Mykonos history. Magnificent Mykonos: where to stay, what to see? Museums

Mykonos is not like most Greek resorts. Countless guests of the island spend their days on the magnificent sandy beaches, among which there are several nudist ones, and hang out all night long in local bars, taverns, restaurants and discos. Yes, it is the vibrant nightlife and incredibly cheerful disposition that are the hallmarks of the island of Mykonos. And this is not surprising: the most cosmopolitan island of modern Greece, Mykonos, is located at the intersection of many sea routes of the Aegean Sea, which to a large extent influenced the formation of the multinational flavor of the island.

Mykonos is not only nightclubs, the island will please all lovers of sightseeing with its rich historical heritage. Hurry, the island of windmills, 365 churches and amazing beaches is waiting for you!

Holidays in Mykonos. Relatively cool summers, warm seas, low air humidity, famous sandy beaches, a lot of interesting sights, a huge selection of entertainment and, of course, vibrant nightlife - all this will provide you with an amazing vacation on the Greek fairy tale island called Mykonos.

Here you can see for yourself the windmills depicted on every postcard about Mykonos, as well as other local attractions, including any of the 365 local churches. Beach holidays in Mykonos are one of the best in Greece, if you wish, you can even visit a nudist beach. In local nightclubs, fun goes not only before dawn, but also much later. Welcome to Mykonos and have an unforgettable holiday!

This is interesting. The exceptional prestige of visiting the island of Mykonos is evidenced by the fact that at different times such celebrities as Ronaldo, Denzel Washington, Oliver Stone, Harrison Ford, Madonna, etc. stayed and rested here. you can call the Greek billionaire Aristotle Onassis.

In the 70s of the last century, Onassis's yacht, along with his guests, moored to the island. Thus, the Greek billionaire became a kind of promoter of Mykonos. After that, other wealthy people and celebrities began to regularly come to the island. Another interesting fact about Mykonos is related to its capital. In the popular area of ​​​​the capital of Mykonos - in Little Venice, lovers of sunsets love to gather in a small square in the evenings. We can say that for many tourists arriving on the island, this ritual has become sacred.

Geography

Like about 2200 other large and small islands, Mykonos is part of the Cyclades archipelago. Moreover, it is the largest island of the Cyclades, with an area of ​​85 km2 and a total coastline of 80 km. The island is located between the small islands of Naxos and Tinos and stretches from north to south for 9 km, and from west to east for 10 km. The administrative center of Mykonos is the city of the same name, which is also called Chora.

Climate

The climate on the island is Mediterranean, characterized by dry, hot summers and warm, mild winters. The average temperature in the summer season is 25-30 degrees. With a fresh sea breeze, Mykonos never gets suffocatingly hot, which makes staying here especially enjoyable.

Population and tourism

According to the latest census, about 9 thousand people live on the island of Mykonos. The population is almost 100% ethnic Greeks. By the way, over the past 100 years, the number of indigenous people of Mykonos has decreased significantly. This is due to the constant outflow of population to the mainland. The main activity on the island is tourism.

Mythology and history

Myths. In ancient Greek mythology, rich in legends, there were several references to the island of Mykonos at once. The first of them explains how the island itself was formed, as well as the entire Cyclades archipelago. This happened after the ruler of the seas, Poseidon, brought down his trident on the mountains, and from such a terrible blow, the fragments scattered in all directions and formed a group of islands.

According to one of the myths, Mykonos got its name due to the sun god Apollo, who was born on the neighboring Delos. Another legend says that the great ancient Greek hero Mykonos lived in these places. Another myth tells us that it was on this island that Hercules exterminated the giants, and after death their bodies turned into stone, from which the island rocks subsequently formed. One of the exterminated giants, according to legend, was named Mykonos.

Story. Historians believe that the first inhabitants of Mykonos were immigrants from Egypt, who were subsequently forced out by immigrants from Crete. Throughout its history, the island has been a coveted prey for many conquerors. So in ancient times, Mykonos was colonized by the Ionians and Dorians, and then became one of the members of the Athenian League.

At various times, Mykonos and other islands of the Cyclades were ruled by the Rhodians, Ptolemies, Macedonians and Romans. In the early Middle Ages, the island belonged to the Byzantine Empire. When the Venetians came to the Cyclades, all the islands were divided among the most noble families, and Mykonos went to the Chizzi brothers. The Turkish invasion of the island began in 1537, when Hayretdin Barbarossa captured the entire archipelago. During the Turkish occupation, Mykonos, unlike other Cycladic islands, had a special status: it was allowed to build and arm ships here. This was done due to the fact that the Mykonian sailors were considered the most experienced in all of Greece and, with proper weapons, could successfully resist pirate attacks. When setting sail, every sailor made a vow upon his return to his homeland to build a church here. That is why there are so many churches in Mykonos now.

Between 1770 and 1774 Mykonos was under the rule of the Russian Empire. Then the island for a short time returned to the rule of the Turks, but only until the war of independence of 1822-1830. In the 20th century, Mykonos would be captured during the Second World War and, finally, in 1948, like all of Greece, gained final independence. After reunification with Greece, tourism began to develop rapidly on the island, which turned Mykonos into one of the largest tourist and cultural centers in Greece.

