| Staying on the Islands of GreeceWhen staying on | | | | Cyclades can be reached by ferry boat, with the |
| one of the islands of Greece, you'll receive a two-fold | | | | nearby islands taking around four or five hours to |
| benefit. First, the scenic mountains, forests and | | | | reach and the farthest islands taking eight to ten |
| coastlines will mesmerize you. Second, there's a quiet | | | | hours!Tips for Visiting the Greek IslandsWhether |
| stillness in many of the remote locations that is very | | | | you're planning a tour of several islands or only one, |
| inviting if you want a peaceful vacation. If you plan | | | | make sure you know the ferry schedules ahead of |
| to visit several different islands in Greece, you might | | | | time. There are many tours available where you can |
| find an island tour package helpful. You'll be able to | | | | visit several islands during your trip to Greece. These |
| visit several different popular islands, and the travel | | | | tours make it easy to schedule your ferry rides and |
| agency takes care of your transportation to and | | | | reserve a hotel room on the islands. Some island |
| from the islands by ferry and also your hotel stay at | | | | tours allow you to make up your own itinery. Either |
| each island. You can enjoy islands such as Crete, Kos, | | | | way, it's worth the trip to see an island or two while |
| Lesvos and Rhodes during your visit to Greece | | | | in Greece.Below is a list of islands in the Cyclades and |
| without the typical hassles. These tour packages are | | | | what you'll discover on your visit:AmorgosThe island |
| also great if you're planning to tour the Cyclades. | | | | of Amorgos offers an abundance of nightlife and |
| Many packages enable you to choose which islands | | | | taverns. There are very few sandy beaches here, |
| you want to visit during your stay, and your hotels | | | | but some visitors enjoy swimming off the rocks or |
| as well.Taking the FerryThe best means of | | | | snorkeling. A nice resort area is at the northern port |
| transportation to the Greek islands is the ferry boat. | | | | of Agiali, which can also be reached by ferry. The |
| It's inexpensive and very relaxing. The ferry boats | | | | Chora, or capital town, is located in the mountains. |
| typically have snack bars, restaurants and | | | | During your stay, don't miss the Monastery of |
| comfortable seating. Some boats have cabins where | | | | Chozoviotissa. This monastery was built into a cliff on |
| you can rest during your trip. There are also modern | | | | the other side of the island from the port. It's a |
| ferries that are similar to airplanes. These provide TV | | | | fascinating sight! There are local boat tours of |
| or movie entertainment, comfortable chairs and great | | | | neighboring islands such as Koufonisi, Donousa, Iraklia |
| food. Tip: Be sure to plan ahead when staying on an | | | | and Schinousa.AndrosThis island offers great activities |
| island. Make sure a ferry ride is available at the times | | | | and dining. There are traditional villages to explore, a |
| you'll be arriving at or departing from each island. If | | | | shipping museum and art museum. Tourism is not |
| you're uncomfortable planning the trip, use a | | | | encouraged here, which is great if you want peace |
| dependable travel agency to be safe.Don't Miss | | | | and quiet. You can rent a car on the island and drive |
| Greece's MainlandDon't become so occupied with the | | | | through the lovely green landscapes and forests. You |
| islands of Greece that you miss the mainland! | | | | might even see a couple of small rivers! There are |
| Greece's mainland has much to offer as well. The | | | | connections to the islands of Syros, Mykonos and |
| Peloponessos, for example, is referred to by many | | | | Tinos by ferry from Andros as well.FolegandrosIf you |
| locals as the "true Greece" and has many stunning | | | | enjoy breathtaking scenery and untouched beauty, |
| beaches, seaside mountains and unique towns such | | | | Folegandros is the island for you. Artists use this |
| as Githeon. Here you can discover Greece's most | | | | island as a thinktank for creativity, and to capture |
| amazing attractions, the Diros Caves and the | | | | landscapes on canvas! Although small, the island can |
| Santorini volcano. Also, there's the Byzantine city of | | | | get crowded during tourist season, so it might be a |
| Mystras, which overlooks Sparta. Also on the | | | | good idea to go during the off seasons. The tourist |
| mainland is modern Greece's first capital city, Nafplio. | | | | area, or Chora, sits high in the mountains and has |
| Here you can visit the area of Argolis to see | | | | taverns. The port of Karavostasis offers hotels, |
| archaeological sites such as Epidavros, Nemea and | | | | beaches and restaurants. The ferry stops at this |
