Cyclades Islands

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Regions of Greece : Cyclades islands

 

The Cyclades are the most popular of all the islands and attract thousands of visitors every year. The Cyclades islands, Greece are composed of 39 islands of which 24 are inhabited. The Cyclades are the most famous of all Greek islands with Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Folegandros, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros and Tinos. Travel there, where one can find vivid cosmopolitan nightlife and at the same time tranquility and peace. The Cyclades are famous for their extraordinary weather, the beauty of the beaches and the charm of the architecture.

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Syros Island

Syros is a Cycladic island and its wonderful capital, Ermoupolis, is the capital of all the Cyclades. The island of  Syros is full of beauties and charms created by its unspoiled landscape, its authenticity and its traditional villages. The town of the island is full of Venetian and neoclassical buildings which make it one of the most beautiful towns of the country. Nice beaches with crystalline waters and a medieval village can be found.

 

Syros island

Syros is part of the Cyclades and lies between Kythnos and Tinos. It is located exactly in the middle of the Cyclades and was the cultural and trade centre of the Aegean in the 19th century and its capital, Ermoupolis, was Greece's principal port and is today the largest town of the Cyclades and the capital of the archipelago. At first sight, Syros looks very industrial but when one visit the town of Ermoupolis and sees its incredible beauty he will immediately fall under its charm. Syros economy doesn't depend on tourism but on industries like textile, dairy farms and horticultural industry from which plants and flowers are exported to the rest of the Cyclades. Syros used to have the most powerful ship-building industry in the whole Greece but decline with the rise of the Athenian harbour of Piraeus. The very recent history of the island with tourism makes it a very 'Greek' island, unspoiled by holiday trappings, huge hotel units and touristy shops everywhere. Syros doesn’t need tourism to survive and this can be understand by the way its inhabitants act: they are helpful and not there only to take the tourist's money. Many beautiful unsoiled and undeveloped beaches can be found on the coasts of the island. Holidays in Syros is ideal for those who are looking for a traditional, unspoiled but socially active destination, with all the advantages of a city and nice beaches.

 

Syros Geography

Cyclades islands

Syros Greece is located in the centre of the Cyclades and is the capital of the Cycladic archipelago as well as its cultural and commercial centre. It is the most populated island of the Cyclades with 20 000 inhabitants and an area of 84 square kilometres. The island is divided in three Municipalities: the Municipality of Hermoupolis, of Posidoneia and the historic Municipality of Ano Syros. The capital of Syros Island is Hermoupolis, which is also the capital of the entire Cyclades. The population is mostly gathered in the capital and in Ano Syros, on the East coast of the island, but other settlement are scattered all over the island. The highest peak of Syros is Pyrgos, rising at an altitude of 442 metres. From the hillsides of Ano Syros the neighbouring island of Tinos, Mykonos and Delos can be seen. The coastline of the island forms a great number of capes and bays of an extreme natural and unspoiled beauty. Many rocky islets are surrounding the island of Syros, such as Gaidouronissi (the island of the donkey), Stroggylo (Round Island), Aspronisi (White Island), Lanado, Schinonisi, Psachno, Alatonisi (salted island), Psathonisi, Varvarousa and Mavres (Black Island).

 

 Climate

The climate in Syros is a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters during which temperatures rarely fall under 0 degrees, with low rainfalls and dry summers with high temperatures, cooled by the “meltemia”, the north winds blowing from end of July until the middle of August.

 

Average Temperatures in Syros Island
	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov
Air/C°	17-23	20-27	25-32	25-35	25-35	23-30	21-28	15-23
Sea/C°	16	19	22	24	25	23	22	18

 

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Andros island 

Andros island

Andros Greece is the greenest island of the Cyclades and is only an hour and a half away from the harbour of Piraeus. The Greek Island of Andros is a very attractive island whith some traditional and very picturesque villages. The fortified capital of the island is a real jewel which combines Venetian and Cycladic architecture, narrow stone paved alleys, arcades and bright coloured flowers. The island is a perfect holiday destination. According to ancient mythology, Andros was named after Apollo’s grandson, Andros or Andreas. It is the northernmost island of the Cyclades and the second largest after Naxos.

The island of Andros Greece has been inhabited since the 10 th century BC, and historical evidence of its importance throughout the ages can be seen in many parts of the island. Ancient cities, century-old towers, impressive monasteries and precious relics displayed in museums for all visitors.

