Page 63 - MYCONIAN COLLECTION MAGAZINE 2023

HISTOR Y

and Wallachia. However, after the
opening of the Corinth Canal in
1904 and with the beginning of the
First World War, Mykonos’ well-
developed economy started to
decline and, consequently, many
locals left to find work in mainland
Greece or abroad – especially in
the United States.Yet, it wasn’t
long before tourism rose as the
answer to the problems of the local
economy, starting with significant
archaeological excavations taking
place in Delos in 1873, which
brought fascinating Ancient Greek
artefacts and structures to light. As
a result, lovers of Greek history and
mythology began taking an interest
in the region and, along with the
ancient ruins, started to explore the
island of Mykonos and partake in the
celebrated Greek hospitality. In the
1930s, Mykonos started to become
a popular destination for famous
artists, politicians and wealthy
Europeans, who had already noticed
the island. Those were the first days
of Mykonos as a hotspot for the
international jet-set. After the dark
years of World War II, Mykonos came
back to life to blossom into the
stunning cosmopolitan destination
of the rich and famous – and not
only – that we know it as today. •

Driven and filled with youthful energy,
every single local is an effortless source
of inspiration. True Mykonians aren’t the
first people visitors will encounter on the
island. But look for them and you will find
them – and realise that the impressive
growth of this island was thanks to a
simple, human ingredient: The locals’
hospitality and authenticity.