Sailing in Greece
Greece is the ideal place for a surreal escape to the endless blue. Its seas and islands need no further introduction. By sailboat or motorized craft, inflatable or even by boat – the choices are endless.
Cyclades
The most famous island group in the Aegean Sea comprises some of the most beautiful islands in the world! Gorgeous sandy beaches, architecture in white and blue, traditional lifestyle, folk music, warm, hospitable people and barren landscapes with isolated chapels turn a trip to the Cyclades into a lifetime experience.
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ISLANDS & ISLETS
CYCLADIC CIVILISATION
DISTINCTIVE ARCHITECTURE
Where to go...
Amorgos
Did you know that the 1988 movie “Le Grand Bleu” with Jean Reno was shot on the island of Amorgos, at the south eastern edge of the Cyclades? Parts of the island reach a considerable height above sea level, offering superb views of the sea. Amorgos is one of the most impressive Cycladic islands, boasting marvellous beaches with azure waters, gorgeous caves, ideal spots for diving, scenic bays and ancient footpaths leading through its steep rocky terrain…
Inhabited since the Early Cycladic Era, as indicated by archaeological finds brought to light in the area, Amorgos has a long cultural history and tradition. Step off the beaten track and visit an island that has preserved its traditional colour, where the locals welcome you with a smile on their face and make you feel at home!
Anafi
The island of Anafi is a pristine destination with beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. Greek Mythology has it that the island emerged from the bottom of the Aegean sea to give shelter to the Argonauts (a band of heroes in Greek mythology.)
Upon entering the bay of Agios Nikolaos, an amphitheatrical view of Chora unfolds before your eyes. The picture perfect Chora village is built on the ruins of a Venetian castle and has whitewashed dome-roofed houses and narrow stone-paved alleys.This is the image that had once inspired the craftsmen who left their home island in the Cyclades for Athens and built the scenic neighbourhood of “Anafiotika” at the base of the Acropolis Rock, back in 1860-1870.
Andros
Andros, the northernmost island of the Cyclades, has a long maritime tradition. Explore sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, water springs, hills and green plains!
The capital of the island, Chοra (which means “main village”) is home to many famous Greek captains and ship owners; Take a look at the remarkable combination of medieval, neoclassical and island style houses. Walk the village down the flights of stairs, around the public square and its narrow streets, visit some remarkable churches and museums, and take a break in its beautiful shops, cafes and restaurants. Don’t miss the Frankish castle located on an islet across the main island connected with an arched stone bridge dating back to the 13th century.
Antiparos
The islet of Antiparos, lying southwest of Paros, is ideal for a relaxed and serene holiday and can easily be reached from Pounda or Parikia by boat. The ancient name of Antiparos was Oliaros. A major Neolithic settlement has been unearthed at the neighbouring islet of Saliagos and it is considered to be the oldest in Cyclades.
Hora (Town) of Antiparos has been built around a 15th century Venetian castle. The stone-paved streets, the whitewashed alleys, the houses decorated with thriving pink and purple bougainvilleas and the central square with its shadowy eucalyptus trees create an enchanting atmosphere.
Delos
The entire island is designated as an archaeological site, to be precise, a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s an ark of history, floating lazily on the waters of the Aegean Sea, just a few miles away from cosmopolitan Mykonos. It’s a chance to walk around the revival of the glory of the Greek civilization. It’s the head priest of the Cyclades, the birthplace of the immortals. It’s Delos.
In the ancient times, the myth of god Apollo, god of light, and goddess Artemis having been born there rendered the island sacred: no mortal would ever be allowed to be born on its land. But, a cradle of gods as the island has been, no mortals would ever be allowed to die on it either. So, apart from it being a conspicuous religious and economic centre, the island had also been exclusive in that: even during the years of peak of the Delian Alliance, women on the brink of childbirth and people close to dying would be carried to the neighbouring island of Rineia. The whole of the known world of that age was aware of the sacredness of the island and of its uniqueness.
Donousa
The northernmost island of the Small Eastern Cyclades is located east of the island of Naxos and north of Amorgos. Donousa was named after Dionysus, the ancient Greek God of wine who offered Ariadne a hiding place on the island from Theseus.
The island’s capital, port and centre of attention is Stavros but make sure to visit the picturesque villages of Mersini, Haravgi and Kalotaritissa. The 13.65 sq. km island is great for hiking among the thick scent of wild Greek herbs which fill the air. Donousa’s land has plenty of coves where you can relax on some magnificent sandy beaches. If you want to get away from it all and enjoy peaceful holidays, Donoussa is the ideal choice for you!
