I love to fly a blog about travel, tourism and recreation. Mykonos: island map, main areas and tourist spots From neighboring islands

Like all the islands of the Cyclades archipelago, Mykonos is made of granite. This hard rock comes close to the surface, and in many places protrudes outward. Therefore, the soil layer here is quite weak, which has greatly complicated farming since ancient times.
In addition, there are no permanent water streams on the island at all, and if water flows down the granite slopes, it is only after a heavy rainfall. To meet the islanders' water needs, the island uses deep wells, small reservoirs and desalination plants that process seawater.
The island's mineral reserves are limited: until the beginning of the 20th century. deposits of clay and barite, used as a lubricant in oil production, were developed here. However, all the mines have long been closed.
Mykonos was nicknamed the “Island of Windmills”: there is a special rose of winds (strong and constant), which is why the windmills could work all year round. Two types of wind dominate: the southern sirocco, which brings thunderstorms and sand from the deserts facing the coast in winter, and the northern meltemi, which dominates in the summer. Over many millennia, the slopes of granite rocks became covered with cracks and potholes as a result of the destructive activity of strong winds.
Another nickname of Mykonos - “The Island of Four Seasons” - is explained by the fact that the sun shines over it 300 days a year, and if it rains, it only rains for a very short time.
It is because of this that there is little natural vegetation on the island. Another local feature is frequent earthquakes, which, however, do not reach significant strength.
People began to appear on the island during the Neolithic period, 5 thousand years ago, but the first permanent settlements arose around the 11th century. BC e. (their inhabitants were Ionians from Athens). Since there was little water and fertile soil here, in those days people did not stay here for long, using the island as a stopping point on their migration route across the Mediterranean Sea.
During the heyday of the Roman Empire, Mykonos came under the rule of the Romans, and was later inherited by the Byzantine Empire (and remained its possession until the 12th century). In 1204, after the fall of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade, Mykonos was captured by the Catalans, and a couple of centuries later the Venetians settled here.
In 1537, Mykonos surrendered to the mercy of Barbarossa, the admiral of the Ottoman Empire, and the Venetians were expelled. Until the very end of the 18th century. Mykonos was a transit point on the maritime trade routes of the Turkish Empire, periodically subject to devastating pirate raids. The Greek revolution of 1821 liberated the island from the Turkish yoke, and the most important role in this was played by the participation of the national heroine of Greece Manto Mavrogenus (1796-1840), whose fate turned out to be tragic. Like all of Greece, the island gained freedom in 1830.
Subsequently, the island's economy experienced a steep rise at first, and then a rapid decline. The reason for this was the commissioning of the Corinth Canal in 1904, connecting the Saronic Gulf and the Gulf of Corinth. From now on, ships did not need to make an intermediate stop at the port of Mykonos. Many islanders left their home island and flocked to the continent and the United States.
The island owes its later revival as a tourism center to the French archaeological expedition that arrived here in the second half of the 19th century. The island attracted the attention primarily of European bohemia, and trips to Mykonos quickly became fashionable.
Mykonos is one of the islands of the Cyclades archipelago. It is located in the central part of the Aegean Sea basin, between the islands of Tinos, Syros, Paros and. Its highest point is located at more than 300 m above sea level. There are no rivers here at all, but there are seasonal streams, some of them turned into reservoirs.
The high, steep mountains that characterize most of the Cyclades islands give way to low, rocky hills on Mykonos.
The population of the island is distinguished by a homogeneity that is rare even for Greece: ethnic Greeks settled here thousands of years ago and still make up the majority of the inhabitants. In the last hundred years, the gradual outflow of islanders to mainland Greece in search of work has been especially noticeable, so the population has decreased significantly.
In ancient times, the island was not famous for either trade or cultivation of exotic fruits, which sharply distinguished it from neighboring territories. But a lot of myths have formed around it, and these days this is skillfully used by local residents, who are mainly busy serving tourists who come to admire the places glorified by ancient Greek poets. Mykonos is also called the “Greek Capri” for its large number of beautiful beaches.
There are many interesting traditions on the island, and one of them is the veneration of Petros, the official mascot of these places. In 1958, local resident Vasilius found a wounded pink pelican on the shore after a storm. The fisherman took the bird with him, it was cured at the port and left to live among people. This is how the pelican became a symbol of the island - currently, three pink beauties walk along the streets of Mykonos, attracting tourists, two of whom are traditionally called Petros.
The island is home to the famous windmills of Mykonos, most of which are scattered around the main town and face the strong north wind. The most famous of them has its own name - Kato Mili - and, facing the sea, proudly rises on a high hill. None of the mills are used for their intended purpose anymore; they have become houses, museums and warehouses.
The main city of Mykonos is located on the west coast and bears the same name, but the Greeks themselves often call it Chora. The majority of the island's population lives in the capital.
The most impressive area is “Little Venice”, or Alekfandra: long rows of houses lined up along the sea coast. They were built by wealthy merchants and captains, and each house has a small door leading directly to the seashore (as well as hidden underground rooms). Local residents claim that all the inhabitants of “Little Venice” actually traded in piracy.
In "Little Venice" there is a 19th-century villa known as "Lena's House". It houses a museum founded in honor of a certain lady named Lena Scrivanu.
In the center of Mykonos town are Tria Pigadia ("Three Wells"). Once upon a time they actually took water from them, but now they are dry, since their depth is 5-6 m: in earlier times the aquifer was located higher. The wells operating on the island today are more than 30 m deep.
8 km east of Chora is Ano Mera, the largest ancient city (or rather village) of the island after the capital.
Administratively, the island of Mykonos also includes the island of Delos, where only 14 people live, and all of them are archaeologists. According to the same myths of Ancient Greece, the god Apollo and the goddess Artemis were born on the island, and the ancient Greek temples of Apollo and Dionysus have been preserved here. Today Delos is the largest open-air museum of the Greco-Roman period, and the earliest monuments of Delos date back to the 30th century. BC uh

