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Two weeks cruise

• SOUNION
  Cape Sounion is a promontory located 69 km (43 mi, by road) SSE of Athens, at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula in Greece.
  
  Cape Sounion is noted as the site of ruins of an ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea in classical mythology. The remains are perched on the headland, surrounded on three sides by the sea. The ruins bear the deeply engraved name of English Romantic poet Lord Byron (1788 - 1824).
  
  The site is a popular day-excursion for tourists from Athens, with sunset over the Aegean Sea, as viewed from the ruins, a sought-after spectacle.
  According to legend, Cape Sounion is the spot where Aegeus, king of Athens, leapt to his death off the cliff, thus giving his name to the Aegean Sea. The story goes that Aegeus, anxiously looking out from Sounion, despaired when he saw a black sail on his son Theseus 's ship, returning from Crete.
  
  The earliest literary reference to Sounion is in Homer 's poem the Odyssey, probably composed in the 8th century B.C. This recounts the mythical tribulations suffered by Greek hero Odysseus in a gruelling 10-year sea-voyage to return to his native island, Ithaca in the Ionian sea, from the sack of Troy. This ordeal was supposedly inflicted upon him by Poseidon, to whom the temple at Sounion was dedicated.
  
  We are told that, as the various Greek commanders sailed back from Troy, the helmsman of King Menelaos of Sparta 's ship died at his post while rounding "holy Sounion, cape of Athens". Menelaos landed at Sounion to give his companion full funeral honours (i.e. cremation on a funeral pyre on the beach).
  
  Odysseus' ship was blown far off course, to the land of the lotus-eaters, believed to be an island off the north African coast (possibly Djerba, Tunisia). From there he sailed to the land of the Cyclops (one-eyed giants), where he and his surviving men were captured by Polyphemus, a cyclops who was the son of Poseidon by a nymph.
  
  Ancient Greek religion was essentially propitiatory in nature: i.e., based on the notion that to avoid misfortune, one must constantly seek the favour of the relevant gods by prayers, gifts and sacrifices.
  
  In a maritime country like Greece, the god of the sea was bound to occupy a high position in the divine hierarchy. In power, Poseidon was considered second only to Zeus (Jupiter), the supreme god himself.
  
  The temple at Sounion, therefore, was a venue where mariners, and also entire cities or states, could propitiate Poseidon, by making animal sacrifice, or leaving gifts. The temple of Poseidon was constructed in approx. 440 B.C., over the ruins of a temple dating from the Archaic Period. It is perched above the sea at a height of almost 60 m. The design of the temple is a typical hexastyle i.e. it had a front portico with 6 columns. Only some columns of the Sounion temple stand today, but intact it would have closely resembled the contemporary and well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus beneath the Acropolis, which may have been designed by the same architect.
  
• KYTHNOS-MERICHAS
  Kythnos or Thermia is situated between the islands of Gia & Serifos, 52 nautical miles from Piraeus port, a distance which conventional boats cover in 3 hours, whereas from Lavrio?s port the distance is approximately 2 hours. Its extent of ground is 99klm2 with 1.500 permanent residents. Most probably the island was named after its founder Kythno, even though his existence is very ambivalent. The word (driopic or Phoenician in origin) it?s possible that may be based on the root ?kyth? which comes from the verb ?keyftho? which means hide (the participle =dark, deep place where someone can disappear). This interpretation of the name arraigns to some physical attribute of the island during the premature ancientry (shadowy forests, deep valleys or caves or mines).
  
  According to archaeological & anthropological findings, the island was inhabited since the 8th millennium B.C. Recent palaiontological findings in Maroulas place, near to today?s Loutra, found traces of 4 tombs of the middle Stone Period, a fact that proves that maybe here there was the most ancient installation of people in the Cyclades islands.
  
  The existence of 20 circular constructions out of cleft stones was also registered in the area of Skouries, which surrounded extractive ovens as well as a mine of copper extraction located in cape Jouli, which belongs to the first Cycladic period.
  The first residents were most probably Greek-Pelasgians, while in the Median (???????) years were Driopes. Of competent importance also, are the Cyclopean Walls as well as the temples that they left behind. After Driopes the island was inhabited by Ionians. Later on, Aristotle refers to the Kythnian City and considers it as ideal.
  
  During the Roman Times the island was part of Achaias County & later on Byzantines included it in ?Aegean Theme?. In 1207 A.C. the French Empire  also imposed herself to the island by the Venetian Marcus Sanoudus. In 1292 A.C, Thermia (this is how the island was named during the Medieval Times, due to the  founts that spurt warm waters) were conquered by the admiral of Aragonia, while in 1537 were conquered by the Russians. However, in 1827 the island gained back its ancient name-Kythnos- & participated to the liberal battle against the Turks.
  In 1862, rebels who came from the island of Syros with the boat ?Karteria? battled with the army forces who remained loyal to Othon & had arrived with the boat ?Amalia?.
  During the battles, those who were in favor of the royalties dominated over their opponents, and as result rebels Leotsakos, Moraitinis & Skarvlelis were executed.
  These facts gained their own place in the contemporary history and named ?Kythniaka?. Nowadays in the cove of Aghia Eirini, next to Loutra there is a marble plaque with all these names to the memory of these first rebels who fought for our country?s democracy.
  
