The Island of the Winds
Mykonos is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island has an area of 85.5 square kilometres (33.0 sq mi) and rises to an elevation of 341 metres (1,119 feet) at its highest point. There are 10,134 inhabitants according to the 2011 census, most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, which lies on the west coast. The town is also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, following the common practice in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town).
Mykonos‘s nickname is “The Island of the Winds”.Tourism is a major industry and Mykonos is known for its vibrant nightlife and for being a gay-friendly destination with many establishments catering for the LGBT community
Mykonos, Delos, Rineia & several uninhabited islets form an island cluster. Mykonos has been inhabited since the 5th millennium BC (Neolithic settlement of Ftelia) and it is characterized by a long and rich history. Since the 50’s Mykonos has been a symbol of cosmopolitan and luxurious vacations and it is one of the most world-renowned Greek travel destinations.
Hundreds of celebrities, members of the international jet set, artists, intellectuals, ship owners and politicians have all strolled through the alleys of Chora partying till the break of dawn or they have moored their yachts in the island’s bays with the exquisite crystal clear waters, experiencing unforgettable moments. The island’s visitors can have fun and dance at its beach bars and world famous clubs such as Cavo Paradiso Club, shop at its luxury stores and art venues and experience unforgettable moments by enjoying the unique sunsets of Mykonos that was praised by many poets. Its wonderful beaches, which are considered to be among the most beautiful ones of the Aegean, make the island stand out from the rest.
In Chora of Mykonos one can find exquisite cafe, bars, jewelry shops, galleries and some of the most well-known restaurants in Greece. You can drink your coffee, ouzo & taste local specialties while watching visitors strolling around in the white alleys of the town. One can say that international fashion trends are firstly presented in Mykonos. Also in Chora one can find all kinds of information concerning bus schedules, travel agencies and generally all the means to help you visit every corner of the island and make your stay in Mykonos unforgettable.
Mythology
According to the myth, Hercules lured the Giants out of their hiding place and managed to defeat them during the Gigantomachy on the island of Mykonos. Actually it is said that the large rock formations which
are scattered around the island are the same petrified bodies of the Giants. The name of the island refers to a “pile of rocks” or to a “rocky area”. However, later legends support that the island’s name is associated with the local hero Mykonos. Mykonos was the son of the King of Delos, Anios, who in turn was the son of Apollo and of the nymph Roious, descendant of Dionysus.
Mykonos windmills – The windmills are a defining feature of the Mykonian landscape. There are many dotted around the island, but most are concentrated in the main town of Chora. The famous “Kato Mili” in Chora (Greek for lower mills), stand in a row on a hill overlooking the sea to harness the strong northern winds. Capped with wood and straw, the windmills were built by the Venetians in the 16th century to mill flour and remained in use until the early 20th century. Many have been refurbished and restored to serve as homes to locals and vaults to numerous Mykonian heritage documents.