The four most beautiful Greek islands of the Cyclades that you must absolutely visit

Were you enthralled by the tales of Hermes, did they fuel your dreams? Then come back to Greece, where it all began… 

Santorini, a volcanic island located near Crete, might just enchant you. You already have in mind its whitewashed houses clinging to the steep cliffs, its domes of azure blue. Even the tree trunks—everything is painted white: the dwellings, the alleys, the low walls… probably to scare away insects and prevent fungi from nesting. Similarly, the edges of the houses are rounded to resist the wind. Santorini hangs suspended from the sky. You won't miss contemplating its red cliffs and caldera, an islet offshore that seems to have been spit out by the Aegean Sea. And then in Oia—its capital, you will experience a sunset like you have seldom seen. Akrotiri, the ancient city, will undoubtedly satisfy history enthusiasts.

The village discovered by Spyridon Marinatos in 1947 is a unique archaeological site. Walking through the frescoes of rooms that have survived the centuries is like watching a Technicolor movie. Want to mingle with the locals? Head to the fishing port of Amoudi Bay and sip a Turkish coffee. And then, dare to descend the 600 steps separating you from the beach to take a dip in the sea with temperatures around 25 degrees. Speaking of which, the red sand beach (Red Beach) and the black sand beach (Kamari) will provide just the right amount of coolness. Ultimately, you might just seize the opportunity to watch "The Big Blue" in open air before setting off to Amorgos…

Even more than Luc Besson's masterpiece which revealed the island, these gnarled trees with fuchsia flowers adorn the gardens. A maze of streets leading to shaded squares, guitars playing Théodorakis tunes, life seems so sweet... Yet this is without considering the strong wind that blows and spins the mill blades in a dizzying way. On the heights of the city, dance despite the wind like in the iconic scene from the movie En Corps! 

Devotees of The Big Blue starring Jean Reno and Rosanna Arquette, will go observe the still visible shipwreck. Remember, it is on Agia Anna beach where Jacques Mayol starts his free diving. The movie is actually directly inspired by his life. Personally, what struck me the most was the monastery perched on the cliff after an ascent - some 300 steps no less! Panagia Hozoviotissa corresponds to the second oldest monastery in Greece. Built about 1000 years ago, it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and hosts pilgrims every November 21st. Remember to cover your shoulders and legs, however, the monks will offer you Raki if you wish! You will not resist the traditional photo under the bell. Sure, it's a postcard viewpoint but the effect is guaranteed. Since we were talking about walking, the region has 7 hiking trails. Starting from Chora, you can take a route that will lead you to Polia Strata. The journey takes 4 hours of walking but you can take a cultural break at the monastery halfway through... 

Whether the island is festive, true, nevertheless it would be a real pity not to visit it as it is splendid. Some of its neighborhoods, like Little Venice or more precisely Alefkandra, will charm you. Its colorful houses are built against the rock and some of them date from the 18th century! 

In Mykonos, the gem of the Cyclades, do not forget to enter the Panagias paraportiani church at the entrance of the harbor. All white and surprisingly sober, it was completed in the 17th century and is made up of 5 chapels. Behind it stretch the grain mills that made Mykonos famous. 400 years ago, they supplied Europe with wheat! There remain 7 of them lined up like wind turbines. You will be amazed by the Fanari lighthouse, resembling a temple at the end of a jetty. People come to stroll along the shore, and from the lighthouse, one can witness sublime sunsets. It is very likely that you will enjoy Kapari Beach, much less crowded than its neighbors. Nested between cliffs, its waters are literally turquoise. Opposite it, you can make out the contours of Delos. 

The tiny island is said to have seen the birth of Apollo and Artemis, and its sanctuary was a popular pilgrimage site in Greece. On site, the Delian League made sure the Persians did not land on the coasts of the Aegean Sea. It amassed a treasure called the treasure of Delos to fund a fleet and land defense. Once the league returned to Athens, Pericles used the money from this treasury to build the Acropolis.

The tallest and largest island of the Cyclades. In mythology, these fertile lands that reach up to 1000 m were owned by the Greek god of wine. Visiting Naxos inevitably includes a trip to Kouros to see its giants built with marble from the Grammata quarries. The colossal statue of Dionysus is not only about ten meters tall, but it also weighs ... 80 tonnes! 

On the islet of Palatia, you will be amazed by the Portara, this marble gate that dates back to 2500 years ago. It symbolized the entrance to an unfinished temple of Apollo. It faces the sea and is the symbol of the island. Naturally, it is surrounded by legends. For example, it is at this location that Ariadne, daughter of Minos was abandoned by her lover Theseus after he killed the minotaur. She was rescued by Dionysus, who made her his wife. In the capital, Chora, visit the Venetian medieval castle of which only a tower and walls remain, the Kastro which forms a beautiful walk. 

Those seeking the highest point will find it on Mount Zeus, the birthplace of the god. Finally, beach worshippers will find their paradise at Agios Georgios with its dunes, at Laguna, or at Palaka - a surfer's paradise. If you have time, make sure to visit Iraklia, the westernmost of the islands. You can climb the slopes of Mount Papa (over 400 m high) and enjoy its small port, Agios Georgios. If you are looking for a change of scenery, Schinoussa will delight you as it is the wildest of the islands and its Liouliou lagoon is unforgettable. Lastly, Koufonissia, though very busy, boasts both sea caves and natural pools, truly a treat... 

Author: Gretel Tamalet