Mykonos Maps

Mykonos is an island in the central Cyclades, located in the southern Aegean Sea. The island covers 33 square miles and has a permanent population of approximately 10,000 residents, though this number swells dramatically during summer months. Mykonos Town (Chora), the capital and main port, is one of the most photographed locations in Greece, featuring quintessential Cycladic architecture with whitewashed cubic houses, narrow winding streets, colorful doors and windows, and numerous small churches.

The island's most recognizable landmarks are the windmills of Kato Myli, a row of five whitewashed windmills positioned on a hill overlooking the town and sea. Little Venice (Mikri Venetia), a section of Chora where colorful houses with wooden balconies are built directly on the seafront, has become iconic. The island's mascot, Petros the Pelican, or rather successive pelicans bearing that name, can often be seen wandering the harbor area. The area of Ano Mera in the island's interior contains the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in 1542.

Mykonos developed into one of the Mediterranean's most cosmopolitan and expensive destinations, beginning in the 1960s when it attracted artists, intellectuals, and international jet-setters. The island became particularly famous as an LGBTQ+ friendly destination. Numerous beaches surround the island, including Paradise and Super Paradise on the south coast, known for beach parties and clubs. The northern beaches, including Agios Sostis and Panormos, tend to be quieter. Platis Gialos and Psarou beaches are popular with luxury tourists.

The island serves as the primary gateway to Delos, the sacred island of ancient Greece located just 1.2 miles southwest. Day trips to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where extensive archaeological remains include temples, theaters, houses with mosaics, and the famous Terrace of the Lions, depart regularly from Mykonos harbor. Delos was the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and served as a major religious center in antiquity, as well as a significant commercial port.

Mykonos has become synonymous with luxury tourism, featuring high-end hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife. The island hosts international celebrities and attracts wealthy visitors from around the world. Despite this exclusive reputation, the town has managed to preserve much of its architectural character through building regulations, though the traditional lifestyle has been largely overtaken by tourism. Mykonos International Airport provides extensive connections to Athens and direct international flights. The economy is almost entirely based on tourism, with services, construction, and related industries. The island experiences extreme seasonal variation, with most businesses closing during winter months.