Folegandros
Shining under the Aegean sun, Folegandros was named after the son of king Minos. This off-the-beaten-path destination captivates the visitors with the untouched beauty of its beaches, the luminous blue of its waters, and the unadulterated style of its architecture.
At 200m above sea level travellers will discover Kástro, a Venetian castle. Hóra, the capital town of the island, it's been built partially in it. Bougainvilleas leaning over the balconies, sugar-cube whitewashed houses, and sheer cliff drops convey the island’s ethereal, yet wild, beauty.
Ios
The island of Ios, or Nios as locals call it, is a charming Cycladic island and renowned among the young for its vivid nightlife. It is located between Santorini, Paros and Naxos islands and offers a plethora of lovely bays and beaches.
The sights you shouldn’t miss out on are the lighthouse at the port entrance as well as the open air theatre “Odysseas Elytis”, where lots of events take place during summer.
Irakleia
Irakleia is the largest and westernmost island in the Minor Cyclades island group, a charming destination in the heart of the Aegean Archipelago, which you must absolutely add to your travelling experiences.
If holidays for you mean a chance to live in pristine natural surroundings, enjoy a slow pace of life, and relaxation, then we’d like to recommend this peaceful location and give you a couple of suggestions to try when you get there.
Kea (or Tzia)
The island of Kea (aka Tzia) is a famous and charming Cycladic island with age-old traditions and interesting history. Its landscape will catch your attention with its green fields, high hills, vineyards, olive groves, ravines, coves and secluded beaches. Visit the largest oak forest in the Cyclades and keep an eye out for the rich bird fauna. Explore its numerous caves (Trypospilies Cave at Kalamos, Agios Timotheos Cave, and Agios Panteleimonas Cave) and the mining area at Orkou. Follow the 81 km paths and discover four ancient city-states of the island (Ioulida - Karthaia - Korissia - Poieessa).
Kea is a famous sailing destination mainly due to its proximity to Attica. Its waters are great for divers as a large number of shipwrecks reside on the sea bottom.
It’s only a 1-hour trip from Lavrio port, Attica.
Kimolos
This tiny yet beautiful island lies in the western part of the Cyclades next to Milos. Possessing a volcanic soil and a unique variety of minerals, its chalk mining past is from where its name derives (kimolia means chalk in Greek). The island is famous for its fantastic sandy or pebbly beaches and coves.
There’s a sheer resemblance to the rest of the Cycladic islands; white houses and cobbled-stone alleys, breathtaking beaches, a Chora Village and hospitable locals!
Koufonisia
Koufonisia is the name of two little islands in the Lesser Eastern Cyclades: Ano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi are separated from each other by a 200 m. wide narrow strait. Nearby Naxos Island is located east, Amorgos is to be found west, as well as deserted Keros Island, which is a protected archaeological site where great ancient artefacts were unearthed, dated to the Cycladic Civilisation Period (a Bronze Age civilisation which flourished οn the Aegean Islands).
Ano [or Pano] Koufonisi (meaning Upper Koufonisi) is the only populated island of the two. It is a destination preferred by those who wish to relax on their holidays, in a place with golden-coloured sandy beaches sheltered from the wind, small natural seawater pools with turquoise waters, enchanting natural surroundings, traditional feasting - the local way - and oh-so-fresh fish & seafood dishes. Leave your worries behind and visit this picture-perfect spot of land in the Lesser (or Small) Cyclades, that covers a mere 5.7 sq.km surface. You can explore the entire island on foot, by bicycle or by boat in just 3 hours.
The locals love their festivals. On St. George’s feast day, panigyras [a person who carries the icon of the saint] takes St. George’s icon on a tour around the island, while local boats follow him along the coastline, in honour of the saint. The ‘fisherman’s festival’ takes place on June 24th, where delicious kakavia soup is served (prepared with a variety of small freshly netted fish). The feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God takes place on August 15th and islanders visit Kato Koufonisi for the religious festival in honour of the Holy Virgin.
Kythnos
Despite its proximity to Attica’s coast, Kythnos is one of the lesser-known islands in the Cyclades. The southern part is practically uninhabited, and in the north you will find Merichas (where the island harbour is located), Chora or Mesaria (the island capital), Loutra and Dryopida.
Kythnos wears the standard blue and white colours of the Cyclades, its countryside is dotted with bald hills, dry-stone walls that stretch for kilometres ahead and more than 350 snow white little chapels scattered around the island. It has more than 65 beaches (the majority ending in off-road access tracks) and picturesque villages with the narrow cobbled streets, the white-washed houses, squares, churches and windmills.
