Greek islands hopping

Kythnos or Thermia is an unspoiled Greek island with numerous beaches, famous for its cheese and honey since ancient times. Hora (Kythnos Town) the island's capital is clustered around the seventieth century Churches of Agios Savvas which founded by Venetians and Metamorphosis. Hora is an authentic and simple white washed place with a few taverns and cafes
Dryopida is the old capital of the island, with several windmills and was once known for its potters, but today only one potter remains. Loutra is famous for its warm sulphurous spa-waters, tradition says that the water comes undersea from Vesuvius and the springs have been used since ancient times as a cure from rheumatisms. Nothing has been changed since, and every summer plenty of people are visiting the place for cure. Close to Loutra was found the oldest known settlement of Cyclades dated back to 7000-6000BC. In Loutra there is a sandy beach and close by is Agia Irini, a beach with pebbles.

According to the Greek mythology Serifos, the iron island as they used to call it, is the place where the giants Cyclops use to live. The tremendous mythological figures lived in a cave near Psaropyrgos and the construction of huge walls all over the island are attributed to them. Cyclops, the children of Poseidon, was the first to exploit the mineral wealth of the island and to create an early civilization, which they later bequeathed to people.

There is also another legend for which Serifos is known. Arkisios, the king of Argos, had received an oracle that said that his grandson would kill him; he decided to
imprison his daughter Danae so as not to give birth to any child. Unfortunately, Zeus fell in love with Danae, changed himself into rain seduced her and she gave birth
to Perseus. When Arkisios found out, he locked Danae and her son in a box and threw them into the sea. The box arrived in Serifos and mother and son were given
shelter by the king’s brother, Diktis.
When the king, Polydefkis, met Danae he fell in love with her. For fear that Perseus might prevent him from seducing her, he sent him to kill Medusa the mortal sister of the immortal mermaids who was able to petrify whoever dared to look her in the eyes. Perseus succeeded in killing Medusa with the help of the god’s weapons and mainly with Athena’s shield which he used as a mirror to avoid looking directly into the monsters eyes. He returned to Serifos demonstrating. Medusas head that petrified Polydefkis and his peers.

Sifnos is an inspiring place thatch why they call it the island of poets, lies in the middle of the Cyclades cluster. The Island was very wealthy in ancient times, for its silver and gold mines. Proof of this, is the treasury which the Siphnians built at Delphi in the 6th century BC to house their offerings. In ancient times Sifnos wealth was measured by the gold and silver it produced, in the last two centuries it can be measured by its cultural output.

The locals retain their traditional way of life, surrounded with 48 turquoise beaches and 365 (one for each day) historically churches and monasteries. Sifnos is a hidden gem in the Agean Sea and a place that you must discover. Sifnos is also well known for its food as well, and many world famous chefs have come from this small island.
 
Apolonia is the islands capital, is a countryside village located in the centre of Sifnos, Artemonas is a beautiful small, old village of Sifnos with Venetian mansions intermingled with the traditional architecture of the Cyclades islands. Kastro (castle) this remarkable village is Sifnos' most historical, built on the summit of a small peninsular and surrounded with views of the Aegean Sea Until the 19th century Kastro was the capital of Sifnos and its significance as a defensive town, designed to protect its inhabitants from marauding pirates, is visible today in the uniquely fascinating architecture.

Is the capital of Cyclades, the town of Ermoupolis "The Sovereign of Aegean" offers visitors an unforgettable view upon arrival. You will be charmed immediately by her impressive architecture which is perhaps one of the most unique classic cities that has remained in Greece. The town which is built on two hills is different from the other Cycladic towns, pastel coloured houses many of which have classical facades dominant the townscape the coast of Syros. The island like the other Cycladic islands was inhabited from the early prehistoric times

The sacred island lies in the middle of the Cyclades cluster, with the longest sunlight exposure (on the 22th June) in the world. Avoid the crowds and moor to one of the most important ancient site in Greece, where according to Greek mythology the god Apollo and his twin sister Artemis were born.

