Mykonos (city) travel guide

Mykonos (Greek: Μύκονος) or Myconos is a Greek island and one of the top international tourist destinations, famous around the globe for its cosmopolitan character and its intense nightlife. The island is part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Siros, Paros and Naxos. It spans an area of and rises at an elevation of 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.

Landmarks

* Petros the Pelican - An old celebrity of the town's waterfront, "Petro" 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.

* Delos - One of Greece's most famous archaeologic sites, it is an island located 2 kilometers to the west of Mykonos. The entire island has been declared a national museum.

Communities

Agios Stefanos (Gr. Άγιος Στέφανος meaning Saint Stephen) is a sandy beach next to the new harbor, Tourlos, of Mykonos. It is located 3.5 km from Mykonos town. Agios Stefanos attracts a large number of tourists each summer since there are many facilities close to the beach. Visitors will find there sunbeds, umbrellas and most of water sports availabe at other mykonian beaches as well.There are also many hotels that offer accommodation, while on the beach there is a great variety of restaurants and cafes to keep anyone satisfied. The beach can be reached via taxi, private vehicle or regular bus service from town.
* Ano Mera
Ftelia (Gr. Φτελιά) is a world-wide famous beach on the island of Mykonos. Its northern location has established the beach as a windsurfer's paradise, as it almost always quite windy. The beach is also well-known for the famous neolithic settlement found there that is believed to be the tomb of ancient Iliad war hero Ajax the Locrian. Ftelia is an isolated, very tranquil place during the busy Mykonos months and as it is not very crowded because it is quite windy and dusty.
* Kalafatis
* Marathi
* Myconos or Chora
* Ornos
* Platy Gialo
* Psarou
Psarou Beach (Greek Ψαρού ) is one of the most famous beaches of Mykonos island. Every year thousands of tourists and celebrities visit this sandy beach, which is organized offering luxurious sunbeds and umbrellas. Due to Psarou's popularity, specially during August, which is the peak of high season, there is a waiting list for the sunbeds and umbrellas. This cosmopolitan beach is surrounded by fancy restaurants, tavernas, mini markets. Many luxury hotels are also built around Psarou. It is located 4 km from Mykonos town (or Chora) and it is close to Platys Gialos.