The Cyclades are best known for their beaches and whitewashed towns.  The most famous of all is the cliff top town of Fira on Santorini.  There are 56 islands in the group with only 24 inhabited some tiny and docile like Folegandros, and others like Mykonos, Paros and Ios pulsate with nightlife till dawn.  Most of the islands are arid and rocky, with the exception of wooded Andros, Kea and Naxos.   So how to visit more than just a few Greek Islands, during your Greek Island Hop?  The most efficient and economic solution is to sail the Greek Islands.  If you do not have access to a sail boat do not fret since the Greek Island Ferry Boat System is a great alternative.

Visit Greece, just published an article on sailing the Greek Islands of the Cyclades and here are some tips:

Greek Island Sailing Tips:

-The lunar landscape at Sarakiniko on Milos Island
-The leeward harbor of Faros on Sifnos Island
-Windsurfing and waterskiing at Pounda beach on Paros Island
-The crazy nightlife of Mykonos Island
-The safest dock of Syros Island is Foinikas
-The “Old Lady’s Leap”beach on Andros Island
-The monastery of “Panagia Chozoviotissa” on Amorgos Island, visible only by the sea
-The traditional pigeon-houses on Tinos Island
-The relaxed atmosphere of Antiparos Island
-The golden beaches and the crystal blue waters of Ios Island
-The small scenic harbors and coves accessible by boat only on Kimolos
-The golden cave on Folegandros Island

Visit Here to Learn about the Greek Island Cyclades

Greece and its Greek Islands are having a tough time these days and tourism which is one of the main driving fores for Greece is in a funk.  Yes typically a big money advertising campaign can solve the problem, but Greece like many countries is out of money.  Thus the best solution is a Grass Roots Campaign via Social Media Networks to get the word out on what an amazing Travel Destination the Greek Islands are.  Time and Time again I have heard how Greece is on ones “bucket list” and that “one day” they would like to Visit Greece.  Well folks the time is now to Visit Greece.  Prices are falling for Airfare, Ferry Tickets and Hotels.  The Islanders and ready and willing to be your host, so why wait?

Basil Boziotis visiting Akrotiri Santorini

In the recent past private citizens have taken matters into their own hands when it came to getting the word out on the Greek Islands.  The Up Greek Tourism Campaign was one notable example that made a huge difference.   Below are a few recent Greek Island Blog Stories.

Up Greek Tourism Campaign Promotes Greece

Up Greek Tourism Time Squares Billboard

Greek Islands going on Sale

Contact Basil Boziotis to discuss your Greek Island Hotel or Island Business, he would like to help get the word out and help you promote Greece!  Click here to contact Basil Boziotis

Thank you,
Basil Boziotis

According to legend Leto gave birth to Apollo on the island of Delos bringing to this world the music of light. This invisible harmony burst over the Aegean turning to stone and bringing the Cyclades to life.  Deriving their name from the word “kyklos” meaning circle they surround the uninhabited sacred island of Delos forming an island group that is known for its ability to enchant, entertain, and soothe the spirit of both man and god alike.

Brief History 

The islands were the cradle of the Cycladic civilization (3000  – 1000 BC), which developed during the Bronze Age and since then have been inspirational to artists with their marble figurines, which are the legacy of the islands.  Considered crude and ugly when first discovered, this art has brought to bear a strong influence on the 20th century artists and sculptors such as Picasso, Modigliani, Henry Moore and Constantin Brancusi.

The Minoans of Crete then colonized the islands, making Sanotrini’s Akrotiri the center of their trading activities.  Later on the Myceneans dominated making Delos their religious capital. By the 11th Century BC the Dorians invaded the islands marking the start of the Dark Ages.  Eventually the Venetians made their strong mark on the islands ruling between 1204 and 1453.  Their influence is evident even today with rich cultural and architectural legacy.

Overview of the Cyclade Greek Islands 

There are 56 islands in the group with only 24 inhabited some tiny and docile like Folegandros, and others like Mykonos, Paros and Ios pulsate with nightlife till dawn. Most of the islands are arid and rocky, with the exception of wooded Andros, Kea and Naxos.  Syros the regional and commercial capitol is one of the few islands in the group not dependent on tourism for their main source of revenue.