Milos
The volcanic activity in ancient years has endowed Milos island with an exciting variety of gorgeous landscapes, consequently offering the visitor a wide range of activities. The funny shapes of the rocks and their wonderful colours at the beautiful white sandy beaches are one expression of the volcanic features of Milos; the economic activity is another: minerals such as obsidian are excavated here. What is more, one of the most ancient mines in the Mediterranean is on this island.
References had been made by Hippocrates to the peculiar morphology of spectacular caves (Papafragkas and Sykia) and a multitude of thermal springs (Kanava, Alyki, Provata, Pikropigi). The diving enthusiasts will find a paradise in the underwater caves in the triangle formed by Milos, Kimolos and Polyegos islands.
Mykonos
Welcome to Greece's most famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades. According to mythology, Mykonos was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules. And did you know that the island took its name from the grandson of Apollo, “Mykonos”?
Set out on a journey to discover a fascinating world where glamour meets simplicity. On Mykonos celebrities, college students and families mingle together to celebrate the Greek summer. Whether you are an entertainment junkie out for a real good time, or a visitor who wishes to explore the island’s history and tradition, Mykonos will certainly meet your expectations.
Naxos
Naxos is the biggest and most fertile island in the group, located right in the centre of it. It offers a host of choices to visitors about activities they can try, as well as other entertainment and relaxation options. The whitewashed Chora town welcomes travellers at its harbour. Portara, Naxos’ most popular landmark, lies on the neighbouring Palatia Islet; it is the marble gate of an unfinished ancient Greek temple dedicated to god Apollo.
Chora’s built landscape is marked by numerous fortified palaces, which date to the island’s Venetian Period, as Naxos was the seat of the Duchy of the Aegean. Make sure you visit the Bazaios Tower, off Sagri village, the Glezos-Crispi Tower in Chora, the Belonia Tower in Galanado and the Della Rocca-Barozzi Tower in Chora.
The diverse, uneven landscape and the size of the island have helped shape a variety of ecosystems. Explore them by following the signposted paths (Chora-Melanes-Chalki; Chalki-Danakos-Apeiranthos; Skado-Apollonas, etc). The route from Apeiranthos to Moutsouna beach goes through the old emery mines, and its beauty is breathtaking: you’ll enjoy the views of the changing nature as you head towards the sea. The mountaineering and mountain biking fans will be happy to explore Mt. Zas (elev. 1004m, the highest mountain on the Cyclades) and Mt Fanari (elev. 908 m). As you climb Mt Zas, don’t miss out on visiting Zas Cave at 628m elevation; you will be impressed by its stalagmites. In ancient times, this location was a place of worship for Zeus, the father of the Olympian gods. On the left side of the cave’s entrance, you will see the tiny country chapel of Zoodochos Pigi (Our Lady).
Naxos is an island with a rich cultural activity. Traditional festivals and other cultural events take place during the summer and in September, such as the Naxos Festival in Bazaios Tower, and Dionysia, which includes a variety of art exhibitions, concerts and theatre shows - among other events, organised under the auspices of the Naxos Municipality. The last celebrations to take place are the Wine Festival and the Fisherman’s Festival, in September.
Paros
Unrivalled natural beauty, beaches with crystal clear waters, unrivalled Byzantine footpaths connecting traditional villages and breathtaking landscapes make Paros, located at the heart of the Cyclades, one of the best loved holiday destinations in Greece.
Parikia, the capital of Paros, is a beautiful Cycladic village with whitewashed cubic houses and impressive neoclassical mansions. A well preserved 13th century Venetian castle stands proudly on a hill at the centre of the village offering an amazing view of Parikia. In the capital you can also admire an important ecclesiastical monument, the 6th century church of Panayia Ekatontapyliani, also called Katapoliani. The name “Ekatontapylianí” means the church with 100 gates (“Ekato Pyles” in Greek), one of which is a secret one! Don’t miss the chance to visit the baptistery (4th century AD), one of the best preserved baptisteries in the Orthodox East, and the Byzantine Museum. The Parikia Byzantine Museum is housed on the ground floor of the church. Its exhibits include icons, wood-carved iconostases and other heirlooms from various monasteries and churches on the island.
Santorini
Santorini, known since ancient times as Thira, is one of the most famous islands in the world. The fact that you can sit in front of the caldera, enjoy local dishes, a drink or a coffee while gazing at the remarkable beauty of an active volcano is priceless!
The island is actually a group of islands consisting of Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni in the southernmost part of the Cyclades.