Famous personalities. The most famous representative of the island of Mykonos is a woman - Manto Mavrogenus. She is considered the national heroine of Greece and showed herself during the War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire (1822-1830). Manto was born in Trieste in 1796 and moved to Mykonos with the outbreak of the war of liberation. At her own expense, she equipped two ships with weapons, on which raids were periodically made on the Turks who occupied the island. As a result, on October 22, 1822, the fleet led by Manto Mavrogenus managed to completely liberate Mykonos from the invaders. After that, Manto provided serious financial support to the rebels who defended the island of Samos, and also organized a detachment of 150 people for the liberation of the Peloponnese with her own money. The flotilla under the leadership of Mavrogenus took part in important naval battles of the war of liberation. Also, in order to raise funds to finance the uprising, the heroine traveled to Europe, where she addressed the women of Paris. Manto died in 1840 on the island of Paros in poverty.

We can rightfully say that the famous person in Mykonos is the modern symbol of the island - the pelican Petros. This live talisman will always meet guests near the fish market. In anticipation of a treat, he cleans snow-white feathers and communicates with ducks swimming not far from here. Pelican Petros came to the island in 1950, when, being completely exhausted, he lagged behind a flock of migrirs.

Traditions and customs

In Mykonos, ancient traditions are bizarrely intertwined with modern achievements in the tourism business. At the same time, the inhabitants of the island sacredly honor numerous Orthodox traditions. For example, the local tradition of searching for a cross for Epiphany has a bright religious color.

Recently, more and more foreigners have become acquainted with Mykonos wedding traditions. The thing is that today it is fashionable to perform a marriage ceremony on this beautiful island, and the ceremony itself takes place in strict accordance with all Greek traditions: in particular, the marriage registration table is decorated with silk or organza, almonds are served on an old silver dish. Also on you can see a lot of flowers, small baskets with rice and petals flicker everywhere.

Attractions

The center of all entertainment and recreation on the island is its eponymous capital Mykonos, or, as it is also called, Hora. The city surprises literally from the first moments of being in it and, above all, with its unusual architecture. Every street Choirs is a real attraction. In the capital, must-see places like the church Panagia Paraportiani, Little Venice quarter, a fish market, near which the local talisman Petros, the pelican, likes to wander in search of treats, and in the evening such popular night clubs, like Argo, Astra, Muses and Mercedes.

However, not only in the capital you will have something to do. And other resorts of Mykonos are of interest to tourists.

Ano Mera. After the capital, it is the largest city on the island. Ano Mera is famous for its monastery of Our Lady of Thurlos, founded by two monks from the island of Paros in 1543, and for the nunnery of Panagia Paleokastro. Ano Mera has a well-developed infrastructure, where you can comfortably spend the night in order to go to one of the nearest beaches in the morning.

Pay Yalos. This settlement is considered the most famous resort of Mykonos. It is located 7 km from the capital and is connected to the city of Mykonos by bus. In Plati Gialos, almost all types of active water sports are represented. There are a lot of restaurants, cafes, discos, taverns, bars and hotels of various levels.

Psaru. More than 150 meters of white sand, thickets of bushes and calamus, as well as one of the best fish restaurants in the region - this is all the magnificent resort of Psarou. The local diving center will be interesting to visit for both experienced divers and beginners. For advanced divers, a dive safari is organized here.

Agrarians. Agrari resort is unlike most other Mykonos beaches. If you are tired of noisy parties in the busier resorts of the island, then you definitely need to get here. The silence and tranquility of this beach, as well as crystal clear water, will make you forget about all the problems and take a break from the hustle and bustle.

Beaches

In recent years, Mykonos has become one of the most visited and popular resorts in all of Greece. And last but not least, this is due to the development of the infrastructure of local beaches.

Most popular holiday destination western part of the island. southwestern the direction will delight you with picturesque beaches located in beautiful bays. The northern beaches are not crowded enough, since the meltemi winds constantly walk here, the only exception is beaches of Panormos bay: Agios Sostis and Panormos.

In addition, the island has several nude beaches. In general, each beach of Mykonos is already an attraction in itself, so it’s worth talking about the most popular of them in more detail.

Ornos. The beautiful and cozy beach of Ornos is located 4 km from the capital of the island in the bay, which is well closed from the winds on all sides. This fine golden sand beach is one of the best in Mykonos. There is a well-developed tourist area with bars, hotels, restaurants. On the beach you can visit a diving school, water skiing and windsurfing.

Agios Ioannis. Agios Ioannis is a small, but very spectacular and cozy beach, offering stunningly romantic views of the sunset and the island of Delos. The beach gained worldwide fame after the premiere of the movie "Shirley Valentine". For vacationers, there are several bars and taverns.

Paranga. Paranga Beach will be a great location for lovers of a variety of beach activities. The beach is divided into two parts: a quiet and calm southern part and a crowded, well-maintained northern part.

Paradise and Super Paradise h. Two noisy beaches located south of the capital of the island are always crowded with tourists - Paradise and Super Paradise. The music is always loud here, the best DJs perform and numerous bars work. Not far from the beach Paradise there is a recreation complex Cavo Paradiso with cafes, swimming pools, bars and restaurants. Also on this beach there is a diving school, here you can practice various water sports. Super Paradise- perhaps the most cheerful beach of the island, the music playing here shakes the air far beyond the beach.

Elya. This beach is very popular among the locals. They consider it the best on the island and one of the cleanest in all of Greece. By the way, this is also the longest sandy beach of Mykonos. You can get to Elia without any problems, since there is a good bus service between the beach and the capital of the island.

Kahlo Livadi. Not to mention the beautiful quiet sandy beach, located 2 km from Ano Mera, called Kalo Livadi. This beach is ideal for a relaxing family holiday.

Entertainment

Life on the island of Mykonos is in full swing 24/7. By evening, tourists who have rested on the beaches begin to gather in the center of the capital. Soon the local bars, restaurants and discos are overcrowded. The atmosphere of fun reigns in every institution: here you can not only sit at the table, but also dance, drink cocktails and meet foreigners or locals.

