mykonos island

The most popular of all the Greek islands, Mykonos has earned a reputation as a fashionable global destination thanks to its combination of relaxed beach life and an abundance of evening entertainment and relaxed atmosphere. Lovers, couples, honeymooners, and people of all orientations have come to love the island for its sense of freedom, the variety of beaches, the variety of nudist beaches, the excellent shopping opportunities, the luxurious hotels of Mykonos. Mykonos and the exquisite restaurants and beautiful landscapes that create a romantic ambiance. The islanders are known for their democratic outlook and open-mindedness, which allows them to tolerate the eccentricities of holidaymakers, which is why Mykonos Island Greece is considered a symbol of free living. A Mykonos holiday is just the right opportunity to pamper yourself in the ultra trendy thalassotherapy centres during the day and to show off your beautiful outfits, tan and sparkling eyes in the evening. There's a reason the island attracts famous politicians, artists, couturiers and top models.

The island's administrative centre and the most fashionable resort in Greece, Mykonos, is located on a level playing field and is in high demand by tourists. The whitewashed town with its small lime-white cube houses with geraniums on the windows, its maze of narrow cobbled streets that shelter its residents from the wind and pirates, and its cosy tavernas, is a perfect example of a typical Cycladic village. Its bustling port has become one of the most photographed places in Greece. Near the wharf, one can see the pelican Petros, the island's mascot, catching fish. Traditionally, when sailors set out to sea they make a vow to build a church if they return home safely. Perhaps this is why there are 700 white churches with red and blue domes in Mykonos. The most beautiful of these, the Byzantine Church of Our Lady of Paraportiani, is near the harbour.

Getting to the outskirts of the city, you find yourself in the little Venice of Alefkandra, with narrow picturesque streets and houses that come up to the water itself so that the waves play against the walls. The archaeological museum displays artefacts from the nearby island of Rinia, including 7th century BC terracottas in relief depicting the Trojan Horse and the fall of Troy. The Ethnographic Museum has collections of antique furniture, musical instruments and icons. Lovers of antiquity can visit the nearby small uninhabited island of Delos, which was a major religious centre 3000 years ago. This is the birthplace of Apollo, the god of sun and light, and his sister Artemis (Diana), the goddess of the moon and the hunt. Today, the island has been turned into an open-air museum, preserving the ruins of formerly magnificent buildings and the lion figures along the road that once connected the temple of Latona, the mother of Apollo and Artemis, with the sacred lake.

Legend has it that the island takes its name from the ancient hero Mykonos. According to mythology, Hercules slayed the titans on the island whose bodies were petrified and turned into rocks. Mykonos is famous for the natural beauty of its landscape - low craggy hills, the blue sea and endless golden sandy beaches. The winds do not produce stifling summer heat and the weather is comfortable for relaxing by the sea. There are no green plains and the beaches are visited for their sheer number, providing a secluded spot to take a break from the crowds. One of the best beaches on the island is the large sandy public beach of the fashionable family resort of Platis Ialos, 3.5km south of Mykonos town. From here there are boat trips to neighbouring picturesque coves with trendy beaches. Radical sun-worshippers head south-east to the famous nudist beaches of Paranga, Paradise, Super Paradise and Elia. Windsurfing enthusiasts love the beaches around Ftélia and Psaru Beach has a diving centre.