Cyclades

The most seductive group of islands of Greece, and of Aegean Sea, the Cyclades , located in the southern part of Greece, comprise about 220 islands, out of which only 24 are inhabited, at the present moment: Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Folegandros, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros and Tinos.

The islands of the Cyclades are alluring paradises on earth, with the famous cycladic architecture, blue skies, crystal azure waters of the beautiful Aegean, cobbleston, narrow lanes, history, archeological sites, churches and monasteries, rocky hills with picturesque villages on top, and a broad spectrum of possibilities for spending an unforgetable vacation.

The Cyclades Islands have a history of which we have some records since 7000 b.c. , and have been inhabited by the Minoans sometimes between 3000 -1500 b.c.

Some believe that the Lost continent of Atlantis had been, in ancient times, here, where the location of the Cyclades Islands is now.

 

 

Tilos

Tilos Island is one of the Dodecanese treasures, not far from Rhodes, with elevated rocky slopes, steep hills, lush vegetation with olive trees, walnut groves, untouched beauty and a charm of its own.

The island is about 63 square km and has a small number of inhabitants, around 300, which are spread on the land comprised by the two villages of Tilos.

Megalo Chorios is the island’s capital, a settlement which stands at the base of a Byzantine Castle , from where you may have an overview of the valleys and the Eristos Bay.

Livadia is the village where the main port of the island is.

If you want to get to the blissfull island of Tilos, you can catch a ferry from Piraeus, Rhodes, Kos, Patmos or fly on Rhodes and then sail here.

You can delight yourself, while in Tilos, whit a swim and a relaxing day under the sunny ski on Eristos long beach or Livadia pebble beach, wander around the island, grab a warm traditional greek meal in one of those nice taverns, visit some ancient sites in the island’s capital, go fishing or birdwatching.

As sightseeing, it is interesting thr Fortress of Misaria in Megalo Chorio or one of the churches and monasteries around the island : The church of Panaghia Theotokissa, The little post-Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, The church of Panagiia Kamariani, The little church of Agios Ioannis.

You can find cheap accomodation, and welcoming, friendly people in Tilos.

If not a week holiday, then at least a day, while on Rhodes, is worth it, the beautiful island of Tilos, a jewel of the southern Aegean.

 

 

 

Symi

Symi is an enchanting island of the Dodecanese, somewhere near Rhodos, with a rocky setting, mountainous coastline alternating with beaches and secluded natural bays.

Symi is the mithological birthplace of the Charities, having its name given as a tribute to Syme – a nymph.

Symi is an island where wild meets royal, where nature has a pinch of elegance from the architecture, colours, people. The island has a beautiful harbour, which has a venetian look, with architheatrical arranged houses and boats docked right at the front, that wait calmly for their owners or passangers.

Symi Island, is located at a distance of about three hours by ferry of Mandrakis port (north-west of Rhodes) and has been inhabited since ancient shipbuilders, now proud of more than 77 churches.

You can take your swimsuits, as there are sand beaches on Symi and if you are not fond of shopping, take a bath. Cruise to the Island of Symi and for sure it will make you feel like you’re in the famous Hollywood movie that was shoot here, “The Guns of Navarone” with his famous distribution.

The Capital, Symi town is built in the shape of an amphitheater at the base of a medieval fortress. In the south,it  is a small peninsula, Prasonissi, where at flux time, the Aegean Sea joins the Mediterranean, so that at sunset is becomes a small tongue of land between waters. Prasonissi has become in recent years sought a place especially by windsurfing enthusiasts.

No water resources on the island, so they bring water from Rhodes or use rain water filters.

The most beautiful view you can find in the natural bay in the port of Yialos.

The island has a lot to offer, nice traditional taverns on the seashore, crystal clear waters, souvenir shops, a lot of churches, good prices.

 

Rhodes

Rhodes impresses with its diverse terrain features and picturesque beaches, crystalline waters of the Aegean sea, medieval history, numerous opportunities for entertainment and renowned hospitality of the locals. With a length of 79 km, a width of 38 km, an area of 1,400 square km and 220 km of shore, Rhodes is the third largest island in Greece and the largest of the Dodecanese archipelago.

