Telendos

This exceptionally picturesque island lies not far off the southeast coast of Greece.  Between its mountains (which are characteristic of most of the Cycladic Islands), small valleys sparsely sown with vines and fruit-trees run right down to the sea, opening out into pretty little sandy bays.  The island is dotted with whitewashed clusters of houses and quaint villages and a large number of churches.  An unspoilt Aegean architecture has survived on this island, as have many of the local customs.

The island’s capital, Hora or Ioulida, has maintained its Cycladic idiom intact.  Built in amphitheatrical fashion on the site of ancient Ioulis, it presents an impressive vista of two-storey houses and tiled roofs, steep cobbled streets, elegant archways, and fifteen splendid churches with elaborately carved wooden icon screens.  At the highest point of the village, on the site of the ancient Acropolis, is a district called Kastro, which commands a breathtaking view of the nearby islands off the coast of Greece.  A little beyond is the famous colossal archaic Lion of Kea, carved into solid rock during the 6th century B.C. 

Lots of windmills, chapels and several notable monasteries are scattered around the island’s countryside.  A stone’s throw from Athens, Kea is idyllic for those who seek a peaceful holiday, with clean, quiet and fine swimming beaches at Pisses, Korissia, Koundouros, Otzia Bay and Poles Bay. You can also enjoy fresh fish at one of its picturesque little tavernas.

The island of Nissiros impresses the tourist with its picturesque scenery -  perfectly white houses, dense greenery, and the colours of the dark volcanic soil. The two-storeyed houses are white with flat roofs covered with limestone and reeds to repel rainwater. The yards are full of flowers and plants, creating a strange opposition to the dark colour of the volcano rock, on top of which the houses are built. The capital of Nisyros is built at the foot of a steep hill which used to be fortified in the Middle Ages. Nisyros is blessed with many lovely beaches because of its volcanic soil, Nisyros is very fertile, and planted with olive trees, fruit trees, fig trees and grapevines.

The island was famous in ancient times for the wealth, which came from its gold and silver mines and the quarries of Sifnos stone. It enjoyed great prosperity in Classical times, as can be seen from its Treasury, dedicated to Apollo at Delphi.

Standing on three hillsides, with its typical Cycladic style of architecture, it is breathtakingly beautiful. The sole exception to this is the old capital of Kastro, which remains an example of mediaeval town planning. A collection of Archaic and Hellenistic sculpture and of ceramics from the Geometric to the Byzantine period is on display in its Archaeological Museum.

Picturesque windmills surrender their sails to the vagaries of the wind, while no fewer than 365 churches and chapels sprout all over the island like white mushrooms from the grey carpet of the island’s terrain.

The town of Kamares is the best place to be in Sifnos, with a large number of excellent seafood tavernas, and several bars, yet there are plenty of quiet spots where you can enjoy a drink and conversation while watching the sunset in the middle of the big bay.  It is also the easiest place to get to because this is where the ferry and Flying Dolphin come.  Agia Marina is directly across the bay from Kamares so it is quieter, but still with wasy walking distance of the nightlife.  The beach is one of the longest in the Cyclades and stays shallow for a long way, so it is perfect for families with small children.

These islands are for those who seek relaxation and the experience of meeting with the locals.  Accessible by bus and hydrofoil from Athens, or by plane (to Skiathos), these islands are green, idyllic and peaceful, offering crystal clear water, numerous small sandy beaches and pine trees stretching to the sea.  There is a choice of local tavernas and seafood restaurants by the sea.

There are a number of beautiful beaches, many reachable only by "water taxi" from the harbour or from the jetty at Pedi, or by walking. There are numerous guided walks, these being by far the best way to see the beautiful interior of the island and to experience walking through areas covered with herbs such as sage and thyme.

Syros is unspoilt and relaxed, with excellent landscapes and beaches. The main town, Ermoupolis, is the Capital of the Cycladic Group of islands and boasts a bustling little horseshoe shaped port. It has wonderful waterfront tavernas and interesting "Georgian" architecture. It is a walker’s paradise, with plenty of small streets and little shops and cafes tucked away waiting to be stumbled upon. The waterfront is alive with people, cars and commerce. There are plenty of good restaurants and ouzeries and many of the older places have these screened in boxes where they hang octopus to keep the flies off them while they dry in preparation for grilling.