The most famous island group in the Aegean Sea comprises some of the most beautiful islands in the world! Gorgeous sandy beaches, architecture in white and blue, traditional lifestyle, folk music, warm, hospitable people and barren landscapes with isolated chapels turn a trip to the Cyclades into a lifetime experience.The name “Cyclades” refers to the islands forming a circle (the name in English means: “circular islands”) around the sacred island of Delos. According to the Greek mythology, Poseidon, God of the sea, furious at the Cyclades nymphs turned them into islands. Millions of Greek and foreign visitors come to the Cyclades every year to enjoy the dazzling sunsets and crystal blue waters of what many will call paradise on earth.

So Many Islands….So Many Things To See To Do

The Cyclades consist of 6 popular islands, and host of smaller and lesser known islands. It would take us nearly writing a book to even scratch the surface of all the features and characteristics each one has, and all there is to do when visiting them separately. So instead we thought we would simply construct a short list of some of our favorites for the most well known and frequently visited of all the Greek Isles…Santorini! Here it goes

1. If you are in Santorini definitely don’t miss the beaches! They are a short trip from Oia or Fira and each one is impressive for different reasons. Our favorite is Kamari Beach, a cosmopolitan beach resort with a black volcanic sand beach. A beachfront promenade of cafes, beach bars, boutique hotels, and very cool shops provides a lively atmosphere and the nightlife is awesome after the sun goes down. Night markets and movies on the beach are just the start of what we love here. If you can, grab a free lounge chair and umbrella on the beach, but be sure to bring water shoes. The gorgeous pebbly terrain of the beach is painful to walk  barefoot on and very slippery. If you stay on Kamari Beach, the hotels provide excellent views of the ocean while sitting poolside in some very comfortable loungers.
2. Go to Oia to watch the sunset and while your there head down to the port of Amoudi Bay for
3. Rent an ATV and explore. It is an affordable way to get to the beaches, wineries, and restaurants not directly on the tourist track and offers a very scenic opportunity to visit any part of the island rather quickly. Oh and it’s just fun!
4. Take a luxury catamaran  and cruise the caldera off the coast of Santorini. Most provide free hotel pickup and drop off, and include a delicious meal, beverages, towels and snorkels for swimming, and can be an informative way to learn about the Island while enjoying the gorgeous sea views.
5. Enjoy your hotel! This is one of those destinations worth splurging a little for that dream suite because believe us you will definitely be taking advantage of accommodations. Many of Santorini’s hotels provide private pools or hot tubs, cave houses with private entrances and patios, night time entertainment, delicious food and fine dining, spa treatments, exceptional service and so much more. You will absolutely want to be spending time there so find one you LOVE!

On a quest to find the Greek islands of your dreams? You can start here in the Cyclades. Rugged, sun-drenched outcrops of rock, anchored in azure seas and liberally peppered with snow-white villages and blue-domed churches. If you desire stellar archaeological sites and dozens of postcard-worthy beaches with sands of every color and size then Greece is a destination that will leave you breathless. Throw in a blossoming food scene, some renowned party destinations and a good dose of sophistication, and you really do have the best of Greece’s ample charms. Who would resist the temptation to visit paradise?

Perhaps you would prefer islands with a little more relaxed feel and less crowds? The Dodecanese Islands can offer many of the things you love about the Cyclades with a let’s say less luxurious and more laidback vibe. Rhodes, Kos, Symi, and Karpathos are all beautiful islands in the Southeastern Aegean that you will not regret visiting. Or maybe you would rather see as much of the Greek Isles as you can without island hopping? Crete is the largest of 227 inhabited Greek Islands and could take at minimum a week to thoroughly explore. Let us assist you in planning a trip to the Cyclades, or any of the amazing Greek Islands on your list by getting in touch with us today!