  

  www.kythnos.gr
  
• KYTHNOS, LOUTRA
  Kythnos or Thermia is situated between the islands of Gia & Serifos, 52 nautical miles from Piraeus port, a distance which conventional boats cover in 3 hours, whereas from Lavrio?s port the distance is approximately 2 hours. Its extent of ground is 99klm2 with 1.500 permanent residents. Most probably the island was named after its founder Kythno, even though his existence is very ambivalent. The word (driopic or Phoenician in origin) it?s possible that may be based on the root ?kyth? which comes from the verb ?keyftho? which means hide (the participle =dark, deep place where someone can disappear). This interpretation of the name arraigns to some physical attribute of the island during the premature ancientry (shadowy forests, deep valleys or caves or mines).
  
  According to archaeological & anthropological findings, the island was inhabited since the 8th millennium B.C. Recent palaiontological findings in Maroulas place, near to today?s Loutra, found traces of 4 tombs of the middle Stone Period, a fact that proves that maybe here there was the most ancient installation of people in the Cyclades islands.
  
  The existence of 20 circular constructions out of cleft stones was also registered in the area of Skouries, which surrounded extractive ovens as well as a mine of copper extraction located in cape Jouli, which belongs to the first Cycladic period.
  The first residents were most probably Greek-Pelasgians, while in the Median (???????) years were Driopes. Of competent importance also, are the Cyclopean Walls as well as the temples that they left behind. After Driopes the island was inhabited by Ionians. Later on, Aristotle refers to the Kythnian City and considers it as ideal.
  
  During the Roman Times the island was part of Achaias County & later on Byzantines included it in ?Aegean Theme?. In 1207 A.C. the French Empire  also imposed herself to the island by the Venetian Marcus Sanoudus. In 1292 A.C, Thermia (this is how the island was named during the Medieval Times, due to the  founts that spurt warm waters) were conquered by the admiral of Aragonia, while in 1537 were conquered by the Russians. However, in 1827 the island gained back its ancient name-Kythnos- & participated to the liberal battle against the Turks.
  In 1862, rebels who came from the island of Syros with the boat ?Karteria? battled with the army forces who remained loyal to Othon & had arrived with the boat ?Amalia?.
  During the battles, those who were in favor of the royalties dominated over their opponents, and as result rebels Leotsakos, Moraitinis & Skarvlelis were executed.
  These facts gained their own place in the contemporary history and named ?Kythniaka?. Nowadays in the cove of Aghia Eirini, next to Loutra there is a marble plaque with all these names to the memory of these first rebels who fought for our country?s democracy.
  
  

  www.kythnos.gr
  
• SYROS-FINIKAS
  Syros is found almost in the centre of Cyclades, 83 naval miles from Piraeus and 62 naval miles from Rafina. Syros (or Syra) is the commercial, administrative and cultural centre of the Cyclades.
  You will be charmed immediately by her impressive architecture which is perhaps the unique classic city that has remained in Greece. An architecture of that witness the history of Syros that begins from the ancient years and leads in today.
  Syros is characterised for its traditional beauty and tranquillity. The Cycladic mentality, natural beauty and historical monuments make Syros the ideal place for a holiday destination.
  
  Ermoupolis, is the capital of all the Cyclades. It is named after Hermes, the god of commerce. The town of the island is full of Venetian and neoclassical buildings which make it one of the most beautiful towns of the country.
  Ermoupoli rapidly develops into a great commercial centre and becomes the most important port of the Eastern Mediterranean. In 1823, the first hospital of modern Greece is founded in Syros. In 1833 it becomes the capital of the prefecture and the first High School of modern Greece is founded by Neofitos Vamvas, a school where Eleftherios Venizelos has been a student. At the same time, the banking and insurance markets develop. Industry is also thriving with most active sectors being soap making, iron metallurgy, flour industry, textile industry etc. The growing prosperity of Ermoupoli and Syros continues until the end of the 19th century when the population reaches 30000 inhabitants. Its position as the maritime centre of Greece was lost to Piraeus in the 20th century, but it remains the Cyclades? capital and its largest town.
  Syros Island doesn?t have as many beaches as some Greek islands have and is not famous for its beaches, but the island offers some nice spots for swim and nice, clear waters.
  Most of the easy reachable beaches are attracting families but, with a little search, one can find some nice, calm, secluded bays.
  Finikas
  The village of Finikas has a large bay sheltered from the winds and a narrow beach boarded by trees and offering the possibility to do various water sports.
  It is also a safe area for yachts and sailing boats and has a little harbour to their disposition.
  Vari Beach
  Located in the south-east of Syros Island, Vari beach is near the settlement of the same name and is the most sheltered bay on the island, always protected from the meltemia (north winds). The blue sea and the fine beach attract many families and package tour groups.
  Galissas
  Right in front of the settlement of the same name is the beach of Galissas, a very pretty beach protected from the winds.
  It is one of the island?s finest beaches, extending for about one kilometre, with golden sand and tamarisk trees offering their cool shadows. Despite its popularity, the place still preserves its beauty.
  Megas Yialos
  The tranquil resort of Megas Yialos, on the south coast of the island, has two sandy beaches shadowed by trees and offering a beautiful view over the deep blue sea.
  Pedal boats can be hired there.
  Azolimnos
  The settlement of Azolimnos has a small picturesque bay with a beautiful, tiny beach with crystalline waters.
  Delfini Bay
  The bay of Delfini (Dolphin Bay) is in the north of Syros and has a beautiful sandy beach with nice, clear waters but it is slowly becoming a prey to the touristy development and plenty of taverns and hotels are starting to pup up like mushrooms.
  
