The sun-drenched Mykonos is a glittering Greek island in the Aegean Sea blessed with blue-green waters, beautiful beaches and a rich history.

The 3,000-year-old, 33 square mile island of Mykonos is a glamorous corner of Greece’s Cyclades archipelago that attracts crowds of well heeled holiday makers every year with its rich archaeological heritage, beautiful scenery and chic, cosmopolitan holiday vibe.

According to Greek mythology, Mykonos was born out of the battle of the giants who were defeated by the legendary hero Hercules and buried under huge, imposing rocks. The word “Mykonos” in Greek means a pile of rocks or a rocky place and the island is characterized by its rocky terrain. Others believe the island was associated with the hero, Mykonos, son of King Delos (son of Apollo and Rio, a descendant of Dionysus).

The island’s main town of Mykonos is characterised by clusters of white cube-shaped houses with brightly coloured wooden doors, balconies and windows, and quaint, winding cobbled lanes that you can spend days meandering through. Little Venice is one of the most picturesque spots on the island.  Reminiscent of the famous Italian city of the same name, the walls of ornate houses, built between the Middle Ages and the 18th century, stand in the sea and the waves lap against them releasing a fresh salty scent into the air. Another of the town’s most striking features is the thatched roof windmills that stand on a small hill like guards looking out across the sea to the small sailing boats and yachts bobbing in the water.

The island is home to numerous museums of interest, from the the Mykonos Archaeological Museum with its displays ofancient Cycladic ceramics and Hellenistic sculptures to the Folklore Museum with collections of old furniture, pictures, embroidery and traditional weavings. Boaters may be interested in learning more about the island’s naval heritage at the Naval Museum which takes you back through the ages with maps, engravings, model ships and navigation equipment. There are also numerous churches and chapels to explore, in particular the impressive, uniquely-shaped Paraportiani Church in the castle area (Kastro) whose two-floor complex of five churches is a pure work of art.

Other historical sites of interest include the prehistoric settlement of Ftelia, the Cycladic acropolis at the picturesque Divounia and an ancient domed tomb a short distance out of the town of Mykonos, which was only discovered a few years ago.

One of the island’s other beloved attractions is its golden sands, pebbles and crystal-clear turquoise waters.  Every beaches and cove has its own personality, from the striking pebbles on Houlakia beach close to the main town to more remote beaches in the southern part of the island, accessible by car or boat. Kalamopodi beach, otherwise known as as “Paradise Beach”, is the ideal spot for those who love to spend their holidays swimming during the day and dancing by night. Or go the extra mile and catch a small boat to Plintri beach, or “Super Paradise Beach” that boasts exotic looking waters, live music and fun. = Agrari beach is another stunning, more natural stretch of sand.

For those of you wanting some water time, you can hop on a boat to the famous mythical island of Delos, believed to be the birthplace of the sun god Apollo (and, according to scientists, it’s one of the brightest places on earth). The sacred island covers just 3.4 km2 and is home to numerous ancient temples and other enchanting structures such as the agora and palaestra. The island’s decorative, geometric mosaics are one of its most striking features depicting historical maritime scenes, the theatre and the God Dionysus, some of which can be seen in the world-famous Delos Museum. You can charter the Fairline’s Motor Yacht Poseidon for the day and explore the island’s unknown coves while at the same time lying out on deck in the sun and taking a dip in the deep blue waters.

www.mykonos-yachting.com

Mykonos is also celebrated for its delicious local cuisine which you can sample at one of the many seafront taverns and restaurants dotted around the island. Seafood is naturally a must try, in particular the seafood black risotto, while meat eaters will enjoy the Mykonian goat roasted in a clay pot and Mykonian sausage. Other popular local delicacies include kopanisiti cheese (a soft spicy fermented cheese) and Louza, a local cold cut of filleted meat. Do like the locals and wash it all down with a glass of Ouzo.

Where to Stay:

Mykonos Blu

The Mykonos Blu complex boasts 105 guest rooms and 15 villa suites sitting along the island’s picturesque rugged cliffside. The white sugar-cube façade is reminiscent of the Cyclades’ traditional architecture, while inside, the blue and white decor is nautical. There is a luxurious infinity pool filled with fresh seawater and the hotel occupies a private stretch on Psarou, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. In true decadent style, the hotel’s Aegeans Poets restaurant serves Laurent Perrier Champagne and local Mykonos sausages for breakfast.

Mykonos Theoxenia

Standing next to the famous windmills and across the bay from Little Venice, The Theoxenia pays homage to the 1960s with stone walls and retro orange and turquoise furnishings.  The boutique hotel has 52 rooms and suites. The central pool area is surrounded by curtained four-poster beds for long lazy days.

www.mykonostheoxenia.com

When to go: The height of summer is July and August but this is also the hottest and busiest time of year. To escape the crowds, go in June or September /October.

How to get there:

Mykonos has an airport with domestic flights operating from Athens and direct flights from the UK with EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) and Olympic Airlines (www.olympicairlines.com). Aegean Airlines (www.aegeanair.com) also flies to Mykonos via Athens.

www.mykonos.kr