| Argos. Nafplio has fortresses, restaurants, great | | | | port. There are ferry rides available to Milos, Santorini, |
| beaches and an active night life. Another popular area | | | | Ios, Sifnos and Sikinos, but only a couple of times per |
| on the mainland is the Town of Kalavrita, where you | | | | week.IosThe island of Ios is not the place for a |
| can go skiing, see scenic mountains, and also visit a | | | | peaceful family vacation. College students flock here |
| gorge with a train that runs for 22 kilometers near | | | | like they do to Daytona, Florida during Spring break! |
| waterfalls and rapids, and the Cave of the Lakes.A | | | | This island connects to Naxos, Syros and |
| Tour of Athens, GreeceAthens combines modern | | | | Paros.KeaThis is a quiet, peaceful island near Athens |
| city life with ancient Greek customs, making it one of | | | | where tourism is not as frequent as some of the |
| the most intriguing places to live and visit in Europe. | | | | other islands in the Cyclades. It's very popular with |
| The city's coastal tram provides easy access to the | | | | native Greeks, many of whom own summer vacation |
| beaches at Attika. There are many new parks and | | | | homes there. A lovely village called Ioulis has Cycladic |
| streets that have been transformed with convenient | | | | houses sitting on the side of the mountain. There are |
| walking paths. Many of the museums and hotels in | | | | some great beaches that can be reached by hiking. |
| Athens have been renovated. Even if you can't see | | | | Kea also offers many great restaurants. A restaurant |
| the Olympics in Athens, you can witness where it | | | | called Rolandos, located in Ioulida, is known for its |
| took place and learn for yourself why so many | | | | delicious fresh fish. Kea is a great place for hiking if |
| tourists love Athens. Restaurants, cafes, night life and | | | | that's your fancy!KythnosKythnos is a remote island |
| spectacular events make Athens far from boring any | | | | in the Western Cyclades that doesn't see much |
| time of the year.When to Travel to GreeceIf | | | | tourism. There are some attractive beaches and hot |
| traveling in July or August, be prepared for the | | | | springs. Those who are touring the Cyclades in |
| crowds and hopping night life. Make your reservations | | | | sailboats and yachts often stop for a visit.MilosMilos is |
| early to secure the best possible rates and a place to | | | | a volcanic island where you can see amazing rock |
| stay. This is when many college students visit | | | | formations and hot springs. When you arrive, be sure |
| Greece. During May through June or September | | | | to secure a rented car or bike for touring the island if |
| through October, the weather in Greece is great and | | | | possible. There are lovely beaches and villages where |
| it's much quieter. This is a great time to visit islands | | | | you can enjoy delicious cuisine and more. There are |
| such as Santorini or Mykonos. You can enjoy many | | | | also some historic sites you don't want to miss during |
| of the beaches without the big crowds. Also, this is a | | | | your visit such as the Roman ampitheatre, Christian |
| great time for honeymooners!Touring Greece in | | | | catacombs, Venetian museums and castles. The |
| WinterGreece is not crowded during the winter | | | | famous Venus de Milo was discovered on |
| months, and this is a great time to see the sites, | | | | Milos!MykonosMykonos is a fast-moving island that |
| explore museums and maybe even take a swim on | | | | offers expensive entertainment and nightlife, and also |
| warm days. Many days you'll enjoy mild | | | | some great beaches. While on the island, you can |
| temperatures. The winter in Greece is usually not | | | | take a short boat trip to the nearby island of Delos |
| harsh unless you're in the high elevations of the | | | | where you can explore ruins. The island connects to |
| mountains. You can also ski in Arahova, which is near | | | | Tinos, Syros, Naxos, Ios, Ikaria and other surrounding |
| Delphi.See Greece by BoatA great way to tour | | | | islands.NaxosWith possibly the best beaches in |
| Greece is by sailboat or Yacht! You can tour the | | | | Greece, Naxos is a large island that's located near |
| islands by water while viewing the fascinating | | | | Paros, Ios and Santorini, and you can easily take a |
| scenery. See the island coasts from a different | | | | ferry to these popular islands. Naxos has an |
| perspective and enjoy the fresh open air all at | | | | abundance of restaurants, cafes, shops and clubs. |
| once.The Holidays of GreeceGreece celebrates | | | | You can rent a car to tour the island or take an |
| several major holidays, with the biggest being the | | | | enjoyable walk through the valleys of Tragaia. The |
| 15th of August. Easter is the next biggest holiday, | | | | village of Apollon attracts many seafood lovers, and |