The most famous discos in the city - SPACE club and Paradise club, world-famous DJs often perform there.

Opportunities for sports(especially water) in Mykonos are almost limitless. There are excellent centers for learning and preparing for windsurfing and diving, water skiing or diving.

The island has several tennis courts, beach volleyball, wakeboards, dive safaris are developing well.

You can also spend your time in a more relaxed way: for example, in swimming pools, on water slides or classic fishing from the shore.

On each beach of Mykonos, special playgrounds are organized for children. Exotic water parks with water slides, exciting rides, pools with artificial waves and special children's centers with animators are also designed to entertain the youngest tourists. Holidays in Mykonos will appeal to children of all ages.

shopping

Shopping in Mykonos will bring pleasure and joy to absolutely everyone. We can say that everything is here: jewelry, household items, clothes, cosmetics and much more. Local stores sell products as popular in Europe brands(Cavalli, Chopard, etc.) and products from local designers. For example, fashionable youth clothes and accessories from the Greek company BSB are very popular in Europe.

In Mykonos small shops, craftsmen make and sell leather trinkets adorned with natural stones (amethyst, turquoise). Rings, pendants and bracelets are made of leather and exclusively by hand.

Specialty shops sell various types of organic cosmetics, such as body milk, lip balm and olive oil soap.

What to bring. They brought real glory to Mykonos gold jewelry which can be purchased at local stores. If you are looking for cheaper souvenirs, then pay attention to religious goods - incense, reproductions of icons and candles from Mount Athos.

Some unique souvenirs can only be bought on the island of Delos. These are T-shirts with the image of the famous Delian mosaic printed on them.

Transport and movement

There are almost never any problems with getting to Mykonos comfortably.

From Athens planes fly here all year round, and during the tourist season there are flights from other resorts in Greece.

Many tourists prefer to get here by water transport: it may not be so fast, but you can enjoy amazing sea views. Internal transport on the island is well developed: local buses, taxis, and car rentals are at your service.

Airport. Mykonos has an airport with regular flights from both Athens airports. The duration of the flight is approximately 45 minutes. Airplanes also fly here from other Greek islands: from Rhodes, Chios, Crete, Mytilene and Samos. However, these flights are only available during the tourist season, i.e. during the summer months.

Sea transport. Every day a ship goes from the Greek port of Piraeus to Mykonos. From some other ports in Greece, ferries, ships and boats also depart here, by which you can get to the place faster.

The island can also be reached in a very exclusive way: by hovercraft. Not all travel agencies provide such services, and flights are carried out irregularly.

As for local water transport, you can book a yacht or ship to visit the nearby islands or cruise along the coast in Mykonos.

Bus traffic. In the capital of the island - Chora (Mykonos) - there are several bus stops. As a rule, shuttle buses run every 2-3 hours. On them you can get to Mykonos airport, to any of the beaches, and also go on a sightseeing tour of the island.

Rent a car. A car in Mykonos can be booked in advance. Upon arrival on the island, you will only need to show your voucher, credit card and driver's license. The credit card is used as a security deposit for the car. Traveling around the island by car, you can easily get to almost any place you are interested in, except for those where special excursions are carried out on all-terrain jeeps as part of a jeep safari.

You can also get around Mykonos by bicycles, mopeds And quads.

Taxi. In total, there are about 30 taxi cars on the island. Thus, the ordered car sometimes will have to wait a long time. The main taxi rank in Mykonos is located on the main square in the island's capital. By the way, the square is also called Taxi Square (Taxi Square). The cost of the trip depends on the distance. In addition to the usual taxi cars for us, there are more in Mykonos water taxi(taxi boats) that will take you anywhere on the island by sea.

Cuisine and food

Cuisine in Mykonos is presented in a huge variety. Here you will find traditional dishes of Greek, Italian, European and Turkish cuisines. When preparing many dishes in Mykonos, seafood is not spared. Shrimps, shellfish are actively added to various dishes, not only in Greek, but also, for example, in Italian, in particular, in pasta.

If you wish, you can choose an aquatic inhabitant of interest to you, say an octopus: they will cook and serve it in the best possible way. Not a single menu on the island is complete without a Greek salad with real feta cheese.

Local dishes. Local chefs prepare moussaka perfectly. In Mykonos, it is delicious like nowhere else: the local juicy moussaka just melts in your mouth.

fish lovers waiting for an amazing soup of freshly caught fish. Gourmets should definitely try the chicken baked with Mykonian spices and vegetables, which is served directly in the pan.

Another local dish is called meat balls (meat balls). It is beef meatballs fried in a mild tomato sauce. Meatballs can be served with any side dish.

Very tasty in Mykonos are eggplants, which are cooked on wood in a round oven.

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

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

Along with windmills, the most popular symbol of Mykonos is the adored petros pelican. Or rather, his heirs. The very first pelican, one might say, Peter the Great, ended up on the island in 1954, during a storm. Yes, he remained, imbued with mutual sympathy for the inhabitants, until his death. Since then, the islanders have invariably appointed an heir to Petros.
A friendly pelican welcomes guests as a full owner of the island. Indulgently accepting treats and happily posing for photographs.

Alefcandra. 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 multi-colored balconies hang directly above the surf, for which the area is called Little Venice. In many houses there are cozy cafes and restaurants, from the balconies of which you can enjoy the beautiful sunset of Mykonos.

The inhabitants of the island claim that there are 365 churches on Mykonos, one for each day of the year. But the most amazing, of course, is the church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Paraportiani, built on the site of the exit from the medieval fortress. Do not look for a stone bell tower or a tiled dome.

