If you were to take an aerial view of the Greek Cyclades Islands, they would look like a fascinating mosaic of 20 lush green lands floating. In the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. It is an incredible formation created by geological changes that occurred millions of years ago.
According to Greek mythology, Poseidon, the god of the sea, was so furious with the behavior of the Cycladic nymphs that he transformed them into islands.
Whatever their formation, the Cyclades (i.e., the sacred islands around Delos),
with their beauty and dazzling light, can lend themselves to a place of spirituality. They peak in May and remain magnificent throughout the summer months.
For most of the year, the wild and rugged volcanic landscape remains whitewashed with Cycladic sugar architecture, dazzling against the dark backdrop or overgrown with greenery with the deep blue sea lapping its shores. Here are six suggestions.
Santorini
Some say Santorini is this Aegean archipelago’s most attractive and famous island. You’ll all have seen that iconic image, the blue-domed church on top of a cliff standing out amidst gleaming white architecture that looks magnificent against the blue of the sky and sea.
Cruise ships stop here, weddings are held just for panoramic photos, and tourists scale the 13th-century castle walls in an almost cult-like manner to ensure the best view of the sunset.
There are beaches, a pebble in Kamari, and black sand in Perissa and Karterados, dominated by cliffs and a bright light that seems particular to the Cyclades: it can be fascinating.
The hillside cities of Fira and Oia are picturesque, sometimes with steep steps and knotty alleys,
and offer an idyllic afternoon of exploration. The restaurant terraces are bright and lively at night, and diners enjoy libations and alfresco meals in the warm night air.
This island is all about relaxed sophistication. Ask Angelina Jolie. After filming her second Tomb Raider movie, she took refuge here for a month.
Mykonos
Bare hills, fine sand beaches, and a sumptuous atmosphere make up this 86-square-kilometer island. It barely has 10,000 inhabitants, and yet the island is invaded by tens of thousands of tourists who are eager to party. Nightclubs cost two cents. Some several pubs and shops stay open all night.
It’s a fun island with its most famous beach, Paradise Beach, full of clubs, a campsite, and a few restaurants. Nearby is Wonderful Parade, a gay nudist beach that may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re looking for peace, head to Agia Ana, although it may seem relatively undeveloped.
Its main town, Hóra, is packed with fashion boutiques, but as tempting as it may be to shop, stay away between 10 am and 3 pm. Sir. and during cruise stopovers from 5 pm m. to 1 pm m.
Naxos
It is the largest of the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, and when you reach by boat, you will discover its most famous archaeological site:
The Portara, the gate of the ancient temple of Apollo, was built in 522 BC. The island is home to the highest mount in the Cyclades, Mount Zeus, which originates from many mythologies.
It is said to have been the wedding island of Dionysus, the god of wine. That is why a sanctuary is dedicated to him. Its coast is a mosaic of sensational beaches, some isolated. Mikri and Vila, to the west, are popular with windsurfers.
The interior is incredibly mountainous; the towns seem to rise from the fertile valleys, with many fields and olive groves.
Its port is in the capital, where several streets lead to the citadel, a monument visible for miles, and elsewhere are ancient churches, monasteries, castles, and Venetian mansions.
Paros
Paros, a ferry hub and magnificent Venetian port, is considered one of the most beautiful islands, defined by its beaches and picturesque villages Cyclades Islands.
Parikia is the main town and port of the island. However, its most famous city is Naoussa. It was an old fishing village, but who knew?
Today, it is a popular cosmopolitan trip destination. For a bit of culture, visit the blue-domed Byzantine Museum.
Ios (Cyclades Islands)
There may be 365 churches on this island, but it’s a party island for young people. It offers intense nightlife, and beach festivities that start early and last all night are not unusual at Mylopotas Beach.
This kilometer-long beach is full of bars, restaurants,
and various water sports, but there are quieter options at Valmas Beach or Kolitsani Beach.
The island is also home to the peaceful hilltop village of Chora, probably the most picturesque in all of the Cyclades. The views from its highest point are impressive Cyclades Islands.
Delos (Cyclades Islands)
You cannot spend the night in Delos but must visit it. This World Heritage Site, located in the center of the archipelago, is the hometown of Apollo and Artemis and was once the religious center of all of Greece.
Notable monuments such as the Minoan Fountain, the Temple of Delios, and the impressive mosaics are worth the ferry ride.