The Cyclades are best known for their beaches and whitewashed towns.  The most famous of all is the cliff top town of Fira on Santorini. This volcanic island first erupted in 1450 BC forming Santorini’s crescent shape. The island is widely believed to be the lost city of Atlantis, and with the recent discovery of remains dating back to Neolithic times at the archaeological site of Akrotiri, this debate will surely not rest.  The ongoing excavations that are only 3% complete continuously both amaze and bewilder archaeologists from around the world, as they now realize that numerous civilizations may be buried at the site.  It is estimated that if a team of 150 Archaeologists would work 24 hours a day for 365 days a year, it would be 700 years before the site would be completely excavated.

Life on the Cyclades is centered on “chora” or town where all of life’s basic amenities could be found with great ease.  However do expect to miss such luxuries as Seven-Elevens and drive through windows.  Life on the islands has its own pace that takes a few days to assimilate into.  The enchantment of a typical Cycladic town is enough to mystify any soul.  Mykonos? chora is the epitome of this with its web of dazzling white alleys and cube shaped houses.  Built in a maze of narrow lanes to both defy wind and pirate raids, visitors will be sure to get lost at least a few times.

Eventually one is freed of time constraints and eventually even the concept of time, to instead be absorbed with visions of beaches, cafes, restaurants, fine wine, dancing and of course most importantly soul searching.

Navigating the Cyclades 

Traveling through out the Cyclades may be very difficult at times, primarily due to the lack of a consistent and centralized source of ferryboat schedules and information.  Additionally those traveling during the summer peak season of end of June to early September have also to contend with the mysterious and disrupting effects of the “Meltemia”.   These high winds although bringing with them a cooling relief to the scorching summer temperatures can cause constant and unpredictable cancellations of scheduled ferryboat and flying dolphin schedules throwing a wrench into any ones overly planned travel itinerary.

However, overall the Greek ferryboat system is the best way to travel and truly experience these islands.  The ferries usually run daily and frequently, and eventually all the islands of the Cyclades connect via this system with the centrally located island of Paros being its hub.  A little patience and an Odyssean appetite for adventure is all it takes to explore the Cyclades by sea.

Air travel between the islands although improving, is limited by the lack of direct inter-island flights and limited airports.  Mykonos and Santorini have international airports, and islands with domestic airports include Syros, Milos, Paros and Naxos.  Thus travel by air can be frustrating, and at times just as time consuming as sea travel.  In addition t is always best to allow for extra time when planning for inter island-travel, especially when trying to catch an international flight out of Greece.  A phone call to the Greek Coast Guard, Ferryboat Company or ticketing agent may save a lot of time and trouble.

Just as light is said to have given birth to the Cyclades, it was also said that Aphrodite passed by and made the people of this land dreamers, inventors, travelers and lovers of horizons, so it is only fitting to pay homage to this phenomenal luminosity when traveling the Cyclades.  For when the sun begins its graceful decent over the islands it is as if all the spirits both ancient and reborn perch themselves on some rocky peak and with time standing still the soothing moment of a simple sun setting is forever cherished.

September 12, 2000  Delmar Enterprises Ltd

Written by, Basil Boziotis

Cruising the Greek Islands on a luxury cruise ship such as those operated by Celebrity Cruise Lines is a great way to explore the islands from the comfort of a floating hotel.  We have featured a cruise package below touching on some of the most famous of Greek Islands including Santorini and Mykonos.

This package includes shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, Las vegas style entertainment and daily activities, on-board meals and some beverages, port charges and too much more to list here.  Shore excursions, personal expenses, gratuities, or alcoholic beverages are not included but when you do the math it is an amazing deal.

If you are looking for more Mediterranean Cruise Deals for the fall Visit Here

Fall Cruise Greek Island Cruise Deal		Departs Civitavecchia (Rome)aboard                                                                   Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Equinox
		Sailing Date(s):  November 16, 2012

Extra, Extra, Read all about it!  The headlines are blaring again about the demise of Greece and how they will be exiting the Euro.  There is much talk of the chaos that will follow and how the country will come to a screeching halt when the Euro stops circulating.  I have news for you; If and when Greece leaves the Euro there is one thing for certain; THE US DOLLAR WILL BUY YOU A LOT MORE ON THE GREEK ISLANDS.  Euros will still be accepted by merchants, however the USD will be the currency of choice for both tourists and merchants alike as it was in the Good old days before the Euro arrived.

