• Very close to the ancient island of Delos and only 88 n.m. from the port of Piraeus, you can find one of the most beautiful Cycladic Islands, Myconos.
  It is a picturesque Hellenic Island with narrow alleys, white houses, numerous big and small Churches and windmills.
  According to the myths the island took its name from the hero Mycono.
  Mythology also says that the big rocks of the island are the petrified bodies of the Giants that Hercules killed.
  In ancient times Myconos had two important cities: Mycono, located on the west coast - where the modern city stands - and Panormo, located on the north coast.

• The commercial and marine development of the island during the 5th and 4th centuries BC was related to the formation of the alliance of Delos and the role of Athens as protector of the members of the Alliance.
  Myconos was not only a member of the powerful alliance but it was also located very close to the holy Island of Delos where the treasure was kept. The members of the alliance met each other at the island twice a year, which means that Myconos came into close contact with a number of different civilizations from various city states.
  
• Myconos was attacked and conquered by several foreign armies prior to the declaration of the "Greek War of Independence" in 1821 when the Myconians, led by the famous Lady Manto Mavrogenous, rejected Turkish rule.
  
• Step by step, Myconos developed its commercial and marine power, especially during the period after the 17th century.
  
• Despite the historical background of the island, Myconos is well known for its tourist development. The variety of the life style and fun characterise the most world famous Hellenic island.
  

The modern city of Myconos offers:

• The "Picola Venezia", the "Three Pigadia", the Windmills , and a lot of modern stores selling designer clothes and jewellery.
  
• The history of Myconos is presented in the Archaeological, the Naval and the Laographical Museums.
  All over the island you can find various hotels and furnished apartments which can satisfy even the most demanding visitor. The high life is here....
  
• The visitor can also enjoy the famous night life with the discos, bars, restaurants which can make the night interesting and charming.
  

• When visiting Myconos you shouldn't forget to visit the famous "Super Paradise" beach where you can enjoy swimming and typical Greek foods, have a drink and witness a lot of happenings......

  by Sandy Dimitriou
  
  

I visited Myconos in June 1999 and was obliged to spend more days there than I intended as Delos was closed for two days (European elections and its regular Monday closure). While nobody can deny that the Chora is picturesque, I found it very depressing.

Myconos is one of two Cyclades islands that Americans visit in large numbers. (The other is Santorini). While I was there the Chora resounded to the twang of American English. The narrow lanes were packed with people, prices were higher than anywhere else in the Cyclades and there were more famous name boutiques and fashions than in the whole of Crete where I live. Accommodation was also more expensive than anywhere else in the Cyclades.

There is only one proper taverna in the whole of the Chora (Yiavroutsas on Mitropoleos); all the other restaurants feature waiters in bow ties, expensive bottled wines and expensive dishes.

Even the smallest rooms that face out onto any of the narrow lanes have been turned into a shop of some sort, even if it is only selling sandwiches and soft drinks.

The Chora teems with people all day and all evening. Because the lanes are too narrow for cars to penetrate, deliveries are made on three wheeler motorbikes with a platform on the back. Most of these were incredibly noisy and the riders weaved dangerously around the tourists walking in the streets. The only quiet time is early in the morning so if you want to take some photos of the place that is the best time to do it.

Myconos is a classic example of the destruction of a picturesque town due to the overexploitation of tourism. The locals may be wealthy now compared to the past, and who is to blame them for making the most of the situation, but don't expect to see traditional Cycladic life here. You'll have to go somewhere else for that. By Ian Swindale