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

Museums of Mykonos

The ethnographic museum is located in the old district of the city, Kastro, in a small old two-story building. Six halls present a rich collection of household items, national clothes, ceramics, and furniture.
The archaeological museum is located on the embankment, not far from the port. The museum contains funerary statues found on the neighboring islet of Rinia, ancient amphorae, the most famous of which is dated to the 7th century BC. BC e., collections of clay figurines, jewelry. Ticket price - 2 euros.

The Museum of the Aegean 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.

The lack of archaeological sites of Mykonos more than makes up for the neighboring island of Delos. Small, only 3.5 sq. km, Delos in ancient times was a sacred place.
So sacred that it was forbidden to be born and die here. It was on Delos, according to the myth, that the twin gods Apollo and Artemis were born. Now on the island you can see the few surviving evidence of its former greatness.

Mykonos beaches

Most of the popular beaches are located on the southern, wind-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 Yialos. One of the most popular beaches and therefore very crowded. The beach is well equipped, there are small hotels nearby, many bars and cafes. From here, by "sea taxi" - small boats, you can get to any beach on the island.
Paranga. Located 10 minutes walk from Platis Gialos beach. A noisy beach very beloved by young people. The southern, more peaceful part of it is preferred by nudists.

Psaru. Another cosmopolitan beach with wonderful golden sand and calm seas. There is a diving center on the beach.

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

Super Paradise. Also noisy and well equipped beach. A place preferred by gay tourists. 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 is calm, suitable for a relaxed holiday. The second is crowded, popular with water sports enthusiasts and nudists. Kalo Livadi and Kalofatis. Two more beaches that attract vacationers with azure waters of the sea, fine sand and a wide selection of various entertainment.

Agia Anna and Leah. More remote beaches, less equipped, allowing you to enjoy peace and quiet.

Hulakia, Agios Sostis, Panormos, Ftelya. On the northern coast there are several secluded beaches, pristinely beautiful, untouched by the tourist "civilization". The only drawback will be the lack of bus service to the city. The north coast is popular with surfers, as strong winds often blow here.

Mykonos Hotels

The island has a rich selection of different hotels of any category. Prices here are higher than the average for Greece, but it's still better to book a room well in advance of 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 can be campsites located near the beaches of Paranga and Paradise.

Mykonos Transport

Mykonos is still rather poorly known to our tourists, but in the west it is known as one of the most fun, party and at the same time bohemian places in the entire Mediterranean. Aristotle Onassis gave impetus to the tourist potential of the island in his time, who considered it an ideal place for secular recreation. Onassis has been dead for a long time, and tourists keep coming and going to Mykonos, strengthening and spreading his fame.

Small and daring

According to the results of 2014, Mykonos Airport once again entered the top ten busiest in Greece. The small island, with a population of just over 10,000 people in 2014, was visited by almost 800,000 tourists by air alone. During the peak season, more than 10 flights a day fly here only from Athens!

Cruise ships bring legions of tourists to the resort

But the airport is far from the main supplier of tourists. Most travelers arrive here by sea: from Piraeus, Crete, neighboring Cyclades or cruise ships. Due to such an ongoing drive of visitors, the value of real estate has long gone beyond reasonable limits, and local prices are considered to be perhaps the highest in all of Greece.

Popularity Secret

The bohemian taste of life is felt not only in the licked pavements, boutiques and blindingly white houses, around which there are more pools than the dwellings themselves. You understand that people with a certain income level come here when you see your first check for coffee. An unpleasant discovery, but what did you expect?

In the capital - Chora - life revolves around the embankment

The fame of a popular place for secular parties has haunted the resort for more than a decade and is unlikely to die out soon. Among its regular visitors are movie stars, famous couturiers, business tycoons, directors, popular photo models and other public who do not complain about the crisis: Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Jean Paul Gaultier - the list can be continued indefinitely.

The second pillar on which popularity is firmly held is parties. According to this indicator, Mykonos has long surpassed not only all the other islands of Greece combined, but also the capital.

Little Venice is one of the popular places in the resort

Slightly less important in the tourist attraction of the resort are surfing, beaches and nudism. Each of the directions has its fans and each is developed by 5 points. But, nevertheless, these are additional dishes, not the main ones.

Geography and statistics

A piece of land, a little over 100 square kilometers in size, is located in the very center of the Cyclades between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. There are no minerals here and the relief does not shine with diversity. The historical heritage also leaves much to be desired. Even fresh water is in short supply.

But, you see, Mykonos is an amazing case of how, having a lack of everything, to become a thriving tourist destination. By the way, this is one of the few Greek islands whose population is constantly increasing: over the past 40 years, it has almost tripled.

The glory of Mykonos, as a VERY club place, thunders throughout the Mediterranean

The largest settlement is the capital of the same name, which is often called Chora. The main port and airport are located here. The city does not stand out in any way from other Cycladic analogues - the same blinding white and blue landscape, many flowers and a center formed around the embankment.

What makes Hora stand out are the striking contrasts: luxury yachts side by side with simple fishermen’s boats in the bay, elite boutiques pop up among residential white houses, and donkeys, which are often found, break the pattern next to luxury taxi drivers.

What to see

As we noted earlier, sights and history are far from the main magnets for tourists. People come here to have a good time. However, for those who are awake not only at night, there is also something to do here.

A trip to Delos, Little Venice, the Paraportiani Church, which inspired the immortal Gaudi - there is something to see. Learn more about these and other top local attractions Grekoblog.

Local sandy beaches are considered one of the best in Greece.

Another important side of Mykonos is the beaches. Even spoiled Greeks speak about them with a breath. Actually, for many of them, parties and bars are nothing more than an addition to luxurious sandy beaches. The most famous of them are Paradise and Super Paradise, but others, less well-known, are magnificent.