Santorini’s volcano is one of the few active volcanoes on Greek and European land The islands that form Santorini came into existence as a result of intensive volcanic activity; twelve huge eruptions occurred, one every 20,000 years approximately, and each violent eruption caused the collapse of the volcano’s central part creating a large crater (caldera). The volcano, however, managed to recreate itself over and over again.
Serifos
Serifos Island, with its rugged mining sites, ladened with history, has its own distinct Cycladic flair. The island exudes a calm atmosphere and speaks directly to your senses. Despite its arid and wild land characteristics, Serifos is gracefully embraced by the deep blue colours of the Aegean Sea and has some magnificent beaches.
The locals have respected the Cycladic architectural tradition by building white and blue houses making the islands towns and villages all the more wonderful. Being near to Athens it is a beloved as well as an ideal weekend getaway (2 hrs and 30 min by speedboat, 4 hrs by ferryboat). Apart from having a laid back and relaxed holiday, you will enjoy your outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking and diving!
Sifnos
Sifnos, the island of flavours, is the birthplace of famous poets, like Ioannis Gryparis, Kleanthis Triantafyllou (or Rampagas) and Aristomenis Provelegios, as well as award winning chefs, like Tselementés. Unique traditional villages, organized or secluded beaches, and 227 churches spread around the island are waiting to be discovered.
Sikinos
Sikinos is a relatively small island of the Cyclades, ideal for a quiet holiday, for relaxing walks in scenic locations and for swimming in clean waters, away from the crowds.
Escape from everyday stress and anxiety on this small island, located between Ios and Folegandros. Sikinos is a typically Cycladic island, with terraces, low stone fences and numerable chapels dotting a scenery bathed by the wonderful green and blue waters of the Aegean.
Its landscape does not have a lot of green and the ground is stony. Characteristic of the island is the steep cliff which is located at the northwest part of the island, where Chora is built.
Syros
This is the island where Greek tradition and western influence come to a harmonious marriage. Ermoúpoli (meaning “the city of Hermes”) is the island’s capital town and has been the first important trade and industrial centre of the country in the 19th century.
Evidence of this glorious past can be seen on public buildings (the City Hall, the Customs Office, “Apollo” theatre), on the neoclassical houses and at the beautiful squares. Due to its economic activity, Ermoúpoli has been called “Manchester of Greece” and the history of its years of blossom is exhibited in the Industrial Museum.
Tinos
Tinos is one of the rising island destinations in the Cyclades. An ideal destination for nature lovers, architecture and art aficionados or gastronomy enthusiasts! You will enjoy your jaunts in the beautiful beaches and in the picturesque 40 or so villages, built according to the local traditional architectural style. You will be impressed by its culture and tasty cooking, as well as by the locals’ way of life.
Tinos is the homeland of great Greek artists of marble carving such as Gyzis, Lytras, Chalepas, Filippotis and Sochos. These artists were famous for their creations, which raised the island’s marble-carving tradition to new heights.
The religious celebration in honour of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on August 15th are accompanied by other festivities such as Tsiknias (the leavetaking of the Dormition, the mother of God, held nine days after); Exοmbourgo (a religious feast in honour of Jesus); as well as the culinary feasts featuring: artichokes and raki in Falatados, and honey in Kampos.
The Dazzling Light of the Cyclades
The name “Cyclades” refers to the islands forming a circle (the name in English means: “circular islands”) around the sacred island of Delos. According to the Greek mythology, Poseidon, God of the sea, furious at the Cyclades nymphs turned them into islands.
Let your dream come true in one of the following islands:
Andros is the northernmost island of the group with a great naval tradition and no landscape like the postcards from the Cyclades: apart from the sandy beaches, there are rocky coastlines, mountain ranges alternating with fertile plains, lush vegetation and abundantly flowing streams.
One of the most enchanting yet less known islands of the Cyclades, Tinos is the religious centre of the country thanks to the church of Panayia Meyalohari (the Blessed Virgin Mary). Pilgrims from all over the country come here to fulfil their vows and to seek spiritual comfort.
One of the most famous destinations worldwide and a favourite holiday spot of the jet set, Mykonos, is extremely beautiful and well known for its bare hills, the amazing sandy beaches, the white country chapels and the Cycladic architecture.
Due to its proximity to Attica, Kea is an easily accessible beauty with a scenery variety: steep mountains, small fields, olive groves, vineyards, valleys, picturesque coves and off-the-beaten-track beaches. On the island with the largest oak forest in the Cyclades, bird-watching is a real delight.