Known officially as the sunniest part of Europe, Rhodes is a top tourist destination with a unique blend of medieval and modern cities, its villages and tourist resorts.

Rhodes – the island’s capital, whose city is a medieval UNESCO site, Linda Kamiros, Asklipios and Monolithos – with many historical sites, or Faliraki and Kalathos – lively resorts wobbly.

Rhodes Island is situated in the south-east of Greece and because the summer lasts so long, tourist season begins in April and ends sometime in November. The most popular island of the Dodecanese Islands and one of the most popular Greek islands, Rhodes is a place with many valences, almost like a small country with a romantic history that stretches over many centuries. In Rhodes there are also some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, many of them awarded with the Blue Flag, a lot of places where there are archeological sites, restaurants and nightlife that can please even the most eager for fun, tourists .

In Rhodes town there are plenty of activities that can keep anyone busy. There are shops, restaurants, cafes and hotels open throughout the year.

For those eager to explore the archaeological remains of the island of Rhodes, might even be advisable to visit the island in a colder period, when it is too cold for the beach or swimming in the sea. In these quiet periods you can visit all the sights of Rhodes without having to endure the crowds in summer. Rhodes Island in Greece is worth visiting even in winter. Those who want to visit Rhodes in winter should keep in mind that there are fewer connections between islands and the mainland during this period. But you can get great discounts on accommodation in Rhodes in that season.

During the summer season the climate is excellent in Rhodes. Even in the warmest periods of the year there can be found ways to cool off. Mornings and evenings are always pleasant, even during summer, when days are hot.

Rhodes offers tourists a wide variety of accommodations. There are two star hotel but also, very full and luxurious resorts. Tourists just need to decide if they want to stay in New Town, in Old Town or in other parts of the island. Once made this decision just need to find the hotel that best suits your needs and pocketbook.

Other major cities are on the island of Rhodes: Afandou (21 km from Rhodes), Archangelos (29 km from Rhodes) – the second largest city, surrounded by groves of oranges and lemons, Asklipio – here you can visit the old church and a castle Faliraki(14 km from Rhodes) – an action-packed resort, Gennadi, Haraki (Charaka) – The beach here is lined with many restaurants, Ixia, Kalithea (10 km from Rhodes) – ideal for surface diving, Laerma, Lardos – many shops, Linda – great historical importance, Pefkos – a tourist resort near Lindos, Theologos – traditional village famous for traditional pottery and carpets.

Archaeological sites on the island of Rhodes have uncovered several important ancient monuments belonging to the three centers of power on the island – the city-state Lindos, Ialyssos and Kamiros. These ruins are the points of maximum importance for tourism, especially the acropolis of Lindos beautiful. Important monuments are left from the medieval period castles in Rhodes, Lindos and monolithic. 

Rhodes Island is inhabited since the Stone Age and was inhabited in prehistoric times the Cretans, Phoenicians and Dorian. After the Trojan War – 1184 b.c. – and began the “golden age” of the island, as it stands testimony to this fact, the  artifacts excavated in the three centers of power on the island – cities of Lindos, Ialyssos and Kamiros. Towards the end of the fifth century b.c. These cities have joined to form a single political power – the city of Rhodes, who reached the third century at its peak. Since 2000 b.c. Rhodes became an ally of Rome, but in the first century of the empire, it went into decline.

Nisyros

Nissiros, a one of a kind island of the Aegean, close to Kos, is an island of tranquility, of lost paradise, of untouched beauty, as it’s not a popular tourism destination, not crowded but seclusive, with a population under 1000 inhabitants.

It’s origins include some volcanic eruptions, which have formed an about 4 km wide caldera, it has a rocky coast, pebble beaches, and a few sandy ones also.

If you want to visit this island you may come by sea, from Piraeus or Kos, to the harbour in Mandraki – the capital of the island, and also where the most of the populations lives.

