Cyclades

Destination Info

SOUNION: The Temple of Poseidon with its Doric columns, built in 5th century B.C. makes this cape well known worldwide. It is usually a stop during itineraries to the Cyclades islands where passengers enjoy a swim in the clear waters.

ANDROS: This northernmost and second largest of the Cyclades islands is also among the most beautiful ones. There are successive ranges of mountains with steep sides, rivers and mineral springs with famous sparkling medicinal waters, large valleys planted with olive, fig, orange and lemon trees as well as grape vines. Andros is a blend of rocky and green landscaping with superb beaches. Sights: Archaeological museum with finds from the Geometric, Classical, Roman and Byzantine periods, Museum of Modern Art, Nautical Museum, monasteries, Geometric and Byzantine temples, Andros town with neo-classical mansions. Delicacies: Almond pastries.

TINOS: The Holy Island of the Virgin Mary, where pilgrims come to pray or fulfill a vow. There are beautiful villages on the slopes of a line of mountains whose highest peak was the home of the Wind God Aeolus in Greek mythology. There are also numerous caves along the coast with sandy or pebbly beaches. Sights: Church of Virgin Mary with the miracle icon, Archaeological Museum, Gallery of Greek painters, ruins of medieval castles. Delicacies: Local wines.

SYROS: The capital, Hermoupoli, which is also the main harbour, stands on a natural amphitheatre site with neo-classic building, old mansions and white houses cascading down to the harbour. The varied landscape makes the hinterland outstanding, while the coastline is indented with beautiful inlets of all sizes nestled between capes. Sights: Archaeological finds, Town Hall built by Ziller in 1876. Apollo Municipal Theatre which is miniature copy of La Scala in Milan, monasteries, unique architecture, casino. Delicacies: “Loukoumi” and “halvadopita” delights from egg white, sugar and almonds.

MYKONOS: A world famous island, attracting visitors from around the globe, including well-known artists and intellectuals. They are attracted by the more than twenty sandy beaches with clear waters for delightful swimming. Visitors also enjoy wandering through the whitewashed narrow streets with brilliant white box-shaped houses adorned with bright coloured doors and balconies and stepped walls for sitting on. After a leisurely day enjoying the quiet private corners of the island, ordinary vacationers nestle happily side-by-side with the jet set and yacht setters in the numerous bars and discos with their nightlife and sounds that never end. Beach parties, happenings, and fashion shows take place every summer, or if they choose, visitors can still find quiet places for a tranquil afternoon. Sights: Aegean Nautical museum, over a hundred small churches, the Agricultural Museum housed in a converted windmill. Delicacies: “kopanisti” a pepper flavoured white cheese, “Amygdalota” almond delights, and “soumada” fermented almond cordial.

DELOS: Uninhabited today, this is the sacred island birthplace of the God Apollo and Goddess Artemis of Greek mythology. This vast archaeological site, whose superb monuments cover almost the entire island, reflects the wealth and beauty of its ancient way of life. Sights: Archaeological museum, Hermes House, Sacred Way of Lions, Sanctuary of Artemis, Sanctuary of Apollo, Agora of the Lions, Theatre Houses, Stadium, Gymnasium along with many others.

PAROS: An attractive island, popular not only for its numerous excellent sandy beaches and blue clear waters, its wild rocky landscape with white box-shaped houses whose yards are filled with basil, jasmine, honeysuckle and bougainvillea, but also for its nightlife. Paros is ideal not only for those in search of cosmopolitan bustle, but also for lovers of solitude. Sights: Picturesque Venetian castles, the famous church of Ekatondapiliani which is a Byzantine monument, monasteries, exhibition of traditional crafts, ornamental pottery and fine silver jewellery. Delicacies: Wine and olive oil.

NAXOS: The largest and most fertile of the Cycladic Islands. Naxos' landscape includes meadows running down the vast white beaches, cliffs that sink suddenly into the sea, rocky mountains nestled side-by-side with valleys filled with meandering streams and springs. The island's clear waters and secluded bays are well known to the yachting set. Sights: Venetian castles, Archaeological Museum, “kouros” statues dating from the 6th century BC, items to buy include embroideries and woollens. Delicacies: Honey, various cheeses, citrus drinks, woven goods.