  

  www.syros.net
  www.syros.gr
  
• TINOS
  Tinos is also the island?s capital and port. It?s a busy, cheerful place. Religious elements do not impinge too much, except during major Festivals. The waterfront is lined with cafes and hotels and the narrow streets behind are full of tavernas and restaurants. The streets lead up to the Church of Panagia Evagelistria are lined with numerous shops and stalls crammed with souvenirs and religious ware.
  The neoclassical Church of Panagia Evangelistria is built of marble from the island?s Panormos quarries. The complex lies within a pleasant courtyard cooled by arcades. Inside the main building the acclaimed icon of the Holy Virgin is draped with Gold, silver, jewels and pearls and is surrounding by gifts from supplicants. A hanging garden of fabulous chandeliers and lamp -holders fills the roof space.
  The post office is at the southeastern end of the waterfront , just past the bus station and the National Bank of Greece (with ATM) is the 50m left of Hotel Posidonion,
  
  Livada : It is a very beautiful, picturesque and quiet beach with fine gravel and view of the northern part of the island. Its unique characteristic is the shapes from the rocks on the left side of the beach. It is worth admiring these from near.
  
  Pachia Ammos : One of the most isolated and exotic beaches of Tinos, about 10 km from Town. It is actually a large sand hill that leads to a very beautiful and exotic beach with crystal clear and clean waters.
  Kolymbithra Bay: One of the most renowned and cosmopolitan beaches on the island. It is actually composed by two beaches. The smaller is more cosmopolitan, organized with deck chairs, umbrellas, showers, toilets and even a beach volley court. The larger is more isolated and more exposed to Northern winds. You can eat in a beautiful picturesque tavern at the small beach's bay or a little higher, with view to Drakonisi and the endless Aegean.
  Agios Fokas: The largest and most organized beach of Tinos, although relatively exposed to Northern winds. The further you go away, the wider it gets to become a huge beach with rich sand and shade from the trees. Along its back you will find a lot of tourist stores to cover any desire or taste.
  
  Ysternia Bay: The right choice for those who love an idyllic environment. Ysteria is a beautiful small port, after which you will find small beaches along the shore, protected from the Northern winds, with pebbles and very clean waters. In the port you will find taverns that serve nice food.
  Kionia : The most cosmopolitan beach on the island. View to Syros, protected from winds and fairly organized, with umbrellas, as well as a variety of restaurants, taverns, bars and cafes behind the beach.
  
  

  www.tinos.gr
  www.e-tinos.gr
  
• MYKONOS
  This is the most famous tourist island in the Eastern Mediterranean and certainly the most cosmopolitan among the Cyclades, something which is not just by chance. Mykonos (which actually is a part of small group of islands, together with Delos, Rhenia and various rocky islets) easily captures the visitors interest, thanks to the great variety of choices offered here. ?Holidays? here can mean anything from the most peaceful relaxation to the wildest partying.
  
  Located on the islands? western harbour, the ?Chora? of Mykonos is a very beautiful old island town, which in the past had its own merchant fleet. Today miraculously, it maintains a balance between tourism-related development and the preservation of its very picturesque features. The streets are thronged with chic fashion salons, cool galleries, jangling jewelers, languid and loud music bars, brightly painted houses and torrents of crimson flowers.
  ?Little Venice? ("Mikri Venetia"), is one of the most picturesque corners of the Aegean Sea, at the west of the Castle (Kastro). One can enjoy from here, among other things one of the most impressive sunsets.
  The second traditional settlement of the island after Hora, Ano Mera on the east part of Mykonos, is a quaint village which was developed on a big area, a tranquil village in the midst of farms, is a lovely locale, known for its excellent taverns. It is ideal for bicycling and hiking, and there are beaches nearby for swimming and water-sports. Mykonos? beaches are a key element in the island?s indulgent lifestyle. They are in good supply and most have golden sand and are in great location. They are not huge enough to escape the crowds, and they are extremely popular and busy from June onwards. Most of the beaches are on the south side of the island. Among these are the mach frequented Platy Gialos, Psarou, Ornos, Paranga ?Paradise? (Kalamopodi), ?Super Paradise? , Elia, Kalafati, Kalo Livadi, and Lia. On Mykonos western shore are Agios Stefanos, Houlakia, Tourlos, Megali-Ammos and Agios Yannis (opposite Delos). The best beaches really do get packed and you need to be a party person for the likes of Paradise &S. Paradise. It can all get very claustrophobic, but it?s heaven for the sociable.
  
