Mykonos is a beautiful rocky island in the Aegean Sea that’s part of the Cyclades islands. It’s a small island, with an estimated population of 11,000 people and covers an area of 106 square kilometers. The island boasts 89 kilometers of coastline, but due to its mountainous terrain, it has minimal greenery. Nevertheless, Mykonos is a destination that’s worth visiting, especially for those seeking unique beauty.
Since the 1960s, Mykonos has been a popular tourist destination for travelers around the world. With its vibrant nightlife and plethora of activities to enjoy, it’s easy to see why visitors keep returning year after year. In fact, Mykonos is widely recognized as one of Europe’s most exciting destinations.
Windmill in Mykonos
But Mykonos isn’t just about partying. The island offers postcard-perfect towns and breathtakingly beautiful coves that are worth exploring during the day. Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun or dance until dawn, Mykonos has something special in store for everyone.
Mykonos is a small Greek island situated in the Aegean Sea’s northern Cycladic region. It’s become one of Greece‘s most beloved tourist destinations due to its outstanding tourism infrastructure and lively nightlife.
Located just a short 150 km flight or ferry ride away from Greece’s capital city of Athens, Mykonos is the perfect place to start an island-hopping adventure. Other Cycladic islands, including Tinos, Andros, Paros, Syros, and Naxos, can be easily reached due to their convenient location.
Geography of Mykonos
It’s a small island with an area of only 90 sq km. The northern coastline is rocky and uneven, while the south coast has beautiful sandy beaches. As you move inland, you’ll see hills that turn green in spring but dry up by summer.
Mykonos Town
Although it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, parts of Mykonos remain unspoiled and untouched, especially on the northern side. The jagged coastline is stunning, with large bays like Agios Ioannis adding to its appeal.
There are only two villages on the island: Chora and Ano Mera. Chora can get quite bustling during the summertime, while Ano Mera remains tranquil all year round.
The island has a typical Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. From April to August, you can expect sunny days with very little rainfall.
There can be strong north winds (meltemia) during the summer months. Bright sunshine is expected in Mykonos between April to October, except for Meltemi, which may occur anytime during these months, while high temperatures peak in midsummer. Cloudy skies are rare during this season of warm weather!
Panagia Paraportiani in Mykonos Town
For the perfect conditions in Mykonos, plan your vacation for June or September. During this time, you’ll experience pleasant temperatures without being overwhelmed by large crowds – it’s a win-win! I
History of Mykonos
Mykonos is a beautiful island with a rich history. Legend has it that the island was formed from a group of Giants who were defeated by Hercules during one of his twelve labors. The Giants were thrown into the sea and transformed into rocks, which eventually became the island we know today.
Over the years, Mykonos has been occupied by Romans, Venetians, and Ottoman Turks. However, since the Greek War of Independence in 1821, it has been part of Greece. During the war, Mykonos played a crucial role in supporting Greece’s fight against Turkish rule by providing 22 ships with 500 members as crew and 140 cannons.
One of the most heroic figures of the Greek War of Independence was Manto Mavrogenous, who played a significant role in financing, organizing battles, and joining Filiki Eteria, a revolutionary organization. After the war, the island’s economy flourished, thanks to the quality fabrics produced by its inhabitants, which were traded within Greece and abroad.
View of Matoyianni street.
The 1960s marked the beginning of an era for tourism, as it became a haven for artists and later bohemians. Notable archaeological sites such as Delos were suddenly in high demand by tourists hoping to experience its beauty first-hand. Nowadays, Mykonos has gained international recognition as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations on earth—all thanks to its captivating allure.
Spanning approximately 10 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide, it takes roughly 40 minutes to drive from one tip of the island to the other. This stunningly beautiful locale is perfect for anyone looking for some peace and tranquility in a remote paradise setting.
It is not recommended to drink tap water on the island; however, you can use it for brushing your teeth and showering. To stay hydrated during your stay, we suggest bringing bottled water with you.
The city of Chora, otherwise known as Mykonos Town, is the largest and most populated town on this idyllic island. Its cobblestone streets are lined with inviting cafes, bistros, and eateries galore, or you can peruse through dozens of souvenir shops selling eclectic trinkets for your home. Shoppers looking to splurge a little will be thrilled by the abundance of boutiques and jewelers available throughout town – but note that many roads in the center remain off-limits due to their narrow widths, which don’t accommodate scooters or bikes!
During the winter months of November, December, January, and February, it is likely to rain often. The chilliest month tends to be January, where daily temperatures average around 10°C/50°F while sea temperature reaches 16°C/60°F on average.
When the endless summer crowds start to wind down in late October, and throughout April, you can truly experience what island life on Mykonos is like. This low season brings a refreshingly different vibe that should not be missed!