general information

Location: Eastern Mediterranean.

Origin: mainland.
Administrative affiliation: administrative region (periphery) Southern, nome of the Cyclades.
Administrative division: one municipality, including, in addition to Mykonos, the islands of Delos, Renea and several uninhabited islands.

Administrative center: Mykonos city (Chora) - 6467 people. (2001).

Language: Greek.

Religion: Greek Orthodox Church.

Currency unit: euro.

Airport: Mykonos Island (national).

Numbers

Area: 85.5 km2, including the islands of Rinia and Delos - 105.2 km2.
Length of coastline: 81 km.
Length: about 14 km.

Width (maximum): about 10 km.
Population: 10,134 people. (2011).
Population density: 118.5 people/km 2 .
Highest point: Profitis Ilias hill (371 m).

Distance: 150 km east of the capital of Greece, Athens.

Climate and weather

Dry Mediterranean.

Average January temperature: +15°C.

Average temperature in July: +28°С.
Average annual precipitation: 520 mm.

Relative humidity: 60%.

Economy

Mykonos seaport.

Marine fishing.

Service sector: tourism, transport.

Attractions

■ Natural: beaches Paradise, SuperParadise, Platis Gialos (Wide), Psarou (Fisherman), Paranga, Agios Ioannis, Agrari, Ornos, Agios Stefanos, Tourlos.
■ Historical: windmills (including Kato Mili, 16th century), Armenistis lighthouse, monument to Manto Mavrogenus.
■ Cult: Ano-Mera monastery, monastery of the Virgin Mary (1542), monastery of the Turlos Mother of God (XVIII century).
■ Engineering: Marathia Dam, Ano Mera Dam.
■ Mykonos Town: Catholic Church (1668), wells of Tria Pigadia (1722), “Little Venice” area (mid-18th century), “House of Lena” (19th century), Maritime Museum of the Aegean Sea (1983) , Archaeological Museum (1905), Folklore Museum, Windmill Museum, the building of the former Russian Consulate (now City Hall), Russian Church, Municipal Library, Agricultural Museum, Church of Our Lady of Paraportiani, Central Harbor.
■ Delos Island: Sacred Lake, Minoan Fountain (built in the 6th century BC, restored in 166), Market Square, Delian Temple, Statue of Dionysus, Doric Temple of Isis, Temple of Hera (circa 500 BC) , House of Dionysus (II century), House of Dolphins, Terrace of Lions.

