Sailing
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 out over the Archipelago, 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
Greek Mythology has it that Anáfi, 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.
Upon entering the bay of Agios Nikolaos, you can see a marvellous Hora unfolding as in an amphitheatre. Built on the ruins of a Venetian castle, Hora is a picturesque image of whitewashed dome-roofed houses and narrow stone-paved alleys. It is this image that had once inspired the craftsmen who left their home island in the Cyclades to build the scenic settlement of “Anafiotika” at the base of the Acropolis Rock in Athens, back in 1860-1870.
Andros
It 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.
The capital of the island, Hοra (which means “main village”) is home to famous Greek captains and ship owners, and there is a remarkable combination of medieval, neoclassical and island style evident in its houses. Flights of stairs, a spacious square with trees, narrow streets, remarkable churches and museums, shops, cafes and restaurants play their part in the beauty of the place. To top that beauty off, there is a Frankish castle on an islet connected to the main island with an arched stone bridge of 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 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.
There are 110 inhabitants in the following four beautiful villages: Donoussa or Stavros (the biggest village and a port), Mersini, Haravgi and Kalotaritissa.
According to the mythology, Dionysus offered Ariadni a hiding place in Donoussa so that Thesseus could not find her. A settlement dating to the Geometric Period as well as remains of Bronze Age dwellings reveal the historical importance of the island.
Explore by boat magnificent caves like “Spilia Tichou” (Cave of the Wall) with its beautiful stalactite formations, located northwest, and “Fokospilia” (meaning seal cave), at the eastern coast of the island, a habitat of seals. Indulge yourself in a variety of culinary delights! Taste “souvli”, a cream made of barley, “aranista” (type of pasta), “patatato” (a potato dish) tasty sesame bars, “kserotíyana” (honey-dipped spiral pastries), Indian fig (prickly pear) jam and rakí made of dried figs!
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
Ios or Nios, as the locals call the island, is one of the most beautiful of the Cyclades Islands, like a flower, as its name “Ion” denotes. According to the ancient tradition, ios was the homeland of Homer’s mother and the final resting place of the great epic poet.
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 surroudings, 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.
There are two villages on Irakleia, namely Chora or Panagia, and Agios Georgios where the island harbour is. This is where you’ll find a mini market, tavernas, a grocery, bars, cafés, a bank ATM and the local consulting room (just in case…). Enjoy a walk in Chora, stroll along its stone-paved alleys and pass by the traditional stone-built houses where the Cycladic architecture’s white and blue colours reign supreme. Agios Athanasios village is also worth visiting; it is now deserted but you will be impressed by the beautiful architecture of its buildings and the interesting town planning.
Kea
Due to its proximity to Attica, Kea (also called “Tzia”) is an easily accessible beauty with a scenery variety: steep mountains, small fields, olive groves, vineyards, valleys, picturesque coves, exciting hiking trails and off-the-beaten-track beaches. On the island with the largest oak forest in the Cyclades bird-watching is a real delight. For those who are into geology, there are plenty of small caves (like in Kalamos and in Ayios Timotheos). 36 km long cobbled trails will lead you to the four city-states of the ancient times: Ioulis, Karthaia, Koressia, Poiessa).
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.
The capital of the island is made up of two quarters, Messa and Exo Kastro (meaning interior and exterior part of the castle). Messa Kastro is a typical Cycladic village, with its houses forming the external wall of the castle. Exo Kastro was built in the 17th century around Mesa Kastro to add plain square shapes to the domes and arches of Messa Kastro’s architecture. Trails take you and the locals to every part of the island. A marvellous ecosystem awaits you, where myrtle and fig trees, lentisks, reeds, vines and blue lizards prevail.
Moreover, the Mediterranean seal Monachus monachus’ haven is in the north and uninhabited side of the island. This is where you will find “Skiadi”, a natural sculpture resembling a gigantic mushroom.
For those who are into thermal springs, go to the beaches of Agioklima, Prassa (where they used to excavate chalk), Therma and Kastro, the beach with the red stones.
