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The White Island: Visiting Mykonos, Greece

The island of Mykonos is part of the Cyclades, a group of islands nestled in the southern and central Aegean Sea. In recent years, Mykonos has positioned itself as a trendy place to visit, rivaling even some of the swishiest locales such as Capri or Hawaii. The island's recent fame is thanks in part to the fact that some of the world's most beautiful people have been flocking here, including Madonna and Mick Jagger.

Among the best reasons to visit Mykonos is that it is a feast for all of the senses. The iconic white architecture, the extremely amenable climate, proliferation of archeological and historical hotspots are all among the many reasons to spend your vacation days on Mykonos. And let's not forget about the magnificent beaches of Mykonos! The island is dotted with stunning beaches to suit the needs of every tourist, even those who prefer to take advantage of the "clothing optional" rule that some beaches have in place.

Of all the beautiful beaches on Mykonos, by far the most popular are Platis Gialos, Psarou, Paranga, Kalafatis, Elia and Agrari. Platis Gialos offers vistors an excellent choice of water sports, while Psarou is home to a first-rate diving center. Kalafatis is the island's largest beach, and Elia is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. On Elia Beach, you'll find many secluded hiding spots, perfect for a romantic moment or just some alone time.

On Mykonos, every street is a postcard image in the making, and around every turn is a new adventure. The scenery here is a study in contrasts, from the stark whitewash of the buildings to the sapphire blue sea, the rainbow-colored windows. The personality of the island bleeds through into its nightlife, too: When the sun goes down, many of the island's taverns, restaurants and discos come alive and are flooded with people, tourists and locals alike. The air is filled with a tangle of music from driving rock to soothing jazz. There's something for everyone.

If you fancy a little retail therapy, Mykonos can accommodate you, too. There are many shops on the island selling all kinds of local and tourist-aimed products of just about any category you can imagine. To soak in a little culture, the island of Mykonos has many museums for your enjoyment.

For a fun day trip from Mykonos, head to nearby Delos. There are organized tours leaving daily from Mykonos for Delos, an island that at one time was the cultural and religious epicenter of all of the Cyclades and for Greece as a whole. (For you legend lovers, the story goes that Apollo, god of the sun, and his sister Artemis; goddess of the hunt, were born on Delos. These days, it's an idyllic island with a very interesting museum and some breathtaking architectural monuments to see. While you're visiting Mykonos, you might as well take a day and see Delos, as well. (Oh, and as a note, the name "Mykonos" has a legend attached to it, too. It is named for Apollo's grandson. Legend also says that the rock terrain of Mykonos was formed by the bodies of giants being turned to stone by Zeus!)

Whether your perfect getaway involves nothing more than lounging on a beautiful beach while you take in the fresh sea air or whether you want to soak up a little culture and history, the Greek island of Mykonos has something to make your vacation the most memorable it can be. Be sure to bring along your camera and lots of film or extra memory cards when you go. Mykonos is a shutterbug's paradise!

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