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Satellite Image of Mykonos
Mykonos (Greek: Μύκονος; see also List of traditional Greek place names) or Myconos is an island of Greece. 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. It is made mostly of granite and has little water. There are approximately 6200 inhabitants (2002). The largest town is Mykonos, also known as Hora, on the west coast.
Historical population
| Year |
Communal population |
Change |
Municipal population |
| 1981 |
4,895 |
- |
- |
- |
-/km² |
| 1991 |
3,935 |
-960/-19.61% |
6,179 |
- |
71.85/km² |
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 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.
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. Many Greek and international celebrities have summer residences in Mykonos and can often be seen walking the charming white-washed walls 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 definitely 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.
Communities
Beaches
Mykonos has clean, magnificent beaches that offer everything from clear-blue waters, windsurfing, sea-side tavernas, loud music and even full nudity.
Nightlife
The nightlife of Mykonos is considered by many to be among the best in Greece. Mykonos is often rated among the top four 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.
Other
Myconos has a few schools, lyceums, a gymnasia, churches, banks, a post office and squares (plateies).
External links
Panoramic picture of the town of Mykonos at sunset looking West
See also
External links
The content of this page is retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mykonos under GFDL