Curious facts

■ According to ancient Greek myths, Delos was originally a floating island that appeared after the god of the seas, Poseidon, captured a lump of earth from the seabed with his trident.
■ The Maritime Museum of the Aegean Sea was the first in Greece to include authentic sea vessels in its exhibition. Today the ships "Talis o Milesios" (1909) and "Evangelista" (1940) are located here.
■ The second name of the city of Mykonos - Chora - is translated from Greek as “city”. Such renaming is typical for Greece in the case when the names of the island and its main city coincide.
■ The Church of Our Lady of Paraportiani got its name from the fact that it stood at the entrance to the ancient castle that was located in Mykonos from the 13th to the 15th centuries. and was destroyed. The word "paraportiani" literally means "standing right at the door." The church was built over 200 years - from the 15th to the 17th centuries.
■ In the capital of Mykonos, in the “Little Venice” area, on Giovanni Voinovich Street, there is the building of the former Russian consulate (now the city hall), as well as a church built by the count and rear admiral of the Russian fleet Ivan Vasilyevich Voinovich (7-1791) . In 1779-1788 Ivan Voinovich served as Consul General of the Russian Empire in the Ionian Islands. Before this, he became famous for his participation in the capture in the Mediterranean region of two self-proclaimed pretenders to the Russian throne - “Emperor Peter III” (Stephen the Small) and “Princess Tarakanova”.
■ A native of Mykonos - Anton (George Anthony) Konstantinovich Psaro (7-1822) - captain of major general rank, privy councilor, diplomat. In fact, he served as a liaison between the Order of Malta and the Russian imperial court as a privy councilor and attorney under Emperor Paul I. Initiated into many of the secrets of the order and the imperial court, Psaro took them to his grave without leaving any records.
■ The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos is one of the oldest in Greece, and its exhibition contains items that make the museum known throughout the world. Almost all ancient history textbooks contain an image of a large pithos (vessel for storing oil or grain), dating back to the 7th century. BC e., which depicts scenes of the fall of Troy.
■ In ancient times, the inhabitants of Mykonos were often ridiculed for their ignorance and stinginess.
■ On the island there is a monument to Manto Mavrogenus (1796-1840) - the national heroine of Greece, a participant in the war of liberation, who gave all her fortune to fight the Ottoman Empire. With the outbreak of the liberation war, she moved to the island of Mykonos and joined the rebels. At her own expense, she equipped two ships that attacked the Turks who occupied the island of Mykonos. She used all her personal jewelry to create rebel units. Banished from the island because of a love affair, she died
in 1840 in complete poverty.

Mykonos Island is a luxury holiday in the heart of the Cyclades Islands of Greece. Mykonos is washed on all sides by the Aegean Sea. The coast of Mykonos island is indented with picturesque bays with sandy beaches, which create the unique appearance of the island.

Mykonos Island Map

Mykonos is an island in Greece where, according to myths, the hero of ancient Greek mythology, Mykonos, lived. Today, legends about the island of Mykonos are made up of paparazzi, journalists, and fans, because the number of celebrities, businessmen, politicians and socialites vacationing here is very noticeable.

Mykonos is the most expensive, luxury holiday on the Greek islands. The nightlife and dynamism of Mykonos is known throughout the world.

Mykonos is an island in Greece that manages to preserve its pristine nature, clean beaches, and the high level of a world-class resort despite the annual increase in vacationers and demanding demands. But Fr. Mykonos has had a stellar history since the 60s of the 20th century.

Holiday season on the island. Mykonos starts at the end of April and ends at the beginning of October. But the peak season is in July, August and September. At this time, it is not only noisy and crowded, but also tourists from cruise ships wander in droves.

Beaches on the island Mykonos

Popular beaches: Paradise Paradise, Super Paradise Super Paradise (accessible only from the sea), Plati Gialos (wide beach) and Psarou, Elia, Paraga, Agios Ioannis (overlooking the island of Delos).
Beaches for family holidays: Agrari, Ornos, Agios Stefanos (2 km from the capital), Tourlos, Agios Sostis.
Remote beaches: Panormos, Kalo Livadi, Lia.
For active recreation (windsurfers, kites) - Ftelia beach, Kalafati - difficult to access.

How to get to o. Mykonos?

On about. Mykonos in Greece can be reached by air. There are no direct flights from Russia to Mykonos airport, so the plane flight will require a transfer. From Russia they usually fly first to the Greek mainland to Athens and Thessaloniki, and then to Mykonos. Travel time from Thessaloniki to Mykonos is 55-60 minutes. From Athens to Mykonos 35-40 minutes.

Flight to Mykonos island from Moscow

departure date	Return date	Transplants	Airline	Find a ticket
		1 transfer
		2 transfers

On the island of Mykonos there is a developed water communication. From Mykonos you can reach the neighboring islands of Delos, Tinos, Siron, Paros or larger resort centers such as Crete, Santorini and mainland Greece, and in the peak season even to the resorts of the Aegean coast of Turkey.

Hotels on the island Mykonos

Sights of Mykonos Island

• The capital of the island is the city of Mykonos (Chora);
• Villages of the island;
• Church of Our Lady of Paraportiani;
• Five windmills are the visiting card of the city;
• Venice in Greece - Alefkandra district of Chora;
• Three museums about. Mykonos: Maritime, Ethnographic, Archaeological;
• Pelicans are special inhabitants of the island.
• Beaches: Kalafatis, Paradis, Super Paradis;
• Discos and clubs: “Cavo Paradiso” on Paradise beach, Paranga, “Space” club.

