks of their presence. On the Platia Mavrogenous in the capital is the statue of the revolutionary heroin Manto Mavrogenous, who during the Greek War of Independence in 1821 stopped a Turkish counterattack on Mykonos.

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