Mykonos is a Greek island in the Cyclades that is known for its strong winds. It has an area of 85.5 square kilometers (33 square mi) and a population of 10,134 people.
It has two main settlements, Chora and Ano Mera, and its area is 85 square kilometers.
In the 11th century BC, Mykonos was an important place for transit and supplies but also a poor island with limited agricultural resources.
Mykonos was controlled by the Romans during the reign of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire until 1204, and then by the Catalans until 1390.
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Mykonos Island Facts for Kids
- It is said that Zeus and the Titans fought on this island.
- This island was considered poor in ancient times.
- Currently, tourism is the leading source of income.
- The island has more than forty secluded bays and beaches.
- There are over 800 churches on the island, 80 of which are historical museums.
History of the Island
In 1537, Mykonos was attacked by an Ottoman fleet under the leadership of Kapudan Pasha, and a system of self-governance was imposed. In 1718, the last of the Venetians withdrew from the region.
Manto Mavrogenous, a Greek national hero, led the Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Empire and sacrificed her family’s fortune for the Greek cause.
In the late 19th century, many Mykonians left the island to find work in mainland Greece and many foreign countries.
Tourism soon began to dominate the local economy owing to the excavations carried out by the French School of Archaeology. By the 1960s, Mykonos became popular with international jet set tourists and gay tourists.
Mythology
Mykonos was named after its first ruler, the son or grandson of Apollo, and a local hero. In mythology, the island was the location of the battle between Zeus and Giants.
The Best beaches on Mykonos
There are 25 beaches in Mykonos. The most popular are Paradise, Super Paradise, Paraga, and Psarou, while Elia, Platys Gialos, and Kalafatis are good for water sports.
On the north coast, Myrsine and foto’s coves are pebbled and naturist-friendly, while ornos has a seafront with dozens of seafront restaurants.
The tiny capital of Hora is a warren of narrow, bedecked with bougainvillea streets full of picture-perfect boutiques, restaurants, and churches.
The shopping in Mykonos is excellent, with Greek designers, art galleries, and boutiques, as well as an open-air cinema, a small traditional village, and the whitewashed Tourliani Monastery.
Mykonos has plenty of diving opportunities, including walls, caves, and wrecks, and it’s a gateway to Delos, an archaeological site, and a Unesco World Heritage site. Yummy Pedals offers guided mountain-bike tours of Mykonos, and the island has many great swimming beaches.
