Mykonos
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For other uses, see Mykonos (disambiguation).
| Image:Flag of Greece.svg Mykonos (Μύκονος) | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 37°27′ N 25°20′ E |
| Country | Greece |
| Periphery | South Aegean |
| Prefecture | Cyclades |
| Population | 9,320 source (2001) |
| Elevation | 35 m |
| Postal code | 846 00 |
| Area code | 22890 |
| Licence plate code | ΕΜ |
| Website | mykonos.gr |
Image:Mykonos Windmills.JPG
Image:Mykonos Island.JPG
Image:Brainsik-mykonoshora.jpg
Image:Myconos 026.jpg
Mykonos (Greek: Μύκονος; see also List of traditional Greek place names) or Myconos is an island of Greece and one of the top tourism destinations in Europe. It is one of the Cyclades, a group of islands of the Aegean Sea, lying between Tinos, Siros, Paros and Naxos. It has an area of 86 km² and an elevation of 364 m and is made mostly of granite. It has little natural fresh water and relies on the desalination of sea water to meet its needs. There are approximately 6200 inhabitants (2002). The largest town is Mykonos, also known as Hora, on the west coast.
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[edit] History
Archaeological finds indicate that the Ionians settled on Mykonos in the early part of the 11th century BC. More recent discoveries have uncovered remnants in Ftelia beach from the Neolithic Kares tribe dating back to as far as 3000 BC.
In Greek mythology Mykonos was the location of the battle between Zeus and the Gigantes and the island was named in honor of Apollo's grandson Mykons. During these ancient times, Mykonos, due to its proximity to the then highly populated island of Delos (situated about 2km away), became very important as a supply island and possibly as a getaway location for Delian citizens.
[edit] Modern Mykonos
Today, Mykonos is a very cosmopolitan island, made famous the last few decades by the international jet set visitors that spend their holidays on the island. Mykonos has clean, magnificent beaches that offer everything from clear-blue waters, windsurfing, sea-side tavernas, loud music and even full nudity. Many Greek and international celebrities have summer residences in Mykonos and can often be seen walking the charming white-washed roads or having dinner at a small street-side table of a local taverna. The island is Greece's playground and one of the top holiday destinations in the world. Some people think you have not really seen what Greece has to offer until you visit Mykonos. The island is one of the most upscale areas of Greece, and its real estate is very expensive. The popularity of the island has given rise to a wave of real estate development (private homes/villas and hotels) and concerns have been expressed that the island is gradually losing its character. The good thing is that (by law) every new building has to abide by the rules of the cycladic architectural style.
[edit] Nightlife
The nightlife of Mykonos is considered by many to be among the best in Europe. Mykonos is often rated among the top clubbing destinations in the Mediterranean, along with Ibiza, Ayia Napa and Rimini. Mykonos also attracts world-famous DJs to its beach bars the most well-known of which are Paradise, Super Paradise and Paranga. In addition, Mykonos is a gay-friendly resort area during the summer, featuring several gay clubs. Mykonos nightlife focuses mainly on bars rather than clubs, yet there are notable clubs also.
[edit] Historical population
| Year | Communal population | Change | Municipal population | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 4,895 | - | - | - | -/km² |
| 1991 | 3,935 | -960/-19.61% | 6,179 | - | 71.85/km² |
[edit] Communities
- Agios Stefanos
- Ano Mera
- Ftelia
- Kalafatis
- Marathi
- Myconos or Chora
- Ornos
- Platy Gialo
[edit] Other
Myconos has a few schools, lyceums, a gymnasia, churches, banks, a post office and squares (plateies).
[edit] External links
- Municipality of Mykonos
- Travel guide for Mykonos fully detailed
- Photos of Mykonos
- Wander around Mykonos
- Mykonos Travel guide
- Map and Aerial photos:
- Mapquest - Myconos, street map not yet available
- Mykonos travel guide from Wikitravel
[edit] See also
| Municipalities and communities of the Cyclades Prefecture |
|---|
| Amorgos • Andros • Ano Syros • Drymalia • Ermoupoli • Exomvourgo • Ios • Kea • Korthio • Kythnos • Milos • Mykonos • Naxos • Paros • Poseidonia • Santorini • Serifos • Sifnos • Tinos • Ydrousa • Petaloudes • Rhodes • South Rhodes • Symi • Tilos |
| Anafi • Antiparos • Donousa • Folegandros • Irakleia • Kimolos • Koufonisi • Oia • Panormos • Schoinoussa • Sikinos |
ca:Míkonos cs:Mýkonos de:Mykonos el:Μύκονος es:Miconos fr:Mykonos he:מיקונוס it:Mykonos lb:Mýkonos nl:Mikonos ja:ミコノス島 pt:Míconos fi:Mykonos sv:Mykonos zh:米科诺斯岛