At first, people went to Mykonos only to move to the neighboring island of Delos, but gradually Mykonos became the most visited (and most expensive) island in the Cyclades. Direct flights connect it to and, and the island sees over a million tourists in a good year (and half of them in August), so Mykonos' 75 square kilometers can get quite crowded in the summer. But if you don't mind the crowds or come out of season, the thriving capital of Mykonos, one of the most beautiful cities on the islands, welcomes you with immaculate white houses and hundreds of churches and chapels.

The diverse nightlife of Mykonos is very vibrant, which is favored by the long-standing reputation of the island as a real refuge for gay people from all over the Mediterranean - although this honorary title was recently taken away from Mykonos by the Spanish city of Sitges. Today, gay tourists are in the minority here, and only in September do their crowds sweep the island. Local residents (according to the latest estimate, there are more than 10 thousand of them, and more than half are Albanian immigrants) turn a blind eye to this invasion, realizing that these strange people still bring considerable profit. When islanders first encountered "bohemian" tourists in the 1960s, they thought that if guests took turns smoking the same cigarette, it was because they were poor.

Since then, the innocence of the Mykonosians has changed greatly, and the island is no longer pure, but the beautiful (though now crowded) beaches, picturesque windmills and hilly, arid central regions have not gone away. Best of all, the local highly developed tourism industry takes great care of the beaches and regular transport links - something Mykonos is clearly better at than other islands. And the ban on the construction of restaurants and hotels belonging to large international chains made it possible to preserve the local landscapes, which, however, was also helped by biological treatment plants - the second largest in the country.

Crowds should not prevent you from exploring the city of Mykonos, the architectural views of which are a calling card. Buildings like refined sugar cubes cluster around fishermen's dwellings along the waterfront, where every corner is scrubbed clean and on display. Most people spend the day at the beaches, so early in the morning or early evening you can make your way through the tangle of streets without having to squeeze through crowds of people walking. The city was built in the form of a labyrinth deliberately - to confuse the pirates who tormented the island with raids in the 18th and early 19th centuries, and it must be said that to this day you can easily get lost here.

• Arrival and accommodation in Mykonos town

Some information about accommodation can already be obtained from the recently expanded airport (3 kilometers southeast of the city) and the new port (a few kilometers north of the city, in Turlos), where large cruise ships stop, but if you have an idea where If you have to go, it’s better to take a bus or take a taxi and figure it out on the spot. The vast majority of visitors arrive by ferry to the pier on the northern edge of the city, and each ship there is greeted by crowds of owners eager to get guests.

The sight can be daunting, and we advise you to get out of their midst and walk 100 meters to the line of offices offering information on hotels, rooms to rent and campsites, or to the extremely helpful Mykonos Accommodation Center in the heart of the city, on Enoplon-Dynameon, near the Maritime Museum. The northern bus station, serving services to Tourlos, Agios Stefanos, Elia and Ano Mera, is located near the old ferry pier, and behind the bleak central beach of Polikandrioti is the southern bus station, from where buses leave for the beaches in the south.

There is also a post office, a branch of Olympic Airways, several motorcycle rental agencies and many Internet cafes. Buses run frequently and late into the night to almost all popular beaches and resorts. There are only 32 taxis on the island, and they depart from Platia Mavroenus, on the embankment, and from the southern bus station, the prices are fixed and quite reasonable. Keep in mind that drivers sometimes try to collect the full fare from a passenger, although there are other passengers in the car or, say, you have traveled only part of the distance that you are required to pay in full; such actions are illegal, and you have the right to reject the taxi driver’s claims.

There are many tourist publications distributed in Mykonos, filled mainly with advertising, the best of which is the free newspaper Mykonos Sky Mar, which is available in almost all hotels and agencies. Tickets for catamarans and ferries are sold by several independent and non-cooperating travel agencies on the waterfront. Try different options, and if your ship is leaving from a new port, catch the bus at the stop at the old ferry pier, opposite the Eurobank. In the summer, prices for overnight accommodation in Mykonos soar to heights almost unknown in the rest of Greece, so that during the high season it is almost impossible to get separate accommodation for one person. Many rooms are noisy.