Grekoblog will tell you more about the best beaches in the resort in one of the future articles.

Local Features

Mykonos has several features that distinguish it from other resorts in Greece, and they should be mentioned separately.

• luxury and democracy. Although the island is considered expensive, this does not mean that the budget traveler does not have a place here. Mykonos has campsites, cheap hotels and public transport that you can pull off even with a very small budget.
• Gays. It is a popular destination for gay tourism. There are a lot of specialized establishments in Chora, as well as corresponding couples can be found on the beaches. Just be ready for it.
• Nudism. In addition to gays, the resort has also gained fame as the Greek TOP destination for lovers of topless sunbathing. Moreover, the democratic attitude towards lovers of nude sunbathing also applies to the two most popular beaches - Paradise and Super Paradise.

White houses are characteristic of all the Cyclades

How to get there

Air communication with Athens works like clockwork, and the flight from the capital takes about 30-40 minutes. Also, an air bridge connects the resort with other most popular tourist airports in Greece. You can view the schedule of all flights, as well as choose a flight for yourself at the best price, through the airfare price comparison service.

If you are not a fan of flying, then ferries from Piraeus leave almost as often as planes. Having checked a randomly taken date in the ticket booking system, I found 4 of them at once.

And about the sea communication with Crete, Grekoblog wrote separately in.

The abundance of windmills is another well-known feature of the resort.

Hotels There are not just a lot of hotels in Mykonos, but a lot: there are more than 200 hotels, of which at least 15 are five-star hotels. Pricing policy - although higher than the average for Greece, but a room up to 50 Euros per day can be found. If, on the contrary, you are interested in luxury, then there are plenty of such options.

You can choose a hotel and book a room using this link.

When to go The most active nightlife is from the second half of April to the first half of October.

And finally, a short video to give you a better idea of ​​what to expect:

Photos by John D. Carnessiotis, Christina Milioni, Raging Wire, Henrik Berger Jørgensen, Doug Matthews, Lorena Torres Angelini

Mykonos needs no introduction, its name speaks for itself, creating an advertisement for the island. When travelers hear this name, they immediately understand what awaits them: a luxurious vacation with all the amenities. Golden youth from all over the world come here in the summer to show off their opportunities. Representatives of bohemia come here, who want to get the best service and services. Summer Mykonos is equivalent to winter Switzerland. This resort is recognized not only in Greece, but also abroad. Mykonos has acquired the status of the center of Mediterranean fashion life, while preserving the island's natural environment untouched - a combination of contrasts for which Greece is famous.

Mykonos is a living legend that everyone wants to touch at least once

The mysteriousness of the island, its mysterious aura attracts travelers from all over the world. Here you can spend a couple of days or stay for a month - a wonderful vacation, memorable forever, will be guaranteed. By itself, natural beauty would not create the image that Mykonos has. The status is reinforced by a developed infrastructure, as well as a wide selection of hotels that open their doors to tourists. The local population, as it should be for residents of resort areas, is friendly to visitors. It is possible that the environment also influenced the morals of the people.

Mykonos is a vivid kaleidoscope: each new step reveals a picture never seen before. The sight of tourists opens either picturesque beaches or cozy narrow streets. Here trade routes meet, modern ideas, newfangled currents, and the topping is boundless fun. The island welcomes crowds of guests every day. The "currency" of Mykonos is the ability to have fun from the heart. Here everyone is waiting for fleeting loves, unexpected acquaintances, eccentricities, excesses and an endless love of life. Along with this holiday, classical culture, the high level of quality of products and the true Greek character, manifested in every detail, are peacefully preserved and honored.

Mykonos and its atmosphere cannot be faked!

The island of contrasts preserves the traditions of the ancient Cyclades, letting everything new into its soul, thereby confirming its uniqueness. It deserves a short pause in a series of crazy entertainment, when the traveler gets the opportunity to see the island from the other side, to get to know each other again.

86 square kilometers of territories are inhabited by a little more than 6 thousand inhabitants. Mykonos is one of the islands of the archipelago, which also includes Tinos, Syros, Paros, Nikos, washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea. The history of the lands goes so deep that it is impossible to find the beginning. It is known that Mykonos was inhabited by the Ionians as early as the 11th century BC.

The structure of the territory is similar to the design of ancient amphitheatres. The capital of Mykonos - Chora - is spread over a wide plain, and from it graceful curves of streets wind in thin chains along the slopes. Among the iconic sights, the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Paraportiani stands out. It is located near the port, leaving from where the tourist gets to the island of Delos, where, according to ancient myths, Apollo and Artemis were born. Modern Delos is loved for its amazing beauty and the opportunity to find yourself in an open-air museum.

Mykinos is a legendary resort. Here you can enjoy a good mood, get a charge of vivacity for a long time. You can compare the island with Olympus for a luxurious holiday. The places of deities are occupied by even more mortal, but still majestic celebrities from the world of cinema, music, and sports. Mykonos gives youth thanks to the constant atmosphere of a holiday that seems to last forever.

Sophia Loren, Madonna, Elizabeth Taylor, Russell Crowe, Michael Jordan and Nicolas Cage, who know a lot about quality rest, love to spend their time here.

The Cyclades, in the minds of many, are steep mountains reaching for the sky, but the main difference between Mykonos is rocky hills, stunningly harmoniously combined with the picturesque coast. A beautiful landscape opens up to the eyes of tourists, touching the feelings of tenderness, sensuality, passion and incredible beauty.

