The Greek islands (Kea, Tinos, Mykonos, Delos, Paros, Ios, Santorini, Thira, Sifnos, Serifos, Kythnos) are a unique phenomenon in Europe.

Greece counts 6.000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas. The islands are the main characteristic of Greece’s morphology and an integral part of the country’s culture and tradition. Greek sovereign land includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited. This is a truly unique phenomenon for the European continent.

Greece Itinerary Sample

Day 1: Athens - Kea
Day 2: Kea - Tinos - Mykonos
Day 3: Mykonos - Delos - Paros
Day 4: Paros - Ios
Day 5: Ios - Santorini
Day 6: Santorini - Sifnos
Day 7: Sifnos - Serifos - Kythnos
Day 8: Kythnos - Athens

Details of Cyclades Itinerary

KEA
An exceptionally picturesque island. On the south side of Nikolaos Bay - which was a pirate stronghold in the 13th c. - is the little port of Korissia, built on the side of ancient Korissia. There are remains of the ancient town walls and a Sanctuary of Apollo. The famous lion - carved from the native rock in the 6th c. BCE - can be seen just north-east of Kea town. Another highlight is the beautiful anchorage of Poleis. Vourkari is a small bay with many traditional taverns, small shops and bars and is certainly worth a visit.

TINOS
One of the biggest islands of Cyclades. It is famous, among religious, for its huge Church of Panagia (Virgin) which has a miraculous icon and is attracting thousands of pilgrims from all over the country on the 15th of August, feast day of the Virgin. Its traditional cuisine and way of life attract more tourists every year.

MYKONOS
The most popular island of Cyclades Group, famous from the international jet set visitors and the celebrating atmosphere which is overarching the island. A very active night-life in combination with beautiful beaches and excellent restaurants.

DELOS
The sacred island of Delos was, in the myths, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Today the island is uninhabited: it is a vast archaeological site whose superb monuments draw thousands of visitors in pilgrimage to what was, for a thousand years or so after the ninth century BC the political and religious center of the Aegean. From the harbor, a majestic sacred way led to the Sanctuary of Apollo, where there were temples, altars, votive offerings and other buildings. There are ruins of four temples to Apollo, one of them known

PAROS
Considered as one of the most beautiful island of the Cyclades. Three bays cut deep inland - in the west the sheltered Paroikia Bay, with the island's capital that serves as the main sailing port. In the north the bay which shelters the little town of Naoussa, which in Roman times was the island's main port for the shipment of Lychnites marble; and in the east the flat Marmara bay. Paros is also known in Greece for its ideal weather conditions for windsurfing.

IOS
A small island in the heart of the Cyclades. IOS is said to be the island of youth, where young people from all over the world meet and enjoy their summers. Ios is famous for its vivid nightlife with an uncountable number of bars, cafés, clubs and restaurants and for its beaches with crystal clear water. The little port of Ios, with the domed Church of Ayia Irini (17th c.) lies in a sheltered bay on the west coast of the island. One kilometre up the fertile Kato Kampos Valley, conspicuously and picturesquely situated on the hillside, is the chief place on the island, Ios.

SANTORINI or THIRA
Many reasons have made this island famous worldwide. Its great wines, the international and local cuisine but most of all, the villages which are situated on cliffs and offer breathtaking view over the submerged volcano. The island also has impressive beaches with the sand of tour choice: black, red or white! Thira together with the smaller islands of Thirasia and Aspro are part of a volcanic crater, which has been engulfed by the sea. In the centre are the Kammeni islands, the cones of later volcanoes, which came into being in historical times. Hot springs and emissions of gas bear witness to continuing volcanic activity.

SIFNOS
The principal port on Sifnos is Kamares, which is very well sheltered. From there roads lead to the must-see places along the coasts and indeed these also proof beautiful anchorages and should really be visited by boat. The medieval village of Kastro - with remnants of its ancient walls - but also the bays of Faros, Vathi and Platis Gialos are absolutely worth exploring: ranslucent turquoise water, combined with good taverns. However, the best restaurants can be found in Apollonia.

SERIFOS
Serifos is an island renowned for its excellent food and relaxed atmosphere. Most of the anchorages in the south are now used by fish farms. Moreover, apart from Livadi and the Monastery of the Taxiarchs in the north, there is much to be seen. Its highest point is Mount Tourlos with 483 m. The island's main sources of income are its modest agriculture and its open-cast iron mines, which have been worked since ancient times.

KYTHNOS
An unspoiled island. The coast is much indented - with many beautiful anchorages and ports - and for the most part falls steeply down to the sea. The two charming inland villages, Chora (Kythnos town) and the lively little Dryopis, can best be visited by scooter or bike. The two main ports are Mericha and Loutra. Mericha - only minutes sailing away from the oddly shaped Sandbar Bay - is the smaller of the two. Loutra on the north-east nowadays even has a new harbour with new moles providing the best protection from the Meltemi on the island.

ATHENS
The Capital of Greece. Within the sprawling city of Athens it is easy to imagine the golden age of Greece when Pericles had the Parthenon (the most eminet monument of the ancient Greek architecture) built. Athens is built around the Acropolis and the pinnacled crag of Mt. Lycabettus, which the goddess Athena was said to have dropped from the heavens as a bulwark to defend the city. The suburbs have covered the barren plain in all directions and the city is packed with lively taverns and bustling shops.