The jewel islands in the heart of the Aegean Sea
The Cyclades, the most famous islands of Greece, invite you to discover why they have been top global travel destinations for years.
Near Athens lies the crown of the Aegean! The magical circle surrounding sacred Delos, which ancient geographers named the Cyclades – the result of mythical battles of giants, as well as successive volcanic eruptions and earthquakes – forms a unique island complex in the world. Blue and white in small and large islands, with dreamy beaches, similar architecture but different character. Unique light, crystal-clear waters, marble, and rock. Here, you will find the famous Mykonos and Santorini, the alternative Small Cyclades, the aristocratic Syros, the cosmopolitan Paros, Tinos with its marble sculptors, the abundant Naxos, the exotically beautiful Milos, the historic Delos – and also the "hidden gems" that adorn the Aegean: Kea, Ios, Kythnos, Sifnos, Serifos, Amorgos, Sikinos, Anafi, and Folegandros. They are ideal destinations for holidays with friends, family, or your significant other. There is definitely a Cycladic island for your own paradise-like vacation.
Discover beaches of indescribable beauty in the Cyclades
What kind of beach do you dream of? With turquoise waters and sand? With a beach bar and water sports? With a seabed perfect for scuba diving? Or a hidden paradise in the Aegean that you’ll discover through trails or by boat? Whatever your dream may be, it becomes a reality in the Cyclades. First stop, Mykonos. Super Paradise, Psarou, Elia – these beaches frequently appear among the top 10 in the world. Impeccable beach service, turquoise waters, and golden sand invite you to paradise. Next stop, Milos. Sarakiniko and Kleftiko, two beaches of explosive beauty, colored by volcanic rocks. Of course, Santorini also boasts volcanic beaches. Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos reveal the wild beauty of the Cyclades.
The journey continues in the deep blue waters of Serifos and the "Big Blue" of Agia Anna beach in Amorgos, made famous by Luc Besson's film. Further on, Andros: sandy beaches with stars like Achla and Grias Pidima, with its impressive monolith. On Tinos, the landscapes are different: granite at Livada, dunes at Pachia Ammos. For a sailing trip, a stop at the tiny island of Polyaigos between Milos and Kimolos is a must—and then, on to the Small Cyclades: an undiscovered destination of raw beauty unfolds before you.
Lessons in history
The history of civilization unravels in the Cyclades. From the island of Delos, which is entirely an archaeological site, to the prehistoric settlement at Akrotiri in Santorini, the Cyclades are overflowing with significant landmarks: the Kouros statues of Naxos, the ancient city of Karthaia on Kea, the great Orthodox pilgrimage of the Virgin Mary in Tinos, the Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani in Paros,and the Hozoviotissa Monastery in Amorgos are just a few of the treasures you will discover on your journey through the Cyclades. Museums worth visiting include: the Prehistoric Thira Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the Archaeological Museum in Andros, the Industrial Museum of Ermoupolis in Syros,the Archaeological Museum of Amorgos, the Mining Museum of Milos, the Museum of Marble Crafts in Pyrgos, Tinos, the Archaeological Museum, the Venetian Museum, and the Byzantine Collection of Naxos, and the Archaeological Museum of Milos, with a replica of the Venus de Milo.
Action against a Cycladic backdrop
Looking for action in the water? Sail through the Cyclades and discover the picturesque islands and the unique Cycladic contrast of blue and white houses. The short distances between islands offer numerous options, allowing you to arrive at a different destination each day. Try kite and windsurfing in Paros. Discover fun water sports available on every Cycladic island, big or small. Outside of the sea, if you're a nature lover seeking authentic thrills, the Cyclades are your personal earthly paradise: hiking experiences are elevated with trails that traverse the countryside, leading to castles, chapels, ruined towers, and archaeological sites. Explore them in Naxos, Tinos, Amorgos, Andros, and Syros.
Local gastronomic treasures
Each island has a local delicacy infused with the flavors of the Aegean. Taste wines from the volcanic vineyards of Santorini, along with its famous cherry tomatoes, capers, and white eggplant. Paros wine and Amorgos’ ‘psimeni raki.’ The unique cheeses of Mykonos (kopanisti, xinotyro), Naxos (‘arseniko’ cheese), Tinos, and Syros (San Michali). Mykonos and Tinos also offer sausages and louza (a prosciutto-like cured meat). Try chickpea stew in a clay pot from Sifnos, and the ‘fourtalia’ omelet from Tinos and Andros. For dessert, don't miss the pasteli (sesame and honey bars) and almond sweets, in various versions on each island.
