Karl WP Beyer Of the more than 3.000 Greek islands, few are as famous as the Cyclades island of Mykonos. The island, located 160 kilometers as the crow flies southeast of Athens, is 86 square kilometers in size. The 89-kilometer-long coastline is characterized by numerous bays, beaches and small peninsulas. The landscape is hilly; the highest point is Mount Profitis Ilias, which is 341 meters above sea level. Mykonos is ideal for beach vacationers and water sports enthusiasts, which explains why the island is one of the most popular destinations in the Cyclades.
Mykonos in the distance
Mykonos Town - the old port
Climate & Environment
The climate on Mykonos is typical of the Aegean, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Average summer temperatures are around 26 to 28 degrees Celsius. Winter temperatures rarely fall below 10 degrees Celsius. The island benefits from refreshing northerly winds, which ensure pleasant temperatures, especially in the summer months.
History
Mykonos' history goes back to ancient times. In Greek mythology, Mykonos was the place where Zeus, the supreme Olympian god, defeated the giants. Myths aside, Mykonos was inhabited by Carians and Phoenicians in ancient times. Around 1.000 BC, the Ionians gained control of the island and colonized it.
During the heyday of Roman rule, Mykonos came under Roman rule. Later, the island became part of the Byzantine Empire. Byzantium lost control of Mykonos towards the end of the 12th century. From then on, Mykonos was ruled by the Republic of Venice. The Venetians were followed by the Ottomans, whose power only ended after the Greek Revolution in the first half of the 19th century.
Culture and traditions
Mykonos is a vibrant culture and rich in traditions. The island celebrates numerous festivals, including the feast of Panagia Tourliani, the island's patron saint, and the Mykonos International Film Festival. Traditional dances and music, especially accompanied by clarinet and bouzouki, play an important role in the cultural life of the inhabitants. Not to forget the local specialties of Mycenaean cuisine, such as louza (cured pork) and kopanisti (a spicy cheese).
Mykonos Town - Metropolitan Church
Economy
In ancient Greece, Mykonos was recognized as a commercial and cultural center. However, during Ottoman rule, the island lost importance. In the 20th century, Mykonos came back into the public eye thanks to booming tourism.
Mykonos Town - Town Beach
The island's economic mainstays are tourism and agriculture. This is mainly focused on the cultivation of olives, grapes and tomatoes. Fishing is also important. In order to promote sustainable development, investments have been made in renewable energies and sustainable tourism in recent years.
Tourism
Tourism is the most important industry on Mykonos. Celebrities such as Aristotle Onassis and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Maria Callas, Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren have been the best promoters of Mykonos in the past. As a result, the island attracts a large number of visitors every year who enjoy the beaches, nightlife and luxurious resorts. Famous beaches include Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach and Psarou Beach. Mykonos is a popular destination for the LGBTQ+ community and offers a variety of bars and clubs.
In 2022, 110 overnight stays per inhabitant were counted on Mykonos. This figure corresponds to a total of around 1,2 million overnight guests. In addition, there are hundreds of thousands of day visitors who visit the island by ferries and cruise ships. In recent years, the number of visitors has been estimated at around two million tourists annually.
Mykonos Town - one of many restaurants
Mykonos Town - Shops
Mykonos has a worldwide reputation as a party island. The island offers a lively club scene with numerous bars, clubs and beach parties that last until the early hours of the morning. Famous clubs attract international DJs and party-loving tourists. A stay on Mykonos offers a mixture of lively atmosphere, natural beauty and cultural experiences. On the other hand, stays are also confronted with the challenges of mass tourism.
Mykonos for cruise ship guests
Mykonos is one of the most important ports of call for cruise ships among the Greek islands. Ferries and cruise ships dock at the new dock in Tourlos. The jetty has space for a large cruise ship. Smaller ships are anchored and tender their passengers to the old port of Mykonos Town.
Celestyal Journey at anchor off Mykonos
The Tourlos Terminal does not have a terminal building. However, it does offer a bus stop, taxi stand and access to water taxis. The berth is a half-hour walk from Mykonos town. Day visitors are well advised to limit their activities to the flair of the town and the few sights. A visit to the uninhabited neighboring island of Delos, an outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site, is highly recommended. Ferries commute between Mykonos and Delos. Mykonos attractions we report on the attractions of the Cycladic island.
July 2024