  Megali Ammos: The closest to Hora worth-visiting beach on the island
  Ornos: Small fish port and ideal anchorage for yachts. There is s Scuba diving School
  Psarou: Beautiful, popular and organized beach with sea sports
  Platis Gialos: It is perhaps the most frequently-visited beach of Mykonos. It has a beautiful sandy beach, high class hotels and good restaurants
  Paraga: A beautiful, small beach with a nice landscape
  Paradise: Beautiful and much ?frequented beach, known since the ?hippies? season.
  Super Paradise: The most famous beach on the island. The crazy parties which come up on the beach made it the most important attraction for young visitors.After the 50?s it has been recognized as the special place where the VIPS meet.
  Agrari: One more beautiful beach on the island, more isolated, for those who do no like the crowds.
  Agia Anna-Kalafatis: Two more good long sandy beaches with clear waters. Between them, the small peninsula ?Divouda?, with a fishing port. Nice landscape, transport, surfing and diving school.
  Panormos ? Agios Sostis: The only beaches, suitable for swimming, on the northern part of the island, especially attractive, in the bay of Panormos. This characteristic provides all the conditions for someone to enjoy surfing in this bay.
  Tourlos ?Agios Stefanos: Nice beaches on the north of Hora. The whole area has developed in terms of tourism for years and always attracts a large amount of visitors
  Agios Ioannis: A relatively popular beach with a unique view to Dilos (to the west)
  
  

  www.mykonos.gr
  www.mykonosgreece.com
  
• PAROS-NAOUSA
  In the heart of the Cyclades Islands, Paros, with 10,000 inhabitants and 120km coastline, is a whole world fulfilling everybody's dream of an Aegean Island. Serene landscape with fertile valleys and rolling hills dotted with small churches and monasteries, endless sandy beaches with sparkling blue waters, famous monuments from the lands rich ancient and medieval past, picturesque white villages bathed in the unique, dazzling Aegean light. All this, along with warm hospitality, excellent tourist facilities, rich cultural life, cosmopolitan ambience but also the possibility of seclusion, have combined to make Paros one of the most favorite spots in the Cyclades Islands. It is now your turn to discover and explore it.
  
  Enjoy swimming and your favorite water sports, have fun in the local Paros Parikia feasts, savour the local dishes and famed wines in restaurants, taverns and ouzeries stroll around the countryside and the lovely village streets, visit the handicraft shops, revel in the intense nightlife. Discover Parikia, the capital, visit the famous church of Katapoliani, one of Greece's most important Byzantine monuments, impressively preserved, the Venetian castle, and the Archaeological Museum with its exhibits from the ancient history of Paros and Antiparos. Discover Naoussa which is north of the island with its whitewashed alleys, picturesque fishing port and beautiful nearby beaches. Lefkes and Marathi which are in the middle of the Island with the ancient quarries of the famous Parian marble. The monasteries of Longovarda, Christou tou Dassous and many others. The tranquil fishing village of Aliki is on the south west of the Island with sandy beaches around.
  
  Naoussa ParosIt is well worth discovering the south east district from Marpissa to Drios is maybe the most beautiful in Paros, with picturesque villages and fishing ports (Marpissa, Pisso Livadi, Logaras, Drios), exquisite sandy beaches (Pisso Livadi, Logaras, Pounda, Messada, New Golden Beach, Golden Beach and Drios), interesting sights, warm island hospitality and model tourist facilities. Famous worldwide to fans of watersports, especially windsurfing, it also offers a variety of vacation possibilities for every taste, discover it by yourself and find out how many more surprises it holds. Distances in Paros are short, the roads are good and every ride has its own charm, with breathtaking views over the Aegean sea and the surrounding islands.
  
  You can also take a trip to nearby Antiparos and visit  its Paros tropical beach! spectacular cave and turquoise-water beaches. And don't forget that Paros due to its position and importance, is linked not only to Piraeus (The port of Athens) and Rafina, but also to all the islands of the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Samos, even Crete island and Thessaloniki which is the second biggest city in north Greece. The possibilities offered are limitless, both in moving around and in your stay, since Paros has an excellent tourist infrastructure. We are sure all this will entice you to become fans of Paros.
  
  

  www.parosweb.gr
  www.paros.gr
  
• NAXOS
  In the heart of Cyclades, in the heart of Aegean, Naxos has, always, followed the destiny of adventure of residents of Aegean. This destiny is interwoven with travel, exchanges, new techniques and pioneering ideas, but also with wars and conflicts over the hegemony of sea.
  Everything is big - imposing -, compared with the rest of Cyclades islands. The extent of the island is 435 sq. km and the length of coasts 91 km.
  The form is an ellipsoid and with a mountainous volume from North to South across the island.
  In the backbone of this ridge dominate Za Mountain (1004 m.) and Fanari (908 m.) the highest in Cyclades.
  The landscape of the island has many rotations. Plains succeed barren areas, marble mountains lead in deep shadowed glens, areas with vegetation host all white villages and sandy beaches meet the sea.
  The coastline of the island is almost straight and not forming large natural harbours, which affected the occupations of residents from the ancient years. In the island from end to end beautiful and clean coasts are situated next to small solitary coves. The ground of island is blessed and provides self-sufficiency to life of this place.
  The rich aquifer of Naxos offers drinking water to wells and streams of the island. The fertile land produces citrus fruits, olives, fruits, vegetables, potatoes Naxos specials and amazing wine.
  Livestock-farming and the apiculture are particularly developed and offer exceptional quality meats, milk, cheeses and thyme honey.
  From geological aspect the subsoil presents great interest because of the presence of emery, of marble and granite that are exploitable products. The rocks constitute solidly foundations of Naxos and make the island stable against earthquake.
  