In Andros, visitors will find a wide range of entertainment and dining venues. The majority of the Andros nightlife is located in the popular tourist resorts of Batsi, Gavrio and Andros Town. All three have many restaurants and tavernas, as well as bars and clubs to choose from.
For those looking for quieter Andros nightlife, Paleopoli is their best bet. Most Andros Islalnd villages offer quaint tavernas and ouzeries. We suggest having a meal in Apikia and Ormos Korthiou.

 

Andros Beaches

Imagine lying on soft sands, soaking up the warm rays of the sun, next to waves lapping upon the beach. If this seems like a dream, come to Andros. If you are vacationing on the eastern side of the island, you can visit the Andros beaches of Niborio, which can get quite crowded, or the quieter, pristine sandy Andros beaches of Vori and Achla, which you can reach by tour boat from Andros Town. The Andros beaches of Paraporti, Gialia, and Piso Gialia are lovely and perfect for those who just want to relax in the sun.
The beach with the unusual name "to Pidima tis Grias" is one of the finest beaches on Andros Island, with a large, high rock spurting out of the sea. Along the southern coast of Andros Greece there are the popular beaches of Vintzi, Agia Ekaterini and Kantouni, while if you are in the mood for a bit of peace and quiet, we suggest Bouros, Kalamonari and Kremmydes.

Andros is a paradise for nature and outdoor sports lovers. The island is scattered with springs and streams, which attract a lot of tourists to Andros. There are several lovely foot paths that are the same as those that existed in ancient times. All you have to do is to secure a reliable map of Andros Greece and make your walking tour a reality. The paths lead through villages, across stone bridges and along lush hillsides. You can stop at the springs and sample the waters, which are believed to have healing properties for various conditions, including kidney and stomach problems. The most visited areas are Apikia, with the Sariza Spring and the Ravine of Pithara, and the village of Remata, with the scenic waterfalls and watermill.

 

Ferries to Andros

Its close proximity to Athens makes Andros Island a fine location for both long and short holidays. There are frequent ferry boats to Andros from Rafina Port, which is located approximately 30 km from the center of Athens. Ferries to Andros Port in Gavrio are especially frequent during the summer, when the island is a major vacation resort.
The ferry from Rafina to Andros Greece takes approximately 2 hours, while a hydrofoil from Rafina Port takes about 1 hour.
Apart from Rafina Port, ferries from Andros Port connect the island to other Cyclades Islands (Kea, Kythnos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Syros and Tinos) and several islands in the Northeastern Aegean cluster, including Chios and Lesvos.
If you are arriving in Greece by airplane at the Athens Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos", you can easily reach Rafina Port by bus or taxi, and from there board a ferry to Andros Island Greece. 

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Naxos island

Santorini island

The Greek island of Santorini or Thera is located in the Cyclades islands, in the Aegean Sea. Santorini (otherwise known as Thira) belongs to the Cyclades cluster and is situated 128 nautical miles from Piraeus Port. The island is 73 sq. km in area and has approximately 13,500 inhabitants. Santorini Island is with Mykonos, the most famous holiday destination. It is a small group of volcanic islands and its name was given by the Venetian in reference to Saint Irene. The island was also called Strongili and Kalisti and was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions but what remains today is a submerged volcano and a caldera.
The island of Santorini is related to the myth of Atlantis, the amazing views from the villages of Fira, Oia perched on cliffs, the sunset, the black and red beaches, the wine ...

 

If you want to spend your vacation in a place that combines entertainment, relaxation and adventure, then Santorini is the vacation destination for you! Santorini is unlike any other Greek Island. It has a magnificent mystic aura and characteristics that are stunning and unique.

Santorini  is most famous for its Caldera - which is the opening created by the Santorini volcano -, its breathtaking sunset view and its beaches, which have unique colors due to the volcanic properties of the sand. Santorini's rocky cliffs and landscape are almost primitive and wild, adding even more to its mystery.

Santorini is considered one of the finest holiday spots in the world, it has an extremely well-developed tourism infrastructure. Throughout the island, there are innumerable restaurants, tavernas, cafes, bars and clubs that cater to the entertainment of Santorini's visitors. The narrow alleyways of Santorini Greece are lined with designer boutiques, jewelry and craft shops that sell high quality goods. Santorini travel agents, tour operators, and car rental agencies can be found almost anywhere on the island, providing their expertise and travel services to make your holiday unforgettable.

