“It was then that he ordered and the sea was born.And I saw and admired it…And in the middle of it he sowed small worlds in my image and reflection…Stone Horses with their mane up and peaceful amphorae and wry backs of dolphins”
Odysseus Elytis
Αccording to the myth the Cyclades Islands were named by the nymphs Cyclades, daughters of Oceanus and Tethys, the god Poseidon turned into the islands when he became enraged with them.
Another legend says that they got their name from the imaginary circle the islands form around the sacred island of Delos, the birthplace of the goddess Artemis and the god Apollo. Another version claims that the Cyclades, as well as all the other Aegean islands, were created during the Battle of the Giants.
In mythology the Cyclades are frequently referred to, in the myth of Theseus and Ariadne, the Homeric epics and the Argonaut expedition as well.
The Cyclades is a majestic complex of islands scattered in the middle of the Aegean Sea, between Attica and Crete. These islands were first inhabited in prehistoric times and they developed a unique culture, the Cycladic civilization. Nowadays, the Cyclades, with their Mediterranean climate, the stunning beaches, the little white houses, the stone paved narrow streets and the countless churches, are an ideal place for vacations, rest and renewal.
The Cyclades include a total of 220 islands, from which the 24 are inhabited. The small distance between the islands enables you to visit more than one in a short time.
The islands of the Cyclades, with their unique charm and special character have gained an international fame. Anyone who loves to travel wishes to visit Santorini, Mykonos, Delos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Syros, Tinos, Milos, Amorgos, Sifnos, Serifos, Andros, Kythnos, Folegandros, Anafi, Koufonisia ..The unique architecture of Cyclades – Deep blue to dazzling white
The folk Cycladic architecture, its originality and grace, have given the Cyclades reputation beyond the borders of Greece. This architecture, and particularly the vivid color contrast between the white of the Cycladic houses and the brightly colored doors, windows and balconies in shades of blue, is unique and contributes tremendously to the beauty of the landscape. A traditional Cycladic settlement, as a whole, gives the impression of a maze having countless labyrinthine alleys with stone tiles and whitewashed joints.
Traditional Flavors and Products
The Cyclades Islands have a delicious cuisine. Taste cheeses you will not find anywhere else, like cheese “San Michael”, fine wines, such as “brusco” and “Vinsanto” of Santorini, fresh fish, salted and smoked meat, capers, dried figs, sugarplum, traditional sweets, chalvadopites and marshmallows.
Cyclades and Culture
The greatest cultural event of the Cyclades and is the “International Classical Music Festival of Cyclades”, which takes place every year in Syros, “the capital of elegance and nobility” as the island was mentioned by Theophilus Gautier. Since 2004 the International Classical Music Festival of Cyclades hosts internationally renowned soloists and ensembles at the Apollo Theater, which is a miniature of La Scala in Milan.
Sites and Sights
The Ancient Thira (Santorini) is a unique ancient city with cobblestone streets and a theater of the Hellenistic era with a stunning view to the Aegean. In the museum of prehistoric Thira important artifacts from the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri are exposed, such as Cycladic marble figurines (idols), jewelery, exceptional murals and stunning gold statuette chamois.
During your tour to the sacred island of Delos you will be impressed by the number of antiquities. Delos boasts a unique sanctuary of Apollo, the Temple of Isis, the Agora of the Competaliasts and the Street of Lions, where the famous marble lions are standing in line gazing east. The Archaeological Museum of Delos is one of the most significant museums in Greece. It is also worth to visit the “House of Dionysos” with the famous mosaic depicting Dionysus over a panther.
In Ermoupolis you can find one of the oldest museums in the country and also remarkable is the Archaeological Museum of Paros, with important exhibits like the marble statue of Gorgous, the marble statue of Artemis, the statue of Nike etc.
The Castles of the Cyclades are integral parts of the Cycladic landscape and almost every Island has a beautiful and remarkable castle.
Some of the most significant of them are the Castle of Naxos, the Castle of Milos that has unparallel view overlooking the bay of the island and the beautiful sunset, the Castle of Kimolos, the Venetian Castle in Oia etc.
Amazing is also the temple of Demeter in Naxos, preserved almost untouched by time. Other unique attractions are the Holy Church of Panagia Evagelistria in Tinos, Lena’s House in Mykonos, the Cave of Antiparos and the volcano of Santorini, which attracts Tourists from around the world. The island of Santorini owes this volcano its very existence and its unique form.
It is also worth to visit the wine museum in Santorini, walk to the catacombs of Milos, that are unique of its kind in Greece and ascend to the grave of Homer in Ios, which offers a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea. Finally also interesting are the Lighthouse of Mykonos, the park with the butterflies of Paros, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Andros etc.