Mykonos is not just about golden beaches and cosmopolitan parties; it is an island with a deep soul and a history that stretches back thousands of years. Known in mythology as the site of the great battle between Zeus and the Giants, Mykonos has transformed from a quiet farming island into a global icon of luxury.
1. Mythological Beginnings
According to Greek mythology, the island was named after Mykons, a descendant of the god Apollo. It is also said to be the location where Hercules defeated the Giants. The large granite rocks scattered across the island are, according to legend, the petrified remains of those defeated monsters.
2. The Influence of Sacred Delos
In ancient times, Mykonos lived in the shadow of its neighbor, Delos. Delos was the sacred birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and one of the most important religious and commercial centers of the ancient world. Mykonos served as a vital supply station for the thousands of pilgrims and merchants visiting Delos.
3. Venetian and Ottoman Rule
During the 13th century, Mykonos fell under Venetian rule, which left a lasting mark on the island’s architecture. The famous “Little Venice” in Chora is a testament to this era. Later, during the Ottoman occupation, Mykonians became renowned sailors and played a pivotal role in the Greek War of Independence in 1821, led by the local heroine Manto Mavrogenous.
4. The 20th Century: The Rise of a Legend
In the 1950s and 60s, Mykonos was “rediscovered” by the international elite. Artists, bohemians, and celebrities like Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and Mick Jagger were mesmerized by its simplicity and freedom. This was the beginning of the island’s transformation into the world-class luxury destination we know today.