 

The villages of Santorini are some of the most picturesque in the Cycladic cluster, owing to the unique architecture of the small white houses built on reddish cliffsides and along colorful sandy beaches. On the eastern side of Santorini Greece, facing the Caldera, are the villages of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia (Ia). On the western side, near the red, white and black beaches, are the villages of Kamari, Perissa and Vlyhada. Inland villages, such as Pyrgos, Emporio and Messaria offer guests a breathtaking panoramic view of the island and the Aegean Sea.

After a day of lying on breathtaking beaches, guests of Santorini Island Greece are treated to a fantastic time at the island's nighttime entertainment venues.
If you are fond of dancing and loud music, we suggest spending your nights in Fira and Kamari, where the main concentration of Santorini nightlife venues is located. Clubs and bars of all types, ranging from mainstream pop to rock music are available. Relaxing jazz and classical music cafes can be found not only in Fira and Kamari, but also in Oia, with a spectacular view of the Santorini Caldera.
One of Santorini's most famous features is its delicious cuisine. Visitors can choose from a wide selection of traditional tavernas and gourmet restaurants located throughout the island.

 

Ferries & Flights to Santorini

 

Travelling to Santorini Greece is convenient and easy, especially in the summer months when flight and boat trips are more frequent. You can board a direct flight from Athens Airport and Thessaloniki Airport in Greece, as well as charter flights from other European Airports. If you feel like exploring other Greek Islands, you can go island hopping by airplane from Santorini to other Cycladic Islands, Skiathos Island and Crete.
Ferries and hydrofoils depart for Santorini from Athens (Piraeus Port), Thessaloniki, and other Cyclades Islands, Dodecanese Islands and Crete. During the summer months, ferry transportation to Santorini Greece is very frequent, often departing every few hours. Boat fares to Santorini Island Greece depend on the season and the type of vessel (ferry boat or hydrofoil). 

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Mykonos island 

Mykonos island

Mykonos (Mikonos) is the most cosmopolitan island in Greece, where people from all walks of life and different cultures meet to create an upbeat atmosphere that is expressed by unprecedented exuberance and liveliness. Its name is known throughout the world, and even though it may be spelled Mykonos, Myconos or Mikonos, it is the same unique Greek Island that fuses cosmopolitan lifestyle and traditional features, making a multifaceted holiday destination for all types of visitors.
Myriads of vacationers spend their holidays in Mykonos Greece, as it is a favorite of celebrities and simple folk alike. Mykonos Island in Greece is particularly famous for its exciting nightlife, with countless bars and clubs that cater to both the straight and gay crowds. At the fantastic Mykonos beaches, visitors can spend the day lounging on soft sands, soaking up the sun's rays and dancing at beach bars. Mykonos' sophistication is evident in its high-end boutiques, trendy art galleries and chic gourmet restaurants found mainly in Mykonos Town. VIPs and celebrities have made Mykonos Greece one of their preferred stops while sailing through the Aegean Sea in their luxury yachts.

Gay Mykonos

 

Mykonos Island Greece is the most popular island for gay and lesbian holidays, as it offers an extensive variety of gay friendly hotels in Mykonos Town, as well as the areas surrounding Super Paradise Beach and Paradise Beach. Mykonos Greece is the ideal holiday destination for both gay couples and gay singles who want to have a fun and relaxing gay vacation, without being under scrutiny, as fellow tourists and locals are discreet and respectful of other people's sexual orientation, be it gay or straight.
There are exciting gay bars and gay clubs that cater to the specific crowd that are mainly located in Mykonos Town, close to Mykonos Port. You can find out about them by word of mouth or from special gay entertainment leaflets that are distributed around the island. Popular Mykonos gay beaches are Super Paradise Beach and Paradise Beach, but also Elia Beach, which is a quieter alternative to the more crowded gay beaches in Mykonos Greece.

 

Ferries & Flights to Mykonos

 

Reaching Mykonos Island is quite easy. There are direct flights to Mykonos from the Athens Airport, Thessaloniki Airport and from other airports throughout Europe. If you are island hopping in Greece, there are direct flights to Mykonos from Santorini and Rhodes.
Ferries to Mykonos depart from Athens (Piraeus Port), Thessaloniki, as well as other Cyclades Islands, Dodecanese Islands and Crete (ferry boat or high speed). Ferry transport to Mykonos is frequent, especially during the summer, when Mykonos is packed with tourists

  

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Paros island 

Paros island

The Greek island of Paros Greece is one of the most popular and touristy destination. The Greek island is located in the heart of the Cyclades, in the Aegean sea, near Naxos. Paros Island was known in antiquity for its fine marble. The main town is Parikia and one of the most cosmopolitan areas of the island is Naoussa.