  In this imposing and big island of Cyclades, where mountainous volumes dominate, with the highest altitudes in the Aegean, - with the highest peak of Cyclades, the top of Za (1004 m.) - immediately gives a sense of security and "stable", in this turbulent marine state of Cyclades.
  
  

  www.naxos.gr
  
• IOS
  Chora - Mylopotas
  Exploring Chora means, first of all, walking. Choose a cool morning, wear your most comfortable shoes and get ready to set off. One hour is enough for the ones who just want to have a look at this whitewashed village, perched on the slope of the hill between the port and Mylopotas. The more demanding ones will need the whole morning to discover the hidden beauty of Chora. That's because Chora was built up for the sun and it's the sun that reveals the village to the visitor or hides it from him.
  To go up to Chora, just follow the wide stone steps of the old ascending road that comes from the port. On your way, right before entering the village, you will come across a part of the walls that once surrounded the ancient town. Following the same road you reach the first square of Chora. To your right stands the modern Orthodox Cathedral of the island, named Evangelismos (Annuciation) and, nearby, a church dedicated to St. Ekaterini, where in 1903 an excavation unearthed the remnants of Byzantine foundations and the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo. Above these ruins the Christians built the Byzantine Cathedral, whose altar rests upon two of the temple's columns.    
  
  Yialos (Port)
  The port, with its own life and market activity, is the apropriate place for enjoyable walks. To the left side, of the port stands St. Irini, a chapel of amazing beauty, built in the 17th century. It's a peculiar structure with two altars, one older than the other, that were supposedly used for the Orthodox and the Catholic cults respectively. The path from St. Irini leads to Valmas and then to Kolitsani, two small, remote sandy beaches.
   
  Mylopotas Beach
  To your right there is the marketplace and the two main roads that lead you across the village and to the square of the mills. Following the road that goes up, you reach the second square of the village, with its four cafes. On the left side coming from this square, the stone steps lead to the old castle of Chora, where the sublime church of Panaghia Gremiotissa (Our Lady of the Cliffs) is situated, built during the years of the Turkish occupation. According to one tradition, an icon of the Virgin was found among the rocks of Mylopotas' seashore, with a lit candle standing on it. The legend has it that the inhabitants of Crete had thrown the icon in the open sea to protect it from falling to Turkish hands, and that the waves had carried it to that coast. The icon was then taken to the church of the Holy Cross, but only to be found again the following morning on the same steep mountainside. When the islanders tried to build a new church for the icon, but not on the exact spot where it had been found because of its inaccessibility, the foundation stones of the church kept disappearing every day in a miraculous way.
  
  

  www.iosgreece.com
  
• KOUFONISSIA
  Koufonisia is a cluster of two islands, Kato (Lower) and Pano (Upper) Koufonisi that belongs to the complex of Small East Cyclades. Geographically, it is located on the southeast side of Naxos and on the west side of Amorgos. Koufonisia also include the tiny, uninhabited island of Keros, which is a protected archaeological site from which a good number of ancient Cycladic art has been excavated in the 20th century.
     
  KATO (LOWER) KOUFONISI
  It is located next to Pano Koufonisi, Shoinousa and Keros. It has an extent of 4, 3 sq.km. and it's almost uninhabited, as there are only a few rural houses on it. The most characteristic sight of the island is the small church of Panagia that is built on the jetty, on top of ancient ruins. In its small, graphic port anchor only fish and tourist boats that take the tourists to the magic beaches of the island.
  
  PANO KOUFONISI OR KOUFONISI
  Pano Koufonisi is the smallest and most densely populated island in Cyclades islands. It has an extent of 3,5sq.km and its population amounts to 366 residents. The main occupation of the locals is fishing, so Koufonisi is a true fish village where the visitors can eat fish and seafood in abundance. Comparably to its population, it has one of the biggest fishing fleets in Greece.
  The white windmill on the east side of the port welcomes the visitors when they arrive on the island. Chora that is built in the southwest coast of Koufonisi is a characteristic example of Cycladic architecture. Its heavenly beaches- the majority of them are sandy- are part of the magic picture of the island. Koufonisi has been developed the last ten years, as far as tourism is concerned, so the natural beauty and its traditional colour has remained fadeless. All these, along with the warm hospitality of the residents and the reasonable prices of the hotels, the rooms for rent and the food, make the island the perfect destination for the summer and -why not- winter holidays
  
  

  www.koufonisia.gr
  
• SANTORINI-VOLCANO
  Santorini is a small, circular archipelago of volcanic islands located in the southern Aegean Sea. The largest island is known as Thira, forming the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands. It is composed of the Municipality of Thira and the Community of Oia and also includes the uninhabited islands of Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi, and Christiana (all part of the Municipality of Thira).
  
  Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion, destroying the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island, and leading to the creation of the current geological caldera.
  
