Agios Ioannis

Many people feel that is a very special part of the island. The most vivid colours, the brightest light and a calmness that is difficult to describe.

It was made famous worldwide when the Oscar winning movie Shirley Valentine was filmed here. However, long before its film debut many people came to Agios Ioannis to see and feel a different part of Mykonos.

There are some unique things about Agios Ioannis. If you are there at the right time of day you may see the Apollonia effect. This is a point of light between the small harbour at Agios Ioannis and Delos. It is one of three places in the world where the sun is at its brightest. Shining on the water, it creates the illusion of a sparkling pathway across the sea to Delos, the birthplace of Apollo (God of light). The best place to see this phenomenon is from the small harbour beside the early 17th century Church of Saint John, usually a little after midday.

Also, tales are told of the beautiful mermaids at Agios Ioannis luring people to their world at the bottom of the sea, late in the evening. It should be said that in times long past, pirates used this beach after dark to bring in their bounty and it is thought it was they who created the mermaid tale. They did not want local people to be in the area when they were unloading their 'treasures'!

Please click here for more pictures of this beautiful part of our island. In the area there are two tavernas on the beach directly below the studios and a small mini-market only 5 minutes walk away.