Mykonos
| Mykonos Περιφερειακή ενότητα / Δήμος Μυκόνου |
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| Coordinates: 37°27′N 25°21′E / 37.450°N 25.350°ECoordinates: 37°27′N 25°21′E / 37.450°N 25.350°E | |
| Country | Greece |
| Region | South Aegean |
| Capital | Mykonos (town) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 105.2 km2 (40.6 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 10,134 |
| • Density | 96/km2 (250/sq mi) |
| Postal codes | 846 00 |
| Area codes | 22890 |
| Car plates | EM |
| Website | www.mykonos.gr |
Mykonos (/ˈmɪkəˌnɒs/, /ˈmɪkəˌnoʊs/;[1] Greek: Μύκονος [ˈmikonos]) is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island spans an area of 85.5 km2 (33 sq mi) and rises to an elevation of 341 m (1,119 ft) at its highest point. There are 10,134 inhabitants (2011 census) most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, which lies on the west coast. The town is also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, following the common practice in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town).
Tourism is a major industry, and Mykonos is particularly renowned for its cosmopolitan nightlife; many international celebrities visit the island every summer.[2][3][4][5]
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History[edit]
Mykonos early human inhabitants were Carians, followed by Ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, Cretans and Ionians.[6]
In ancient times, Mykonos, due to its proximity to the then highly populated island of Delos (situated about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) away), became very important as a supply island and possibly as a getaway location for Delian citizens.
Mythology[edit]
In Greek mythology Mykonos was the location of the battle between Zeus and the Titans,[citation needed] and the island was named in honor of Mykons, son of Anios who was a son of Apollo and nymph named Rio.[7]
Since the 20th century[edit]
Tourism has dominated the economy since the 1950s.[8]
Geography[edit]
The island spans an area of 85.5 km2 (33 sq mi) and rises to an elevation of 341 m (1,119 ft) at its highest point. It is situated 150 km east of Athens in the Aegean Sea. The island features no rivers, but numerous seasonal streams two of which have been converted into reservoirs.[9]
Geology[edit]
The island is composed primarily of granite.[citation needed] High quality clay and barite were also mined in the eastern side of Mykonos until the late 1900s.
Government[edit]
Mykonos is a separate regional unit of the South Aegean region, and the only municipality of the regional unit.[10] As a part of the 2011 Kallikratis government reform, the regional unit Mykonos was created out of part of the former Cyclades Prefecture. The municipality, unchanged at the Kallikratis reform, also includes the islands Delos, Rineia and several uninhabited islets. The total area of the municipality is 105.2 km2 (41 sq mi)
It has little natural fresh water and relies on the desalination of sea water in order to meet the needs of its population.[11]
In the 2012 elections, the centre right New Democracy obtained the highest vote on Mykonos followed by the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA).[12]
Demographics[edit]
There are 10,134 inhabitants (2011) most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, a common denomination in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town).[citation needed]
| Year | Municipality population |
|---|---|
| 1971 | 3,863 |
| 1981 | 5,530 |
| 1991 | 6,179 |
| 2001 | 9,320 |
| 2011 | 10,134 |
Landmarks[edit]
- Petros the Pelican - an old celebrity of the town's waterfront, "Petros" has been the official mascot of Mykonos for over 50 years.
- Mykonos windmills - from as early as the 16th century, they are one of the most recognized landmarks of Mykonos.
- Little Venice - here the buildings have been constructed right on the sea's edge with their balconies overhanging the water.
- Paraportiani - one of the most famous architectural structures in Greece. Its name means inner or secondary door which it was to the Medieval stone walls which encircled the area.
- Archaeological Museum - houses marble sculptures, ceramics and jewellery recovered from the islands of Delos, Renia and Mykonos.
- Aegean Maritime Museum - displays models of a collection of ships from the pre-Minoan period through to the 19th century and nautical and ancient artifacts related to the history of shipping on Mykonos.
Transportation[edit]
Mykonos Airport is located 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) southeast of the town of Mykonos and it is served by international flights during summer.[13]
Notable people[edit]
- Ioannis Gryparis, diplomat and politician
- Mary Paraskeva, early amateur photographer
Villages[edit]
- Agios Ioannis
- Agios Stefanos
- Ano Mera
- Ftelia
- Kalafati
- Mykonos or Chora
- Ornos
- Platys Gialos
- Psarrou
- Tourlos
Popular culture[edit]
- Seattle Indie band Fleet Foxes have a 2009 single, Mykonos (song), which is named after the island.
- In the video game Sonic Unleashed, one of the areas (Apotos) is based on the island.
- Stereo Love, a 2009 song recorded by Romanian musicians Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina has been entirely shot in this island.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Dictionary Reference: Mykonos
- ^ Tom Masters, Europe on a shoestring, 2008
- ^ Duncan Garwood, Mediterranean Europe, 2009
- ^ Lloyd E. Hudman, Richard H. Jackson, Geography of travel and tourism, 2003
- ^ Harry Coccossis, Alexandra Mexa, The challenge of tourism carrying capacity assessment: theory and practice, 2004
- ^ Christopher Street. That New Magazine, Incorporated. 1995. p. 19. Retrieved 12 May 2012.
- ^ John Freely (4 June 2006). The Cyclades: Discovering the Greek Islands of the Aegean. I.B.Tauris. p. 111. ISBN 978-1-84511-160-1. Retrieved 12 May 2012.
- ^ Mykonos, Greece, Greek islands, information about Mykonos island
- ^ Mykonos Island Geography
- ^ Kallikratis reform law text PDF
- ^ New York Times, 2007 Greece struggles with water shortage
- ^ Simon Rogers (2012-05-06). "Greece election results mapped. Infographic | News". guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-03-26.
- ^ Mykonos Airport Info Center, Mykonos Airport - Welcome
- ^ Article about Mykonos
External links[edit]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mykonos |
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