The second name of Mykonos is Chora. It is the administrative center with the main port of the island. The harbor is filled with the same contrast as the whole island: small boats of local fishermen side by side with luxurious yachts. It is this mixture that causes special delight among the guests. Chora is a city that is significantly different from all other typical settlements of the Aegean region. The beautiful architectural structures of various parts of the city make up an aesthetically delightful picture.

On Mykonos you need to walk. Narrow streets surrounded by white houses with colorful windows and doors, as well as fancy balconies, near which there are stone benches. Be sure to stop at one of the local taverns. Cozy atmosphere and delicious lunch are guaranteed. Visit churches, small but very sincere. And also shops selling locally produced goods, including handmade ones. It is these places that are corners of calmness, comfort, warmth amidst the hectic rhythm of everyday life.

Climate of Mykonos

Climatically, the island is similar to other territories located among the waters of the Aegean Sea. Winds from the northeast and north have a great influence on the weather conditions of Mykonos. In the second half of summer, the power of meltem sometimes reaches 6-7 points.

The winter period of the island is very mild and warm. There are rarely frosts here, there are no fogs at all, so you can enjoy the beauties of Mykonos without interference. There is almost no snow, so making snowmen or celebrating the New Year near a snowdrift will not work.

The ability to have fun is the currency of Mykonos

Among the islands that provide opportunities for entertainment, Mykonos stands out as a constant exuberant holiday. It is known throughout the world for its noisy magnificent parties, which can only be compared with Ibiza.

The rivalry between local clubs and bars is a separate topic for discussion. However, this is a guarantee that even the smallest establishments will surprise you with quality. As soon as the sun goes down, the island lights up with billions of lights, beckoning visitors.

Among the various establishments, there are those that deserve special attention of visitors to Mykonos.

Cavo Paradiso is located on Paradise Beach. This place is one of the ten best discos in the world. The club is located at the edge of a cliff, so it offers a magnificent view: the dark Aegean Sea, illuminated by the moon and stars. Young travelers like to spend their time here, which is due, among other things, to the opportunity to meet Hollywood celebrities here - all to the sound of the world's best DJs.

The real atmosphere of Mykonos is impossible without the music that sounds in the Remezzo club. Incendiary melodies attract luxurious visitors here. Since the opening of the club (1967), it has become a truly chic place. After sunset, VIP guests come here, so Remezzo is the place where you can taste the best drinks and serve you at the highest level.

Space Mykonos Xperience occupies a special place among the largest clubs. The owners of the institution pay attention mainly not to the design, but to cooperation with famous DJs and the search for incendiary dancers. The club barely has time to open, as the dance floor is already filled with lovers of fun under the cover of night.

Sights of Mykonos

The island's nightlife is only part of its character. An important component is a mysterious story that has not yet been fully revealed. Walking around the outskirts of Mykonos, the tourist gets carried away without realizing it. Coming here, you must definitely meet with the most important historical monuments of the island.

First of all, head towards the Castro Fortress. There are several small churches built in honor of the Virgin. Several centuries led to the unification, which creates the feeling of a snow-white block. Recognized as a national monument, Paraportiani (as this place is called) gives unforgettable emotions from meeting with them.

History buffs wishing to learn more about the island should visit the Archaeological Museum. His collection includes unique items found in the burial grounds of the island of Rinia. This includes vessels of various types, ancient sculptures and idols of that time. It will be interesting to visit the Ethnographic Museum, which provides an opportunity to see household items of different times: furniture, icons, musical instruments. No less attractive is the Maritime Museum of the Aegean Sea.

Chora - the capital of Mykonos

The main port of the island is a truly unique land of the region. At the very seashore, houses of the Middle Ages huddle, located very close to each other, so that a feeling of complete merging is created. Here lived the shipowners with their families, as well as the captains of the Mykonian fleet. The protective wall was called the local Venice or Venetia.

Among the rich vegetation of Mykonos, snow-white chapels and windmills are constantly visible, creating a natural picturesque contrast. Windmills that have survived on the island (initially there were about 30 of them, only 7 have survived to this day) have become a symbol of Mykonos.

Attracts travelers and the monastery of the Virgin Turlyani. The interior decoration of the rooms, made of wood carvings, marble bell tower - there really is something to see here.

Matoyanni is a treasure chest. This shopping street will appeal to hunters for rare things. Antiques, retro handmade clothes, vintage jewelry - there is just nothing here! Although there are a couple of things that you can’t find on Matoyanni - silence and free space.

Mykonos beaches

One of the most attractive sides for travelers from all over the world is the quality of the beaches in Mykonos. Tourists have access to various coastal lands, about 30 equipped magnificent beaches. The best of them is Platys Gialos. The wide expanses are covered with golden soft sand, and the proximity to the capital of the island makes the beach even more popular. The place was suitable both for a relaxing holiday for families with children, and for lovers of water sports in all its manifestations. Platis Yalos is constantly bubbling with life, and various events, entertainment or sports, are constantly being held.

The quieter beach of Psarou is located next door. There is a large diving center here, where everyone can go diving, explore the mysterious world of the sea. The beach is well organized. There is also room for surfers here, as the waves rise high enough to practice conquering them.

The territory of Paranga beach is as contrasting as Mykonos itself. This place is ideal for everyone, whether you want to spend time quietly or have fun from the heart. The northern part is equipped with all amenities, which attracts most visitors who want to sunbathe until sunset. But on the south side, the beach is an untouched territory of the island. Here you can feel the real character of Mykonos, its natural beauty, so you can completely merge with nature.

