| |
SOUNION
The temple of Poseidon
with its Doric columns, built in 5th century B.C. makes this cape
well known worldwide. Sounion is usually a stop on yacht itineraries
to the Cycladic islands, where passengers enjoy a swim in the clear
waters.
ANDROS
Known as the Greek Ship owner's Island, it is the northernmost,
second largest of the Cyclades islands and is also among the most
beautiful ones. There are successive ranges of mountains with steep
sides, rivers and mineral springs with famous sparkling medicinal
waters, large valleys planted with olive, fig, orange and lemon trees
as well as grapevines. Andros is a blend of rocky and green landscapes
with superb beaches. The automobile-free main town of Andros, on a
peninsula between two long beaches, has many neo-classical mansions.
Sights: An Archaeological Museum with finds from the, Classical, Roman
and Byzantine periods, the Museum of Modern Art, the Nautical Museum,
monasteries, and Geometric and Byzantine temples. Don't forget to
try the almond pastries!
TINOS
This Holy Island of the Virgin Mary
draws people from all over Greece. The church of the Panagia Evangalestria,
where an icon with miraculous healing powers is housed, attracts many
visitors seeking miracles, especially around the 15th of August, for
the celebration of Mary. Tinos has many traditional villages with
numerous coves nestled along the coast offering pebbly or sandy beaches
along a line of mountains whose highest peak was home to Aeolus, the
God of Winds in Greek mythology.
SYROS
The capital and main harbor,
Hermoupoli, which was once a main port for Greece, stands on a natural
amphitheater site where neo-classic buildings, old mansions and white
houses cascade down to the harbor. The varied landscape makes for
an outstanding panorama, as the coastline is indented with beautiful
inlets of all sizes nestled between the capes.
Sights: Archaeological
finds, a Town Hall built by Ziller in 1876, the Apollo Municipal Theater,
which is a copy in miniature of the La Scala opera house in Milan,
monasteries, unique architecture, and a casino.
Delicacies: "Loukoumi" and "Chalvadopita" delights
from egg white, sugar and almonds.
MYCONOS
Known as the 'Beautiful People Mecca', this world famous island
attracts visitors from around the globe, including artists and intellectuals.
The more than twenty sandy beaches attract them with clear waters
for delightful swimming. Visitors also enjoy wandering along the whitewashed
narrow streets with brilliant white traditional Greek houses adorned
with bright colored doors and balconies and stepped walls for sitting.
After a leisurely day enjoying the quiet private corners of the island,
ordinary vacationers nestle happily side-by-side with the jet set
and yachting crowd in the numerous bars and discos for highly sought
after nightlife. All day beach parties, impromptu happenings, and
fashion shows take place every summer, although visitors can still
find quiet places for a tranquil afternoon.
Sights: The Aegean Nautical
Museum, over a hundred small churches, the Agricultural Museum housed
in a converted windmill.
Delicacies: "Kopanisto", a pepper-flavored white cheese,
"Amygdalota", almond delights, and "Soumada",
a fermented almond cordial.
DELOS
Uninhabited today, Delos is the sacred birthplace
of the God Apollo and Goddess Artemis of Greek mythology. A vast archaeological
site whose superb monuments cover almost the entire island, Delos
reflects the wealth and beauty of its ancient way of life.
Sights:
An Archaeological Museum, the Hermes House, the Sacred Way of Lions,
the Sanctuaries of Artemis and Apollo, the Agora of the Italians,
a sacred lake near the Terrace of the Lions, Theatre Houses, Stadium,
Gymnasium, and much more.
PAROS
An attractive island, popular not only for its numerous excellent
beaches and wild rocky landscapes with white box-shaped houses and
yards filled with jasmine, basil, honeysuckle and bougainvillea, Paros
is also famed for its nightlife. "Something in the air"
here has made Paros a home to many artists. That same air has also
made it the windsurfing capital of Greece. Paros is ideal not only
for those in search of cosmopolitan bustle, but also for lovers of
solitude.
Sights: Picturesque Venetian capitals,
the famous Byzantine church of Ekatondapiliani, monasteries, exhibitions
of traditional crafts, ornamental pottery and fine silver jewelry.
Delicacies: Wine and olive oil.
NAXOS
The largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands, Naxos' landscape
includes meadows running down to vast white beaches, cliffs that sink
suddenly into the sea and Rocky Mountains nestled side-by-side with
valleys filled with streams and springs. Naxos has some of the best
beaches in Greece. The island's clear waters and secluded bays are
popular with the yachting set.
Sights: Venetian castles, an Archaeological Museum, "Kouros"
statues dating from the 6th century BC and ancient marble quarries.
Delicacies: Honey, various cheeses, citrus drinks, woven and embroidered
goods.
AMORGOS
The steep, rocky coastline of this mountainous island
contrasts sharply with its quiet shady bays and clear waters. Whitewashed
houses, superb beaches and traces of ancient architecture all make
Amorgos picturesque and unique.
Sights: An Archaeological museum,
monasteries, and castles.
FOLEGANDROS
A wild beautiful island whose
landscape includes massive rocks alternating with sandy beaches. There
are charming villages offering hand-made pasta and local wines to
delight visitors.
Sights: Castles, monasteries.
|
|
Sounion
Myconos
Myconos
Paros
Amorgos
Images courtesy of the GNTO |
