Unlike the rest of the Cyclades islands, Kea is a verdant island with forests and instead of the traditional whitewashed Cycladic houses, it has traditional farmhouses and earthy tones.
The capital of the island (the Chora) is Loulida, a beautiful village, with traditional architecture, a Medieval castle, a vestige from the Venetian era, and the Archaeological Museum of Loulida. Other villages worth a visit in Kea are Vourkari, Korissia, and Otzias.
Loulida has a small museum is worth a visit. The Lion of Kea, an ancient stone carving, is a short hike away. The waters around Kea are home to several shipwrecks, including the Titanic’s sister ship, the Britannic in 1916.
A trip out to see the ancient ruins at Karthea is also interesting.
Named after a mythical king, Kythnos is a beautiful mountainous island that sits on the west part of the Cyclades island group, boasting a wild natural landscape, an elegant architecture and a selection of stunning beaches.
Kythnos is also a perfect first stop for island hopping in the Cyclades.
The coastline of Kythnos is dotted with 99 stunning beaches, some organized and some unspoiled, but all suitable for swimming. Chora Kythnos and Driopida villages are known for their traditional architecture and charming narrow streets, while Loutra Kythnos and Merihas have the most tourist facilities.
As one of the smallest islands in the Cyclades chain, you get all the best parts crammed into one charming corner when it comes to Syros. Pastel shades, blooming bougainvillea, and crystal clear waters set the scene for a pretty port of call that is quite cosmopolitan. Charter guests can explore Ermoupoli - known as the queen of the cycles, this bustling town is all architectural grace and gleaming marble. Above the town, the Agios Georgios Cathedral is well worth the walk to see the 13th-century citadel complete with sweeping views. Beach lovers will find their bliss in Galissas where a sheltered cove makes swimming without a ripple a summer dream.
Mykonos is one of the most luxurious Greek islands, with its countless resorts and many great restaurants and bars.
Mykonos is famous for the glamour of its nightlife, the island's main attraction after it's beautiful beaches. Anchor off "Little Venice", the charming seaside neighbourhood, with its row of waterfront cafes overlooking the sea.
What not to miss in Mykonos:
"Little venice" - Mykonos Town
Windmills
Peter the Pelican
Ana mera village
16th Century Monastery of Panagia Tourliana
Kalafatis beach
Island cuisine cooking class
Enjoy the sandy beaches and scene
Famous night life
Serifos Island boasts typical Cycladic architecture is dotted with little whitewashed houses and churches that contrast with the wild natural landscape of the island. Yet to be discovered by the mass tourism, Serifos is quiet and laid back.
Both the Chora and the island’s villages are in the traditional Cycladic architecture with whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets and traditional windmills galore. Serifos Chora, in particular, is considered one of the most picturesque capitals of the Cyclades. Perched on the slopes of a hill, the beautiful Chora has a breathtaking view of the Aegean sea.
Sifnos is best know for its traditional architecture, culinary scene and beautiful beaches. It used to be off the beaten track but has become more popular, although still quiet.
Worth a visit to soak up local culture is the Monastery of Chrissopighi, protector of the island. The Church of Seven Martyrs, at the entrance of Kastro village, is also typical. The archeological Museum, also in Kastro, hosts statues from the 6th to the 1st centuries BC, ceramics and coins.
One of our favorites, Milos is still off the beaten track. In the tradition of the Cyclades islands. its unpretentious charm, incredible natural rock formations and seascapes, rich history (with numerous UNESCO sites), picturesque fishing villages, amazing food, and indigo bays make it well worth the sail.
The unspoiled villages show off whitewashed houses, colorful shutters & boat garages, where fishermen park their also colorful boats. The villages of Klima and Firopotamos will take you back to a time gone by.
Milos is fittingly home to the Venus of Milo statue, which was discovered in Milos in 1820. The stunning statue is now displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Milos beaches (over 75 of them) are iconic, especially the Sarakiniko Beach with its lunar landscape, consisting of volcanic gleaming white rock formations and crystal clear turquoise waters. Explore its sea caves, jump off the cliffs or doze under the sun, you’ll remember the enchanting atmosphere of this beach forever.
The largest uninhabited island in the Aegean Sea, Polyaigos, is close to Milos and Kimolos. Named after the roaming goats that roam the lands, Polyaigos is a virgin world of clean and untouched beaches, protected wildlife, and beautiful green and blue waters sparkling beneath the sun. On Polyaigos, you can find rare Mediterranean monk seals shading themselves in the cool sea caves. Speaking of sea caves, the Diamantospilia Cave and the Fanara Cave aren't to be missed as they are large enough to sail into and sparkle with minerals and quartz gems that glitter in the stone.
Less than one nautical mile from Paros lies the island of Antiparos, adorned with bougainvillea and beautiful beaches and perfect anchorages. The island is well known for its spectacular Cave of Antiparos, with its stalactites and stalagmites dating back 45 million years!
Celebrated as being the largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos has the charm of being a little off-center of the tourist trail when compared to the likes of Santorini or Mykonos.
But Naxos makes for an amazing anchorage with its atmospheric old town made up of minotaur maze-like streets lined with chic cafes and dreamy bohemian shops.
Active guests can take the seven villages trail - hiking past donkeys and wildflowers and all the things that make you want to wax lyrical about the Greek countryside. There’s also the chance for wine tasting at local distilleries, admiring ancient temples, stacking up on history at the archeological museum, and blissing out on golden beaches.
At the heart of the Aegean sea Ios is a summertime favorite for its breathtaking landscape and lively nightlife.
Known to be one of the best party islands in Greece you can still enjoy a quieter experience in one of the quiet coves or villages. The villages are lovely - stroll around the cobblestone alleys of Chora, discover the cliff-top villages climb up to Odysseus Elytis theater with a breathtaking view of the endless Aegean sea, watch the sun sink towards the horizon from Panagia Gremiotissa church.
Finally, visit Homer’s grave.
You are spoiled for choice, with quiet, secluded bays or the more lively beaches dotted with trendy bars and watersports activities.
Folegandros' high cliffs, many squares framed by graceful, typically Cycladic churches and old-fashioned tavernas with views of the Aegean will capture your heart.
In the evenings, taverna tables fill up and the main town of Folegandros becomes even more welcoming. Music drifts through the streets.
Folegandros' clifftop villages, rich character, and pristine beaches boast clear water, fine pebbles and white sand and give it an authentic charm still far off the beaten path.
Here you will be welcomed by pure, striated cliffs and white cubist villages perched at the summit as you approach Santorini aboard your luxury yacht. Overlooking a seamless bay where the volcano lies dormant, enjoy a cocktail and a wonderful Santorini sunset. Drop anchor on the readily accessible east coast and enjoy a swim near black volcanic-sand beaches or enjoy unbeatable deep-sea diving. Don't miss the excellent archaeological sites, including Ancient Thira, a 9th century B.C. Doric city-fortress. Enjoy a fascinating visit to the "Pompeii of the Aegean" - the excavations of Akrotiri, an ancient city that was covered in volcanic ash and preserved to the present day.