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SIKINOS
Sparsely inhabited
since ancient times, this island has retained all of its local character
and offers tranquility and peace of mind for visitors.
Sights: Monasteries,
stone mansions and churches.
IOS
This island of ancient poets offers
a landscape of vineyards and olive trees that wind down the mountains
to crystal clear waters and superb sandy beaches. The beautiful capital
with its white cubic houses and rows of windmill, is dominated by
the remains of a 14th century medieval castle and becomes a party
haven for college-age visitors by night, with crowds mingling among
the many discos, bars and boutiques.
Sights: An Archaeological and
Folkloric Museum, a Museum of Modern Art, and numerous churches.
ANAFI
From a distance this island looks like an isolated rock in the ocean.
However, her green valleys with white churches, beautiful secluded
beaches and monasteries make her a jewel of the Cyclades.
Sights:
Monasteries, churches.
SANTORINI The best-known island in Greece
is the home of a huge volcano that erupted; leaving the town perched
on its famous high cliffs. Santorini is breath taking when approached
by yacht as you enter the giant crater. The only way to reach the
city is by donkey, walking up 587 narrow steps to the top, or by cablecar.
Spectacular sunsets, great nightlife, black sandy beaches, bright
white houses and ancient ruins of Akrotiri make Santorini an island
of contrasts and a must for travelers.
THIRASSIA
Thirassia was formed,
like Santorini its close neighbor, by regional volcanic activity and
today has a single village built on top. There are tavernas offering
local wine and traditional hospitality to visitors
KEA (TZIA)
A quiet island steeped in tradition, Kea's small valleys nestled between
mountains are planted with vines and fruit trees, and open into pretty
little bays. Monasteries, windmills and miniature chapels dot the
landscape among the flowered slopes. Beautiful hilltop villages offer
breathtaking views. Great beaches abound: many of them are off the
main road and can be reached by short hikes through beautiful settings.
Sights:
Port of Korissia, remains of the Temple of Smithian Apollo, Archaeological
Museum, monasteries.
Delicacies: fresh fish.
KYTHNOS
Famous since ancient times for the Constitution by Aristotle,
Kythnos is a typically Cycladic island. Vineyards and fig trees provide
dashes of green against the white Cycladic cottages and churches with
their frescos and icons that cling to the hillsides above beautiful
small bays with clear waters.
Sights: Monasteries, churches, Loutra
village with radioactive thermal springs-beneficial to suffers of
arthritis, dermatitis and other diseases.
ERAKLIA-SHINOUSSA-KOUFONISIA-KERO-DANOUSA
This regional group of islands off the southern coast of Naxos is
an Aegean paradise with clear blue water lapping at the barren landscapes.
The silent rocks, the small coves along the coastline offer visitors
the chance to escape from the crowds on these virtually unblemished
islands.
Sights: Remains of Roman buildings and archaeological finds.
KIMOLOS
As blindingly white as the chalk it produces, Kimolos was
used by pirates in the Middle Ages due to its caves that are well
concealed among the superb beaches with sparkling clear waters.
Sights:
Remains of castles, churches.
MILOS
A Volcanic island with rich deposits of minerals beneath the soil,
Milos owes its fame in part to the "Venus de Milo", a statue
now exhibited in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Milos fascinates visitors
with her spectacular rock formations, hot springs, monasteries, extraordinary
beaches and charismatic white villages. The island is rich with archeological
sites including Christian catacombs, a Roman amphitheatre, Venetian
castles and the Historical and Folklore Museums.
SERIFOS
Bare, undulating hills interspersed with small fertile
valleys cover this charming island with colorful 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 and Perseus, as if these prehistoric
inhabitants of the island had been turned to stone.
Sights: A Venetian
castle, monastery and the Fortress of Archangels from the 18th century,
churches from the 10th century.
Delicacies: "Baklava" and other pastries.
SIFNOS
The drab gray exterior landscape of rock masks the surprisingly beautiful
inland spots that delight visitors on Sifnos. Famous in ancient times
for her wealth, which came from gold and silver mines, she enjoyed
prosperity in Classical times as well. Sifnos's superb architecture,
sheer cliffs and stunning vistas rank it among the jewels of the Aegean.
Sights: An Archaeological Museum, monasteries, over
365 churches, castle area, windmills. Shopping: Pottery, folklore,
souvenirs.
Delicacies: Baked chickpeas, "Mytzithra" cheese.
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Santorini
Santorini
Santorini
Images courtesy of the GNTO |