| with its services, celebrations and the popular roast | | | | has ancient marble quarries with an unfinished statue |
| lamb. The smell of wildflowers and spring is in the air. | | | | of Apollo.ParosParos is a center for the Aegean ferry |
| Keep in mind that traveling and booking a hotel will be | | | | system, with many boats coming through each day. |
| difficult around the time of these Greek holidays. The | | | | It's a crowded tourist area, especially in Naousa. |
| Greek version of Mardi Gras, Apokreas, is celebrated | | | | Naousa is a small fishing village that attracts many |
| in Patras, Athens and many other towns in Greece. | | | | tourists each year. The island has wind surfing and |
| This event is held in February. If you enjoy parties, | | | | body surfing if you're the adventurous type. A ferry |
| night life and dancing, you'll love Apokreas. You can | | | | trip here is approximately six hours from Athens. Hop |
| get discounted rates for flights and hotels during this | | | | over to Antiparos for a day of |
| time as well. Visiting Greece will be one of the best | | | | relaxation.SantoriniSantorini is an island where you can |
| vacation choices you've ever made. In Greece, you | | | | see ruins of ancient Thira or enjoy the beaches at |
| can choose a peaceful island getaway or a city tour | | | | Kamari or Perissa. Many tourists enjoy staying in the |
| as your destination - it's your preference!Hiking in the | | | | hotels that overlook the caldera. These hotels sit on |
| Magical Land of GreeceWhen you want to get away, | | | | the edge of a cliff that drops 1,000 feet below! The |
| take an intriguing hike in the country of Greece, | | | | sunsets here are beautiful. The island offers great |
| where you can explore ancient mythology and | | | | beaches, nightlife, restaurants and more. Ferry |
| beautiful landscapes. Hiking in Greece will captivate | | | | connections can be made to Mykonos, Crete, |
| your mind with philosophy and history. Greece is one | | | | Thessaloniki, Milos and other nearby islands. There's |
| of Europe's most romantic and inviting lands, and | | | | also an international airport here.SifnosSifnos is a |
| there's no better way to see Greece than by foot! | | | | handsome island that appeals to tourists of all sorts. |
| Here are some great hiking areas in Greece you'll | | | | There are beaches for the family, fine dining and |
| want to try out during your visit: Take a Hiking | | | | scenery as well as many houses and villas for rent on |
| Challenge on the Island of Kefallonia Kefallonia is the | | | | the island, giving tourists a variety of choices if they |
| largest of the Ionian Islands in Greece, and you can | | | | want to stay a night or two. You can travel by ferry |
| hike through rugged mountains, caves, forests, coves | | | | to nearby islands such as Mykonos, Ios, Paros and |
| and stunning beaches. The island reveals gorgeous | | | | Naxos during the summer.SerifosThis is a poor island |
| scenery and picturesque villages, making the hike | | | | near Sifnos that is undeveloped besides its main port. |
| enjoyable for all.Take a Culture Walk in | | | | It has nice quaint beaches that appeal to older |
| PeloponneseDo you enjoy learning about culture? The | | | | travellers. The island is about a four-hour ferry ride |
| southern Peloponnese hike offers a quiet hike where | | | | from Athens and connects to Milos, Sifnos and |
| few tourists trod. You'll discover striking architecture | | | | Kythnos.SikinosAn island where mainly farmers and |
| of tall and narrow houses in Kardamili, which lies | | | | fishermen make their abode, Sikinos is a great place |
| around the center of Messinian Mani. These unique | | | | for a quiet getaway. Rooms are available for rent in |
| houses were built with pastel-colored stone and grey | | | | the villages of Chora and Kastro.SyrosSyros is the |
| slate or tiles. The landscape is outlined with Taygetus' | | | | capital of the Cyclades that has a shipyard for ocean |
| rocky ridge (2407 meters), which is capped with | | | | freighters and tankers in the harbor. The town offers |
| snow until late April. There are dried-out foothills high | | | | very nice restaurants, old buildings and churches, and |
| in elevation, and lovely crop fields and olive groves | | | | even mansions that have been restored. Cobblestone |
| near the coast.View the Amazing Vickos GorgeThis | | | | streets and cafes welcome pedestrians. The island |
| gorge borders popular ski areas of Greece and is | | | | connects with Pireaus, Mykonos and Tinos daily by |
| known for its footpaths, which are interconnected | | | | ferry.TinosNear the island of Mykonos, Tinos has |
| for hiking ease. The Vickos Gorge is located in the | | | | villages, landscapes and beaches for terrific |
| Vikos Aoos National Park, a place known for its | | | | sightseeing. Tinos is known for its church called the |
| protection of bears and wild boars. The gorge | | | | Panagia Evangalestria, which attracts people from all |
