Mykonos Island Geography

Mykonos is situated 150 km east of Athens in the Aegean Sea and is the most famous island in the Cyclades group of islands. Its total area is 85.5 km2 (33 miles2) and its highest point is 341m (1,119 ft) above sea level. The island is composed mostly of granite and the terrain is very rocky with many areas eroded by the strong winds. High quality clay and barite, which is a mineral used as a lubricant in oil drilling, were once mined here.

There are no rivers but many seasonal streams, two of which have been used by dams to create large reservoirs. Mykonos gained the nickname “Capri of Greece” because of its numerous beaches.

The island has a population of nearly 12,500, most of whom live in the main town of Chora.