Mykonos: A Greek Island With Many Facets
Authentic by day and festive by night, Mykonos is THE trendy destination for members of the international jet-set! But this Greek island, which has become "the place to be" in the Cyclades in just a few decades, is not just about its parties and nightlife. We invite you to discover the different facets of this vibrant destination.
Mykonos the festive
Unlike other Greek islands, people don't come to Mykonos in the Cyclades just for its ancient ruins and pristine white churches.
A destination synonymous with luxury and partying, this island owes its fame more to its restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, and fine sandy beaches! Among the various possible destinations in Greece, this island located between Tinos, Syros, Paros, and Naxos is the favorite destination of the jet-set, night owls, and the gay community.
Known worldwide for its gay-friendly nature, Mykonos is not reserved for a gay audience but generally attracts singles who love to party. The island, which has about 9,000 inhabitants, welcomes 400,000 visitors each year!
Mykonos the Authentic
Very lively at night, Mykonos regains a peaceful atmosphere in the morning when the "jet setters" are still asleep. Early morning is the best time of the day to discover a completely different side of the island and wander through its white alleyways.
You can then enjoy a more authentic atmosphere and admire its small white houses adorned with flowers and blue shutters, its windmills and dovecotes, not to mention a myriad of small churches.
Note: Just like the windmills, pelicans are another very... lucrative local symbol! Souvenir shops are overflowing with plush toys, objects, and postcards featuring this bird.
Mykonos the tourist postcard
The capital of the island of Mykonos, Chora, is home to several must-see tourist attractions:
• the famous windmills.
• the port and its colorful boats.
• the museums: the archaeological museum, the folklore museum, the maritime museum, the cultural museum, as well as a private museum showcasing unique collections of old furniture.
• Little Venice, also known as Alefkandra, one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of Mykonos with its seaside houses, whose balconies overlook the water.
Mykonos the natural
Even though Mykonos is known for its parties, the island is not limited to that. This natural gem in the Cyclades will also captivate you with the beauty of its landscapes. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, it boasts golden sandy beaches that contrast with its arid hills dotted with small white chapels.
Elia Beach and Ornos Beach are ideal for those who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of party beaches. Quieter, they offer crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and water activities such as scuba diving and paddleboarding.
As for Paradise Beach, the most famous beach on the island, it lives up to its name and is definitely worth a visit!
Mykonos the mythological
According to Greek mythology, it was in Mykonos that Hercules killed the Giants, an episode known as the Gigantomachy. As the island is scattered with colossal granite blocks, which seem to balance on the arid ground, legend has it that Hercules buried the Giants under these rocks after defeating them.
This episode recounts that the Giants attacked the gods of Olympus. They attempted to climb Olympus by piling mountains upon mountains and began hurling flaming trees and huge rocks.
Faced with this danger, the Olympians called upon Heracles / Hercules for help because, according to an oracle, only a mortal could defeat these Giants. While Zeus burned them with his lightning, Heracles toppled mountains that crushed them.
Today, the peaceful atmosphere of the port when arriving on the island gives no hint of the titanic battle that, according to Greek mythology, took place in these locations....
