History of Mykonos

If you go downhill skiing in the Alps in the winter, and cruises in the summer, and generally prefer European luxury, then the island resort of Mykonos is your choice. The beach vacation here is one of the most expensive in all of Europe, there are more “vip” and “luxury” hotels than the neighboring islands combined. On the island’s narrow streets or in its many restaurants, you can meet world celebrities – from European politicians to American actors. And all because Mykonos is everything by the definition of “super”: nature, climate, sea and relaxation.

Mykonos is a liberated Greek island

Mykonos appears in ancient Greek mythology. Apollo’s son was named Mykonos, he was a noble hero, and the island in the middle of the Aegean Sea was named in honor of him. Legend has it that many monsters lived on the island, but it was destroyed by Hercules and frozen forever in the form of a strangely shaped large rock.

The official history of Mykonos corresponds to the general history of Greece. Archaeologists have discovered that the island was already inhabited in the 3rd millennium BC. The Calesans originally settled here, but only at the beginning of the 11th century. BC e. The indigenous people were overthrown by the Ionians. Like all ancient Hellas, Mykonos was part of the Roman Empire, which was under Venetian rule in the 12th century and was conquered by the Ottoman Empire 300 years later. The Ottoman Empire remained under its yoke until the early 19th century.

In 1830, the island became independent as part of Greece. In a distressed history, Mikonos was not distinguished by wealth and the inhabitants were mainly engaged in agriculture, but by the beginning of the last century, shipping and trade had already developed here and the hotel business had developed. started. Unfortunately, the island was looted during World War I and lost most of its inhabitants-they sought a job on the mainland. But in the middle of the last century, creative intellectuals began to visit Mikonos for inspiration and evacuation from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Famous painters, artists and sculptors stayed throughout the summer, followed by European higher societies, businessmen and big merchants. Life and tranquility here gradually begin to bring complete and forgiving freedom. The island soon opened with expensive hotels and villas, the most popular brand stores and the best chain stores in Europe. This is how Mikonos gained his own “bohemian image”. He is still attracting people from all over the world today.

Mykonos Today

Located at the junction of the main sea routes of the Aegean Sea, these are the most famous of the Cyclades islands. The coastline is about 90 km. The area of ​​this island is 85.5 km2. You can get around by bus, but they run every half hour. Taxis are scarce and it is often a problem to take a taxi, so it is better to walk for short distances. Most island guests prefer to rent a scooter, motorbike or ATV (20-25 euros per day). The main resort of Mykonos is located on the south coast: 2 km from the capital city – Ornos, 3 km from Agios Iannis. Platis Yialos and Psarou – 3.5 km, Paranga – 5 km, Heaven – 6 km, Super Heaven – 7 km, Agrarian – 10 km, Elijah – 10.5 km. There are almost always strong winds on the north coast, and the beaches attract most windsurfing enthusiasts.

Weather in Mykonos

Mykonos is called the “island of the four seasons” because you can visit it in any season. The climate here is so cool and dry that in winter it is good to walk in solitude and admire the scenery, in early spring and late autumn – to see the sights, and from April to October – to sunbathe, swim and have fun. January’s average temperature is only a few degrees from April’s. The beach season in Mykonos opens in late April and ends in October. The average temperatures during this period are as follows:

April: noon +18, night +11, sea +19;

May: noon +23, night +14, sea +19;

June: noon +24, night +18, sea +22;

July: noon +30, night +21, sea +24;

August: noon +29, night +21, sea +24;

September: noon +27, night +18, sea +24;

October: +22, night +15, sea +22.

Despite the high temperatures in the summer months and the island’s almost complete absence of groves and forests that provide shade, Mykonos does not heat up due to the strong cool breeze.