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Cyclades -The Islands
White houses, blue windows and narrow paths full of flowers and scents that take you to another world is what you will find under the blue skies of Cyclades.
All islands lie in a big circle around the uninhabited island of Delos, an ancient religious center with the sanctuary of Apollo. Every island with its characteristic architecture, the harmony of the asymmetric, the small white churches everyone build by a sailor that came back to his home land alive from the anger of Poseidon, Cyclades is the place that you will leave a piece of your heart.
The Cylcades isles are a small group of islands clustered together in the Aegean in the shape of a rough circle, hence the name, which is derived from the Greek word "kiklos", meaning circle, and which have contributed much to making Greece a unique place to visit. This whole area is seeped in a wealth of ancient history, of natural and diverse beauty and where some of the most splendid beaches in the world can be found.
All in all there are 17 islands which comprise the Cylcades, most of which are inhabited and have a sound tourism infrastructure. : Amorgos, Andros, Folegandros, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kithnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros and Tinos.
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MYKONOS:
Although barren and full of windmills, Mykonos is one of the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands, attracting world renowned socialites, intellectuals and artists. From its harbor, full of small fishing boats bobbing side-by-side with luxurious yachts, one can walk through narrow white-washed alleys, see dazzling white cubed-shaped houses with brightly painted wooden doors and windows, plus a myriad of tiny blue-domed churches.
Famous for its zany nightlife, Mykonos has also much to offer those searching for the cultural history of the island.
The church of PARAPORTIANI is considered to be an architectural masterpiece. The archaeological museum exhibits some very interesting finds, most of which were excavated from the "necropolis" or dead city on the little islet of RINEIA. A visit to the Museum of popular art is also something not to be missed.
In the village of Ano Mera , approximately 10km from the town, one can visit the eighteenth century TURLIANI monastery where many important ecclesiastical utensils, wood carvings, vestments and embroideries are kept.
Busy Mykonos has all the characteristics of a modern resort - accommodation second to none, of all categories and all in keeping with the quaint and delightful "cycladic" color and style. Next morning we reach with our yacht, the sacred island DELOS where one can explore its ruins of temples, holy places and settlements representing different civilizations. Nowhere in the world will one be able to see the Lion Terrace, with its unique marble lions.
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PAROS:
Paros has in recent years developed into a modern tourist centre and is one of the few Cycladic islands filled with gently undulating hills which contain the famous Parian marble - the marble with which the Acropolis was built. The picturesque approach to the island is via the town of Parikia, the main port and capital of the island, built on the site of the ancient city. A ruined Venetian castle situated in the present market place, adds to the colour of Parikia, with its narrow cobble-paved streets, white-washed houses decorated with pots of colourful geraniums and fragrant basil. One of the most impressive and respected shrines of Byzantine architecture can be found in the form of the Holy Church of Ekatondapiliani, or roughly translated means the church of 100 doors. Dedicated to the Virgin, Parikia becomes the mecca of thousands of worshippers every year on the 15 August. From Parikia we continue on to one of the most graphic villages in the Cycladic islands - Naoussa - renowned for its picturesque port full of fishing boats, narrow winding
lanes and the ever-present white-washed houses. Directly opposite, is the beach of Kolimbithres where awesome rocks produce a strange "moon" like atmosphere, surrounded by fine golden sand.
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NAXOS
Naxos is the largest of the Cycladic islands and the most fertile. The town of Naxos or Hora, is built in amphitheatrical fashion on a side of a hill. Throughout the island lies evidence of the island's long history. There is the temple of Apollo and a huge gateway on the tiny islet of Palatia which is linked to the main land by a causeway. There are many interesting monuments including fine examples of Byzantine churches and the remains of a Mycenaean settlement at Grotta. Not far from Apollonas, a lovely seaside village, is an ancient marble quarry at the entrance to which lies a huge half-finished Kouros dating from the 6th century B.C. Among the other attractions of Naxos are lovely sandy beaches in Kastraki, Vigla and Agios Giorgios.
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TINOS
This island known as the island of the "Virgin Mary", is unique for its 800 odd dovecotes artistically designed and built, and scattered over the entire island. Every year on the 15th August thousands of pilgrims from all over Greece gather to honor the Virgin Mary and Her icon which is said to have miraculous properties. However Tinos also has a tradition of being the home of many sculptors and craftsmen. A fine arts school operating on the island is well worth a visit for those interested in fine works of art.
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SANTORINI
The environment of this island is totally different from any of the other Cycladic islands. Often referred to as the "Prehistoric Pompeii of the Aegean" due to the geological changes which transformed this island. A volcanic explosion which took place 3500 years ago is believed to have been responsible for the annihilation of the Minoan civilization in Crete, which lies 70 miles southwards. It is also believed that Santorini or Thira as the locals call it, is part of the legendary lost continent of Atlantis which disappeared when the volcano erupted. Whatever might be believed, Santorini is a minefield of archaeological interest featuring ancient Thira and Akrotiri with remains of its Minoan town. The island is renowned for its unique views and colorful sunsets.
Fira is the island's capital located at an altitude of 900ft, and can be reached by donkey, the easy funicular railway, or for the physically fit, climbing the 566 steep steps! The entire island is filled with captivating churches, clusters of houses with its white-washed walls and lively market places. The island's nightlife is enough to make even the larger, cosmopolitan cities of Europe envious!
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Shore Excursions (optional)
While on your Cyclades cruise you may enjoy our optional land (by private coach or taxi) excursion to the following islands :Tinos / Naxos/ Paros/ Delos /Santorini. Our Cruise director while accombine you at your excursion to Tinos, Naxos, Paros.For Delos & Santorini (Akrotiri) excurcions you need linced guide.
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