Mykonos Island is one of the most famous islands in Greece and among the best places to live in Europe. Located in the south of the Aegean Sea, it is known for being the perfect destination for sun lovers and beach bums alike. This beautiful little paradise boasts some of the best beaches in the world and attracts thousands of tourists every day. But how big is the island itself? Let’s find out together.
The island covers about 85.5 square kilometers (33 square miles) with the highest elevation of 341m. However, it is often referred to as a microstate because it does not belong to any larger political entity. Moreover, it is part of the Greek archipelago and consists of several smaller islands.
Mykonos can be found 150km east of Athens in the Aegean Sea. The island is composed mainly out of granite and the terrain is very rocky due to the strong winds.
Its capital city is Mykonos Town, which is situated on the north side of the island. The second largest settlement on the island is Agios Prospaltas, on the south shore.
The island is named after the mythical King Minos, who ruled over Crete. In ancient times it was called Aigialeus, meaning “the windy”.
According to mythology, the island was founded by Dictys of Crete, son of Zeus and Europa. He supposedly settled there with his brother Teleutias, after fleeing Crete together with his father during the Trojan War. They established the city of Aegialus, which later became the port of Mykonos.
In modern times, the population of the island consists mainly of Greeks, Italians, Albanians, Turks, Russians, Germans and English people. The island is well known for its nightlife, beaches and summer tourism industry.
Due to its location near Athens, the island is served by regular ferry routes operated by both Hellenic Seaways and Blue Star Ferries.
The island of Mykonos is divided into four municipalities: Mykonos, Ano Mera, Platis Gialia and Galatika.
Mykonos is the third biggest tourist destination in Greece, after Santorini and Rhodes.
History
The earliest documented evidence of human habitation dates to around 10,500 BCE. Ionian settlers arrived on the island sometime between 1500–1100 BCE, while Dorian Greeks settled there later, probably around 1000 BCE.
Mycenaean Greece appears to have been ruled by the Minoans, although some scholars believe it was actually controlled by the Mycenaeans. Archaeological excavations suggest that the Minoan civilization collapsed around 1200 BCE due to internal strife.
In about 1100 BCE, Ionians began settling on the island, and by 750 BCE had established themselves as the dominant culture. By 650 BCE, the island was already well known throughout the Mediterranean world.
After a period of decline, the city flourished again in the 7th century BCE, becoming one of the most powerful cities of the Greek world. This prosperity continued into the 5th century BCE, when the Athenians destroyed the city in 478/7 BCE.
During the Hellenistic era, Mykonos enjoyed great prosperity, especially under Ptolemy II Philadelphus, who founded the city’s main temple in 280 BCE. After his death, the city declined and fell into obscurity.
Byzantine rule lasted from 824 CE to 1430 CE. During this period, the population increased and trade thrived.
With the arrival of the Ottoman Turks in 1460, Mykonos experienced another boom, and the town prospered further. However, the Venetians captured the island in 1537 and held it until 1715. From 1669 to 1822, Mykonos belonged to the Republic of Venice, and from 1822 to 1912 to the Kingdom of Italy.
Interesting facts:
Coordinates: 37°27′32″N 25°21’51″E
Mykonos Island Area: 85,5 sq. kms
Population: 10 134
Telephone code: +22890
Postal Code: 846 00Time Zone: GMT +2:00
Capital: Mykonos Town (Chora)
Highest Mountain: 341m