  A giant central lagoon, more or less rectangular, and measuring about 12 by 7 km (7.5 by 4.3 mi), is surrounded by 300 m (980 ft) high steep cliffs on three sides. The island slopes downward from the cliffs to the surrounding Aegean Sea. On the fourth side, the lagoon is separated from the sea by another much smaller island called Therasia; the lagoon merges with the sea in two places, in the northwest and southwest. The water in the centre of the lagoon is nearly 400 m (1,300 ft) deep, thus making it a safe harbour for all kinds of shipping. The island's harbours all lie in the lagoon and there are no ports on the outer perimeter of the island; the capital, Fira, clings to the top of the cliff looking down on the lagoon. The volcanic rocks present from the prior eruptions feature olivine and have a notably small presence of hornblende.
  
  It is the most active volcanic centre in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc, though what remains today is chiefly a water-filled caldera. The volcanic arc is approximately 500 km long and 20-40 km wide. The region first became volcanically active around 3-4 million years ago though volcanism on Thera began around 2 million years ago with the extrusion of dacitic lavas from vents around the region of Akrotiri.
  
  The island is the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history: the Minoan eruption (sometimes called the Thera eruption), which occurred some 3,600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization. The eruption left a large caldera surrounded by volcanic ash deposits hundreds of feet deep and may have led indirectly to the collapse of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete,110 km (68 mi) to the south, through the creation of a gigantic tsunami. Another popular theory holds that the Thera eruption is the source of the legend of Atlantis.
  
  The name Santorini was given to it by the Latin empire in the thirteenth century, and is a reference to Saint Irene. Before then it was known as Kallisti or Thira.
  
  The Minoan eruption of Thera, also referred to as the Thera eruption or Santorini eruption, was a major catastrophic volcanic eruption (Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) = 6 or 7, Dense-rock equivalent (DRE) = 60 km3) which is estimated to have occurred in the mid second millennium BCE. The eruption was one of the largest volcanic events on Earth in recorded history.The eruption devastated the island of Thera (also called Santorini), including the Minoan settlement at Akrotiri -- as well as communities and agricultural areas on nearby islands and on the coast of Crete.
  
  The eruption seems to have inspired certain Greek myths and may have caused turmoil in Egypt. Additionally, it has been speculated that the Minoan eruption and the destruction of the city at Akrotiri provided the basis for or otherwise inspired Plato's story of Atlantis.
  

  Wikipedia
  
• SIFNOS-VATHI
  At Sifnos,  one still can find routes lined with stones, forests with cedar-trees and oak-trees, lentisk and olives groves, sand hills and sea plants (like little lilies) which are threatened with extinction from the Mediterranean coasts. Today we are invited to pass into a future which is much friendlier towards civilizations and the environments which were both created and respected by previous generations.
  
  Sifnos is the birthplace of perhaps the best known chef and food writer, Tselementes, and of Markou, another highly esteemed of Greece, has a delicious local cuisine. Make sure you try some of the local specialties!
  
  Sifnos is the rampart of development and propagation of pottery in the area of the Cyclades. Equally worth mentioning is the Sifnians contribution to the sciences and the Greek literary tradition. As someone wrote, "if, in ancient times, Sifnos's wealth was measured by the gold and silver it produced, in the last two centuries it can be measured by its cultural output." indeed, the island can boast a large number of Sifnians who contributed to the social development and reconstruction of the modern Greek state: politicians, teachers, religious leaders, journalists, lawyers and economists. And we shouldn't neglect to mention the local literary tradition that has become an integral part of the literary tradition in Greece, and which still remains vibrant today.
  
  At the summer months the centre of nightlife is Apollonia,  but  there are picturesquely little café and bars almost in all villages.
  
  n Sifnos the visitor shall find many locations which are worth visiting:
  
  Sifnos paved narrow streetWandering around in the paved narrow streets of Apollonia, you will have the chance to admire its beautiful architecture. The simple decoration offers a total of unique aesthetic value. One first walk on the central pedestrianized street will help you discover how many churches there are which are totally connected and perfectly integrated into the residentialSifnos' folklore museum complex. It is worth visiting the Folklore museum of Sifnos as well as the churches of Panagia "Geraniofora" (which bears the sky), the old school of Agios Artemios (1832-1988), panagia Mparou, churches with frescos and artistic icon screens such as Agios Athanassios, Agios Sostis, the Metamorphosis of Sotiras, Timios Stavros, Agios Sozon etc.
  
  
  Windmill in Sifnos. As regards your afternoon, we propose that you visit the noble Artemonas.  The walk around the paved narrow streets of the village is a unique experience, as the visitor can see some of the most beautiful mansions of the island, in the railed in verdant gardens. The promenade in all the neighborhoods keeps continuous surprises and the image of this marvelous residential complex when it is bathed in the faint light of the afternoon shall certainly touch your soul. The village, with the particular residential development, attracts the visitors in a magic way. The visitor besides from the classic mansions, must also visit the house where the poet Ioannis Gryparis was born and the churches Panagia Kochi with its interesting architecture, Panagia of Ammos, where one can see the icon Panagia the Monachi, a rare representation Church in Artemonas Sifnosof the Virgin Mary without the Holy Infant, and the beautiful church Panagia of Balis and Agios Spyridonas and Agios Loukas or Ai Loukas in the local dialect, at the entrance of Artemonas, the interesting churches of Ag. Giorgis Afentis with the famous icons which date from 1645, works of important hagiographers as for instance Zacharias Tzagaropoulos and Konstantinos Palaiokapas and of Panagia of Ammos. Also you must visit the church of Agios Konstantinos with its unique architecture and the bust of Nikolaos Chrissogelos at the homonymous square. 
  
