Home / Travel channel / Greek Islands | Tuesday 07 February 2012 |
Greek Islands |
Cyclades The island group in the central and southern Aegean. An imaginary circle centred on Delos washed by sunshine and breathing the sea breeze. One of the most important Mediterranean civilisations was born here, the Cycladic. It is also probable that the lost continent of Atlantis was around here. Calm crystal clear water, bright sky, radiant sun, and austere architecture on naked rock, the Cyclades are filled with light and sunshine. The climate is dry and healthy with mild winters and cool summers thanks to the 'meltemia' winds. Kea (Tzia) is very close to Athens and offers relaxing vacations and pristine beaches. The picture of the island that remains of little valleys with vineyards and orchard between mountainous masses, leading to idyllic coves. One and two storey houses with tiled roofs, stone-paved alleyways, chapels, windmills and monasteries, the most important of which is the Kastriani monastery 
On small Kithnos, the ground is high and rugged with green tufts of vine and fig scattered about. The shores are heavily indented and the island has thermal springs with great curative powers. The churches are beautiful and are graced with fine wood carvings and icons painted by the Cycladian painter (1700) Skordilis. 
Serifos has a strange charm that captivates, it is naked waves of mountains and small fertile valleys, singular houses, narrow stone-paved streets, magical shores and a castle surrounded by windmills. 
Grey trails line the rocks of Siphnos and white chapels lie between them, here green alternates with dazzling white. An island of rare beauty and spellbinding views it is a maze of yards, alleyways and workshops where the famous Sifnian pottery is made, with 365 churches, chapels and important monasteries.
