A Vacationer's Paradise in Mykonos Island, (Hellas) Greece

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Mykonos is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island spans an area of 85.5 square kilometres and rises to an elevation of 341 metres at its highest point. There are 10,134 inhabitants most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, which lies on the west coast. The town is also known as Chora. Mykonos' nickname is The island of the winds. Tourism is a major industry, and Mykonos is particularly renowned for its cosmopolitan nightlife; many international celebrities visit the island every summer.

What To See

Mykonos is one of the most touristed islands in the Aegean. This means that visitors should be prepared for loud dance clubs on parts of the island, an option to have 'English' breakfasts that could consist of an egg, some bacon and a few rolls with butter, and some over-priced merchandise. Mykonos, along with Santorini, is more expensive than other Greek islands.


If you have a room in the centre of town, expect to be woken by people going about their business in the early hours of the morning - this could be people arriving back from a nights clubbing or local bakers who arrive very early for work every day of the week. Although a lot of the streets in the main town are closed to traffic, locals get around on mopeds/motorbikes and on other motorised contraptions, and once again, they make quite a lot of noise in the early hours of the morning if they go past your open window. If you don't have a room that offers air conditioning and you are planning to keep your windows open at night, some ear-plugs might be an idea if you are a light sleeper.

The climate of Mykonos is characterised by hot, dry summers and mild winters. Like in most of the Aegean islands it hardly ever rains during summer but rain showers can be expected between October and April. Temperatures in July and August range from 30ºC (86ºF) during the day to 22ºC (72ºF) at night. The Cyclades are famous for the constant wind (called meltemi) in July and August that mitigates the heat a bit. In the whole period mid-May through mid-October it's usually warm and sunny enough to enjoy the beaches.


Most of the beaches have tavernas and restaurants and are well equipped with deck chairs and parasols. Most common price is € 12 for a set of two deck chairs and an umbrella. The best beaches are on the south side of the island and sheltered from the prevailing northern wind. On the more popular beaches, it is not uncommon for people to walk down the beach selling probably illegal goods such as DVDs, fake bags, clothes, jewellery and watches. They come right up to you and it can be somewhat annoying but they are easily pushed away with a simple 'No, thank you'. Also, many beaches, even the more family-orientated, are often populated with the 'european' style of sunbathing - i.e. topless.


The Mykonos windmills is a signature feature of the island. They were built between 16th and 20th centuries by the Venetians. The windmills can be seen from any location on the island, because they stand on the highest hill, which rises to 341 m (1,119 ft) height. There is a museum in one of them.


The pleasures of sun, beach and sea are, of course, the main attraction. The tourists can choose from many of them: some are for a quiet relaxation, others provide entertainments like dance or water activities. Mykonos is also famous for a nightlife. It seems that the small island can fit any vacationer’s taste!


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