  Kastro village. An afternoon walk in Kastro is also very pleasant with its particular architecture, which still maintains the characteristics of the Venetian fortress which has been built in 1635. Wandering around the narrow back streets of Kastro offers moments of unique pleasure! One could say that in this place time has stopped, while the atmosphere captures the visitor traArchaeological museumnsmitting the glamour of the old times. The narrow paved streets with the low stone benches, the dark arcades, the old houses with the wooden balconies, the blazons at the entrances, the ancient pillars that were later used as architectural parts, the marble Roman urns that one meets spread all over the village with the relief jewels, the embrasures and the narrow courtyards of the houses, the picturesque little church of the "Eftamartyros", which seems to have climbed on a rock rising of the sea, compose a unique experience that everyone must have! Do not forget during your walk in Kastro to visit the Archaeological Museum of Sifnos where you can admire marvelous collections of Archaic and Hellenistic sculptures.
  
  

  www.sifnos.gr
  www.e-sifnos.com
  
• SERIFOS-LIVADION
  An island of strong contrasts with an active magnetic field created by its metalliferous rocks, it's an ideal proposal for relaxed holidays in a clearly Cycladic environment or for intense nightlife, which captivates you at first sight.
  
  You must taste local appetizers such as fennel-fritters, sun-dried tomatoes, local sausages and pork jelly made in the pot, but be careful with the local delicatessen products (louzes, siglina and tsigarides) because you may end up forgetting anything else. As for food, you must taste the broad beans offered at festivals, chick-peas and local cheeses. The local wine is unique and rich in fruity aromas but it is very strong and you should be careful when consuming it in quantities. The consumption of the scented «souma» drink must be much more moderate.
  
  Sightseeing: Serifos Folklore Museum, Chora, The castle- monastery of Taksiarches, Koutalas, Mega Livadi
  
  Serifos, a rock made of iron rooted in the middle of the sea, was known for its ore deposits from the ancient times. It was inhabited by the Boeotians, 3000 years ago, having Diktis and Polydektis as kings, and flourished so much that it had had, since the 6th century B.C. its own currency.
     
  Odysseus has also visited this island when returning to Ithaca, according to the legend, but he did not have a good time in the cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus, who sent him off by targeting his ship with a rock outside the Koutalas cove. Today, there are still remnants of Cyclopean walls overlooking the Aegean Sea.
  
  Following the Hellenistic period, Serifos is left in the margin, forgotten by everyone, even by the Turks (who only collected taxes from the island, without inhabiting it), except for the pirates who visited it regularly.
  
  In the second half of the 19th century, Greece is possessed by a delirium for excavations and Serifos comes again into the foreground with the intensive exploitation of its bowels by the Gromans family that has left behind it a series of dramatic images: drifts ? wounds on the body of the hard rock carved with pickaxes and sweat, rough stairs made of stone leading down to the blue sea and, on them, impudent, robust iron constructions ? mirrors of their time; the Command Post at Mega Livadi, one of the most beautiful samples of neoclassical architecture and an ark of technology in the Aegean Sea is the ornament of the island.
  
  

  www.serifos.gr
  
• KEA-KOUNDOUROS
  Kea, resembling a water drop, stands lofty in front of the large sea current Cavo Doro and is considered the natural bridge of communication of the mainland of Greece with the Cyclades, delimiting at the same time the Archipelago from the Southern Eubean gulf.
  With a perimeter of roughly 85 kilometres and a total surface of 131 square kilometres, Kea is one of the biggest Cycladic islands. Furthermore, Kea is the most western cycladic island and the nearest to Attica. Its harbour abstains only 40 miles from Piraeus and 16 miles from Lavrion.
  The island is mountainous with medium altitude. The coasts shape small bights and capes as well as sea caverns that are half or wholly under the surface of the sea. The big gulf of Saint Nikolaos, one from the biggest natural harbours of the Mediterranean, is situated at the north-west while a little more to the east the gulf of Otzia that is open to the north is found. In the south-west, where mountains reach more smoothly to the sea, is located the gulf Koundouros.
  The bights of Poles and Spathi in the east and Pisses in the west are smaller.
  
  Vourkari is situated roughly 2 kilometres away from Korissia. It is a beautiful fishing village that, despite its tourist growth, maintains its traditional essence. During the summer months it receives in its picturesque and secure small port tens of sailers and pleasure boats and that?s when its thalassic charm strikes out in all its majesty.
  On the pier, the restaurants serve fresh fish as well as the infamous ?astakomakaronada? of Kea (pasta mixed with lobster).
  The night life of the island is gathered here, with bars, coffee shops and ouzo taverns. In-between the shops the very well-known gallery of art of Kea is located, ?Vourkariani?. Here you can find works of many famous Greek artists such as Tsarouhis, Fassianos, Mytaras, Stathopoulos, Steanou, Parmakielis and others.
  
  Right across, the peninsula of Aghia Irini is calling us to discover its ancient history that begins at the age of copper until the end of Mycenaean years.
  
