Mykonos, Greece Excursions

Although archeological findings indicate inhabitants on Mykonos back to 3000 BC, it is the Ionians in the 11th century BC that seem to be the first settlers. Due to its proximity to Delos, just over a mile away, Mykonos was never a prosperous island. Like many islands in the Mediterranean, it was under the rule of many including the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and the Ottomans until Greece finally won its independence in 1830. The island was able to support itself with fishing and trading activity until the end of the 1800s when the islands trade business almost vanished. Many locals moved to the mainland in search of work. Those who remained tried making money off the tourist trade going to nearby Delos. In the 1930s artists and wealthy Europeans began spending their vacations on the island due to growing tensions in Europe and great prices as Mykonos was a poor island.

With WWII vacation trips to Europe ended and did not really revitalize again until the late 1950s. By the 1960s, inexpensive Mykonos became a bohemian getaway due to its tolerance and nightlife. Gays and the free-spirited flocked to the island. They were followed by designers, movie stars and a former first lady and her Greek husband. The word was out. Mykonos soon became the destination and with it came new hotels, designer boutiques, and higher prices. Today, Mykonos is the playground for Europe's jet set.

Mykonos town (Chora) is a whitewashed maze of pedestrian streets splashed with bright contrasting colors on every door and flowerbox. Photo stops around the town include the iconic windmills that date back to the 16th century. Little Venice is where ship captains decided to build unique homes overlooking the sea. Today, many of these homes are intimate restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Outside of town is the traditional village of Ano Mera. The town consists of a small square surrounded by cafes and a lovely Monastery and Church.

Mykonos is known for its beaches and there is something for everyone. Beaches on the south side are protected from the winds and tend to be calmer while the north shore beaches are great for windsurfing and waves. On the south side, the best beaches for families are Ornos and Agios Ioannis beach. Both are full service with restrooms. For the party person, Paradise and Super Paradise have beach clubs all playing music and renting beach chairs for ridiculous prices. Both beaches are clothing optional.

For guests who are not looking to spend the day at the beach, a trip to nearby Delos Island might be the answer. The birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis remains have been found dating back to the 7th century BC. Due to its duty-free status, the island did well and became a political center for the Delian League. Between 88 and 69 BC, there were numerous battles between Rome and Athens, leaving Delos damaged. As Christianity took hold throughout Greece, the island finally lost all its importance. It is one of the largest archeological sites in Greece and features antiquities from the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods. It takes approximately 3 hours to see the most important sites. The island is only accessible until 03:00 PM so go as early as possible to give yourself plenty of time. Shore Excursioneer has unique and selected Cruise Excursions in Mykonos to help you see and sample all of the highlights during your day in the Cycladic Islands!