DESTINATIONS

Some ideas for the Cyclades

(One can shorten and lengthen as one wishes)

Author: An old Greek who loves his country.

 

CYCLADES 

 

10 days Itinerary

Day 1

ATHENS – KEA

Day 2

KEA – SERIFOS 

Day 3

SERIFOS – SIFNOS

Day 4

SIFNOS – FOLEGANDROS 

Day 5

FOLEGANDROS – SANTORINI 

Day 6

SANTORINI – PAROS 

Day 7

PAROS – MYKONOS 

Day 8

MYKONOS – SYROS 

Day 9

SYROS – KYTHNOS 

Day 10

KYTHNOS – SOUNIO 

Day 11

SOUNIO – ATHENS 

 

15 days Itinerary

Day 1

ATHENS – KEA

Day 2

KEA – ANDROS 

Day 3

ANDROS – TINOS 

Day 4

TINOS – SYROS 

Day 5

SYROS – MYKONOS 

Day 6

MYKONOS – DELOS – PAROS 

Day 7

PAROS – NAXOS

Day 8

NAXOS – AMORGOS 

Day 9

AMORGOS – IOS 

Day 10

IOS – SANTORINI

Day 11

SANTORINI – SIKINOS – FOLEGANDROS

Day 12

FOLEGANDROS – MILOS

Day 13

MILOS – SIFNOS 

Day 14

SIFNOS – SERIFOS – KYTHNOS  

Day 15

KYTHNOS – SOUNION 

Day 16

SOUNION – ATHENS 

 

 

 

Some ideas for the Cyclades Islands of Greece

(One can shorten and lengthen as one wishes)

Author: An old Greek who loves his country.

 

 

Athens to Santorini (7/10 days)

or

Athens to Santorini and end in Athens (14/16 days)

A suggested Itinerary.

 

ATHENS: Boarding Athens and head for SOUNION.

 

SOUNION: A cape well known worldwide because of the Temple of Poseidon with Doric columns, built in 5th century B.C. A usual passage and stop for swimming in clear waters during itineraries to Cyclades islands.

 

ANDROS: The most northerly island and the second largest in Cyclades and also among the most beautiful ones. Successive ranges of mountains with steep sides, rivers and mineral springs with famous medicinal sparkling water, large valleys planted with olive trees, figs, oranges, lemons and vines, Andros is a blend of rocky and green landscape with superb beaches. Sights: Archaeological Museum with finds from the Geometric, Classical, Roman & Byzantine periods, Museum of modern Art, Nautical Museum, Monasteries, Geometric & Byzantine temples, Andros town with neo-classical mansions. Delicacies: Almond pastries.

 

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

 

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

 

MYKONOS: World famous, attracts visitors from all over the globe, including well-known artists and intellectuals. It is due to the over twenty sandy beaches with clear waters, the high nightlife and sounds that never end during day and night, the cosmopolitan elements married to quiet private corners all around the island. It is the whitewashed narrow streets, the brilliant white box-shaped houses with stepped walls for sitting on and bright coloured doors & balconies, the windmills on top of the port, the numerous bars and discos. Undoubtedly one of the few places where ordinary holiday makers happily nestle side by side with the jet set and yacht setters. Events, beach parties, happenings, fashion shows take place every summer in Mykonos when visitors still can find quiet places for total tranquillity. Sights: Aegean Nautical Museum, over hundred small churches, Agricultural Museum housed in a converted windmill. Delicacies: “Kopanisti” a pepper flavour white cheese, “Amygdalota” almond delights and “soumada” fermented almond cordial.

 

DELOS: Uninhabited, is the sacred island birthplace of God Apollo & Goddess Artemis in the Greek Mythology. This vast archaeological site whose superb monuments cover almost the entire island and reflex 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 Italians, Sacred Lake with the Terrace of the Lions, Theatre Houses, Stadium, Gymnasium, among other archaeological sites.

