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Mykonos’ ancient history is interwoven with mythology, perhaps not surprisingly since it is a part of Greece, the birthplace of many myths and legends.
According to the myth, Mykonos is the place where Hercules defeated the great Giants, having lured them out of their haven in Mt. Olympus. The huge rocks on the island are petrified remains of their bodies, a living testament of the great battle.
Excavations in the island have revealed a large Neolithic settlement dating to 5th millennia BC. Findings prove that Mykonos was an early part of the Cycladic civilization centered on the nearby sacred island of Delos. The island was then inhabited by Ionians, forming a connection with ancient Athenian culture, and later fell under the successive control of the Romans and the Byzantine empire.
The island’s proximity to Delos resulted in an early interest from archaeologists and travelers. The latter, combined with its beautiful landscape, gradually attracted more visitors, amongst which many famous artists, politicians, and other wealthy Europeans. As a result, during the 30s, Mykonos was already established as a popular touristic destination, the earliest in the Cyclades. After World War II, it emerged as a top international spot in the 1950s and 60s.
In the following decades, the island’s touristic growth continued and today Mykonos is one of the world’s most famous holiday destinations, offering an abundance of high-class services and often frequented by the global jet set.
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