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The
island group in the central and southern Aegean. An imaginary circle
centred on Delos washed by sunshine and breathing the sea breeze.
One
of the most important Mediterranean civilisations was born here,
the Cycladic. It is also probable that the lost continent of Atlantis
was around here. Calm crystal clear water, bright sky, radiant sun,
and austere architecture on naked rock, the Cyclades are filled
with light and sunshine. The climate is dry and healthy with mild
winters and cool summers thanks to the 'meltemia' winds.
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Kea
(Tzia) is very close to Athens and offers relaxing vacations
and pristine beaches. The picture of the island that remains of little
valleys with vineyards and orchard between mountainous masses, leading
to idyllic coves. One and two storey houses with tiled roofs, stone-paved
alleyways, chapels, windmills and monasteries, the most important
of which is the Kastriani monastery. |
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Kithnos, the ground is high and rugged with green tufts of
vine and fig scattered about. The shores are heavily indented and
the island has thermal springs with great curative powers. The churches
are beautiful and are graced with fine wood carvings and icons painted
by the Cycladian painter (1700) Skordilis. |
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Serifos
has a strange charm that captivates, it is naked waves of mountains
and small fertile valleys, singular houses, narrow stone-paved streets,
magical shores and a castle surrounded by windmills. |
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trails line the rocks of Siphnos and white chapels lie between
them, here green alternates with dazzling white. An island of rare
beauty and spellbinding views it is a maze of yards, alleyways and
workshops where the famous Sifnian pottery is made, with 365 churches,
chapels and important monasteries. |
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Kimolis
is a small mountainous island, white as the chalk it produces, far
from the summer crowds. Houses in the authentic Cycladic style surround
the castle. |
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Milos
was born of a volcano and hides many secrets above and below its surface:
rich deposits of minerals, the famous catacombs, sea caves, pristine
beaches, early Christian remains. One of its secrets, the Venus de
Milo, rests in the Louvre. |
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Andros,
the birthplace of famed ship masters, with its steep mountain ranges
torn by gorges and ravines; valleys blanketed by vines, olive, fig,
orange and lemon trees, streams and brooks untypical of the otherwise
classic Cycladic landscape; slopes that end in cliffs; hills that
vanish quietly into rocky shores; valleys that extend into sandy beaches.
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Tinos
is the holy island of the Virgin Mary. Numerous beaches can be seen
from the peaks of the unending mountain range that crosses it lengthwise.
The dove-cotes on Tinos, made of white-washed native stone, are works
of art in their own right. The island's twenty exquisite villages
are unique examples of folk architecture. |
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Mykonos
is the cosmopolitan centre of the Cyclades. Its low rocky hills slope
down to enchanting golden beaches. Grey-green boulders sprout prickly
pears and windmills. Despite the dazzling light the summers are refreshing.
One can find beaches that are almost empty. White-washed cube-shaped
houses are scattered about. In the narrow streets of the town chapels
and picturesque tavernas hide among folk art shops and stores selling
jewellery and furs. Trends that will sweep the international scene
are born in the intense nightlife of this modern resort. |
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The
ancient holy island of Delos is a vast archaeological site.
For many centuries it was the religious centre of Greece. It was the
centre of the circle of the Cyclades islands and the birthplace of
Apollo and Artemis. |
| Siros
on the other hand is the modern administrative, commercial and cultural
centre of the Cyclades. The Hora, full of fine neo-classical buildings,
old mansions, marble squares and magnificent churches, is built amphitheatrically
up the hillsides around the port. The hills and the valleys provide
variety in the scenery, alternating between cultivated fields, orchards
and brush. Beautiful locations and scenic beaches sum up the island. |
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Paros
has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Now, this mainly flat
island with countless vineyards, is a modern tourism centre. This
popular island is fragrant with basil and honeysuckle. The marvellous
church of Panagia Ekatontapliani greets visitors as they arrive in
the harbour. White-washed stone benches beneath the jasmine and summer
celebrations, such as the wine and fish festivals characterise the
island.
Opposite,
the golden sands and natural beauty of the small island of Antiparos,
is home to the famous and enchanting cave of St. John. |
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Naxos
is the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands. Byzantine
churches and medieval towers abound. Vast beaches with boulders rising
up from the deep blue of the sea, fertile valleys, springs with rushing
water, picturesque villages, begin to give an idea of this special
place. A distinctive feature of Naxos are the two ancient Kouroi.
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Unlike
Naxos, Amorgos is mountainous and barren, with sheer rocky
coasts, scattered ruins, notable archaeological finds, and places
of worship built with the characteristic ecclesiastical architecture
of the twin church. |
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Folegandros
is a small rocky island with the special wild beauty of alternating
cliffs and sandy beaches. The church of Panagia and the golden cave
with its stalactites and stalagmites are worth a visit. |
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Sikinos
has retained its island feel and colour in its wonderful villages
with their stone mansions, the island is also known for is spectacular
castle and the monastery of Zoodohou Pigis. |
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Ios
(or Nios as the locals call it) is decorated with small scenic
bays, countless chapels, vineyards and olive tress, all set under
the clear bright Cycladic sky. |
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Its ecological
particularities, its past and its imposing scenery, single out the
Cycladic island of Santorini (Thira). Bright white domed houses
clinging to the cliff sides of the caldera, formed by the volcano's
explosion in 1500BC, have an incredible view of Kamenes, (burnt ones)
the coal coloured islets in the middle. Some of the most spectacular
beaches can be found on Santorini: some with dark pebbles and others
with black sand. A whole civilisation is coming to light at the archaeological
sites at Akrotiri, the prehistoric city, and Messa Vouno, where the
ruins of ancient Thira lie. The missing piece of Santorini's once
perfect circle is Thirassia, the wounded islet that closed the caldera,
which is Thira in miniature. |
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A rock
on its own in the sea is Anafi. The crystal clear waters
and serenity of the island's beauty offer a calm relaxing place
both for visitors and for inhabitants. The only disturbances are
the picturesque celebrations and local fairs.
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