AMORGOS: The steep and rocky coastline of this oblong mountainous island contrasts sharply with its quiet shady bays with clear waters. The white-washed houses, superb beaches and traces of ancient architecture all make Amorgos very picturesque and unique. Sights: Archaeological museum, monasteries and castles.

FOLEGANDROS: A wild beautiful island whose landscape includes huge rocks alternating with sandy beaches. There are charming villages offering handmade pasta and local wines to delight visitors. Sights: Castles, monasteries.

SIKINOS: Inhabited since ancient times. This island has retained all of its local character and offers tranquillity and peace to its visitors. Sights: Monasteries, stone mansions, churches.

IOS: The island of the ancient poets offers a landscape of vineyards and olive trees that wind down the mountains to the crystal clear sea and its superb sandy beaches. The beautiful capital with its white cubic houses and row of windmills also offers visitors a lively nightlife. Sights: Archaeological and Folkloric museum, Museum of Modern Art, numerous churches.

ANAFI: From a distance this island looks like an isolated rock in the ocean. Her green valleys with white churches, beautiful secluded beaches and monasteries make her a jewel of the Cyclades. Sights: Monasteries, churches.

SANTORINI: The best known island in Greece is the home of a huge volcano that erupted, leaving the town perched high on its famous white cliffs. The only way to reach the city is by donkey, walking up the 587 narrow steps to the top, or by cableway. The sea approach to the island is spectacular! Black sandy beaches, cliff side towns and bright white houses make Santorini an island of contrast and undoubtedly a must for travellers.

THIRASSIA: Thirassia was formed by volcanic activity and today has a single village built on top. There are tavernas offering local wine and traditional hospitality to visitors.

KEA (TZIA): An exceptionally picturesque island with small valleys nestled between mountain ranges. The valleys are sparsely planted with vines and fruit trees, and open into pretty little bays. They are dotted with miniature chapels, windmills, monasteries and flowered slopes. Beautiful villages built on top of the hills offer a breathtaking view. Visitors should make sure to visit the port of Korissia and the remains of the Temple of Smithian Apollo. Sights: Archaeological Museum, monasteries. Delicacies: Fresh fish

KYTHNOS: Famous since ancient times for the “Constitution” by Aristotle, Kythnos is a typical Cycladic island. Vineyards and fig trees provide dashes of green against the white Cycladic cottages and churches with their frescos and icons that cling to the hillsides above beautiful small bays with clear waters. Sights: Monasteries, churches, Loutra village with radioactive thermal springs-beneficial to sufferers of arthritis, dermatitis and other.

IRAKLIA-SHINOUSSA-KOUFONISIA-KEROS-DONOUSA: An earthly paradise with clear blue waters touching the barren landscape. The silent rocks, the small caves along the coastline, the chance to escape from the crowds, all attract visitors to these virtually unblemished islands. Sights: Archaeological finds, remains of Roman buildings.

KIMOLOS: As blindingly white as the chalk it produces. Kimolos was used by pirates in the Middle Ages due to its caves that are well-concealed among the superb beaches with sparkling clear waters. Sights: Remains of castles, churches.

MILOS: Notable for its volcanic soil and the rich deposits of minerals beneath, Milos owns its fame in part to the “Venus de Milo” a statue now exhibited in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Milos fascinates visitors with her monuments, her charming white villages, her extraordinary beaches with crystal waters and her strange rocky formations. Sights: Catacombs, Historical and Folklore Museum, Archaeological finds.

SERIFOS: Bare, undulating hills interspersed with small fertile valleys cover this charming island with colourful churches. The rocky coastline is deeply indented with a succession of coves and bays. The curious rock formations resemble human figures, which call to mind the myth of Medusa, Danae and Perseus, as if these prehistoric inhabitants of the island had been turned to stone. Sights: Venetian castle, Monastery and fortress of the Archangels of the 18th century, churches of the 10th
Century. Delicacies: “Baklava” and other pastries.

SIFNOS: A grey landscape of rock that will surprise visitors as they discover the beautiful spots of the island, which together with the island's superb architecture, rank it among the jewels of the Aegean. Famous in ancient times for her wealth, which came from gold and silver mines, she enjoyed great prosperity in Classic times as well. Sights: Archaeological Museum, monasteries, over 365 churches, castle area, windmills. Shopping: Pottery, folklore souvenirs. Delicacies: Baked chickpeas, “Myzithra” cheese.