1). Belveder Hotel– A high category hotel, with magnificent views and a swimming pool, in a quiet corner of the city. There is even its own Japanese restaurant. Opening hours: Easter-October. Location: near Aiu-Ioannou;

2). Hotel Elysium– The guests are almost entirely gay people, and in addition to the beautiful views, the hotel is famous for its bar by the swimming pool, where many come to sit for an evening cocktail. Location: On the hillside in the south of the city;

3). Complex K'Group– These are several hotels – Kalypso, Kohili, Korali and Kyma – 1 kilometer south of the city. There are a lot of rooms, so you can often find accommodation there when everything else is already booked. Comfortable rooms, many with charming views of the sea, pool, restaurant. Location: Vrisi;

4). Pension Marina– Pleasant rooms around a courtyard in a quiet location in the south of the city. Opening hours: May-October. Location: near Aiu Ioannou;

5). Mykonos Adonis Hotel– Wonderful hotel in the Vida area, views of the windmills from well-equipped rooms. Location: on the embankment south of the city;

6). Pension Philippi– Comfortable, clean rooms with bathrooms in a quiet garden, although in the middle of the bustling old city. Opening hours: April-October. Location: Kaloyera 25;

7). Semeli Hotel– An expensive and luxurious hotel high above the city: a swimming pool with an artificial whirlpool and rooms furnished with great taste. Location: near Aiu-Ioannou;

8). Pension Stelios– Excellent quality (and price) rooms with bathrooms in an unusually convenient location, yet removed from the bustle of the city. Look for the stairs up from the office of the OTE telephone company;

9). Hotel Terra Maria– Modern hotel, cool, clean rooms with balconies, some facing an open-air cinema. Located in the center, but very nice and calm. Prices can be negotiated. Opening hours: Easter-October. Breakfast 5-7 €. Location: Kaloyera 18.

• Sights of Mykonos Town

Getting lost in the city's weaving streets and alleys is half the fun of exploring Mykonos, although there are plenty of places to explore. Starting from the ferry quay, on your way to the center you will pass the Archaeological Museum (Tuesday-Sunday 8:30-15:00) with a good exhibition of Delian ceramics. Also interesting is the Maritime Museum (Tuesday-Sunday 10:30-13:00 and 18:30-21:00; 3 €), which displays numerous items related to maritime affairs, including a lighthouse installed in the garden behind the museum.

Nearby is Lena’s House (Monday-Saturday 18:00-21:00, Sunday 17:00-19:00; free): this museum is a fully restored and appropriately furnished bourgeois dwelling of the 19th century. Near the boat pier, in an 18th-century mansion, there is an Ethnographic Museum (Monday-Saturday 17:30-20:30, Sunday 18:30-20:30; free), cluttered with a more extensive than usual collection of all sorts of rubbish, including a huge bed with four posts.

On the same cape as the museum stands the ancient Venetian Castro. The entrance to this castle is marked by the oldest and most famous Mykonos church, Paraportiani - a fascinating asymmetrical ensemble of four different chapels merged into one. The path along the coast will lead you to an area called Little Venice for its tall Venetian houses with arcades near the water. Like the neighboring Alefkandra district, there are art galleries, trendy bars and discos everywhere.

Away from the embankment, behind the Alefkandra platia, there are both cathedrals of the island: Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox. Even further away rise the famous windmills, slightly shabby, but looking great in photographs. To the south, sleepy Vida stretches along a tiny beach, where they have also recently begun to welcome guests - there are no longer enough places to stay overnight throughout the rest of the city.

• Food and drink in Mykonos town

On the island, even a little refreshment or a snack on the go will be expensive, but there are also bakeries, supermarkets and fruit stalls concentrated near the southern bus station. It is better to eat more seriously not far from Alefkandra, and you can drink coffee even at night at Kavos, which is open on the beach 24 hours a day.

1). Tavern Kostas– Friendly tavern near Little Venice, with reasonable prices and a good wine list, which also includes draft wine (a rarity in Mykonos). Location: Mitropoleos;

2). Tavern Kounelas– A tavern with seafood and fish, very popular among the locals, turn onto the narrow street near the Nikos tavern. Location: Svorona;

3). Restaurant Nikos– One of the most famous restaurants on the entire island. The terrace is completely packed with visitors, which does not have a particularly beneficial effect on the level of service. Location: near the port in Little Venice;

4). Pasta Fresca Barkia– A busy pizzeria on the waterfront is the perfect place to watch passers-by. Location: near the beach;

5). Pelican Tavern– The tavern is popular for its Greek dishes and good Italian pasta. Not the cheapest, but very well placed on a charming dress entwined with grapes. Location: Kaloyera;

6). Philippi Garden Restaurant– This excellent restaurant serves local vegetables, premium seafood and traditional island dishes in a romantic setting. Location: Kaloyera;

7). Tavern Yiavroutas Estiatorio– The establishment is small and unpretentious, offering Greek dishes of excellent quality and prices and good wine from a barrel. Open almost until the morning. Location: Mitropoleos.

