Mykonos is a Cycladic island in the Aegean Sea, particularly famous for its summer party vibe and extravagant lifestyle. But also one of the most beautiful island of Mediterranean sea.

According to Greek mythology, the island got its name from Mykonos, its first ruler, who, many believe, was a descendant of the Greek God of Light and Music, Apollo. It is also said that Mykonos hosted the legendary fight between the Titans and the highest of the gods of Olympus, Zeus. When the father of all gods defeated the Titans, he imprisoned them under the island’s rocky terrain in a region called Houlakia or Choulakia, where they (allegedly) still remain.

Mykonos’ nickname is The Island of the Winds due to the strong Meltemi winds that blow often but it may also be referred to as the Queen of the Cyclades.

Mykonos was poverty-stricken until the 1950s, when the bohemians and artists first, and then the royals and the a-lists, discovered the island. This led to the gradual transformation of Mykonos from a relatively barren island into a party mecca that caters for an upmarket clientele, with elegant, exclusive villas, elite restaurants, luxury boutiques, VIP beach bars, and more.

There are over 40 beaches in Mykonos, four of which are nudist beaches. Among the most populated are Super Paradise, Elia, and Paraga beach, where the craziest parties take place, while you will also find lots of secluded bays and coves to meet your requirements for privacy and tranquillity.

 Places to visit

 Armenistis LightHouse

The 19-metre-tall Armenistis Lighthouse is one of the most beautiful sights in Mykonos. It dates back to 1891 (some people say, 1894) and is home to pristine views and seascapes. Armenistis Lighthouse occupies a space in the Fanari region, 7km from Mykonos Town and its focal height exceeds 180 meters.

Little Venice

Little Venice is one of the most romantic and idyllic spots in Mykonos. Its original name is Alefkandra but slipped into a more touristy version due to the resemblance the local authorities believed this place has with the Italian city of Venice.

Besides the gorgeous sunset views, this quaint neighbourhood also offers a plethora of entertainment options, from cafes and bistros to bars, tavernas, and restaurants

Mykonos Windmills

The construction of the famous Mykonos windmills begun in the 16th century by the Venetians. At that time, grain production (wheat, in particular) was the primary occupation of Mykonos residents and the windy weather created the ideal conditions to operate a windmill. Over time, the focus has shifted from grain production to tourism, making the windmills a scenic landscape for visitors to visit. Today, some 16 windmills survive on the island, with 5 of them sitting on a straight strip of land (aka Kato Mili), offering staggering views of the Aegean Sea, the beautiful coastline, and the picturesque Little Venice.

Delos Island

Mykonos-owned Delos island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. In the Hellenistic years (during the Peloponnese war to be precise), though, the Athenians decided to purify Delos. No woman was allowed to have children and no person could be buried or have their funeral there.

Petros The Pelican – Mykonos

Petros the Pelican is the island mascot. The story begins in 1958, when a white pelican was found injured off the coast of Mykonos. The fisherman that found the bird nursed it back to life and it quickly became locals’ favourite, who nicknamed him Petros. Petros was so loved that the Mykonians once fought a custody case over him when he flew to neighbouring island of Tinos and locals decided they wanted to keep him! Petros was returned to Mykonos, where he was welcomed with a big party with lots of drinks, food, and music. From then on, thousands of visitors have been photographed with the friendly pelican until 1985 when he was killed by a car. To soothe the locals’ mourning and grief, both Jackie Kennedy Onassis and the zoo of Hamburg donated a pelican each (called Irene and Petros). Some years later, another wounded pelican landed in Mykonos, was treated by the locals, and was nicknamed Nikolas. Should you walk the streets of Mykonos, have a look around for any of these birds and, why not, pose with it for an Instagram picture (or two)!