Cousteau looked for the lost city of Atlantis on Santorini. Crescent-shaped Santorini (or Thira), the precious gem of the Aegean, is actually a group of islands consisting of Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni in the southernmost part of Cyclades.
Also called “Thermia” on account of its thermal springs, Kythnos is very close to Attica; still, it is one of the less visited islands of the Cyclades.
Greek Mythology has it that Anafi, a paradise of pristine beauty and “exotic” beaches washed by crystal clear waters, had emerged from the bottom of the Aegean sea to give shelter to the Argonauts.
Ios. The locals call their island “Nios” but its formal name comes from “ion”, the Greek name for the flower violet. It is said to have been the birthplace of Homer’s mother and the place of his own tomb.
Remaining untouched by the growth of the tourist industry, Folegandros (or Polykandros) offers complete relaxation in a typical Cycladic landscape. The Greek mythology refers to Folegandros as son to Minos and head of the first colonists on the island.
Ideal for a relaxed holiday, Serifos is a typical Cycladic island with white villages, quiet harbours, golden beaches, bare hills and beautiful landscapes. The mild tourism growth has not affected the island’s nature and traditional features.
Kimolos.This tiny and extremely beautiful island lies in the western part of the Cyclades, close to Milos island. Possessing a volcanic soil and a unique variety of minerals, it is famous for its fantastic beaches, ranging from thin sand to pebbles.
Sifnos will definitely turn a holiday into an unforgettable experience, having a rich tradition in pottery and gastronomy. Due to its gold mines, it used to be one of the richest islands in the ancient times.
Escape from everyday stress and anxiety on this small island, located between Ios and Folegandros. Sikinos is a typical Cycladic island, with terraces, low stone fences and numerous country chapels dotting a scenery bathed in the wonderful green and blue waters of the Aegean.
Delos, the birth place of Apollo and Artemis, used to be a religious centre for the whole of Greece in the ancient times, as well as the principal trading port in the Eastern Mediterranean during the roman times. Delos is uninhabited today and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, receiving large numbers of visitors who flock to admire remarkable monuments and impressive mosaics.
Unrivalled natural beauty, beaches of crystal clear waters, “unique” Byzantine footpaths connecting traditional villages and breathtaking landscapes make Paros, located at the heart of Cyclades, one of the most beloved holiday destinations in Greece…
Naxos: the biggest and the greenest island in Cyclades with impressively high mountains, fertile valleys, lush green gorges, stunning seascapes and traditional villages perched high on mountain tops, where the inhabitants still wear their traditional dress and live off the fruits of the land! Naxos is also an island of beautiful old churches, monasteries and Venetian castles coexisting harmoniously with Cycladic cubic houses...
Iraklia is a tiny island with only 115 residents located at the western edge of the Small Eastern Cyclades island group. Dense vegetation, natural springs, smooth hills, crystalline waters (with shipwrecks at the sea-bottom!), scenic bays and caves are the characteristics of this unspoiled paradise in Cyclades.
Schinoussa is located at the centre of the Small Eastern Cyclades island group, south of Naxos and north-east of Iraklia. It is a tiny island with three villages: Hora, Mesaria and Mersini.
Koufonisia is a small group of two islands, Pano Koufonisi (Upper Koufonisi) and Kato Koufonisi (Lower Koufonisi), that are separated by a narrow strait. They are located southeast of Naxos and west of Amorgos; Pano Koufonisi is inhabited, with a land area of 5.5 sq. km and a population of 366 residents
Donousa is the northernmost island of the Small Eastern Cyclades is located east of Naxos and north of Amorgos. The island has a land area of 13.5 sq. km and numerous coves some of which hide magnificent sandy beaches.
The islet of Antiparos, lying southwest of Paros, is ideal for a relaxed and serene holiday and can easily be reached from Punda or Parikia by boat. The ancient name of Antiparos was Oliaros.
Amorgos: The island of “The Big Blue” – a large part of the Luc Besson film was shot there – is at the southeasternmost point of the Cyclades and it displays a very special scenery: mountains, cliffs ideal for climbing, terraces, precipices and picturesque coves with lovely waters.
Milos: The volcanic activity in ancient years has endowed this island with an exciting variety of gorgeous landscapes, consequently offering the visitor a wide range of activities. The funny shapes of the rocks and their wonderful colours at the beautiful white sandy beaches are one expression of the volcanic features of Milos.
Syros: This is the island where Greek tradition and western influence come to a harmonious marriage. Ermoupoli (meaning “the city of Hermes”) is the island’s capital town and has been the first important trade and industrial centre of the country in the 19th century.
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