• Nightlife and beaches around Mykonos

The city's nightlife is as good as it is crazy - and very expensive. Those who want to drink cheaper flock to the Scandinavian bar, where music hits the ears almost until the morning, and good cocktails fill the brain. If you are looking for something more interesting, check out Aigli or Astra - during the day these are chic cafes, and when darkness falls, both establishments turn into something like clubs. Or head to the bars that line Androniku and Enoplon-Dynameon - sometimes called Mykonos' "Fifth Avenue" - in the evenings their narrow cobbled sidewalks host a veritable fashion parade. For a little quieter options, try Katerina’s, Caprice, Piano Bar and Kastro in Little Venice, or try stylish waterfront lounges like El Pecado.

The northern beaches closest to the city are Tourlos (only 2 kilometers from the city limits, but the beach is terrible) and Agios Stefanos (3 kilometers away, but much better), both are well developed and connected to the city by regular bus service. In Agios Stefanos, not far from the beach, there are many taverns and rooms for rent (as well as hotels filled with vacationers). The Mocambo Lido tavern, at the far end of the bay, has pleasant scenery and decent food. Among other places for swimming, it is worth mentioning the resorts on the southwestern peninsula: the beaches there are quite mediocre, but located in beautiful bays. The closest to the city (1 kilometer) is the good Megali Ammos beach among flat rocks, with expensive rooms for rent, but the neighboring Korfos Bay is very spoiled by a garbage dump and traffic noise.

Buses reach the quaint Ornos beach and the very impressive and spectacular Agios Ioannis Bay, with its tiny rocky beach briefly famous in the film Shirley Valentine. There are upscale hotels here, including the large but friendly Saint John Hotel with a private beach, and villas with private pools. There is a much smaller Hotel Apollonia set in a very pretty garden. The southern coast is the liveliest part of the island. Caikis go from the city to all the beaches, which the Greeks still consider to be family grounds. You can start from the Platis Gialos beach, 4 kilometers south of the city, although you can’t hope for privacy there: this is one of the longest-lasting resorts on the island, no longer Greek, the coast is completely dominated by hotels, and places to stay overnight from June to September is definitely not here.

A little to the west is Psarou Beach, very pleasant: 150 meters of white sand, bordered by trees and reeds, naturally filled with sunbathers. On the waterfront you will find the elegant Ammos fish restaurant. Other benefits include a diving club, water skiing and windsurf equipment rental, but advance notice is required during the summer season. Try the Soula Rooms, wonderfully tranquil garden studios by the sea. Just beyond the cape to the east of Platis Gialos is Paranga Beach, consisting of two beaches separated by a small cape. On the first of them, in a decent tavern, they not only provide food, but also rent out modest rooms, the second is much louder than its rather quiet neighbor: in addition to a noisy bar on the shore, the Mykonos campsite is also located here.

The dusty trail beyond Platis Gialos passes caves on the headland opposite the cliffs beyond Paranga and descends to a crescent of golden sand known as Paradise Beach, which is packed with holidaymakers in summer. Here, as on many other popular beaches on the island, you can barely fit a towel, and the tiny spot that you manage to win from your neighbors will most likely be taken up by a straw umbrella for protection from the sun. Behind the beach are Dive Adventures (April-October; water snorkeling and PADI activities), shops, self-service restaurants and the bustling 24-hour bars of Paradise Camping. On the shore of the bay to the east is Super Paradise Beach (officially “Plindri”), where a path leads, but you can also sail by caique.

This beach is one of the most fun on the island, with a decent tavern and two bars at opposite ends of the sand - both filling the air with this summer's hits. Half of the beach is filled with a very diverse crowd, and if you go from the caique pier to the bar on the cliff, the number of gay people will increase, the far section of the beach is occupied exclusively by them and nudists. Some of the best beaches in Mykonos include Elia, the last port where caiques call. A wide strip of sand with greenery in the background is the island’s longest beach, although divided in two by a rocky section; in the summer, mostly gay people sunbathe here. To avoid the crowds, follow the rocky path over the cliffs (look out for the white house) at the very end of the beach, the path goes uphill and along the way you will admire majestic views to the east and west.

The path then winds down to Kalo Livadi (served by buses in summer), an excellent beach backed by a cultivated valley dotted with farmhouses and a good restaurant at the far end. Next is Agia Anna, a pebble beach with a tavern, where magnificent panoramas open from the cliffs. Even further east is Kalafati, on the white sand of which there are several hotels, restaurants and discos. This beach is popular among windsurfers - Planet Windsurfing offers rentals and courses. A local bus goes to Ano Mera, or you can take a tour boat to Tragonissi, where you can admire the scenery and watch the seals and birds. All other parts of the east coast are difficult to access: there are small beaches, but it’s worth trying to get there only if you crave complete solitude.