In central Mandraki, around the square, in one of the traditional taverns you may delight yourself with a meal and a charming atmosphere of calmness. You should definitely have a taste of Soumada, a traditional drink made from almonds, honey , baby tomatoes and capers .

The main attraction of the island is the volcano, which is still active, some natural springs like Loutra -a hot spring close to Mandraki, Thermiani spring which is popular since antiquity, when Hippocrate praised its benefits, Emborios – a natural sauna.

On southeast of the capital, on a higher altitudine, there is Emporios village, which deserves a visit, as you’ll find here on the highest point, the ruins of a venetian fortress.

Another impressive fortress, thought to have been built by the knights from the order of St. John, is to be found in the capital: Spiliani Fortress.

There are some monasteries and churches, both in Mandraki and Emporios.

As for the beaches, Hochlakous is a fine volcanic, black pebble beach, Aspri Ammos is another beach where you can take a boat to some close islets and enjoy the quitude of the beaches there .

 

 

Leros

One of the emerald, lush islands of the Dodecanese, besets amongst Patmos and Kalimnos, having some enchanting bays, aquamarine, shiny beaches, and some picturesque towns.

It’s main harbour is Lakki, it’s capital Platanos, Aghia Marina – the other important port and Panteli, are the villages where some 8000 people which inhabit Leros island are gathered.

Platanos is built amphitheatrically beneath the impressive castle, and will strike you with the view of its greek custom architecture, the small nice and bright houses, the narrow streets. In the Town Hall of Platanos you may find some archeological items.From the position of the castle you can enjoy the  coastline, the beautiful  beaches and the azure sea.Platanos has been lately linked with Agia Marina in the north and Panteli to the south.Although the island was neglected for  the last 20 years by tourism industry, Leros became a popular destination foreign and Greek tourists alike, finding Leros as a genuine paradise because the island has some unique features, culture and architecture and is a piece of wilderness in the middle of civilization. Leros is green, has terrific infrastructure and is one of the few Greek islands, which is surviving during winter season as well, thanks to the many Greeks living and working here.Leros has stunning beaches. Some beaches are sandy, some have pebbles, some are large, some small and secluded, you should discover on your own which can become your favourite: Alinda, Panteli, Drymonas, Plefuti, Gourna, Xirokambos, Kryfos,.Panagies, Tourkopigado, Kokali, Merkies, Koulouki.
If you want to have some fun like playing some football or basketball on the island, you may just do that as you’ll easily find football or basketball fields, you can dance in one of the many clubs, have a nice lunch or dinner in one of the quality restaurants and taverns, opt for a watersport like diving, have a long walk or hiking with firends, go to a play in an open-air theatre and there’s much more.
You can reach Leros by sea from Athens or by air. There are ferries coming from the neighbouring islands as well. On the island there are plenty of possibilities for transport, bus, rented vehicles, taxi.

 

Lipsi

Lipsi is not a single island, it is in fact a small  group of islets, in the north of the Dodecanes, near Patmos and Leros.

The biggest islet is Lipsi, where is also located the island capital. Here there’s the port, accommodation facilities, some local cuisine can be tasted in the tavernas and restaurants, especially the local products like thyme honey , dairy products, wine. If you want to wander around the other islets you can take a day trip or a cruise, and let yourself amazed by the beauty and wilderness of the scenary.

On Lipsi you’ll find churches and monasteries dissipated on its surface amongst the traditional houses in which the not very many inhabitants live.

The island has some wonderful beaches, Lientou, is the most notorious being in a short range of the capital, but also Kampos, Platys Yialos – a surprising stripe of land into the sea – similar to those in the exotic islands of the Indian Ocean, sandy Papandria to the south.

Chochlakoura, popular for the pebbles, caves and rocks, Tourkomnima and Xirokampos, Monodendri and Kamares, all with their unique qualities, all worthing to be visited.

As for accommodation, you’ll find some welcoming hotels and villas, at good prices.

 

Kos

Kos Island is part of the Dodecanese Islands, being the third largest after Rhodes and Karphatos. Is known worldwide as the birthplace of Hippocrates, father of medicine, and it was here, he founded the first school of medicine.

