The Cyclades: Must-visit Islands
The Greek islands of the southern Aegean Sea, also known as the Cyclades, offer an idyllic setting for a sun-filled vacation, with their small white houses, windmills, and beaches. These islands, with their diverse landscapes, are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Here is an introduction to three mythical islands not to be missed.
An archipelago of great beauty
The Cyclades archipelago comprises some 250 islands and islets, of which only 24 are inhabited. These islands, located between Athens and Crete, owe their name "Cyclades" to their circular arrangement ("kúklos" in ancient Greek) around the sacred island of Delos.
These islands, inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC, have successively fallen under Roman, Venetian, and Turkish rule before becoming Greek again. These multiple influences are still noticeable in their architecture.
Today, their sandy beaches, diverse landscapes, and mild climate make them dream destinations, best explored off-season, in May-June or September-October.
Mykonos, a festive and authentic island
To discover the unique architecture and light of this region, it is good to take your time and travel from island to island. The different islands of the Cyclades archipelago each have a unique identity and a particular atmosphere.
The most well-known islands are Mykonos and Delos, in the center of the archipelago, the islands of Santorini in the south, as well as Naxos, Paros, and Hydra. The latter, where there are no cars, has one of the most beautiful ports in the Mediterranean.
If you want to immerse yourself in postcard landscapes between windmills and white and blue alleys, you can start your journey on the island of Mykonos, appreciated by tourists and jet-setters from around the world. Everything is spectacular on this island: the beaches, the parties, the luxury shops, and especially the landscapes.
Santorini, a volcanic island with unique beauty
Santorini, also called Thira (after its main island), is a small archipelago of volcanic origin. It forms the southernmost group of the Cyclades.
This spectacular site, overlooking the largest caldera in the world, is sometimes considered the last remnant of the legendary Atlantis. If you are interested in volcanism, you should know that it is possible to visit the largest volcanic cone of Néa Kaméni, in the center of the archipelago.
On the island, don't miss the charming village of Oia whose houses are perched on the cliffside, between sky and sea. This village with blue domes has become iconic of all Greece.
On this very touristy island, you can also enjoy the tiny coves south of Akrotiri to escape the crowd and experience the joys of swimming.
Amorgos, the wild island
Amorgos, the easternmost of the Cyclades, is located southeast of Naxos. It is mainly known for being the setting of Luc Besson's film The Big Blue.
This paradise for walkers and nature lovers features the ruins of several ancient cities at Minoa (gymnasium, stadium, temple of Apollo), Arkessini, and Egiali.
In Chora, you can visit a small archaeological museum, old windmills, and the ruins of a fortress.
Additionally, the island is famous for its monastery of Chozoviotissa (founded in the 11th century) perched on a cliffside. Its church holds a treasure of icons and manuscripts.