  It is one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean Sea, a blooming city that was the centre of transit trade. From the middle of the copper age (roughly in 1700 BC.), the settlement has been surrounded with fortress walls. The temple of Aghia Irini was built during this period, one of the most important buildings of the settlement. At the meta-Cycladic I and P periods (around 1600-1450 BC), an extensive construction program is put into action. Most of the buildings that can be seen today were constructed during that period.
  An excellent network of stone-paved streets connected the neighbourhoods of the city.
  The excavations brought to light marble figurines, large jars, clay ovens with decorations that are known today as ?sauce boats?, as well as the "Depous amfikypellon" from the early time of the copper age, which is a narrow and tall vessel with two handholds.
  The "Kores" (girls), from the later years of the copper age, are among the most impressive discoveries.
  They are statues made of clay, that keep their hands in the middle and wear long clothing.
  All the discoveries of Aghia Irini are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Ioulida.
  
  

  www.kea.gr
  
• AIGINA-AGIA MARINA
  Aegina was named after the daughter of the river God, Asopus.  Aegina Town lies on the island?s west coast and is the capital and main port of the island.
  
  The harbour front road is a speedway; it is lined with traditional caiques and lots of yachts in summer. Also, there are many cafes and restaurants ideal for relaxing on the waterfront and in the maze of the streets behind.
  
  When you enter the harbour, the small, white church of Saint Nikolas welcomes you.
  Your first impression is the modern type classical buildings, which are located along the sea front of the island.
  
  Take a ride on the horses and the carriages, walk in the narrow, paved streets and see the traditional houses, the churches with the blue domes and the shops with folk art.
  Don't miss seeing the fish-market, the traditional restaurants that serve snacks with ouzo (a Greek drink), also, the fishing boats, which are not only used for fishing but for selling groceries as well.
  And finally don't forget to buy the famous peanuts of Aegina.
  
  
  Near the port, on the left is an archaeological place called «Kolones» known for its one and only pillars (kolona in Greek), the only remaining thing from the temple of Apollo Delfiniou. The hill of Kolones was the Acropolis and the religious centre of the ancient city. Today on the hill of Kolona, there is the archaeological museum of Aegina, which many findings from the excavations are displayed there
  
  The impressive Temple of Aphaia, a local deity of Pre- Hellenic times, is the major ancient site of the Saronic Gulf islands. It was built in 480BC, when Aegina was at its political height. Aphaia is 10 km east to Aegina Town. Buses to Agia Marina stop at the site or you can sail to Agia Marina and moor there.
  
  The temple of Aphaia is built in the northern part of the island in a place covered with pine trees and with a view of the beautiful blue sea.It's in a very good condition. Twenty-four pillars of the temple remain, out of a total of 34.
  It has been built in 480 b.c. just after the naval battle in Salamina.
  Pafsanias gives us more information about Aphaia from some traditions in Crete.According to those, Vritomartis was born from Zeus and Karmi and because she liked hunting very much, Goddess Artemis was fond of her.
  Minoas fell in love with Virtomartis and in order to get away from him, she fell into the sea where she got tangled up in some fishermen's nets and they took her with them on their ship.
  
  But on the ship, a sailor fell in love with Vritomartis so she was forced to fall into the sea again in order to get away from him and she managed to swim to the island.
  The girl headed towards the forest of the island and the sailors watched her from the ship as she was vanishing with some kind of holy intervention and that's why they named her Aphaia from the word ?afandos? which in Greek means that someone has vanished into thin air.
  When the atmosphere is clear, you can see Poseidon's temple in Sounio and the Acropolis of Athens.
  
  It is said that the 3 temples form a triangle (the holy triangle of ancient times).
  
  
  

  www.aegina.com.gr
  www.aeginagreece.com
  

  
  
• MARINA ALIMOS
  Alimos Marina is one of the largest marinas in Greece with a 1000 permanent positions. The Marina is located South West of Athens 15 Km from the city center, 8 Km South of Piraeus port and 30 km from El. Venizelos International Airport. It is served by a dense transportation network of Trams, Buses and Taxis, with stations 500 meters from the Marina.
  
  For most part of the year the winds in the area have Northern direction with seasonally varied strength ranging normally up to 6 Beaufort maximum.
  
  Alimos Marina is located South West of Athens 15 Km from the city center, 8 Km South of Piraeus port and 30 km from El. Venizelos International Airport. It is served by a dense transportation network of Trams, Buses and Taxis, with stations 500 meters from the Marina
  
   The marina has around 1000 places for servicing cruise boats and yachts up to 40 meters long. The maximum depth of the Marina is 6.5 meters.
  
  The services available in the Marina include:
  
      * Entrance Lights for safe navigation
      * Electricity supply
      * Water supply
      * Refueling services
      * Able Car Parking in several places around the Marina
      * 2 Restaurants-Bars
      * VHF Communication (Channel 71)
      * First Aid provisions
      * Security and PIR automatic lights around the Marina.
  
  Services available in the vicinity of the Marina include:
  
      * Banks
      * Restaurants and Bars
      * Rent a car
      * Pharmacy, hairdressing, laundry, etc
  
  The Marina is located close to Athens city center offering all the conveniences of the city. Howeve, 700 meters from the Marina there is also a large local market for shopping.
  
  

  www.alimos-marina.gr