MYKONOS
Mykonos, one of the most famous greek islands in the Aegean sea, is one of the most cosmopolitan islands of Europe and is a popular tourist destination among international jet setters and celebrities. The amazing golden beaches with crystal clear waters, the picturesque Chora (the capital of the island) with the numerous small churches and houses painted in sparkling white and deep blue and the famous seafront windmills just a few meters away from the “little Venice”, the luxury hotels and resorts, the restaurants offering traditional Greek dishes and international cuisine, beach bars and nightclubs where fun never ends, make a visit to Mykonos an unforgettable experience.
In Mykonos town (Chora), houses are built in the traditional Cycladic style with flat roofs, HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitewash” \o “Whitewash” whitewash walls and light blue-painted doors and window frames and shutters. Mykonos Town windmills are some of the most recognizable landmarks of the island. One of the most romantic places of the town is “little Venice”. The neighbourhood of “little Venice” is called so, after the elegant medieval fishermen’s houses built in the traditional Cycladic style, just on the edge of the sea. The walk among the narrow streets of the town with numerous cafes, bars, chic designer boutiques, exclusive restaurants, traditional greek tavernas and night clubs. Mykonos mascot is Petros the pelican, that can be found at Mykonos town on the edge of the sea or “strolling” in narrow streets.
More than 400 churches can be found in the island of Mykonos but the most impressive is Panagia Paraportiani, a Byzantine church dated from the early 15th century. This is one of the most photographed churches in the world. What makes this whitewashed church unique is that it consists of 5 chapels that were built one on top or next to the other. Its name derives from the fact that it once stood next to the gate of a castle.
Mykonos’ capital has an archaeological museum with sculptures and various artifacts mainly from the islands of Delos and Rhenia. There is also a nautical-maritime museum and a folk art museum exhibiting the rich tradition of the island and the locals’ way of living before tourism transform Mykonos in one of the most cosmopolitan places in Europe.
Mykonos is well known as a party island and each year it confirms that it lives up to its fame. Mykonos is famous around the world for its gay friendly attitude and it is among the hottest gay holiday destinations in Europe with a vibrant gay nightlife. The beaches Super Paradise and Elia are very popular among gays.
Mykonos has many beautiful sandy beaches to choose from. Paradise beach is one of the most popular beaches of Mykonos especially among young crowds for the beach parties when fun never ends. Mykonos Super Paradise beach is just next to Paradise beach and is one of the most famous gay friendly beaches in Europe. In the south side of Mykonos lies Psarrou beach, a very popular beach among celebrities from around the world. Platys Gialos, Paraga, Panormos, Ftelia, Ornos and Tourlos are other popular among families and tourists sandy beaches.
Delos island, the birthplace of Apollo, god of light and music, and his twin sister Artemis, goddess of hunting is located a few miles away from Mykonos. Delos was the most important sanctuary in Ancient Greece and the place where in 477 BC the Delian League of 170 Greek city states was formed under the leadership of Athens in order to continue fighting the Persians after the victories of Greeks who managed to repel the Persian intruders.