Island Hopping Across Cyclades: “Vacations of Another Dimension”
😵Stats Making Greece the Dream of Island-Hoppers😵
Leg’s start this journey with some interesting numbers about one of the worlds top destination, Greece 🇬🇷 🇬🇷.
Although our country ranks 94th in the world in terms of the total area it covers, it is the one with the most extensive coastline in the Mediterranean (surpassing countries such as Spain, France & Italy!) and is clearly among the top countries in the world.
If the above events have proved impressive, find out that Greece has about 6,000 islands and islets, which in combination with Mediterranean weather make the country the perfect holiday destination.
Of course, a country with such assets is sure to be one of the top destinations for the famous island-hopping and in the following paragraphs we will suggest how to enjoy this type of vacation in the most famous group of islands in Greece, the Cyclades island complex.
But first of all, it would be nice to introduce the concept of island hopping to the non-initiated ones.
Island-Hopping: The Concept
This vacation scheme is one of the hottest trends, especially between youngsters. According to the Cambridge dictionary, the concept of island-hopping is defined as the activity of visiting multiple islands within a specific territory.
Through the determination, it becomes clear that Greece, a country of thousands of islands in a comparatively small area, is the ideal terrain for such activity.
From the Ionian islands on the west side of Greece to the Sporades complex to the northeast of the Aegean and the Cyclades and Dodecanese complexes on the central and southeast of the Aegean Archipelagos, Greece can meet all the demands and ambitions of island-hoppers.
As real estate and hospitality experts in the Greek islands and primarily in the Cyclades, in the following lines, we will attempt to make your imagination jump between 4 of its most impressive and cosmopolitan destinations and of the Mediterranean in general.
Cyclades: Island-Hopping with A Cosmopolitan Feel
Mykonos-Syros-Paros-Santorini
“Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying has the good fortune to sail the Aegean Sea” -Nikos Kazantzakis-
The name Cyclades refers to an impressive mosaic of 220 small or larger islands in the southeast of Greek territory. Its name comes from antiquity and describes that the islands that make up the complex are around the most sacred island of ancient Greeks, Delos.
Even if you do not know much about this group of islands, you have certainly heard something about the major representatives/destinations such as Mykonos, Syros, Paros and Santorini at some point.
In any case, all you need to know is that these amazing destinations happen to be so close to each other, in a way that makes island-hopping not only convenient but also mandatory.
The following paragraphs will shortly present the most cosmopolitan islands of the Cyclades and give you some basic information on the wider context making this island formation famous all over the world.
Mykonos
Mykonos is probably the most recognizable island in the entire Mediterranean and it didn’t happen by accident.
The island is the most representative ambassador of the Greek tourism industry and the tremendous effort that tourism professionals have made in recent decades, in order nowadays to be able to declare that they offer perhaps the most comprehensive tourism product in the world.
Mykonos is renowned for the excellence of its nightlife, as there are numerous infamous beach clubs and bars throughout the island that host amazing parties and events that never seem to end.
In recent decades, the island has an ever-expanding cosmopolitan character, with many members of the international jet-set choosing the “island of the winds” as the base for summer vacations. Another element stemming from the island’s tradition and further enhancing the island’s cosmopolitan essence is the maritime heritage of its inhabitants, which was the main reason for the construction of the magnificent residential area known as Little Venice in the heart of Mykonos Town.
Apart from its excellent nightlife and cosmopolitan character, Mykonos is blessed with some stunning beaches that are packed with people during the summer months, such as the famous Psarou Beach, the legendary Super Paradise Beach, Kalo Livadi Beach and many more.
Besides, if you are not just looking for fun, the island’s long history allows you to visit some great places of interest that will immerse you in Greek history.
Some places of interest that definitely need to pay a visit are:
- Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
- The Neolithic Settlement of Ftelia
- The Aegean Maritime Museum
- Mycenaean Tomb (in the Aggelika area)
- Archaeological Site And Museum Of Delos (On the neighbouring Island)
Syros
Just 18 nautical miles from Mykonos, our next stop is Syros. Compared to the former, Syros can be described as an easy-going destination, ideal for recreation under the hot Aegean sun.
The island has always been a very important asset to the country, because of its strategic location and maritime heritage. Particularly in the 19th century, the port of the island was considered as the centre of the Greek and eastern Meditterean trade.
Over the centuries the island was dominated by different nations from Greeks and Byzantines to Ottomans and Venetians. As a result of this cultural exchange, the island and especially the capital of Syros and Cyclades constitute an amazing mosaic of unique architecture and culture. A representative example of this multicultural environment is the peaceful coexistence of Orthodox and Catholic Christians, who today considered to be about the same size in terms of population.
Of course, when landing on the island for the first time, it’s imperative to begin your exploration of the spectacular capital of Hermoupolis, which is a magnificent crossroad between East and West, offering amazing moments to its visitors.
Paros
Only one hour away with the Ferry boat, your next stop should be Paros.
During your stay there you will have the opportunity to admire the iconic Cycladic architecture of the houses with the traditional white-washed walls, blue windows, flat roofs and small courtyards surrounding each property.
Although the capital of the island is Parikia, the most famous area is the cosmopolitan village of Naoussa. The island is also ideal for short road trips as it has many interesting and picturesque villages that you can visit to enjoy the Cyclades in all its grandeur, such as the villages of Lefkes, Marpissa, Piso Livadi, Marmara Drios etc.
You also have the opportunity to swim in some of the most beautiful beaches of the Aegean, as the island of Paros is full of amazing organized but also more secluded beaches such as Livadia, Kryos, Marcelo, Kamina, Agia Irini, Punta, Monastery, Kolimpithres, Santa Maria and more.
In addition, throughout the island, many points of interest will immerse you in the island’s history, tradition and culture. Some of the most representatives are:
- The old market & settlement of Paroikia
- The temple of Ekatontapyliani
- The Byzantine museum
- The Archaeological Museum of Paros
- The castle of duke Sanoudos
- The ancient cemetery of the 8th century BC
Santorini
It is a volcanic masterwork shaped centuries ago. The island is a triumph of Cycladic architecture with tiny white houses hanging on the steaming rocks washed by the spectacular Aegens sunset light, creating an out of space experience for the guests.
There is not much to say about a destination that attracts millions of tourists each year, then from the advice to visit the island with the person you love most and enjoy magical moments over the island’s caldera.
It is MANDATORY to visit the below places of interest:
- Fira: the capital of Santorini
- Oia: the picture-perfect village on the northern edge of the island
- Caldera: The volcanic crater created after the volcanic explosion
- The Museum of Prehistoric Thira
- The Archeological Museum of Firá
- Ammoudi Bay
- The Red Beach
Outro/ Last Thoughts
In summary, Greece and especially the Cyclades are the perfect destination for an island-hopping adventure. But we don’t just want to leave you with only one choice of route, so we’ll close this article with some other routes you can take to create the experience of your life.
The Routes:
- Athens — Milos — Folegandros — Santorini — Paros — Athens
- Athens — Santorini — Ios — Paros — Mykonos — Athens
- Athens — Symi — Rhodes — Amorgos — Naxos — Syros — Athens
- Athens — Andros — Tinos — Mykonos
- Rhodes — Symi — Tilos — Nisyros — Patmos
- Athens — Aegina — Agistri — Poros — Athens
- Athens — Hydra — Spetses — Porto Heli
- Athens — Milos — Folegandros — Santorini
- Volos — Skiathos — Skopelos — Alonnisos — Volos
- Skiathos — Skopelos — Alonissos
- Rhodes — Symi — Nisyros
Enjoy Responsibly 🤞 🙏 🙏
