This island is known for partying, but is that how it got its name? If you want to find out the real Mykonos meaning and history that lies behind its name, you don’t have to search for a dictionary. We’ll try to give you some answers in this short article. This place also has a few nicknames, all based on its many characteristics, which make this place so iconic and recognizable across the globe.

What Area of Greece Is Mykonos?

This popular place is actually a small island that belongs to the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. Some of its famous neighboring islands include Tinos, Paros, Syros, and Naxos. It is located in the southern part of the country, and you can easily get there from any part of Europe – by cruise, ferry boat, or plane. Most tourists visit the Cyclades during the summer season, but if you want to avoid crowds, visiting during the off-season can be a good option.

Aerial view of Chora

Open up a map and try to spot Mykonos, one of many islands in the Aegean Sea in Greece

What Words do People Use to Describe Mykonos? Nicknames, Synonyms, Definitions

This place is also known as “The Island of the Winds” because of the strong wind that blows across its mostly flat ground. Because of these strong winds, you’ll hardly feel the heat even during the summer. Besides that, you will mostly hear people refer to it as the “party island” because of obvious reasons.

How Is Mykonos Pronounced? Does This Term Have a Translation?

Many tourists are often afraid they won’t be able to pronounce some Greek words correctly, even if their English is good. Although there are quite a few words that could break one’s tongue, Mykonos is not one of them. Whether you’re speaking English or Greek, the pronunciation of this word is pretty much the same, and it goes like this mi – kuh – nos. In Greek, it is written as Μύκονος, which you might notice on some local signs or in a dictionary.

View of Mykonos town

Get familiar with the island’s history before you travel here

The Story Behind Mykonos Meaning – Who Was Mykonos?

Have you ever got a chance to learn something about Greek mythology? This is probably one of the most popular as well as most controversial mythologies in the whole world, and it involves everything – love, hate, betrayal, unexpected plots and outcomes, monstrous creatures, and much more.

According to it, one of the heroes from Greek myths and legends was Mykonos – the son of the King of Delos, Anios, who was the son of Apollo and the nymph Roious. If you don’t have a book about Greek mythology, this is something that you can also find in a dictionary if you search for this word, so feel free to read more about it if you find this interesting.

Mythological Background

According to mythology, the story of how this rocky island came to be is connected to the battle between Olympian gods and giants – Gigantomachy. Allegedly, Hercules managed to get giants to Mykonos, where he killed them and buried them under the rocks. In a slightly different version of the story, Hercules killed the giants, and the island was created from their petrified bodies, which is why it is so rocky.

The island got its name after its first ruler, local town hero – Mykonos. His grandfather, Apollo, was born on the neighboring island of Delos, which was one of the most significant spiritual centers during ancient times. Today Delos is one of the most popular archeological sites, and you can plan a day trip from Mykonos to visit historical monuments and learn all about these interesting legends.

Archeological site of Delos

This place has a rich history and mythological background

Why Is Mykonos Important?

You have probably already heard about this place before, but maybe back then, you didn’t understand the Mykonos meaning of its name, origin, and importance. But what attracts so many tourists today? Could it be just historical importance? This is actually just one of many reasons.

Apart from beautiful museums, archeological sites, and famous art galleries, this place also has some of the best hotels in Greece, many gorgeous private villas in Mykonos with enchanting sea views, amazing shopping spots, popular nightclubs, restaurants serving delicious food, and some of the best beaches in the world.

Thousands of Tourists From All Over the World Come to This Place Every Year

It is clear that Mykonos has something for everyone, so it’s no wonder that this place is so popular among tourists. Statistics show that over half a million tourists visit it yearly (keep in mind the fact that it has only around 12,000 permanent residents). It is one of the top destinations, and whether you want to spend a honeymoon here or plan a wedding, have an unforgettable bachelorette party with your friends, or throw an exciting birthday, this destination will certainly be the first one on your list.

What’s so great about it is the fact that this is actually quite a small island, so everything is close. Exploring its hidden streets with luxury shops, traditional tavernas, historical churches, visiting the famous windmills, and Little Venice is all possible to do in just a few days, ideally, you will need five days to explore every corner properly.

Girl admiring the town view

This place attracts many tourists, and it is not without a good reason

It’s Time to Visit This Place and Polish Your Knowledge of Greek Mythology

Now that you understand the importance of this place and know all about its historic background, you can plan a stay in one of many Mykonos villas that will be unforgettable. The Ace VIP can help you find the most beautiful Mykonos villa and to make this experience even better, you should consider renting a yacht and sailing around this and the surrounding islands while learning all about the exciting myths and legends connected to this part of Greece. Unfortunately, you won’t see any giants, but you’ll probably run into many celebrities, so you’ll definitely have a blast.