Mykonos is known far beyond the borders of Greece for one of its beaches - Paradise. Mostly young people come here, knowing that the best clubs, bars, noisy all night long, are located on this beach. But this does not mean at all that daytime in Paradise is a boring period. Various sports activities, delicious dishes of nearby restaurants will not let you lose heart. As soon as the night falls, the wild fun will begin. Signboards of various establishments are lit up, music is heard from everywhere, making you involuntarily dance. Paradise at this time is more like a disco, where everyone does what he pleases. A beach with a similar name is Super Paradise. It differs slightly in its features. This beach was chosen by nudists. At the same time, the sea is much deeper here, and environmental indicators are much higher.

A great place for a secluded holiday is the resort of Agrari. A small space will suit those who wanted to escape from the everyday noise of Mykonos. There is also a cozy beach with the same name. There are several hotels nearby where you can stay. But these tourist establishments do not disturb the atmosphere of peace that prevails on Agrari. Hiking trails lead right up to the coast, and walking along them will be an unforgettable adventure. Territories Agrari - ideal for families, especially if you have small children.

Elia is one of the best beaches on the island. The area, surrounded by sheer cliffs, is striking in its picturesqueness. Right on the beach, among all its beauty, there are restaurants and taverns where you can have a good lunch with delicious local dishes. The central territories are constantly crowded, but moving away to the side, the tourist will receive peace and quiet. However, when going there, be prepared to meet nudists, because the edges of the beach are their favorite places.

Kalafatis is another major beach in Mykonos. The scale of the territory is so large that it is impossible to fill it, even despite the constant flow of tourists. There is a road nearby, but it is hidden by dense thickets, so the noise of cars will not distract you from sunbathing.

If the main purpose of the trip is water sports, then you won’t be able to find a better place than Ornos. There is a high-class diving center, a surfers school where even beginners will be taught to control themselves on the waves, several well-equipped sports grounds for beach games. Of course, Ornos is also well-equipped for those who just want to relax under the rays of the Greek sun: sun loungers, umbrellas and much more are available to guests. strong.

When traveling with small children, be sure to go to Kalo Livaldi. The shallow sea will allow you not to worry about the safety of the kids, the sand here is warm, and the sea is crystal clear. Local restaurants will not leave you hungry, but the occupancy is small due to the vast territories. Thai massage services are also provided here, which will help you relax as much as possible.

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Attractions

Windmills of Mykonos

Mykonos is called the island of windmills. The mills are spread out on a hill, towering over Hora.

The Venetians began to build mills in the 16th century, carefully choosing the place of construction. The work was completed at the beginning of the 20th century. The architecture of the mills is quite light: round white stone towers with a thatched roof and small windows. Almost all are similar to each other.

The mills had a great influence on the economic development of the island. Flour and bread were supplied in huge quantities to neighboring islands and countries. It served as the main source of income for the locals.

But science does not stand still, with technological development, the importance of mills began to decline. By the middle of the last century, they were no longer used for their intended purpose.

Now there are 16 restored wind giants on the island. The Agricultural Museum was founded in one of them. Here is a large collection of tools, furnace, tanks, press. Nearby is the miller's house and small churches. The museum allows you to see the mill inside, plunge into the atmosphere of agriculture and antiquity. From here you have a stunning panorama of the Aegean Sea.

Every September the museum celebrates grape harvest day.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum houses numerous treasures found during excavations in the 19th century. The museum building was built by the architect Alexandros Likakis. From the outside, the building looks discreet, simple, but tasteful. Initially, the museum consisted of one hall, in which treasures found in local burials were kept. Later, due to lack of space, the Great Hall was added.

The museum contains a wide variety of historical values: household items, art, jewelry, tools, ritual artifacts and much more.

The Gravestone Exhibition presents statues and steles. The tomb stele of Glycon, found in the sea, is kept here. The work of art is over two thousand years old. A priceless marble structure of Hercules with a lion skin in his hand, dating from the 2nd century, is also kept within the walls of the museum.

The exhibition of ceramics presents a special collection of ancient jugs and vessels. Of particular interest is a vessel with a picture of the capture of Troy. The estimated date of its creation is the 7th century BC. e.

The exhibition of sculptures and figurines is varied. Here are small clay figurines, a statue of a dead man in burial clothes, a clay figurine of a woman.

In the hall with decorations and jewels, artifacts dating back to the 1st-2nd century BC are presented. e.

History buffs should visit this place. Touch the culture of ancient civilizations and see with your own eyes all its beauty.

Aegean Maritime Museum

The Aegean Maritime Museum introduces the history of Greek navigation to the inhabitants and visitors of the island. The museum is small but very interesting. Its exhibitions present various fascinating exhibits: models of ancient ships, maps, documents, marine instruments, ship chests, old boats, steering wheels. All items have been restored and restored to their original condition.

The archive of photographs and manuscripts, the rarest collections of books, and a collection of antique coins are kept in the own library.

Marble artifacts, elements of shipwrecks, testimonies of missing sailors are in the garden. In the courtyard there is a small lighthouse Armenistis, famous for its light. Today it illuminates the courtyard of the museum.

A tour of the Maritime Museum will not take much time, but will leave a lot of impressions.

Church of Panagia Paraportiani

Mykonos is famous not only for its picturesque nature, but also for its architectural monuments. Among them, a small church of Panagia Paraportiani occupies a special place. "The Virgin at the Gates" in the Middle Ages was located at the gates of the fortress. Unfortunately, the walls of the fortress have not survived to this day.

Panagia Paraportiani is the most famous and beautiful church of the island. It stands in the oldest area of ​​Chora on the seashore.

