Things to do in Cyclades
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Harmony
Few places take chill-out to the honed level of this great bar. Hammocks, deckchairs and discerning sounds set the pace and kids are well looked after here. It's just along the northern arm of Mylopotas beach. There's live music too, and Tex-Mex food is the main attraction.
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Ancient Delos
The following is an outline of some significant archaeological remains on the site. For further details, a guidebook from the ticket office is advised, or take a guided tour.
The rock-encrusted Mt Kythnos (113m) rises elegantly to the southeast of the harbour. It's worth the steep climb, even in the heat. On clear days there are terrific views of the surrounding islands from its summit.
The path to Mt Kythnos is reached by walking through the Theatre Quarter, where Delos' wealthiest inhabitants once built their houses. These houses surrounded peristyle courtyards, with colourful mosaics (a status symbol) being the most striking feature of each house.
The most lavish dwellin…
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Halki
The picturesque village of Halki lies at the heart of the Tragaea, a vast plain of olive groves and unspoilt villages, dotted with Byzantine churches. Halki is a must for its handsome villas, kitron (citron liqueur) distillery and enthralling ceramics gallery-shop, L'Olivier. Refuel in the shady town square and pop into Era for locally made sweets and jams.
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Ali Baba's
- Ios, Greece
- Restaurants › Thai
In the same venue as the restaurant of that name there's another great Ios favourite, this is the place for tasty Thai dishes, including pad thai (thin rice noodles stir-fried with dried shrimp, bean sprouts, tofu and egg) cooked by authentic Thai chefs. The service is very upbeat and there's entertainment. It's on the same street as the Emporiki bank.
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Mylopotas Beach
The busiest and most popular beach on Ios used to be littered with people sleeping rough to avoid paying for accommodation. It's still busy and parties still prevail, but sleeping here is no longer allowed. Popular for good reason, the beach is long, sandy and safe, with a good smattering of watersports centres, cafes and places to stay.
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Pomodoro
Opened in recent years, this new Ios favourite spreads over two floors. There's a fabulous roof garden with panoramic views. It's just off the main square above Disco 69, and offers authentic wood-fired pizzas as just part of its excellent Italian and Mediterranean menu.
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Mykonos Shore Excursion: Panoramic Sightseeing and Old Town Walking Tour
3 hours 30 minutes (Departs Mykonos, Greece)
by Viator
When your cruise docks at the Mykonos port, explore the most popular sites of beautiful Mykonos island on this convenient shore excursion. On this panoramic sig…Not LP reviewed
from USD$43.89 -
Yialos Watersports
Banana rides, canoe rental and mountain-bike rental are all available at Yialos Watersports. Hire windsurfing equipment or take a tube ride.
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Soul Sugar
Soul Sugar plays funk, disco and house into the small hours, and serves great cocktails.
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Orange Bar
A more easy-paced music bar playing rock, indie and Brit-pop just outside the war zone.
reviewed
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Moni Hozoviotissis
Amorgos is defined by the iconic Moni Hozoviotissis, a dazzling white building embedded in an awesome cliff face high above the sea. It lies on the precipitous east coast below Hora. A few monks still live here and short tours, which usually end with a pleasant chat with one of the monks, take place sporadically, usually when a reasonable number of visitors have gathered at the door of the monastery. The tour is free but donations are appreciated.
The monastery contains a miraculous icon that was found in the sea below the cliff. It got there (allegedly unaided) from Asia Minor, Cyprus or Jerusalem - depending on which legend you're told. Out of respect, modest dress is e…
reviewed
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Ancient Akrotiri
Akrotiri was a Minoan outpost; excavations begun in 1967 have uncovered an ancient city beneath the volcanic ash. Buildings, some three storeys high, date to the late 16th century BC. The absence of skeletons and treasures indicates that inhabitants were forewarned of the eruption and escaped.
For some time the site has been visually disappointing, its overall context blurred by the construction of a 'bio-climatic' roof aimed at protecting the ruins from damaging climatic effects. Masses of scaffolding and concrete supports create the impression of a construction zone or, indeed, an earthquake site. The historical drama of Akrotiri is still potent, though. It's best to g…
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Vallindras Distillery
One of Naxos' finest experiences is a visit to the historic village of Halki, which lies at the heart of the Tragaea, about 20 minutes' drive from Naxos town. Halki is a vivid reflection of historic Naxos and is full of the handsome façades of old villas and tower houses, legacy of a rich past as the one-time centre of Naxian commerce. Since the late 19th century Halki has had strong connections with the production of kitron, a delicious liqueur.
The Vallindras Distillery in Halki's main square, still distils kitron the old-fashioned way. There are free tours of the old distillery's atmospheric rooms, which still contain ancient jars and copper stills. Kitron tastings ro…
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Ancient Delos
Despite its diminutive size, the World Heritage-listed Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, and certainly the most important in the Cyclades. This sacred island is the mythical birthplace of the twins Apollo and Artemis. A climb up the rocky Mt Kythnos will give you a terrific view of the surrounding islands on a clear day.