Koufonisia
Koufonisia is a small group of two islets, E of Naxos and W of Amorgos; these are Pano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi, and they are separated by a narrow 200 m. wide strait. They were named Koufonisia [meaning Hollow islands] because of the existing huge caves which gave the impression to pirates who viewed them from a distance that the islands were hollow! At a short distance you will see the deserted Keros island. It has been designated as an archaeological site under protection, as major Cycladic Art finds have been unearthed there many a time.
Out of the two islands, Pano Koufonisi is the only populated one. Koufonisia are a favourite destination for those who seek to relax on their holidays and look for sheltered golden sand beaches, small natural pools of turquoise waters, feasts in the original ‘island way’ and seafood fresh from the sea.
Kythnos
Also called “Thermia” on account of its thermal springs, Kýthnos is very close to Attica; still, it is one of the less visited islands of the Cyclades. The island’s harbour (Merihas) and capital (Hora) as well as Loutra and Dryopida are located in the North. In the south, only the areas by the bay of Agios Dimitrios and Panagia Canala are inhabited (where a famous monastery is situated within a pine forest).
The most impressive of the 65 sandy beaches of the island is Kolona, where a lane of sand connects the islet of Agios Loukas to Kythnos. Low stone fences run for many kilometres on bare Cycladic hills with 350 white country chapels here and there. The typical Cycladic style equally appears in the villages: cobbled narrow streets, white houses, squares, chapels and windmills. Follow the paths that connect the villages to each other and taste apricots and wild mulberries on the way to Katafyki cave, one of the biggest caves in Greece with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
Kythnos is definitely the place for thermal tourism. A modern spa centre is in operation in Loutra, with two hot springs in the area. The following springs have been famous for their therapeutic effectiveness since the ancient times, namely the spring of Agioi Anargyroi, inside the spa facilities, and the spring of Caucasus, at 50 m. from the first one, with a temperature reaching 52 degrees Celsius.
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 the greenest island in the Cyclades. It has 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 home to beautiful old churches, monasteries and Venetian castles coexisting harmoniously with the Cycladic architecture.
Upon entering the port of the whitewashed Chora of Naxos you'll encounter the islet of Palatia at its entrance. On Palatia islet the impressive marble gate, temple of Apollo, “Portara” stands still since the 6th century BC. According to mythology, the god Dionysus met Ariadni there, who had been abandoned by Thesseus.
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
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.
Did you know that the whole complex of Santorini islands is still an active volcano (the same as Methana, Mílos and Nisiros) and probably the only volcano in the world whose crater is in the sea? 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
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.
The island’s picturesque harbour with the whitewashed houses is Aloprónia and at just 3.5 km distance you can visit the island’s capital, Hóra, a village comprising two quarters, the older Kástro and the more recent Horió. This is the starting point for the trails that cross the entire island. Visit the fortress monastery of Zoodochos Pighi and enjoy a breathtaking sunset from there. The Byzantine monastery of Episkopi and the chapel of Agia Marina are definitely worth visiting, as they also offer a lovely view from their location on the hilltop.
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
Enchanting yet still unknown to the majority of travellers, Tinos is one of the most interesting cycladic islands to visit. One can enjoy its unspoiled architecture, its picturesque 40 villages, its exquisite beaches and its traditional culture and mouthwatering gastronomy as well as the way of living that has been going on through the years.
According to the philosopher Kastoriadis, the “hand-made Tínos” is the homeland of renowned great artists of marble carving such as Gyzis, Lytras, Chalepas, Filippotis and Sochos, who have been the last famous names to have held the baton of the island’s marble-carving tradition.
The pan-hellenic festivities in honour of Virgin Mary on August 15 are accompanied by other festivals like those in Tsikniás and Exómbourgo and the gastronomic feasts involving artichoke and raki in Falatádos as well as the festival of honey in Kámpos. Tinos is the ideal place for nature lovers, architecture, art and tradition, and the perfect answer to the relative expectations!
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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Well-being does not concern physical health only. It is a general feeling, an internal ray of health, force and beauty. It is an on-going process. With one of the best climates in the world, with a unique variety of nature, as well as one of the healthiest diets in the world, Greece is the ideal proposal for psychological and physical health and the search for well-being! The ancient Greek writers and philosophers praised the thermal springs, where the Nymphs offered the divine gifts of health, wellbeing, strength, and spirit invigoration.
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SANTORINI
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