The Greek Islands will truly be on sale with a strong dollar if the Greek Drachma returns with Hotel, Ferry & Domestic Airline Tickets plummeting.  Greece will once again be the European destination of choice for many and the Greek cash registers will be once again full.   Financial Institutions, Global Companies, Governments and Greek Treasury have been busy preparing for the day the Drachma makes its reappearance so there is no need to buy into the hype of the CHAOS that will come.  The printing presses are busy in Greece and the only Chaos will be how to carry all the Drachmas around after converting your Dollars when visiting the Greek Islands.

Today I came across a great article from the BBC dated January 01, 2001 touting the Fact that Greece has Joined the Euro Zone.   “The Greek Finance Minister, Ioannis Papandoniou, described it as a historic day that would place Greece firmly at the heart of Europe.”  However, “Some investors have said they are worried the decision to allow Greece to join the euro will send out the wrong signal to financial markets”  Now we must let the chips fall where they may, allowing natural market forces to open up opportunities for visitors and investors alike.  Visit Greece this year and find out why this is one the greatest places on the planet and feel free to bring Euros, Dollars, American Express and maybe even Drachmas.

Basil Boziotis May 17, 2012

A great article was just published in the Telegraph Newspaper in England.  The article points out to how Greece was historically a vacation destination for the rich and not until the 1990′s did mass tourism arrives to the shores of the Greek Islands.  The Telegraph article also goes on to highlight some of Greece’s Chicest Greek Islands such as Mykonos; definitely worth the read.

“We may think of Greece as cheap, cheerful and, in recent months, broke, but it’s easy to forget that, until mass tourism really took off in the early 1990s, it was as much a rich man’s paradise as a hippie haven. In the 1960s, opulent enclaves such as Rhodes and Mykonos attracted visiting royalty, wealthy socialites and glitterati from the worlds of film, music, art and fashion, from Pablo Picasso, John Lennon and Henry Miller to Jackie Onassis and Brigitte Bardot.”

Click Here to Read the Entire Greek Island Story in the Telegraph

Delos is an uninhabited island, Rich in History & Culture and only a few Kilometers from the Island of Mykonos.

According to legend Leto gave birth to Apollo on the island of Delos bringing to this world the music of light.  This invisible harmony burst over the Aegean turning to stone and bringing the Cyclades to life.  Deriving their name from the word ‘kyklos’ meaning circle they surround the uninhabited sacred island of Delos forming an island group that is known for its ability to enchant, entertain, and soothe the spirit of both man and god alike.

The island of Delos has been a land of the Gods and served both as a religious and economic center back in Ancient Greece and no mortals would ever be allowed to die on the island, and women on the brink of childbirth would be carried to the neighboring Greek Island of Rineia to give birth.   Today there is no place on this earth like Delos and it not just an open museum, but a natural archaeological site of great importance.  No other island on Earth hosts so many monumental antiquities from the Archaic, the Classical, and the Hellenistic periods.

When visiting Mykonos make sure to set a half a day aside for a day trip over to Delos for an experience of a lifetime.  There are no Hotels on Delos so day trips are the only way to experience this magical island.

Getting to Delos: The island of Delos is accessible on a daily basis by boat from Mykonos and during the summertime there is ferry service from the Greek Islands of Tinos and Naxos.

Sightseeing Tour of the Greek Island of Delos

Click Here for Photo Gallery of Ancient Delos in Greece

photo credit

Only a short ferry boat ride from Athens these spectacular Greek Islands are a skip away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Athens.  They are situated a close distance from the port of Piraeus and are scattered between the prefecture of Attica and the eastern side of the Peloponnese.

The Saronic Islands: Angistri, Aegina, Poros, Salamina, Spetses, Hydra and the coastal area of Methana have a lot to offer to the visitors: natural beauty with remarkable landscapes, clean sandy beaches, unique archaeological sites, museums, manor houses, picturesque settlements and even small deserted islets to explore.  They feature spectacular hotels both inexpensive and over the top to satisfy all budgets.    Visits these Greek Islands via a highly recommended day trip from Athens which can bring you to the islands of Hydra, Aegina and Poros in half of a day.

Below are some links to the Saronic Greek Islands for you to check out.

Island of Poros
Island of Spetses
Island of Aegina
Island of Angistri
Island of Salamina