Welcome to
Mykonos

View on map

Since the ‘60s Mykonos has been a symbol of cosmopolitan and luxurious vacations and it is one of the most world-renowned Greek travel destinations. It is also famous for being a gay friendly destination.

Hundreds of celebrities, members of the international jet set, artists, intellectuals, tycoons, ship owners and politicians have all strolled through the alleys of Chora partying till the break of dawn or they have moored their yachts in the island’s bays with the exquisite crystal clear waters, experiencing unforgettable moments. Some of the people that have visited Mykonos so far are: Marlon Brando, Grace Kelly, Richard Burton, Jackie Kennedy, Melina Merkouri, Konstantinos Karamanlis, Soraya, Liz Taylor, Rudolf Nureyev, Nikos Kavvadias, the great architect Le Corbusier, the designer Giannis Tseklenis, Pierre Cardin, Stavros Niarchos, Maurice Bejart, Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas, George Seferis, Odysseas Elytis, Yannis Tsarouchis, Nikos Engonopoulos and Nikos Kazantzakis .

They say Mykonos was a gift of the gods to the humans. The island’s visitors can have fun and dance at its beach bars and clubs, shop at its luxury stores and art venues and experience unforgettable moments by enjoying the unique sunlight of Mykonos that was praised by many poets. Its wonderful beaches, which are considered to be among the most beautiful ones of the Aegean, make the island stand out from the rest. Chora of Mykonos is one of the most impressive Cycladic settlements. You will find exquisite hotels, branded stores, jewelry shops, galleries and some of the most well-known restaurants and bars in Greece there. The island’s proximity to Delos has been a unique advantage since the Antiquity. In fact, the first tourists of the island in the early 20th century, when Mykonos was still underdeveloped, were people who came to visit the archaeological site of Delos!

The Aegean sunlight, the austerity of the Cycladic landscape and the playful frolic between shades of white and cyan still enchant the visitors. Besides, this is one of the reasons that celebrities from all around the world have built or bought villas here. As Nikos Kazantzakis once wrote “… you cannot say that a city is beautiful unless you have seen Jerusalem, St. Petersburg and Mykonos”…

Diving

ACTIVITIES DIVING

Festivals and customs

CULTURE RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS

Architecture

ARCHITECTURE CULTURE

Walk

CHORA SIGHTS

Water sports

ACTIVITIES WATER SPORTS

Horse Riding

ACTIVITIES

By Boat

ACTIVITIES BY BOAT

Psarou

BEACHES

Houlakia

BEACHES

Ftelia

BEACHES

More Info

The bakery of Yioras
The building dates back to the 17th century. It is the oldest bakery that is still in operation on Mykonos today. It was named after its old owner and father of its current owner, Mr. Nikos Vamvakouris. “Yioras” was the nickname of the baker, because he was too tall. The rustic bread and the rusks (twice-baked bread pieces), the ‘kouloures’ (Easter bread coils) and the ‘Christopsoma’ (Christmas bread) are still baked in the same old wood oven that operates on brushwood. The bakery is located on Ignatios Mpasioulas Street.

The rocky islet of Agios Georgios
. It is located west of Chora, near the Cape of Diakoftis. It was named after the chapel of Agios Georgios. It is also called the island of Baos after the Mykonian pirate Georgios Baos, who took part in the Orlov Revolt.

Htapodia
The rocky islets of Htapodia (the Mykonians call them Stapodia) are located about 5 miles southeast of the island. Strong winds usually blow over them and access to them is difficult. Seals visit Htapodia, as well. The seabed around the surrounding reefs is impressive. Rineia is another islet near Mykonos that is worth visiting.

Tragonisi and Htapodia
Tragonisi (or Dragonisi) is about one mile off the eastern coast of Mykonos (3 miles away from the bay of Kalafatis). There is a cove to the northeast where boats can moor when no wind blows. There is also an impressive cave on that side of Tragonisi through which small boats or inflatables can pass when the sea is calm. There are other smaller caves on Tragonisi, as well, that are visited by Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus).

Make sure you try the ‘kopanisti’ cheese, the ‘xinotyro’ (sour cheese), the ‘louza’ (cooked pork – similar to Italian prosciutto) and the sausages of the island. Many stores in Chora sell these products.

– The ‘kopanisti’ cheese is a product of the Cyclades, but the ‘kopanisti’ of Mykonos is probably the most famous one. This spicy soft cheese with the strong aroma is made of cow milk (in some cases a small portion of lamb or goat milk is added, as well). More cheese is added to it during its maturation period in cloth baskets that are called ‘tsantiles’. It has been officially recognized as a Product of Protected Designation of Origin and it is solely produced in the Cyclades. The Mykonians call it ‘myzithra’, as well.

-The traditional sausages of Mykonos are spiced with savory, oregano, salt, pepper and allspice. They are hanged to dry in the open.

-Wines are produced from the varieties of Aidani, Assyrtiko, Athyri, Malagouzia, Mandilari etc.

-When it comes to pastries, you have to try the ‘amygdalota’ that are made with ground almond on Mykonos and other Cycladic islands, as well. The ‘amigdalota”, whose shape is long and narrow, are first baked and then covered with sugar.

‘CHIROSFAGIA’ (Pig slaughter festival)

The annual slaughter of domesticated pigs and the family feasts that follow constitute one of the rural traditions of Mykonos that has been preserved to this day. ‘Louzes’, sausages, ‘syglina’ (corned pork), corned lard, ‘paides’ (rib cages) etc. are produced during the ‘chirosfagia’. This custom dates back to the Antiquity and has a Dionysian ritual character.

Info

The ‘chirosfagia’ take place in early October. A special event is organized by the Association of Mykonian Women.

For further information please call:

+30 22890 22692

www.mykonoswomenculture.gr

You can reach Mykonos by boat or plane. There is a daily boat service connecting Mykonos to the ports of Piraeus and Rafina. You can reach Mykonos from other islands, such as Paros, Santorini and Naxos, as well.

Mykonos is 94NM away from Piraeus and 71NM away from Rafina.

Airport of Mykonos:

+30 22890 79000

Port Authority:

+30 22890 22218

Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport of Athens:

+30 210 3530000

www.aia.gr

Municipality of Mykonos:

+30 22890 22201

+30 22890 23261

+30 22890 23990