CYCLADES ISLANDS

The Cyclades are so named because they form a circle (kyklos) around the island of Delos. One of the country’s most significant ancient cities. Naxos is the most fertile island, producing potatoes and other crops for export to Athens and neighboring islands. Many islanders still fish, but tourism is becoming the dominant source of income. Some islands especially Mykonos, Santorini, and Ios have eagerly embraced tourism. Their shores are spread with sun lounges, umbrellas, and watersports equipment. Other islands, such as Andros, Syros, Kea, Serifos, and Sifnos, are less visited by foreigners. Thanks to their proximity to the mainland, they are popular on the weekends. They are the perfect summer retreats for Athenians.

IOS
There’s no denying that most visitors come to party and enjoy the nightlife of Ios. For those who are looking for a more relaxing stay, the island also offers plenty to explore. Beautiful sandy beaches (including Koubara nudist beach), the pretty capital of Chora, and an interesting rocky Mars-like landscape. Ios has not only a cheese factory and an early Bronze Age settlement named Skarkos. But also a Byzantine Paleokastro castle. Additionally, Ios has a tenuous claim to being the burial place of the poet Homer. His tomb is in Plakato in the northeast of Ios. A myth says that there are 365 churches and chapels on the island of Ios – one for each day of the year.

MYKONOS
Welcome to the most glamorous island of the Cyclades Islands. With about 30 sandy beaches to offer and perfect crystal clear waters, Mykonos attracts the rich and famous, high-ranked politicians and celebrities, and a couple of curious tourists. The windmills of Mykonos are an attractive photo stop nowadays. They used to be one of the main sources of income before tourism started to kick off. YES, it’s thé party destination with exclusive beaches, watersports, and the best nightlife. But the island also has a few interesting Churches, Monasteries, and Museums waiting for you to discover.

PAROS
Paros is an attractive island with softly contoured terraced hills culminating in Profitis Ilias Mountain (770m). The island is famous for the pure-white marble from which it prospered during the Early Cycladic Period. Paros is now the main ferry hub for the Greek Islands. The relatively unspoiled island of Antiparos, 1km southwest of Paros, is easily accessible. Above all a popular holiday spot for families with young kids. Mainly in July and August, the Jersey Tiger moths almost enshroud the copious foliage at Petaloudes (Valley of the butterflies) which is 8 km south of Parikia. Naoussa is one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades with remainings of a Venetian castle and golden beaches.

SANTORINI
Santorini officially known as Thira is regarded by many as the most spectacular and unique of all Greek Islands. Santorini is the southernmost volcanic island of the Cyclades. As a major tourist destination, it has good connections with Piraeus and Thessaloniki on the mainland as well with Crete. Grapes thrive in Santorini’s volcanic soil, and the island’s wines are famous all over Greece and beyond. The island is famous for its magical sunsets. The most photographed and on many people’s bucket lists is the sunset of Oia. With blue dome churches and whitewashed buildings in the background of every picture. The Red, white, and black beaches of Santorini are worth the visit. If you love hiking, there are adventurous hiking paths to explore with again amazing views. It is the perfect way to experience the local life on Santorini.

SYROS
This island is not very famous or much visited, due to many tourists coming to Syros mostly to change ferries. But experience the unexpected of this beautiful island and explore the hidden gem of the Cyclades Islands! Ermoupolis is the capital of the island. It will amaze you with marbled neoclassical buildings, and Venetian mansions. The Apollon Theater, the Town Hall, Miaouli Square, Agios Nikolaos Church, Cathedrals, Monasteries, and historical Museums are worth the visit. The picturesque streets of Ano Syros are perfect to get lost in. The beaches of Kini and Vari or just lovely for a relaxing day at the beach. Syros is perfect for families and couples who enjoy peace and calmness.