Mykonos

The first inhabitants of Mykonos were the Carians and the Phoenicians. The Ionians settled on the island around 1000 BC and became its rulers. Later on, the Roman conquerors were replaced by the Byzantines, who constructed defensive fortifications against the Arab pirates in the 7th century. In 1292, the island was attacked by the Catalans and then came under direct control of the Venetians. During the Ottoman rule, the island was under the supervision of the commander of the Ottoman fleet.

The population of Mykonos increased in the late 18th century with the arrival of immigrants from Crete and other nearby islands. During the Greek War of Independence in 1821, the inhabitants of Mykonos, under the leadership of Manto Mavrogenous, faced and repelled an attack by the Turkish fleet in 1822 and participated in the liberation struggle.

The archaeological excavations initiated by the French School of Archaeology in Athens on the island of Delos in 1873 brought the area to the forefront of foreign and local aristocratic circles. Already from 1930, many famous visitors were coming to the island and discovering its unique beauty. After World War II, Mykonos effectively capitalized on the development of tourism in southern Europe and, thanks to the industriousness, unmatched "style," and entrepreneurial perception of its residents, it achieved one of the most coveted positions in the international tourism market.

• Super Paradise: One of the most beautiful Greek beaches with golden sand and crystal-clear, emerald waters. It's the place where the dancing heart of Mykonos beats, with wild parties taking place on the sand, featuring intense rhythms and an eccentric lifestyle.
• Psarou: An incredibly picturesque and idyllic beach with fine, golden sand and shallow, crystalline waters. It is one of the most beautiful and well-organized beaches in Mykonos, with luxurious beach bars and restaurants offering impeccable service by the sea. It also provides opportunities for water sports. It attracts admirers from all over the world, including celebrities and famous personalities.
• Kalafatis: A large and cosmopolitan beach with endless sandy shores and shallow, turquoise waters, located in the southeast of the island. It is fully organized with straw umbrellas, comfortable sunbeds, and beach bars that offer excellent service by the beach while you enjoy beautiful music. It is particularly popular among the trendy crowd as well as families with young children.
• Elia: It is the largest beach in Mykonos, offering vast golden sand and excellent organization with facilities for all kinds of water sports. It is particularly popular among families and exudes a truly cosmopolitan atmosphere.
• Kappari: A small, exotic cove located to the west of Chora (Mykonos Town). It is a natural paradise with fine sand and crystal-clear, emerald waters, surrounded by smooth, white cliffs. It caters to visitors seeking tranquility and is an ideal destination for those who love peace and quiet. The beach also offers stunning sunsets with a fantastic view of Delos.

• Explore the Mykonian countryside and discover the small rural settlements and the hundreds of chapels with their characteristic red roofs. Some of the most beautiful farmhouses are located in the areas of Lenno and Chalara, to the east of the airport.
• Discover the neighboring island of Rhenia and enjoy its unique virgin beaches, crystal-clear waters, and hidden caves it holds. Experience diving into its enchanting seabed and explore the impressive sea caves of the rocky islets Tragonisi and Htapodia, which serve as a sanctuary for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).
• Enjoy a movie at the open-air cinema Cine Manto, a paradise of palm trees, pine trees, and cacti in the heart of Chora, while savoring frozen margaritas.
• Make a stop at the legendary bakery of Giorgos, the oldest wood-fired oven still in operation since the 17th century in the neighborhood of Lakkas. It's worth visiting its small café and enjoying an iced cappuccino and its delicious pies.

• In Mykonos, you can discover one of the most enchanting Choras (towns) in the Cyclades. A white seaside village that invites you to explore it through intricate whitewashed alleys, small staircases, white houses with colorful doors and balconies adorned with bougainvillea, flowers, and old churches.
• Admire the unique beauty of Panagia Paraportiani, a cluster of five small churches built between the sea and the gate of Mykonos' medieval castle, dating back from the 16th to the 17th century. This complex, resembling a sculpture shaped by the passage of time, is a true masterpiece and a popular architectural landmark in the Aegean.
• Don't forget to visit the sacred island of Delos, one of the largest religious centers of the ancient world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The radiant ancient city of Delos, bathed in intense light, was the mythical birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis, exuding a magical energy in every corner.
• Be enchanted by "Little Venice," the picturesque neighborhood of Alefkandra, with its 18th-century captain houses and colorful balconies seemingly hanging over the sea. Today, most of these buildings house cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can relax with a drink and enjoy the view of Greece's most impressive sunset.
• Don't forget to take a photo in front of the Kato Myloi (Lower Windmills), which are one of the most famous landmarks in Mykonos. These seven cylindrical windmills with their thatched roofs were built in the 18th century and are located on a hill south of Chora. They were originally used for grinding the island's grains. Their presence becomes even more impressive at night when they are illuminated.

These are just a few of the enchanting places you can visit and discover in the stunning Chora of the Cyclades.