Homeric Hymn to Delian Apollo
Delos, if you would be willing to be the abode of my son Phoebus Apollo and make him a rich temple --; for no other will touch you, as you will find: and I think you will never be rich in oxen and sheep, nor bear vintage nor yet produce plants abundantly. But if you have the temple of far-shooting Apollo, all men will bring you hecatombs and gather here, and incessant savour of rich sacrifice will always arise, and you will feed those who dwell in you from the hand of strangers; for truly your own soil is not rich.

Here are some of the most important sightseeing’s:

Is another Mythic island of the Cyclades cluster and full of archaeological sites, endless sandy beaches, picturesque chapels and strangely in this dry place you will find may green valleys. One of the many legends says Dionissos, god and protector of the island transform this rock into the most fertile island of Cyclades. You see Dionissos is also the god of wine and joy in the ancient times.

In Naxos town you will find the “Portara”,   two marble pillars topped by a lintel, the site was erected before 25 centuries ago and was the entrance to the temple of the Greek God Apollo. This is the island that Theseus abandoned Ariande the daughter of Minoas who was the King of Crete. Ariande helped the brave Theseus to kill the mythological beast "Minotaur" and to escape from the Labyrinth.

Another interesting place to visit is the Venetian castle build in the ages of their domination but above there are endless sandy beaches and coves waiting for you to moor. Your Captain of course will know them all and he will select the most unwind  spot for you, but if want to impress him with you local knowledge refer to agios prokopios, agia anna, plaka, mikri vigla, kastraki, alyko and pyrgaki.

Or Nios as the locals use to call it, is an island with a carefree vibe and a laid-back lifestyle, the island attract mostly young and late 40s hippies from all around the word. The island has a strong traditional Cycladic colour with white-washed houses, quaint chapels, wind mills and is gifted with amazing golden sandy beaches. There are many small picturesque traditional villages and archaeological sites.

Located right in the centre of the Cyclades cluster, the most cosmopolitan island after Mykonos.  It's lively and picturesque port of Parikia is the capital of Paros, it’s a typical Cycladic town with many smart and up-scale restaurants mixed perfectly with the blue-shuttered white sugar cubes countless potted geraniums and clouds of bougainvillea. Don’t forget to visit the cathedral church of “Ekatontapiliani” you can figure the reason if you translate its name “the church with the 100 gates”
Naoussa is the second hot spot of the island; it’s a unique fishing village with glorious history, the narrow white paved streets and its numerous small churches almost in every corner makes it ideal for a relaxing evening walk, always with sneakers!.

Is the hidden gem of the Cyclades cluster its beauty can only be compare with the perfection of the naked body of Venus the goodness of beauty (yes is the famous statue which unfortunately still remains in the Louvre Museum in Paris)
This small paradise surrounded with over 70 unique beaches once emerged through the crystal waters from a volcanic eruption. The capital of Milos is Plaka, its absolute simplicity and genuine Cycladic architecture enchases the immense light blue of Aegean Sea. Its medieval castle is an ideal place to enjoy the warm red light of the sunset. Milos offers many seafront villages like Tripiti which has traditional windmills and narrow cobbled streets; Triovlasso, Plakes and Pollonia are also beautiful and interesting places to discover.

There is two different theories for the origin of its name the first profound that the Phoenicians called "Phelekgundari" which means "rocky land" the second says that was named after its first inhabitant, Folegandros, son of King Minos of Crete.
This small remote island has become fashionable the last few years, although still remains one of the most unspoiled authentic place in the Cyclades circle. There are 3 small and beautiful villages, the Karavostasi is where the port also located, the Chora and Ano Meria wich are still connected with an old paved road!

It’s the island of many different names and conquerors, in the past used to called Psychia,Karkisia and Pagali. Numerous invaders wanted to rule its wild beauty amongst others where the Samians the Mylesians the notorious Assyrians their neighbours Samians, Naxian and Cretans.  Its present name comes from the Mourgos plant from which a rare red dye was extracted to colour royal tunics.

Unspoiled and unique offers its wild simplicity in large proportions , Amorgos is a remarkably island at the south-eastern edge of the Cyclades group, where traditional customs are still inextricably interwoven into a landscape as rich in beauty as in its history. There is two peacfull ports where you can moor and enjoy little stroll inside to the narrow streets of Katapola and Aegiali. Its crystal blue waters are as inviting as the people in this island and there are so many choices like Arkesini, Kalotaritissa, Kato Kambos and Paradisia.