This entire area of ​​the island is dominated by the Profitis Ilias peak, unfortunately marred by a huge radar dome and army buildings. Lla Beach, about 12 kilometers east of Elya, is smaller but nicer: bamboo blocks the wind, the water is clean and there is a good tavern. The northern coast is constantly buffeted by meltemi winds and polluted with tar and bird droppings, and is largely deserted and exposed to the elements. Panormos Bay is an exception: the beaches of Panormos and Agios Sostis on its western side are attractive and fairly well protected from wind and waves. Despite the presence of a good restaurant, a beachside bar with a relaxed atmosphere and the Albatros Club hotel on Panormos, both beaches remain among the least crowded on the island, but although buses do not call here, their popularity and, therefore, the number of holidaymakers is growing.

From the shores of Panormos Bay it is easy to walk to Ano Mera, the second largest village on the island, where they will even rent out a room for you. This village is proud of its commitment to a traditional way of life, although in many ways it is wishful thinking: in the so-called “traditional” kafenio, Greek coffee has long been replaced by cappuccino, and Greek sweets by ice cream. However, the platia also has passable restaurants - Daniele, which offers a wide selection of Mediterranean dishes, is the most successful. There are several hotels in the same area, such as the new Anatolia (Easter-October) on the road to Kalafati, which has a swimming pool, gym, jacuzzi and sauna.

The red-roofed church near the square belongs to the 16th-century Panagia Tourliani monastery, where it is worth seeing a collection of Cretan icons and an unusual 18th-century marble font. Quite nearby, to the north of the village, is the late 12th-century monastery of Palebkastro, also known as Darga, surrounded by greenery and a backdrop of bare mountain slopes. Further north-west you will find the same dry and weathered landscapes, although they make for a pleasant walk among the cliffs with excellent views of the neighboring islands.

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The island of Mykonos is one of the most visited Mediterranean resorts, receiving more than a million guests during the season (May-October). Its popularity has rightfully earned it the repeated title of the best island in Europe.

About a hundred years ago, the discovery of the ancient ruins of the island of Delos aroused great interest among connoisseurs of antiquity, drawing attention to Mykonos. Mykonos these days is a favorite holiday destination for the secular elite and bohemian youth. Everyone relaxes here according to their own taste, feeling at ease and freedom - no one here can be surprised by non-traditional orientation or interests.

The main city, as well as the port of the island, is called Chora. The active development of tourism did not prevent the capital from preserving the features and forms inherent in Cycladic architecture. White cubic houses with wooden elements painted in bright shades, numerous narrow cobbled streets, the blue domes of countless temples, fishing schooners on the piers... This creates a unique flavor and sense of harmony.

The city is like an open-air shopping and entertainment center, with the main street being Matoyanni. This fashionable resort is characterized by all the rich possibilities of a European holiday - a variety of cafes and restaurants, swimming pools, diving, trendy shops, and, at the same time, hiking in the surrounding area, folk festivals and traditional treats from local culinary specialists.

Away from conventions - people here are relaxed and uninhibited, and the air is saturated with joy and a feeling of unceasing celebration.

Beaches of Mykonos

The splendor of the sunny coasts of Greece has a magnetic effect on tourists from all corners of the globe. In this regard, the island's beaches are no exception - they are famous for their diversity and are divided according to interests and tastes. They are especially abundant in the southern part of Mykonos, which is best protected from strong winds.

The most famous beaches:
The mild climate, azure sea surface, stunning sunsets and gentle breeze will not leave indifferent even the most sophisticated guests of the island.

Sights of Mykonos

On the island itself and in its surroundings there are many interesting and wonderful places:

How to get there?

You can get to the island in six hours by ferry from Crete or from Piraeus, in one hour by plane from Athens, Rhodes or Santorini. In summer - by boat from Piraeus or Heraklion.

Getting around the island is done by taxi or by bus almost 24 hours a day, and you can also rent a motorcycle or car. From the piers of Ornos and Platis Gialos, boats regularly depart to the most popular beaches on the south coast. 

The calling card of Mykonos is the stone mill towers. The remaining seven mills now attract tourists, but previously, since the 16th century, they served as the main means of income for the inhabitants of the island. The islanders have long learned to tame the sea wind and use aeolic energy.

And the favorable location of the port of Mykonos made it possible to conduct a successful trade in flour. Now you can stay overnight in one of the mills; there is a hotel there.