A small Byzantine building, in fact - a complex of independent churches, built gradually. The first church built in the 15th century was St. Eustafios. Later, the churches of St. Sosontas, St. Anargyri, St. Anastasia were built around it. Years later, the fifth church of the Virgin Mary was erected on four buildings. In the last century, the holy monastery was reconstructed. Chapels remained from the churches, one of which has an open entrance.

The famous Greek monastery is easy to find. A white inconspicuous building is located in the very center of Castro, not far from the tavern.

Little Venice of Mykonos

A small quarter of Mykonos with houses by the sea is called Little Venice. Built in the 18th century, two-story white houses belonged to ship captains and noble merchants. Colorful balconies and windows overlooking the sea make this place extraordinarily romantic.

Today, the most luxurious and expensive hotels of the island, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, taverns are located here. Every tourist dreams of watching the sunset at Little Venice. The owners of coastal cafes specially arrange chairs facing the sea so that visitors can enjoy the incredible panorama. Artists and photographers walk around the quarter, ready to capture the traveler against the backdrop of sunset.

Finding a neighborhood is not hard at all. It is located a few steps from the windmills. You should definitely visit this incredible place if you are on the island of Mykonos.

Pelican Petroc

In addition to the variety of historical, cultural, natural attractions, Mykonos also boasts a living symbol - the pelican.

The mascot of the city has its own history. In the 50s of the last century, a pelican, injured by a storm, fell on the coast of Mykonos. The wounded bird was cured by the fishermen. Pelican was very fond of and gave him a nickname - Petros.

Petros got used to the island and its inhabitants that he decided not to fly away. He lived in Mykonos for many years, became a local landmark and favorite. The death of Petros shocked every inhabitant of the island. Heartbroken, the Mykonians missed the bird very much, and fate presented them with a gift.

There were three mascots. They say that the Hamburg Zoo gave two pelicans to the island, and the third repeated the fate of Petros - he was wounded and made an emergency landing. Pelicans were named Irene, Nicholas and Petros (in honor of the first pet). Pink good-natured beauties walk along the embankment, fish, delight residents and guests of the city.

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Not far from Mykonos is the ancient island of Delos. This place was extremely important in ancient times. Today, only ruins remain.

According to legend, it was in Delos that the children of Zeus Artemis and Apollo were born. Their mother Leto, banished by the angry Hero, was forced to wander in search of a secluded place. Poseidon helped his brother's beloved to be based on Delos. This is where the Greek deities were born.

The once empty place turned into a sanctuary. Temples, statues were erected on it, the island was called sacred.

In the 3rd millennium BC. e. The first inhabitants, the Phoenicians, settled here. Then the island passed to the Ionians, who turned it into a major spiritual and commercial center.

In the 5th century BC e. The Athenians forbade the burial of the dead in Delos, as well as the birth of children. They called it "cleansing." After the cleansing, the inhabitants held a magnificent festival in honor of Apollo every 5 years.

During the period of Roman rule, Delos became the largest important port, but the city was soon destroyed by King Pontos.

During excavations on the island, scientists discovered tomb sculptures, steles, vases. All artifacts were transferred to the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos.

The ruins of ancient buildings and temples remained standing in their original place. Among them are powerful statues and columns, a Minoan fountain, a lion's terrace.

Delos is an incredible place that has preserved ancient history. The island is under the protection of UNESCO.

The shortest instruction on how to get to Mykonos by water and by air from Russia or Greece. In this article you will find the main information for tourists: description of routes, prices, many useful links and one photo of Mykonos. But what!

How to get to Mykonos: content of the article

How to get to the island of Mykonos (Greece) from Moscow

It is impossible to get directly from Moscow or St. Petersburg. The easiest and cheapest way to get to this beautiful island is with a transfer in Athens. In any case, the first thing you need (if you don't already have one).

There are two main ways to get to Mykonos from Moscow or St. Petersburg on your own. Your task is to analyze prices and timetables and choose the best route for yourself.

Method one: buy tickets to Mykonos directly from Russia

From Moscow or St. Petersburg you can fly to Mykonos with a transfer in Athens or Thessaloniki. If you are lucky, you can find excellent flight options from Moscow to Mykonos for 130-150 dollars per person, and the transfer time will be only 3-4 hours.

You can find cheap flights to Mykonos with the help of the service Aviasales.ru. It automatically compares prices across all airlines and finds the best deals.

• Flight tickets from St. Petersburg to Mykonos on Aviasales.ru

Aviasales also has a convenient form that allows you to track the prices of air tickets to Mykonos by months. You can set all the necessary settings yourself:

How to get to Mykonos from Moscow on your own? There are two main ways: either get there by plane with a connecting flight, or fly to Athens and take a ferry there.

Method two: buy tickets to Athens, and from there get to Mykonos by ferry

If there are no convenient flight options from Russia to Mykonos on the dates you need, it doesn’t matter. You can fly to Athens and from there take a ferry to Mykonos. It's simple and inexpensive.

Ferries from Athens to Mykonos run several times a day from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina, ticket prices start from 30-35 euros. From Athens airport, each of these ports can be reached both by public transport and by taxi (links to useful information can be found below). Ferry tickets are sold both at port ticket offices and in many travel agencies. If you wish, you can stay overnight in the hotels of Athens or Piraeus.

• Our selections of great hotels: and

How to get to Mykonos from Athens

There are two ways to get to Mykonos from Athens - by ferry and by plane.

Method one: ferry Athens - Mykonos

As mentioned above, ferries to Mykonos depart from two Athenian ports: Rafina and Piraeus. Departure several times a day from early morning until evening. Tickets cost from 30 euros and are sold at the port ticket offices and travel agencies of the city. The journey takes 4.5 hours from Rafina to Mykonos and 5.5 hours from Piraeus to Mykonos.