Mykonos

Island Overview

Mykonos is an idyllic island in Greece, and it usually tops the bucket list of most travelers all over the world. The island is famous for its whitewashed blue-roofed houses, windmills, and waterfront which attracts all kinds of tourists from jet setters to honeymooners. Mykonos is also among the most popular islands in the Cyclades for yacht charters in Greece. It is filled with a wide range of attractions and activities to try out.

The island has a vibrant vibe, and it is a great destination where you can party all night long while in Greece. Mykonos will surely leave you astonished, and you will not stay long before you come back here.

Navigation

Ormos Mikonou is a great place to anchor off Mykonos town. You can easily anchor your yacht in either the two coves S of the old harbor. The bottom does come up quickly in the bays, and it is best to anchor in 7-10m. You can anchor in southerlies in Ormos Korfos in 4-6m on mud and weed.

You can also anchor in Ormos Ornos, which is located on the S side of Mykonos, just E of Ak Alogomandra. The bottom of the bay has a poor holding, and you should anchor 5-10m at the head of the bay.

Head to Ormos Kalo Livadi, an open bay on the W side of Ak Makorefalis and anchor off the beach in 3-6m. Some of the other anchorages where you can anchor your yacht in Mykonos are Ormos Kalafatis and Ormos Ayios Annas.

General information

Mykonos is among the most famous Greek Islands in the Cycladic region because of its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife. The island is dubbed the Ibiza of Greece because of its dynamic nightlife scenes, which attracts celebrities and famous personalities every summer. Mykonos is not only suitable for party-goers alone as it offers mouth-watering cuisines, romantic attractions, and cultural activities to try out. The island offers a wealth of attractions to explore, from relaxation to partying hard.

Places of Interest

Windmills of Kato Mili

You will find the windmills on the coast outside of the Little Venice neighborhood in Mykonos Town. The windmills of Kato Mili were among the seven windmills left in Mykonos, and it is among the iconic sites not to miss while on the island. The best thing about them is that you can visit free of charge and it offers tourists the chance to take Instagram-worthy pictures. It is also a great spot to enjoy the mind-blowing sunset views in Mykonos.

You will find this church in the Kastro neighborhood just north of Little Venice. It is among the places not to miss while in Mykonos. It was constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries, and it features four separate but interconnected churches under a fifth church built on the top. You can then explore the churches, and it also offers lovely picture opportunities for tourists.

The museum houses collections of archaeological finds that are recovered from Mykonos and adjacent islands, which dates back from prehistory to the Hellenistic Period. If you are a history and art lover, you should make sure you do not miss the museum while in Mykonos.

You will find the Armenistis Lighthouse on the northwestern part of the island. The lighthouse stands at 19m, and it offers mind-blowing views of the Aegean Sea and the neighboring island of Tinos.

This beach is the perfect destination for tourists that want to escape from the crowds. The beach is usually quieter than the beaches in the South, and it does not have beachfront bars, sunbeds, or restaurants. It is a perfect beach to go for a romantic afternoon with your lover and enjoy the quiet time.

Little Venice is a popular tourist hotspot in Mykonos. It is called Little Venice because it looks similar to the Venice of Italy with its mind-blowing architecture and sceneries. You will find Little Venice in Mykonos Town, and you can unwind at the numerous bars and cafes while enjoying the stunning views. You should also ensure you do not miss the windmills while you are here.

This beach can be found in the southern part of the island, and it is regarded as the most crowded and popular beach in Mykonos. It features deep white sand with stunning turquoise waters that attract both the locals and tourists from all over the world. The best thing is that the beach is well organized as it is equipped with taverns, beach bars, and sunbeds.

History of Mykonos

Mykonos during the antiquity period is much connected to their neighboring Delos history. The island is named after the son of the King of Delos, Mykonos. Another version was that the island was named after Mykons, a local hero who was regarded as Apollo’s son or grandson. According to mythology, the island was formed from the giants’ carcass that Hercules fought and threw inside the sea.

Based on the archaeological finds on Mykonos, the island was established by the Ionians during the 11th century BC. The Ionians came from Athens, and they settled in a place known today as Chora. The island also has close relations with Delos and they are not far from each other. Mykonos experienced prosperity during the glorious years of Delos as it became an important place for supplies and transit.

The island came under the control of the Romans during the reigns of the Roman Empire. In 1204, it was under the Byzantine Empire, and the Venetians inhabited the island. The island was also occupied by the pirates, Catalans, Turks, and Russians for a short period till the beginning of the Greek revolution. The island also played a crucial role with Manto Mavrogenous, one of the Greek national heroines in 1821, to fight for Greek independence. Although numerous occupations occupied the island, it prospered because of its geopolitical place, which makes it an important trading center.

The island went through a period of obscurity before it was discovered again in the 20th century by the locals. The island then became the favorite place for politicians and celebrities because of the findings of the excavations on Delos island.