One of many highlights is the Sanctuary of Apollo, to the north of the harbour, which contains temples dedicated to the main man of Delos, as well as the much-photographed Terrace of the Lions. These proud beasts, carved from marble, were offerings from the people of Naxos, presented to Delos in the 7th century BC to guard…
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Cave of Zeus
From Filoti, you can reach the Cave of Zeus, a large natural cavern at the foot of a cliff on the slopes of Mt Zeus. There's a junction signposted Aria Spring and Zas Cave, about 800m south of Filoti. If travelling by bus, ask to be dropped off here. The side road ends in 1.2km. From the road-end parking, follow a walled path past the Aria Spring, a fountain and picnic area, and continue uphill to reach the cave. The path leads on from here to the summit of Zas.
It's quite a stiff hike of about 3km. A good way to return to Filoti, taking another 4km, is to follow the path that leads north from the summit. This is not a mere stroll, so be fit and come equipped with good fo…
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Bazeos Castle
The handsome towerlike building of Bazeos Castle stands prominently in the landscape about 2km east of the village of Sangri. The castle was built in its original form as the Monastery of Timios Stavros (True Cross) during the 17th century, but monks abandoned the site in the early 19th century. It was later bought by the Bazeos family, whose modern descendants have refurbished the building and its fascinating late-medieval rooms with great skill and imagination.
The castle now functions as a cultural centre and stages art exhibitions and the annual Naxos Festival during July and August, when concerts, plays and literary readings are held. The price of admission to these …
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Plateia Miaouli
At the heart of Ermoupolis, the lively and likeable main town of Syros lies the great square of Plateia Miaouli, the finest urban space in the Cyclades. Once the sea reached this spot, but today the square is located well inland and is flanked by palm trees and lined along its south side by cafés and bars, some of them engagingly seedy.
The north side of the square is dominated by the magnificent neoclassical town hall. The small archaeological museum at the rear, founded in 1834 and one of the oldest in Greece, houses a tiny collection of ceramic and marble vases, grave stelae and some very fine Cycladic figurines.
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Archaeology Museum
Apiranthos is an atmospheric mountain village of unadorned stone houses, marble-paved streets and alleyways that scramble up the slopes of Mt Fanari. Its inhabitants are descendants of refugees who fled Crete to escape Turkish repression; they retain a strong individuality and a rich dialect, and the village has always been noted for its spirited politics and populism. The village has an impressive trio of museums.
The Archaeology Museum is part-way along the main street. It has a marvellous collection of small Cycladian artefacts. Admission free.
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Maximos (Panagiotis Fanariotis)
Not to be missed is the walled cliff-top village of Kastro, 3km from Apollonia. A pleasant path circumnavigates Kastro and is especially scenic on its northern side - midway round the northern side, above the glittering sea, is the wonderful little art workshop of Maximos (Panagiotis Fanariotis) , whose speciality is handmade jewellery in original gold and silver motifs.
Prices for these lovely pieces start at about around €6 and are far below the usual price charged for work of this high quality. There is also accommodation here.
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Exobourgo fortress
The ruins of the Venetian fortress of Exobourgo, atop a 640m (2099ft) hill, stand sentinel over a cluster of unspoilt villages. At the fortress, built on an ancient acropolis, the Venetians made their last stand against the Turks in 1715.
The ascent can be made from several villages; from Volox head south past the Koumaras turn-off on the road to Steni, then go right up a side road that ends at a church. From here it's a steep but reasonable 15-minute walk to the summit where the view will take away whatever breath you have left.
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Museum of Natural History
Apiranthos is an atmospheric mountain village of unadorned stone houses, marble-paved streets and alleyways that scramble up the slopes of Mt Fanari. Its inhabitants are descendants of refugees who fled Crete to escape Turkish repression; they retain a strong individuality and a rich dialect, and the village has always been noted for its spirited politics and populism. The village has an impressive trio of museums. On the main road, to the right of the start of the village's main street, is the Museum of Natural History .
reviewed
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Church of Panagia Evangelistria
The neoclassical Church of Panagia Evangelistria is built of marble from the island's Panormos quarries. The complex lies within a pleasant courtyard flanked by cool arcades. Inside the main building the acclaimed icon of the Holy Virgin is draped with gold, silver, jewels and pearls, and is surrounded by gifts from supplicants. A hanging garden of fabulous chandeliers and lampholders fills the roof space.
Within the church complex, several museums house religious artefacts, icons and secular artworks.
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Geology Museum
Apiranthos is an atmospheric mountain village of unadorned stone houses, marble-paved streets and alleyways that scramble up the slopes of Mt Fanari. Its inhabitants are descendants of refugees who fled Crete to escape Turkish repression; they retain a strong individuality and a rich dialect, and the village has always been noted for its spirited politics and populism. The village has an impressive trio of museums. The Geology Museum is part-way along the main street
reviewed
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Cathedral of Agia Triada
Lovely Lefkes clings to a natural amphitheatre amid hills whose summits are dotted with old windmills. Siesta is taken seriously here, and the village has a general air of serenity. It lies 9km southeast of Parikia, high among the hills, and was capital of Paros during the Middle Ages. The village's main attractions are its pristine alleyways and buildings. The Cathedral of Agia Triada is an impressive building that's shaded by olive trees.
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Blue Island Divers
On the main pedestrian thoroughfare of town, with a gear and clothes shop attached, Blue Island Divers is friendly and helpful, and has a wide range of dive options. The owners have a great knowledge of the Antiparos scene. Accommodation and car rental can also be arranged. A four-day PADI open-water course, a 'discover scuba diving' day session and advanced courses are available. Trips can be tailored to suit individual wishes.
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