Mykonos
| Mykonos Μύκονος |
|
|---|---|
 The Chora (capital) of Mykonos |
|
| Geography | |
 |
|
| Island chain: | Cyclades |
| Area: | 105.183 km² (41 sq.mi.) |
| Government | |
 Greece |
|
| 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 a top tourist destination, renowned for its cosmopolitan character and its intense nightlife. The island is part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, 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.
Contents |
History
Archaeological finds indicate that the Ionians settled on Mykonos in the early part of the 11th century BCE. 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 Titans, 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 2 km away), became very important as a supply island and possibly as a getaway location for Delian citizens. The island was once very poor, and the people tried to survive on fishing and stock breeding on the harsh land. A major industry was also ship construction. Tourism has turned the economy over since it started in the 1950's and the locals have a double attitude towards this: it may have saved the economy but some also feel that it has taken over too much.[1]
Modern Mykonos
Today, Mykonos is one of the most cosmopolitan islands in Greece, having become increasingly popular with mass tourism. It is known for its diverse and intense nightlife as evidenced by a vast number of bars and nightclubs. Mykonos is also known for its sandy beaches. The level called 'Apotos' in the popular Sonic the Hedgehog game by SEGA, Sonic Unleashed, was also based on the island of Mykonos.
Nightlife
The nightlife of Mykonos is marketed as among the best in Europe.During the summer Mykonos attracts the top producers and DJs in dance, to its renowned clubs and beach bars. Mykonos nightlife focuses mainly on beach bars rather than clubs, yet a number of notable clubs can be found throughout the island. Well-known nightclubs are Space Dance, Paradise and the gay club Pierro's. Famous beach bars are Cavo Paradiso, Super Paradise and Tropicana.
Historical population
| Year | Island population | Change (%) | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | 3,863 | - | 37/km² |
| 1981 | 5,530 | +1,667 (+43.15%) | 53/km² |
| 1991 | 6,179 | +686 (+12.41%) | 59/km² |
| 2001 | 9,320 | +3,141 (+50.83%) | 89/km² |
Landmarks
- Petros the Pelican - An old celebrity of the town's waterfront, "Petros" has been the official mascot of Mykonos for over 50 years.
- Mykonos 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.
Notable people
- Ioannis Gryparis, diplomat and politician
Gallery
 Street in Chora. |
 Street in Chora. |
 The Little Venice district in Mykonos (Chora). |
 The famous windmills of Mykonos. |
 View of Mykonos port and city center at sundown. |
 The church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Paraportiani. |
 Petros the Pelican has been the island's official mascot for 5 decades. |
 The houses in Mykonos are built based on the traditional cycladic architectural style. |
Communities
- Agios Ioannis
- Agios Stefanos
- Ano Mera
- Ftelia
- Kalafatis
- Mykonos or Chora
- Ornos
- Platy Gialo
- Psarou
- Tourlos
See also
- Communities of the Cyclades
- Mykonos vase
- List of traditional Greek place names
References
External links
- Municipality of Mykonos (Greek) (English)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||
|
||||||||