MYKONOS (Myconos). Mykonos is world-famous. It is no coincidence that this, the most cosmopolitan of all Greek islands, attracts so many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals. Here, the steep mountains to be encountered in most of the Cyclades give war to low, rocky hills which combine with superb beaches to make up the landscape of the island.

The capital, Hora, with its colourful harbour in which little fishing boats nestle happily side by side with luxury yachts, presents quite a different picture from the majority of Aegean island towns. While it is usual for island villages to be built on naturally amphitheatrically sites, Mykonos is spread out over a flat area and conveys an impression of solid aesthetic cohesion. Along the whitewashed streets stand brilliant white box-shaped houses with stepped walls for sitting on, wooden doors and windows and brightly-coloured balconies. These are interspersed with small but impressive churches, pretty little tavernas and shops selling souvenirs and other goods, and the overall sense is of being inside a film set. On the low Kastro hill is the complex of churches known collectively as Our Lady 'Paraportiani', a superb arrangement of whitewashed masses created over the centuries and now recognised as a national cultural monument. Of particular historicall and aesthetic interest are the medieval houses in this district of the town, which stand like a wall above the sea protecting the west side of Hora.

The Archaeological Museum of Hora contains finds from tombs on the nearby island of Rhenia, sculp­tures, vases and figurines. The Folk­lore Museum brings together a number of collections of furniture, icons, pieces of sculpture and folk musical instruments. Mykonos is al­so the home of the Nautical Mu­seUIl1 of the Aegean, which has interest all of its own. The countryside of Mykonos is a mixture of grey-green rocks ringed by prickly pear plants and little fer­tile areas carpeted with wild flowers. Here and there are tiny white­washed chapels and windmills. Ano Mera is, after Hora, the most important of the older villages on the island. Standing 8 km. to the east of the town, Ano Mera bas the interesting monastery of Our Lady Tourliani, ornamented with fine woodcarvings. The church bas a collection of valuable ecclesiastical vessels, vestments and embroideries. The court yard contains an interesting belltower and a marble fountain. Here lovers of the sea will find outstanding golden beaches such as Agios Stefanos, Psarou, Kalafa­tis, Platis Gialos, Ornos, Elia and Panormos. Mykonos is a busy island with all the amenities of a modern resort and with plenty to do - by day or night ­for those who want to have a lively time. Yet visitors fond of more peaceful holidays will still find quiet corners in which to relax. How to get there: By ferry from Piraeus  and Rafina. By air from Athens

De windmills of Mykonos Photo: Denise Dene.	De windmills of Mykonos Photo: Danny Verhasselt.
Mykonos little street. Photo: Fam. Caria.	Paraportiani church Photo: Denise Dene.
Kastro, Mykonos   Photo: Denise Dene.	little street in Mykonos Photo: Bruno Hubrecht.
Mykonos Photo: J. en W. v. der Sleen.	Spring at Mykonos. Photo: J. en W. v. der Sleen.

Mykonos klooster Ano Mera. Foto van Marion Hazeleger	Mykonos Ano Mera Panagia Tourliani Foto: Bruno Hubrecht
Mykonos Mascottes Photo: Bruno Hubrecht	Mykonos. Photo: Marion Hazeleger
Mykonos. Photo:  Fam. Caria	Mykonos, Chora. Photo: Fam Caria
Mykonos. Photo:  J. & W. van der Sleen	Mykonos. Photo: Fam. Caria