Author: M Mykonos Villas

Greek heritage is considered to be one of the wonders of the world. A fascinating mythology, the wisdom that sprung from ancient times, unique monuments attracting millions of travelers and a civilization that influenced the course of history in the whole world…

Standing proud and beautiful among the Cyclades, Mykonos and the neighboring magical Delos Island have a heritage that is a wonder in itself. According to mythology the island of Mykonos that was named after the son of the King of Delos, was in fact formed by one of the Titans who, after being killed by Hercules during one of his epic feats, was thrown in the Aegean and transformed to a rock.

During ancient times Mykonos, like the rest of the area, developed a very important culture, reflected among other in the legendary Mykonos Vase, the earliest amphora ever found on Greek ground. In 1207, the Cyclades came under Venetian domination and in 1537 it was the turn of Turks to occupy the region, along with the rest of the country. The inhabitants of Mykonos joined Manto Mavrogenous, a very courageous, well-educated wealthy aristocrat who led the cause and together they offered all their ships and crew for the struggle against the enemy. As a result of the famous 1821 Greek revolution, in 1839 Greece became an independent state. In 1873 a very important excavation, carried out by the French School of Archaeology, began in the neighboring Delos islands bringing these two Aegean gems in the center of the world’s attention.

Sightseeing in Mykonos

So, here is what you MUST see when in Mykonos:

• Delos Island, They say that its breathtaking archaeological site offers the most stunning sunset view in the world
• The famous Windmills. They are Mykonos’ “logo” and are definitely worth visiting
• Little Venice. These small houses with their balconies hanging over the sea are one of the most romantic sceneries on the island
• Armenistis Lighthouse. Still functioning and beautiful it is located 6,5 km away from Chora (the main town)
• Archeological Museum. It is one of the oldest in Greece and contains, among other, treasures found in the neighboring island Rhenia, including 9th- to 8th-century BC ceramic pottery from the Cyclades
• Aegean Maritime Museum. All about maritime history and the history of the merchant ship in the Aegean Sea
• Paraportiani church. One of the most picturesque churches in Greece, famous for its architectural design

They say that weddings in Greece prove to be especially lucky because they are blessed by the spirit of the ancient gods. Island weddings in particular are an amazing experience as they reflect the warmth of the sun and the openness of the blue sea. But if you go for the real magic, for the absolutely perfect, glamorous yet so chic scenery that mystifies artists and movie makers from all over the world, for the never sleeping top destination of celebrities, then you have but one choice: to plan your wedding in Mykonos and prepare yourself for the absolute bliss!

On this picturesque island of the legendary Cyclades you will find anything you’ll need to celebrate the “big yes”: breathtaking beaches where you’ll get the perfect tan to match your divinely white wedding dress, exclusive shops where you can select sophisticated gifts for the love of your life, and night clubs where the music plays on till the dawning of the new day…

If you wish for a romantic wedding, with you walking barefoot down the sandy path that leads to the candle-lit beach, just have your dream come true. The island is full of fairytale like beach bars and restaurants from where you and your guests will experience the world-famous Mykonos sunset, while enjoying delicious food under the sounds of live music.

For a more luxurious wedding you can pick a dreamlike venue and dance away the most beautiful night of your life by the decorated with rose petals swimming pool. You can have a jet-set wedding event with full butler services in the privacy of your veranda or on the deck of an exclusive rented yacht.

All you have to do is set your imagination free to create what will be the most unforgettable memory of your life from Mykonos, the sensational “weddings’ paradise”. So just say yes and leave the rest to one of the expert wedding planners who are ready to make your dream come true, by taking care of every detail; from the paperwork to the whole styling of the event, the accommodation of your guests and any other extravagance that will make you the happiest newlyweds ever!

From the moment you land in Mykonos you start realizing why this small sunny gem, surrounded by the eternal blue of the Aegean Sea, is a dream destination for millions of people around the world. There is something different in the air, an uplifting sense of freedom combined with an explosive energy that can make your heart beat a little faster. And even if you’ve read in the most exclusive travel guides everything about its gorgeous beaches, delicious food, spectacular sunsets and night long parties, Mykonos will still keep surprising you in every step.

You might be surprised for instance if at one of its picturesque small bars, you will find yourself sitting next to a worldwide famous Hollywood star or a member of a royal family. Or if, sunbathing on the beach right next to you, is a world class soccer champion or one of the legendary entrepreneurs of our century.

After all ‘celebrities in Mykonos’ is a trade mark of the island and has been so since the early ’50s. Back then, members of the post war Athenian upper class, who were sailing around Greece exploring its beauties, discovered a small paradise located in the eastern Cyclades just a few hours away from the mainland. At that time Mykonos was a fishermen island and its breathtaking beaches had not been touched by any other human presence than their own. Little by little those first visitors, attracted by the unique atmosphere of the island, started bringing over their rich and famous friends from all over the world. And thus a legend was born.

It is said though that the real pioneers were some French archaeologists who, around 1800, while working at the excavation site on the sacred island of Delos, started talking about the unparalleled beauties of nearby Mykonos where they kept returning every evening to have dinner and spend the night.

Nevertheless it wasn’t until the ’50s that Mykonos started hosting the real celebrities of the time, like Onassis, Niarchos and other prominent Greek ship owners, Maria Callas and many others, In 1954 queen Frederique of Greece invited royalties from all over Europe on a cruise around the Cyclades and got them all touched by Mykonos magical spell. As expected, upon their return they started spreading the news about this ‘found paradise’.

The ‘big party’ though began during the mid ’60s, with the opening of the 9 Muses discotheque that became a must go for celebrities; something like the summer version of the famous New York Studio 54 club. Mykonos became the place to see and to be seen for all those who longed for a holiday on a truly extraordinary island where everything seemed to be allowed and free.

Thus Mykonos entered the exclusive club of the international jet-set’s ‘golden destinations shortlist’ and became a love place for celebrities like Aga Khan, Grace Kelly, Richard Burton, Marlon Brando, Elisabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Rita Hayworth, Mick Jagger and so many others – not to mention presidents and chiefs of states, worldwide known fashion designers, sports stars and an ever growing list of the people who appear on the front pages around the globe.