Along with the windmills, the most popular symbol of Mykonos is the beloved pelican Petros. Or rather his heirs. The very first pelican, one might say Peter the First, ended up on the island in 1954, during a storm. And so he remained, imbued with mutual sympathy for the residents, until his death. Since then, the islanders have invariably appointed Petros' heir.
The friendly pelican welcomes guests as the rightful owner of the island. Indulgently accepting treats and happily posing for photographs.

Alefkandra. Little Venice.

In the southwestern area of ​​the port there is a very picturesque corner of Mykonos - Alefkandra. The old quarter, built in the 18th century, was the residence of wealthy merchants and captains.

Houses with colorful balconies hang directly above the surf, which is why the area is called Little Venice. Many houses have cozy cafes and restaurants, from whose balconies you can enjoy the beautiful Mykonos sunset.

Residents of the island claim that there are 365 churches on Mykonos, one for each day of the year. But the most amazing thing, undoubtedly, is the Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Paraportiani, built on the site of the exit from the medieval fortress. Don't look for a stone bell tower or tiled dome.

Unlike any other, snow-white, as if sprinkled with powdered sugar, the church consists of five chapels. Four are located on the lower level, the fifth with a massive white dome crowns the amazing structure. Construction continued over several centuries, starting in 1425. Against the backdrop of the endless blue sea and azure sky, the church, not burdened by architectural excesses, radiates an indescribable, unearthly purity.

Mykonos Museums

The Ethnographic Museum is located in the old district of the city, Castro, in a small ancient two-story building. Six halls display a rich collection of household items, national clothing, ceramics, and furniture.
The Archaeological Museum is located on the embankment, near the port. The museum contains funerary statues found on the neighboring island of Rinia, ancient amphorae, the most famous of which dates back to the 7th century. BC e., collections of clay figurines, jewelry. Ticket price - 2 euros.

The Museum of the Aegean Sea awaits visitors in the town of Tria Pigadia. The museum displays evidence of Greece's rich maritime history. Nautical charts, engravings, ship models, ancient navigational instruments, coin collections.

What Mykonos lacks in archaeological sites is more than made up for by the neighboring islet of Dilos. Small, only 3.5 sq. km, Dilos was a sacred place in ancient times.
So sacred that it was forbidden to be born or die here. It was on Dilos, according to myth, that the twin gods Apollo and Artemis were born. Now on the island you can see the few remaining evidence of its former greatness.

Beaches of Mykonos

Most of the popular beaches are located on the southern, sheltered coast of the island.

Ornos. The closest beach to the capital of the island. Its advantage is protection from the wind, developed infrastructure and convenient bus service. Excellent fish taverns offer the freshest seafood.

Platys Gialos. One of the most popular beaches and therefore very crowded. The beach is well equipped, there are small hotels, many bars and cafes nearby. From here you can take a “sea taxi” - small boats - to any beach on the island.
Paranga. Located 10 minutes walk from Platis Gialos beach. A noisy beach very loved by young people. The southern, quieter part is preferred by nudists.

Psarou. Another cosmopolitan beach with wonderful golden sand and calm sea. A diving center is available on the beach.

Paradise. The most famous beach of Mykonos. Don't expect to take a peaceful nap here in the sun. There are huge screens right on the sand, music is blaring, and in the evening the beach turns into a huge disco that lasts until the morning.

Super Paradise. Also a noisy and well-equipped beach. A place preferred by tourists of non-traditional sexual orientation. You can get to the beach by car or by water transport.

Agrari and Elia. These two beaches are located close to each other. The first one is calm, suitable for a relaxing holiday. The second is crowded, popular with water sports enthusiasts and nudists. Kalo Livadi and Kalofatis. Two more beaches that attract vacationers with the azure waters of the sea, fine sand and a wide selection of various entertainment.

Agia Anna and Lia. More remote beaches, less equipped, allowing you to enjoy silence and a relaxing holiday.

Houlakia, Agios Sostis, Panormos, Ftelia. On the northern coast there are several secluded beaches, pristinely beautiful, untouched by tourist “civilization.” The only drawback would be the lack of bus service to the city. The north coast is popular with surfers as it often experiences strong winds.

Mykonos Hotels

The island has a wide selection of different hotels of all categories. Prices here are higher than the average in Greece, but it is still better to book a room well before your intended visit to Mykonos.
The choice is very wide. You can enjoy a heavenly holiday in one of the luxurious five-star hotels such as Cavo Tagoo Hotel, Kivotos Club Hotel, Mykonos Grand Hotel, Ambassador. Or choose more economical hotels Palladium, Andronikos, Alkyon, Leto, Vista Apartments.
You can also rent a room or apartment from local residents. An option suitable for young people would be campsites located near the beaches of Paranga and Paradise.

Transport in Mykonos