 

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

 

NAXOS:  The largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands where meadows run down 

to vast white long beaches, cliffs sink suddenly into the sea, rocky mountains side-by-side with valleys crossed by streams and full of springs. Clear waters and secluded bays known to the yacht set. Sights: Venetian castles, Archaeological Museum, “kouros” statues dating from the 6th century BC. Items to buy are embroideries and woollens. Delicacies: Honey, various cheeses, citrus drink, woven goods.

 

AMORGOS: The oblong shape of this mountainous island with the steep and rocky coastline contrasts the forms of quiet shady bays with clear waters. Whitewashed houses, traces of ancient architecture, superb beaches make Amorgos very picturesque and unique. Sights: Archaeological Museum, monasteries, and castles.

 

FOLEGANDROS: A wild beauty of a barren landscape, where huge rocks alternate with sandy beaches. Charming villages where handmade pasta and local wine will amaze visitors. Sights: Castles, monasteries.

 

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

 

IOS: A magnet to visit Ios, the island of ancient poets with a range of mountains with vineyards and olive trees ending to the crystal-clear sea with superb sandy beaches. The beautiful capitol with the white cubic shaped houses and a row of windmills which top the town, offer a nightlife. Sights: Archaeological & Folkloric Museum, museum of Modern Art, numerous churches.

 

ANAFI: From a distance the island looks like an isolated rock in the ocean. Green valleys with white churches to single out on, beautiful sandy secluded beaches and monasteries make her a jewel of Cyclades. Sights: Monasteries, churches.

 

SANTORINI: The unique worldwide and best-known island in Greece is the home to a huge volcano that erupted leaving the town perched high on cliffs. The white houses and tavernas dotting the skyline make towns beautiful and outstanding, offering a panoramic view of Aegean Sea. No words describe this breathtaking island that moves all visitors from the first sight. Black sandy beaches, extremely high-situated towns with bright white house’s make Santorini the island of contrast and undoubtedly a must for travellers. 

 

THIRASSIA: Inhabited, formed by volcanic activity, with a sole village built on top and “tavernas” to offer local wine and traditional hospitality to the visitors of the day.

 

KEA (TZIA): Exceptionally picturesque with mountain masses broken up by small valleys, sparsely planted with vines and fruit-trees, opening out into pretty little bays. Beautiful villages built on top of the hills offer a breathtaking view and interior of the island which is dotted with miniature chapels, windmills, monasteries, and flowered slopes. Sights: Archaeological Museum, monasteries. Delicacies: Fresh fish. 

 

KYTHNOS: Famous in antiquity for “Constitution” as per Aristotle, is as typically Cycladic Island. The terrain is mainly mountainous, with vineyards, fig trees & fruit-trees relieving the harshness of the landscape above beautiful small bays with clear waters. Sights: Monasteries, churches. Visit: Loutra village with radioactive thermal springs, beneficial to suffers from arthritis, dermatitis, and other diseases. 

 

IRAKLIA – SHINOUSSA

KOUFONISIA – KEROS – DONOUSA:  An earth paradise with clear blue waters touching the barren landscape. The sea-lashed rocks, the little coves along the coastline, the chance to get away from the crowds and technology always attracts to these virtually virgin islands. Sights: Archaeological finds, remains of Roman buildings. 

 

KIMOLOS: Blinding white as the chalk it produces, was used by pirates in the Middle Age due to well-concealed caves among the superb beaches with clear waters. Sights: Remains of castles, churches. 

 

MILOS: Notable for the volcanic soil and the rich deposits of the mineral beneath, is famous thanks to the masterpiece of the “Venus de Milo” a statue exposed now in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Milos is fascinating with its monuments, her charming white villages and the extraordinary beaches with crystal waters and rocky strange formations. Sights: Catacombs, Historical & 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 & Perseus, as if these prehistoric inhabitants of the island had been turned to stone. Sights: Venetian castle, Monastery & 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 surprises with the beautiful spots discovered inland, which together with the island’s superb architecture, rank it among the jewels of the Aegean. Famous in ancient times for its wealth, which came from its gold & silver, 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.