Mykonos, Greece Guide

A hedonistic combination of Hollywood glamour and seductive scenery, Mykonos maintains the same carefree vibe that attracted the summering starlets of the sixties, while catering to those with a penchant for decadence.

For a taste of island indulgence, head to upmarket haunt Nammos, where you’ll be amongst a crowd of affluent Athenians, lounging models, bohemian artists and A-listers. Relax under a parasol, listening to dulcet beach club beats while cobalt blue waters lap against the shore. Feast on fresh-caught calamari, unwind over a long lunch with a few bottles of champagne, or stay into the evening when the real party begins.

Wander the cobblestoned streets of Chora, meandering past whitewashed churches and blue domed roofs, pausing at a boutique or gallery. Or charter a yacht to neighbouring Rhenia, where you’ll find unspoilt beaches, sugary sand and emerald waters dappled with inky blues. Come the evening, return to the sweet seclusion of your luxurious villa. Gaze out over the azure waters of the Aegean, the buttery smell of garlic drifting from the kitchen where your dinner is being prepared. Let the refreshing summer Meltemi wind wash over you, as the passing boats drift languidly across the sparkling horizon.

Mykonos, a small island located in the Aegean Sea, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece today. But the history of this picturesque island dates back thousands of years and is filled with interesting tales and events.

The island was first inhabited in around 3000 BC by the Carians, a tribe from Asia Minor. They named the island “Mykonos” after their leader, Mykonos. The island then went through a series of rulers, including the Minoans, Phoenicians, and Ionians, before being conquered by the Persians in the 6th century BC.

During the Persian wars, Mykonos played a crucial role as a naval base for the Greeks. It was here that the Athenian admiral, Themistocles, defeated the Persian fleet in a decisive battle, cementing the island’s importance in Greek history.

In the following years, Mykonos became a part of the Delian League, an alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens. The island prospered under the league and became a major trading center, thanks to its strategic location in the Aegean Sea.

However, in the 1st century BC, Mykonos, like the rest of Greece, fell under Roman rule. The island then went through a period of decline until the Byzantine Empire took over in the 4th century AD. The Byzantines built a fortress on the island to protect it from pirate attacks, and remnants of this fortress can still be seen today.

In the 13th century, Mykonos was conquered by the Venetians, who added the island to their maritime empire. The Venetians heavily influenced the island’s architecture, and many of the iconic whitewashed buildings and windmills that we see today are a result of their presence.

During the Ottoman Empire, Mykonos was a popular hiding place for pirates, who took advantage of its secluded coves and bays. However, in the early 1800s, the island was liberated by the Russians and became a part of the newly formed Greek state.

In the 20th century, Mykonos began to transform into a popular tourist destination, attracting artists and writers from all over the world. It was also a popular destination for the rich and famous, with celebrities such as Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis frequenting the island.

Today, Mykonos is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and traditional Cycladic architecture. It continues to attract tourists from all over the world, with its rich history and unique charm.