There are direct flights to Paros from Athens Airport, linking all major international airports with Paros Island.  

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Kythnos island

Kythnos island

The picturesque Kythnos, also known as Thermia, is located between Kea and Serifos islands. It was on the small island of Kythnos, famous in antiquity for the excellence of its administration (according to Aristotle in his 'Constitution of Kinthos') that recent archaeological finds have provided evidence of the earliest presence of man in the Cyclades.

Here, too, the terrain is mainly mountainous, but the harshness of the bare earth is relieved here and there by vines or fig trees like brushstrokes on it, while pretty little bays form indentations in its coastline. Ferries put in at Merihas, the port on the western side of the island.

Hora or Messaria, the island's capital is 8 Km. from Merihas and stands on a hillside plateau. A typical Cycladic village, it is noted for its beautiful churches with their fine wood-carving, sanctuary screens and icons (St. Savas, church of the Saviour, Holy Trinity, Theologos). At the monastery of Our Lady 'tou Nikous', which stands on an attractive hill, the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on 15 August is observed with the traditional festivities.

A little way to the south is the island's former capital, which retains its ancient name of Driopida - picturesque village, very typical of the islands. In the north-eastern part of the island lies Loutra, renowned for its thermal springs, which are considered beneficial to sufferers from arthritis, dermatitis and gynecological problems. In the South-east, the monastery of Our Lady Kanala, the patron saint of the island, stands on a very attractive promontory facing towards Serifos, with a beautiful expanse of sandy beach. The building is of great interest and the scenery is reminiscent of a fjiord - in Greek colours. Other good beaches for swimming can be found at Merihas, Episkopi, Flambouria bay (accessible only by boat), Loutra and Agios Stefanos.

Kythnos island - kolona beach

Kythnos is an island of great archaeological interest. Maroulas, near Loutra, is the oldest settlement in Cyclades where remains of circular constructions have been found. They were used as places of residence. In Maroulas, five tombs have also been found. The settlement is dated back to the Mesolithic Period, that is between the 8^th and 7^th millenium B.C.

The role of Kythnos in the development of metallurgy during antiquity has been of vital importance. In the location Skouries, between Profitis Ilias and the bay of Ayios Ioannis, research has been conducted and revealed remnants of the First Cycladic Period (3^rd millenium B.C.). The circular constructions found there were related by scientsts with the metallurgical procedures and further laboratory analysis verified that Kythnos used to supply the Aegean of Prehistoric Times with raw material for the construction of metallurgical objects.

Findings of the First Cycladic, Geometrical and Roman Periods were located in the bay of Ayios Ioannis. The most important place in the island connected with the Historical Times is undoubtedly Vryokastro, which used to be the capital of the island during antiquity, located at the northeast coast of the island. Most of the islands' findings, which are exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and in the small outdoor Katholikon Collection in Kythnos Town, come from this area.

Milos beaches

Milos, one of the thousands of Greek islands, is to be found in the SW Cyclades, a large island group in the Aegean Sea. It is 86 nautical miles from Piraeus and approximately half way between Piraeus and Crete. Its surface area is 151 square kilometres and its varied coastline is 125 kilometres long.

The geographical bearing of its capital, Plaka, is 36^o 44' 35'' longitude, 24^o 25' 28'' latitude.
In general terms, it is a low island, whose highest peak is Prophet Elias in the north-west, rising to 751 metres. The Small Mountain in the same area is 636 metres high, while no other peak
reaches over 400 metres.

Its most characteristic feature is its magnificent gulf, providing a natural harbour, which is possibly the largest in the Mediterranean. This, in combination, with the island’s vast mineral wealth, has played and is still playing, a major role in the history, economy, culture and development of the island society throughout the last 7,000 years.

The population is about 5,000, (4,720 at 2001 census), although it rises considerably every summer. (According to I. Hatzidakis, the population was 20,000 during the Hellenistic and Roman era.)

Milos island

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Ios island

Ios island

The island of Ios, in Greece, is a part of the Cycladic Islands, at coordinates 36°43' N 25°20' E. It is famous for its intense, nightlife which can be experienced in the touristy and lively beach resort of Mylopotas and in the harbor named Ormos. But aside the fun, the Greek Island of Ios has many beautiful sights to offer to visitors, and various quiet and peaceful places. Its coastline is adorned by kilometers of fine soft sand and crystalline emerald waters which are a real temptation. The capital of Ios is also really lovely. This section of Greece, Ios, provides much information: pictures, map, villages, history, museums, architecture.io