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The
Greek island of Mykonos is situated in the center of the Aegean
Sea 150 kilometers east of Athens and is part of the group of islands known as the
Cyclades. Although it is the most famous of this group it is actually
the smallest covering an area of just 90 square kilometers. Its
rocky terrain rises from the sea to form gentle hills and small
valleys with the two highest points being small mountains of 369
and 392 meters in elevation. The islands geologic makeup is that
of granite which in some areas has been carved into interesting
forms through the erosive action of wind, sea and sun. In previous
years deposits of high quality clay and barite, a mineral used
as a lubricant in the oil drilling process, were once extensively
mined. There are no rivers to speak of but of its many seasonal
streams two have been harnessed by dams to create sizable reservoirs.
Despite its small area, part of Mykonos' fame comes from the fact
that it has over twenty accessible sandy beaches earning the name
"Capri of Greece". The main town or "Hora"
is situated on the west coast of the island with the smaller village
of Ano Mera located close to the island's center. |
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