In the center, there is a tree of Hippocrates over 2,000 years old where he used to meditate and hold lectures.

Near the tree of Hippocrates, there is a market where you can find all kinds of spices, honey, olives and fresh fruit.

Kos Harbour  is worth visiting at night where you’ll find beautifully decorated boats and you can choose trips to Rhodes or Bodrum at lower prices compared with prices charged by travel agencies.

Near the port, there is a multitude of terraces, cafes, discos for all ages. You’ll pleasantly surprised by the behavior of owners of restaurants that  respectfully invite you to study the menu in hopes that you become a customer willing to spend some bucks.

Prices are acceptable, depending on each person . Near the town hall there is a bakery where you can find cakes, donuts, pastry, which are incredibly delicious.

From the port, in exchange for 5 euros per person you can visit the port center with a train equipped with speakers that resonate casual Greek music.

Knights Castle by the harbor was  a fortress built to defend the island from invaders. The castle begins near a boulevard with tall palm trees preferred by young people for nightly walks.

Lido Aquatic Park is worth visiting especially on weekends when the price of a ticket benefits reduction.

From the harbor, you can take the bus to visit the village of Kefalos, a village full of tradition where you’ll always find people smiling and concerned about preserving cultural heritage.

Archaeological Museum is also worth visiting, here you will find the history of the island from ancient times until now. For lovers of fine sand,a recommandation would be Tigaki town, 7 km from Kos. For the price of 5 euros you can have two sunbeds and an umbrella.

Near the center of Kos town there is the archaeological site that during the times of Hippocrates Asklepieion  was a medical school.

Kos is the island of endless fun, animated nightlife, a piece of Ibiza, here in the Aegean.

You can fly a charter line, during summer, travel operators offer very attractive packages which inlclude flight, accommodation, meals, transfers and some other services that are optional.

Kastelorizo

Kastelorizo is a 9.2 square kilometers island, on the southeastern Mediterranean sea, the smallest of the Dodecanese Islands.

The meaning of its name, Megisti, means Great, a paradox, since it’s the smalles island of the archipelago. The name Kastelorizo dates from byzantine times, and there are some hypothesis about it’s origin.

The island if very close to the turkish coast, therefore, although its been greek since 1947, the turks still would like to have it as their own. It has few inhabitants, and it is recognized for the large amount of caves, one of them being the Blue Grotto, similar but bigger than the one in Capri.

It has only one village, Megisti, where you can find some possibility for accommodation.

You can visit, besides the Blue Cave :

The Metropolis of St. Constantine and Hele, The archaeological Museum, Palaiokastro – an old site where there can be seen several remains of the ancient structures and objects, The Castle of the Knights.

There are some nice beaches, Faros, Mandraki, Plakes and Ro, Aghios Georgios and Strogilli, on the islets around Kastelorizo.

Kassos

The island 0f Kassos has a rich history. It is mentioned by Homer, as the island participated in the trojan war, then during the centuries it was conquered by  arabs, crusaders, ottomans. In the 18th century it become a great maritimal power, and at the begining of the 20th century it was occupied by italians, gaining it’s liberty in 1948.

It is a secluded island of the Dodecanes, not very familiar amongst travellers, as it has little tourism development and facilities.

It’s a rocky island, covered with old churches, interesting caves, and an overall tranquil scenary, perfect for those that need deep relaxation, clear breathing athmosphere.

Kassos has a small population, about 1500 people, most of them gathered around the island’s capital and port Fri .

The island has some nice beaches, Fri, St. Konstantinos, Armathia and Helatro as well as a beautiful bay, Helatros, where you can have a swim in the blue, clear waters.

There are some traditional restaurants on the island where you can have a taste of fish products, as well as local delicious dairy products.

In this peaceful island there are five  main villages : Fri, where there is the main harbour; Agia Marina, a village on the top of the hill with a superb view of the sunset; Arvanitohori, at the base of the mountains; Poli, the oldest one with some castle ruins and Panagia, above the  harbour of Emborio. They are the components of the municipality of Kasos which is under the administration of Karpathos.