Located in the Aegean Sea- Cyclades island group, Mykonos Island is considered the most cosmopolitan of all Greek islands and one of the most attractive sailing destinations worldwide. The island's landscape is a symphony of bare rocky hills and arid, only moderately fertile soil.

The picturesque capital of Mykonos "Chora", bounded by whitewashed houses and blue domed churches is the island’s highlight and gathers celebrities from all around the world. Do not be surprised if you are having dinner next to one of your country’s celebrities! In Mykonos town, Chora, you will find everything your hearts desire! From a huge selection of shops and super markets to tavernas, posh restaurants, cosy bars and night clubs. Stroll around the town alleys (which form a small maze) and enjoy an ouzo by the waterfront! Although Mykonos is considered to be an “expensive” island (and it is), there are reasonably priced places too. Just avoid the main touristy areas where prices are high and quality is mediocre. Myconos is also reputed for its exciting nightlife ("the island that never sleeps"), from new age-trendy beach clubs to all-night dance stages and from relaxed bars to wild gay venues.

Mykonos will also amaze you with its clean, magnificent white beaches. Although it is such a small island, it has a large variety of beaches that will satisfy any taste. From crowded beaches to more isolated bays, there is a beach for everyone! They offer stunning sunset views by the clear-blue water, sea-side taverns, loud music and even full nudity. Some well known beaches are Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Piso Livadi and Elia.

Sailing or motor yacht charters are a great way to visit Mykonos (especially during summer’s high season when hotel accommodation is limited) as it gives you the opportunity to go around the island and anchor at your favourite bay. Make sure you stop in Rhinia islet -half a mile west of Mykonos. There you will find two bays where many yachts stop for a swim to enjoy the fabulous clear turquoise waters.
To add up, Mykonos is a "must-see" island for all those planning to sail the Cyclades islands. Either you are seeking a quiet and relaxing vacation or a strong and exciting one, you will not be disappointed. And you will always want to go back again and again and again.

Moorings

In the port of Mykonos mooring is possible between the middle and the end of the southern side of the harbour branch. In the western shores of the port there is a pier 30m long and with shallow water. The port is unaffected by north to southeast winds. However, it is affected by the west and northwest winds. All the bays near the port of Mykonos can be used as mooring places. In Ornos bay there is a supply station. The Miso Bay in Renia Island is shelter with all the winds.

History of Mykonos Island

Mykonos owns its name from the son of the King of Delos.
According to mythology, Hercules, in one of his twelve tasks, was fighting the Giants and having killed them, he threw them in the sea where they petrified and turned into huge rocks, forming the island of Mykonos.

Being in the shadow of the prosperous and spiritual island of Delos, only a few things are known for Mykonos during Ancient Times.  We know, from excavations, that the first inhabitants of the island were Cares, succeeded by Phoenicians, Egyptians and then Minoans who were followed by the Ionians. In 1207, like the rest of the Cyclades, Mykonos came under Venetian rule. The Ghizi dynasty took the authority of the island as well as the one of the island of Tinos. A century later, Georgios Ghizi, the last Venetian ruler, concede the island of Mykonos to Venice.

In 1537 Mykonos, with most of the Cycladic islands, came under Turkish domination. Because the inhabitants of the island were great sailors, they provided an important help to the War of Independence, offering their 22 ships, their 500 members of the crew and their 140 canons to the Greek Revolution against the Turkish yoke. The heroic revolutionary figure of Mykonos is a woman, Mando Mavrogenous, who financed the Revolution, helped in the organisation of fights, participate to the Philiki Etairia (Secret Revolutionary organisation) and managed to organise troupes in order to revolt against the Turks in 1822. Tourism started in the period between World War I and World War II with visitors attracted by the archaeological site of Delos.  From the 50s and after, tourism grown, attracted also by the beauties of Mykonos which became one of the most important touristy resort of Greece.