The island group in the central and southern
Aegean. An imaginary circle centred on Dilos,
washed by sunshine and breathing the sea breeze. One of the
most important Mediterranean civilizations was born here, the
Cycladic. It is also probable that the lost
continent Atlantis was around here. Calm crystal clear water,
bright sky, sun, and austere architecture on naked rock, the
Cyclades are filled with light and sunshine.The climate is dry
and healthy, with mild winters and cool summers, thanks to the
beneficial "meltemia".
Myconos
Myconos is the cosmopolitan centre of the Cyclades.
Its low rocky hills slope down to enchanting golden beaches.
Grey-green boulders sprout prickly-pears and windmills.
Despite the dazzling light the summers are refreshing. One can
find beaches that are almost empty, or rub shoulders with hundreds
of scarcely dressed beauties.
White-washed cube-shaped houses are scattered
about. In the narrow streets of the town chapels and picturesque
tavernas hide among folk art shops and stores selling jewelry
and furs. Trends that will sweep the international scene are
born in the intense nightlife of this modern resort.
Santorini (Thira)
Its geological particularities, its past, and its imposing
scenery single out Santorini (Thira) in the
Aegean next to the rest of the Cyclades.
Bright white domed houses clinging to the cliff sides of the
caldera formed by the volcano's
explosion in 1500 B.C. have an incredible view of Kamenes
(burnt ones), the coal coloured islets in the middle. Some of
the most spectacular beaches can be found on Santorini: some
with dark pebbles and others with black
sand. A whole civilization is coming to light at the
archaeological sites at Akrotiri, the prehistoric
city, and Mesa Vouno, where the ruins of Ancient
Thira lie. The missing piece of Santorini's once perfect
circle is Thirasia, the wounded islet that closes the caldera,
which is Thira in miniature.
Left:
Thira
Syros
Syros, on the other hand, is the modern administrative,
commercial and cultural centre of the Cyclades. The Chora,
full of fine neoclassical buildings, old mansions,
marble squares and magnificent churches is built amphitheatrically
up the hillsides around the port. The hills and the valleys produce
quick changes in the scenery, alternating between cultivated fields,
orchards, and brush. Beautiful locations and scenic beaches sum up
the island.
Paros & Naxos
Paros has been inhabited since prehistoric
times. Now, this mainly flat island with countless vineyards
is a modern tourism centre. This popular island is fragrant
with basil and honeysuckle. The marvellous church of Panagia
Ekatontapyliani greets visitors as they arrive in the harbour.
White-washed stone benches beneath the jasmine announce and
at the same time invite the visitor to participate in summer
celebrations, such as the wine and fish festivals, as well as
Paros intense night life.
Naxos is
the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands. Byzantine
churches and medieval towers abound.
Dales are married to vast beaches. Boulders rise up from the
deep blue of the sea. Fertile valleys, springs with rushing
water, picturesque villages, begin to give an idea of this special
place. A distinctive feature of Naxos are the two huge ancient
Kouroi.
Paros
Left: Naxos
Amorgos
Unlike Naxos, Amorgos is mountainous and barren, with sheer
rocky coasts, scattered ruins, notable archaeological finds, and places
of workship built with the characteristic ecclesiastical architecture
of the twin church.
Kea (Tzia)
Kea (Tzia) is very close to Athens and offers
relaxing vacations and pristine beaches. The picture of the
island that remains is of little valleys with vineyards and
orchards between mountainous masses, leading to idyllic coves.
One and two storey houses with tiled roofs, stone-paved alleyways,
chapels, windmills, and monasteries, the most important of which
is the Kastriani monastery.
Right: Kea
Kythnos
On small Kythnos the ground is high and rugged with
green tufts of vine and fig scattered about. The shores are heavily
indented and the island has radioactive springs with great curative
powers. The churches are beautiful and are graced with fine wood-carvings
and with icons painted by the Cycladian painter (1700) Skordilis.
Serifos
Serifos is naked waves of mountains and small fertile
valleys, singular houses, narrow stone-paved streets, magical shores,
a strange charm which captivates, and the castle surrounded by windmills.
Sifnos
Grey trails line the rocks of Sifnos and white chapels
lie between them. Here green alternates with dazzling white. Rare
beauty, spellbinding view. Yards, alleyways, workshops where the famous
Sifnian pottery is made, 365 churches, chapels and important monasteries.
Kimolos
Kimolos is a small, mountainous island; white as
the chalk it produces, far from the summer crowds. Houses in the authentic
Cycladic style surround the castle.
Milos - Andros - Tinos
Milos was born of a volcano
and hides many secrets above and below its surface: rich deposits
of minerals, the famous catacombs, sea caves, pristine
beaches, early Christian remains. One of its secrets, the Venus
de Milo, rests in the Louvre.
Snapshots of Andros, the birthplace of famed ship masters:
Steep mountain ranges torn by gorges and ravines, valleys blanketed
by olive, fig, orange, lemon trees and vines; streams and brooks
untypical of the otherwise classic Cycladic landscape; slopes
that end in cliffs; hills that vanish quietly into rocky shores;
valleys that extend into sandy beaches.
Tinos,
the holy island of the Virgin Mary. Numerous beaches
can be seen from the peaks of the unending mountain range that
crosses it lengthwise. The dove-cotes on Tinos, made of white-washed
native stone, are works of art in their own right. The island's
twenty exquisite villages are unique examples of folk architecture.
Milos
The church of Panaghia Evangelistria of Tinos
Folegandros
Folegandros is a small rocky island with the special
wild beauty of alternating cliffs and sandy beaches. The church
of Panagia and the golden cave with its
stalactites are worth a visit.
Dilos
The ancient holy island of Dilos is a vast
archaeological site. For many centuries it was the religious
centre of Greece; It was the centre of the circle describing the Cyclades
and the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Sikinos
Sikinos has retained its island feel and colour in
its wonderful villages with their stone mansions. The island is also
known for its spectacular castle and the monastery of Zoodochos
Pigi.
Ios
Ios (or Nios as the locals call it) is decorated
with small scenic bays, countless chapels, vineyards and olive trees;
all set under the clear bright Cycladic sky.
Anafi
A rock on its own in the sea is Anafi. The crystal
clear waters and serenity of the island's beauty offer a calm relaxing
place for visitors and inhabitants both. The only disturbances are
the picturesque celebrations and local fairs.
Left:
Thira
Left: Naxos
