Information about the island

Mykonos is an island in the Aegean Sea and belongs to the Cyclades. Its capital is the town of Mykonos, also known as Chora, which is located on the western side of the island. The permanent population reaches 10,704 inhabitants, according to the 2021 census.

It forms a single island complex together with Delos, Rhenia, and some rocky islets with a total area of 105.481 square kilometers and a coastline length of 89 kilometers. Delos, Rhenia, and Mykonos, inhabited since the 5th millennium BC (prehistoric settlement of Ftelia), have shared a long and rich history.

Chora impresses and charms its visitors from the first moment, thanks to its beautiful location, the layout of the buildings, and its architecture. Despite the intense tourist development of the island, it uniquely maintains its Cycladic character and many of its traditional elements.

Pure white, cube-shaped houses shine in the light, wisely and orderly arranged within countless maze-like alleys with whitewashed cobblestones. Further away, on a low hill, the centuries-old windmills, combined with the red domes and bell towers of countless churches, compose a picture of unparalleled beauty. In its characteristic harbor, Gialos, a small colorful fleet of fishing boats, boats, and yachts completes this unique landscape with vibrant brushstrokes.

In modern Mykonos, the preservation and protection of Cycladic traditional architectural forms, even in newer buildings, ensures a sense of continuity and harmony in the town and countryside.

The island of Mykonos has undoubtedly been, since the 1950s, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, with many distinctions from organizations and the press. Its fame and the large number of visitors, including important personalities from around the world, gave the impetus for the flourishing of commercial activity that made its market famous.

Thus, in the streets of Mykonos, with Matogianni being a characteristic example, one can find shops with designer and non-designer clothes, intricate jewelry, and art objects. It is not an exaggeration to say that international stylistic and artistic trends that are about to prevail often first appear on the island.

In the scattered cafes / bars and restaurants of the town, countryside, and beaches, one can enjoy a variety of food and drink that covers every taste and entertainment desire, while gazing at the unique images of the island.

Nothing can compare, however, to the emotion inspired by the evocative ruins of ancient Delos. An entire ancient city with streets and markets, public buildings and sanctuaries, admirable houses and shops, cisterns, columns, ancient wells, and, of course, mosaics that transport visitors to the era of its habitation and prosperity. All bathed in the abundant light of the god Apollo, spread between the hill of Cynthus and the harbor with its transparent waters, giving the impression that they stopped bustling with life only yesterday…

Mykonos is located in the Central Aegean region and belongs to the Cyclades prefecture.

Its total area is 105.481 square kilometers while the length of its coastline reaches 89 km.

It has a maximum length of about 14 km and a width of 10 km.

Its coastlines form bays that penetrate deep into the land.

The most important bays are those of Chora, Panormos, and Ornos.

Two ecosystems of interest are two coastal wetlands in Panormos Bay and north of it, which periodically flood forming small lagoons.

Additionally, in the marine area of Panormos as well as in other points around the island, seals are often observed.

In the same area, there is the Moroergo game reserve (4,200 acres).

The terrain

Mykonos has a maximum length of about 14 kilometers and a width of 10. The coastlines form bays that penetrate deep into the land. The most important bays are those of Chora, Panormos, and Ornos.

The island is mainly hilly, while near the coasts there are no large flat surfaces. The highest peaks of the island are Profitis Ilias, Ano Mera (341m) and the two neighboring peaks, Vardies (372m) and Profitis Ilias (386m) north of the town.

The total area of the island is 105,481 acres. Of these, 15,800 are cultivated areas or fallows, 41,000 acres are used as pastures, 2,000 acres are covered by water, 25,200 acres are occupied by settlements, and the remaining 21,400 acres are other areas, mainly rocky.

Seismicity

Mykonos belongs to the region of Greece with the lowest seismicity.

The Marathia Dam

The Marathia Dam in Mykonos was constructed on the northwest side of the Island, at a straight distance of about 4 km from Mykonos Town, on the Marathia stream about 500 m from the sea.

The purpose of the project is to utilize surface runoff to meet the needs for water supply and irrigation due to the increased demands during the summer months.

The technical characteristics of the dam are:

Maximum height approximately 25 m.
Crest length approximately 265 m.
Crest width 5.0 m. (in the non-overflow section)
Crest elevation (at the non-overflowing section) +34.0 m.
Spillway crest, at level +32.50 m., over a length of 35m.
Capacity at +34.0: 3,760,000 m3.

Ano Mera Dam

The dam is located on the northeastern side of the island, approximately 10 km in a straight line from the town of Mykonos, on the Maou Lagada stream, about 600 m from the sea. The purpose of the project is to utilize surface runoff to meet irrigation and water supply needs. The dam reservoir has a capacity of 1,000,000 m³.

Flora-Fauna

The general landscape of the Cyclades, and especially Mykonos, is primarily composed of phrygana, maquis, and bare rocks. Many species of annual and bulbous plants find protection among the phrygana.

The wetlands of Mykonos are of particular ornithological interest and are located on a passage line for threatened migratory species.

The prevailing winds in the area are northerly with an occurrence rate of 38.2%, followed by northeasterly winds with an occurrence rate of 16.3%.

The percentage of calm conditions is low, reaching approximately 11.3%.

Wind intensity is moderate and usually ranges between 2 to 6 Beaufort.

The island’s climatic conditions are considered favorable for agricultural production. The frost-free period of the year, crucial for many plant species, is exceptionally long, extending from March 1st to November 15th, i.e., 260 days per year. A limiting factor for crop yields and overall agricultural development on the island is the extended dry period with a low average annual rainfall of 371.7mm (for the period 1989-1996).