Mykonos
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| Mykonos Μύκονος |
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|---|---|
 The Hora (capital) of Mykonos |
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| Geography | |
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| Coordinates: | |
| Island Chain: | Cyclades |
| Area:[1] | 105.183 km² (41 sq.mi.) |
| Government | |
 Greece |
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| Periphery: | South Aegean |
| Prefecture: | Cyclades |
| Capital: | Mykonos (town) |
| Statistics | |
| Population: | 9,320 (as of 2001) |
| Density: | 89 /km² (229 /sq.mi.) |
| Postal Code: | 846 00 |
| Area Code: | 22890 |
| License Code: | EM |
| Website | |
| www.mykonos.gr | |
Mykonos (Greek: Μύκονος) is a Greek island and one of the top international tourist destinations, famous around the globe[citation needed] for its cosmopolitan character and its intense nightlife. The island is part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Siros, Paros and Naxos. It spans an area of 105.183 km² (41 sq mi) and rises at an elevation of 341 m (1,119 ft) at its highest point. The island is composed primarily of granite. It has little natural fresh water and relies on the desalination of sea water in order to meet its needs. There are 9,320 inhabitants (2001) most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, a common denomination in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town), which lies on the west coast.
It is believed that the island was named after a local hero, who is considered an offspring of the god Apollo and was worshipped locally in antiquity.
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[edit] History
Archaeological finds indicate that the Ionians settled on Mykonos in the early part of the 11th century BC. More recent discoveries have uncovered remnants in Ftelia beach from the Neolithic Kares tribe dating back to as far as 3000 BC.
In Greek mythology Mykonos was the location of the battle between Zeus and the Gigantes, and the island was named in honor of Apollo's grandson Mykons. During these ancient times, Mykonos, due to its proximity to the then highly populated island of Delos (situated about 2km away), became very important as a supply island and possibly as a getaway location for Delian citizens.
[edit] Modern Mykonos
Today, Mykonos is one of the world's most cosmopolitan islands[citation needed], having become increasingly popular with tourists. It is widely known for its extremely diverse and often intense nightlife featured by a vast number of bars and nightclubs.[citation needed] Mykonos is also distinctive for its sandy beaches. Many Greek and international celebrities have summer residences in Mykonos and can often be seen walking the white-washed roads or having dinner at a small street-side table of an expensive restaurant or a taverna.
[edit] Nightlife
The nightlife of Mykonos is marketed as among the best in Europe.[2] Mykonos is rated among the top clubbing destinations in the Mediterranean, along with Ibiza, Ayia Napa and Rimini.[citation needed] Mykonos also attracts world-famous DJs to its clubs and beach bars, the most well-known of which are Paradise, Super Paradise and Paranga. In addition, Mykonos is a gay-friendly resort area during the summer, featuring several gay clubs.[3] Mykonos nightlife focuses mainly on bars rather than clubs, yet a number of notable clubs can be found throughout the island.[4]
[edit] Historical population
| Year | Island population | Change | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | - | - | -/km² |
| 1991 | 6,179 | - | 59/km² |
| 2001 | 9,320 | +3,141/+50.83% | 89/km² |
[edit] Landmarks
- Petros the Pelican - An old celebrity of the town's waterfront, "Petro" has been the official mascot of Mykonos for over 50 years.
- Windmills - From as early as the 16th century, they are one of the most recognized landmarks of Mykonos.
- Little Venice - Here the buildings have been constructed right on the sea's edge with their balconies overhanging the water.
- Paraportiani - One of the most famous architectural structures in Greece. Its name means inner or secondary door which it was to the Medieval stone walls which encircled the area.
- Archaeological Museum - Houses marble sculptures, ceramics and jewellery recovered from the islands of Delos, Renia and Mykonos.
- Aegean Maritime Museum - Displays models of a collection of ships from the pre-Minoan period through to the 19th century and nautical and ancient artifacts related to the history of shipping on Mykonos.
- Delos - One of Greece's most famous archaeologic sites, it is an island located 2 kilometers to the west of Mykonos. The entire island has been declared a national museum.
[edit] Gallery
 Mykonos |
 The Little Venice district in Mykonos (hora) |
 The famous windmills of Myconos. |
 View of Mykonos port and city center at sundown |
 The church of Panagia (Virgin Mary)Parapotiani |
 Petros the Pelican has been the island's official mascot for 5 decades |
 The houses in Myconos are built based on the traditional cycladic architectural style |
[edit] Communities
- Agios Stefanos
- Ano Mera
- Ftelia
- Kalafatis
- Marathi
- Myconos or Chora
- Ornos
- Platy Gialo
- Psarou
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Basic Characteristics. Ministry of the Interior. www.ypes.gr. Retrieved on 2007-08-07.
- ^ Mowbray, Nicole. "Mykonos is back in vogue; Here Comes Summer.", The Evening Standard, 2005-05-24. Retrieved on 2007-08-09.
- ^ Neilan, Terence. "Lesbian Life in Greece", 1995-11-05. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.
- ^ Mroue, Haas. "Day and night on Mykonos", Frommer's Gay & Lesbian Europe, 2nd Edition., Advocate.com, 2002-06-11. Retrieved on 2007-08-09.
[edit] External links
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