The Island of Mykonos, believed to have been populated since the 10th century BC, takes its name from Mykon, a descendant of Apollo. The island is mentioned in several key stories of Greek Mythology and its history also includes settlement by the Phoenician, rule by the Persian, participation in the Roman Empire, administration by the Byzantine Empire and conquest by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. 

Modern Mykonos has become a popular travel destination and the island has thrown off much of the classic Greek island culture and assumed the role of a more cosmopolitan playground.  Mykonos is best known for great beaches, enchanting windmills, nightclubbing, the "jet set" and having fun. The island is picturesque and considered by many as the leading place to be in the Greek Islands. Others consider it limited, offering only sun, sand, numerous "nude" beaches and "hop till you drop" nightlife. However, if that is what you are looking for, Mykonos is the best place to find it in the Greek Islands.

The center of activity is Mykonos Town (Chora featuring numerous whitewashed building adorned with colorful doors and a number of wandering, cobbled lanes that help give the town its unique, romantic look.  You can visit the town's famous windmills, take in a church or two  or visit several of the island's small but modestly interesting museums.  However, we think you will find the town understated, at least until the nightlife starts, and prefer to spend you days playing in the sun at one of delightful beaches for which Mykonos is so well known.

The old fishing port at Mykonos is still charming, even though the island  has evolved into a jet-set attraction.

Sunsets at Mykonos can be spectacular (and the number of cruise ships on the horizon should tell you that this is a popular place).

Another attraction of visiting Mykonos is that it is the best place to start a tour of the impressive archeological site on the nearby island of Delos, Greece.  Delos, a small, rocky island, was one of the most sacred places in Greek mythology due to its role as the supposed birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, two of the most important gods of the early Greeks.  The island's small size does not prepare you for the incredible extent of ruins and ongoing excavations that can be found on Delos.  We highly recommend a visit as Delos is, perhaps, the most outstanding archaeological site outside of Athens. 

If you visit, be sure to tour the small but excellent museum.  Delos is hot and dry much of the year, so bring water, sunscreen and a hat.  Sturdy footwear is recommended. There is much to see here,  so joining a tour or hiring a guide is highly recommended.