If you had a bird’s eye view the Greek-owned Cyclades, they might appear as if an intriguing mosaic of 20 tufts of verdant earth floating on the turquoise waters of the Aegean . It’s a fantastic formation created by the geological changes that happened many years ago.
According to the Greek mythology , Poseidon, God of the ocean , was so furious at the behaviour of the Cyclades nymphs that he turned them into islands.
However they were formed, The Cyclades — which suggests the Sacred islands around Delos — their beauty and dazzling light can lend itself to a spot of spirituality.
They are at their best in May and still gorgeous throughout the summer months. By September though, life is slowing down and a few businesses shut up shop.
Nevertheless, for many of the year the wild rugged volcanic scenery remains whitewashed with sugar cubed Cycladic architecture that appears superb against the dark or vegetal backdrop with the deep blue sea lapping at their shores. Here are six suggestions.
1Santorini
Santorini, Cyclades, Greece
Santorini (c) flickr/David Spender
Some say the foremost beguiling and popular island of this Aegean archipelago is Santorini. Everyone will have seen that iconic image — you recognize , the one with the cliff-top blue-domed church standing out amid shimmering white architecture that appears dazzling against the blue skies and seas.
Cruise ships stop there, weddings happen there only for the scenic photography and holiday makers clamber over the ramparts of the 13th century castle in an almost cult-like fashion, to make certain of the simplest view of the sunset.
There are beaches, a pebbly one at Kamari and a black sand ones at Perissa and Karterados and these are overlooked by jagged cliffs and an excellent light that seems peculiar to the cyclades — it are often mesmerising.
The hillside towns of Fira and Oia are quaint with sometimes steep steps and knotted alleyways and bring idyllic afternoon exploration. And within the evenings the roof terraces of restaurants are light and alive with diners enjoying libations and alfresco dinner within the warm night air.
This island is all about relaxing sophistication. Just ask Angelina Jolie did. She holed over here for a month after filming her second Tomb Raider film.
2Mykonos
Mykonos, Cyclades, Greece
Mykonos (c) wikimedia/Bgabel
Bare hills, sandy beaches and a glitzy vibe makes up this 86 square kilometre island. There are barely 10,000 locals yet the island is about upon by tens of thousands of tourists looking to party. Nightclubs are two a penny, there are several pubs and shops stay open throughout the night.
This is a fun island and, naturally, its most famous beach, Paradise Beach, has its share of nightclubs, a campsite, and therefore the odd restaurant. Nearby is Super Parade, a gay nudist beach which can not be to everyone’s taste. For a touch peace and quiet, head to Agia Ana, though it's going to seem comparatively undeveloped.
Its main town, Hóra, is filled with fashion shops but as tempting because it is to travel shopping, stand back between 10am and 5pm when the cruise ships stop by.
Read also: Travel Guide to Mykonos, Greece
3Naxos
Naxos, Cyclades, Greece
Portara (“Great Door”), Temple of Apollo, Naxos (c) flickr/Navin Rajagopalan
This is the most important of the Greek Islands within the Aegean and once you arrive by boat you'll be met with its most famous archaelogical site — the Portara, the doorway to the traditional temple of Apollo inbuilt 522 BC. The island is home to the very best mountain within the Cyclades — Mount Zeus — is that the source of much mythology. they assert that this was the nuptial isle of the Dionysus, the God of wine. That’s why there's a sanctuary dedicated to him. It’s coastline may be a doily of sensational beaches, some secluded. Mikri and Vila within the west are beloved by windsurfers.
Inland its incredibly mountainous and villages seem to seem out of the fertile valleys and there are many fields and olive groves. Its harbour is within the capital where several alleys lead steeply to the citadel, a landmark which will be seen for miles et al. there are old churches, monasteries and Venetian castles and houses .
Mediavine
4Paros
Paros, Cyclades, Greece
Paros (c) wikimedia/François F.-Dubois
Paros, a ferry hub and a gorgeous Venetian port, is taken into account together of the foremost beautiful islands defined by its beaches and quaint villages. Parikia is that the island’s main town and port. Yet its hottest town is Naoussa. it had been once an old fishing village but who would know? Today it's a well-liked cosmopolitan holiday destination. For a touch culture visit the blue domed Byzantine Museum.
5Ios
Ios, Cyclades, Greece
Ios windmills (c) flickr/Stefanos Kofopoulos
There could also be 365 churches on this is often land except for children this is a celebration island. It offers an intense nightlife and beach parties that start early and last throughout the night on Mylopotas beach aren't unusual. This kilometre stretch of beach is peppered with bars and restaurants and myriad of water sports but there are more sedate options at Valmas beach or Kolitsani beach.
The island also has the tranquil hillside village of Chora, probably the foremost picturesque altogether the Cyclades. The views from its highest point are simply breathtaking.
Incidentally, they assert that Homer’s mother was from Ios, and he himself was buried there.
6Delos
Delos, Cyclades, Greece
Terrace of the Lions, Delos (c) wikimedia/Ggia
You cannot stay the night on Delos but you ought to visit. This world heritage site, located within the centre of the archipelago, is that the birth place of Apollo and Artemis and in past was the religious centre for the entire of Greece. The remarkable monuments, like the Minoan Fountain and Temple of the Delians, and therefore the impressive mosaics are certainly deserve the ferry ride.