| appeals to hikers because it offers trails for hikers of | | | | around who are looking for a miracle. Visitors swarm |
| many different experience levels. You'll get a great | | | | to the island each year around August 15th for a |
| view of stone villages tucked away in the | | | | religious gathering. This is the most crowded time of |
| mountains.Hiking in MonodendriTake a break from the | | | | the year for the island. Tinos connects with Andros, |
| car journey with a walk to the abandoned Monastery | | | | Mykonos and Syros daily by ferry.You will want a cell |
| of Agia Paraskevi. It's nearly a kilometer down the | | | | phone for use while your in Greece and with the local |
| new kalderimi from the lower platia of | | | | GSM service you'll be amazed at how much better |
| Monodendri.Delphi Day-HikeTake a day-hike to the | | | | the service is in France than back home. Virtually |
| ancient village of Delphi, which is located at the foot | | | | everywhere in Greece, yes even mountains and |
| of the slopes of Mt. Parnassos. You can take the | | | | islands, is covered by superb GSM cell phone service. |
| route down a mountain that was considered sacred | | | | With a local service provider all your incoming calls are |
| to Apollo and Dionysos, and choose from one of two | | | | 100% free and calling the states is just $.86 / minute. |
| historic footpaths. The Ancient Footpath (Archaio | | | | Or, to be 100% sure, you can rent a satellite phone |
| Monopati), was used by Pan worshippers to walk to | | | | and as long as you can point it to the southern |
| the Corycean Grotto from their ancient temples of | | | | hemisphere you'll get service across Europe. Free |
| Delphi to celebrate Pan rites. The other footpath is | | | | incoming calls day and night from every country on |
| called the European Union E4 Long Distance Footpath. | | | | earth and only $1.99 to call any country, always.For |
| On this hike, you'll cross over Mt. Parnassos as you | | | | more information on renting/buying these type of |
| travel from Gibraltar to Crete. Are you a bird fan? | | | | phones and getting this type of super low cost |
| You might see linnets, robins, woodpeckers and | | | | service take a look at or call 800-514-2984 inside the |
| thrushes along the way. There are also eagles and | | | | States or 925-686-9945 from outside. They ship |
| vultures in the higher elevations.Enjoy the Kea Island | | | | worldwide and are based in California.Cell phone use |
| LandscapesSprings, shaded valleys and watermills are | | | | overseas. In 99% of the world the local cellular |
| abundant in the hills and valleys of Kea. Kea also | | | | service standard is called GSM. We use this in the |
| contains the only oak forest in the Cycladic islands. | | | | states as well. When combined with a SIM CARD |
| Ancient roads are still in great shape on the island of | | | | (which usually goes under the battery of the phone) |
| Kea, and you'll be able to hike from one end to the | | | | the phone is able to communicate and the SIM CARD |
| other and see nature at its best. If you love the | | | | also holds the telephone number and memory for |
| colors of Spring, you'll want to hike on the island at | | | | pre-paid credit. Rates can be extremely low using this |
| the peak of the Spring season for maximum | | | | system. For example in 99% of all SIM CARDS |
| enjoyment. Late March is the best time to go. There | | | | incoming calls are free and calls to the states can |
| are other great benefits to hiking in Greece. You can | | | | cost a trifle. Such as, from the UK to the USA 7 |
| enjoy the food on the islands by visiting some of the | | | | cents/minute, from Israel 22 cents, from Australia 27 |
| best restaurants and taverns in the Cyclades. Also, | | | | cents. Yes, USA Dollar cents! There are today even |
| get to know Greek locals as you pass through | | | | prepaid service providers in the USA offering rates of |
| villages. You can find a great hiking adventure in | | | | 10 cents per minute to call anywhere in the US to |
| Greece no matter what your style and tastes!Your | | | | any type of phone. No contracts, no credit card |
| Guide to the Cyclades Islands of GreeceOne of the | | | | checks, no bills. Pre-paid always means no minimums |
| fascinating things about Greece is its wide variety of | | | | no contracts, no obligations. You only pay for the |
| gorgeous islands. Tourists flock to the islands each | | | | calls made. You'll need an unlocked GSM tri-band or |
| year for luxury, excitement and romance. The most | | | | quadband UNLOCKED phone. You can buy factory |
| well-known group of Greek islands are the Cyclades. | | | | unlocked phones and sim cards for more than 170 or |
| Two of the most popular islands in Greece are | | | | the 193 countries on earth from Tel. |
| located in the Cyclades -- Mykonos and Santorini. The | | | | |