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Hidden Gems
The Minor Cyclades, comprising Donousa, Irakleia, Koufonisia
and Schinousa, as well as nearby Amorgos and Folegandros,
o er a truly authentic island experience. Luc Besson's 80s
movie The Big Blue was set in Amorgos, where hiking
trails, beautiful beaches, scenic bays and gorgeous caves
for diving are on o er. The most impressive landmark is
the Hozoviotissa Monastery, which hangs over a cli .
Irakleia, Schinousa, Donousa and Koufonisia are
o -the-beaten-track retreats, dreamy and unspoiled,
while Folegandros is one of the most remote Cyclades
islands and largely untouched - it takes time to get there
but it rewards with pristine beaches away from the crowds.
HOW TO GET THERE:
These islands are only accessible by boat. There are daily
ferries from Athens/Piraeus and most surrounding islands.
Iconic Odyssey
A little less known than Mykonos and
Santorini, perhaps, but seductively
beautiful: check out Ios, Paros, and Naxos.
The biggest and greenest island,
Naxos enjoys 60 miles of sandy beaches,
impressive mountains, stunning seascapes
and traditional villages. Nearby Ios is
famous for its golden beaches and it is said
to be the birthplace of Homer's mother
- and the place of his own tomb. Take a
stroll around listed traditional village Hóra
- one of the nest examples of Cycladic
architecture - or soak up the atmosphere
on this party island. Meanwhile, Paros
is famous for its crystal-clear waters,
picturesque shing villages and varied
nightlife. It's a top destination for water
sport fanatics and young travellers.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Paros and Naxos have a domestic airport
with direct ights from Athens. They
are also accessible by boat. Ios is only
accessible by boat.
True Holiday Havens
Distinctive character and literal roots in gastronomy give Sifnos
and Milos their charm.
Sifnos has a rich tradition in both pottery and cuisine and
it is known for its delicious casseroles baked in clay- red
gástres (pots) - the origin of the word gastronomy. Look out
for the island's capital, Apollonia, and sail into its port, Kamares.
Meanwhile, colourful shores, weird rock formations, unspoiled
natural beauty and remote beaches make Milos special. It's the
ideal destination for serene getaways and romantic escapes and
it is also home to important archaeological nds. The island's
port is Adamas and its capital Plaka.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Milos has a domestic airport with direct ights from Athens. Both
Sifnos and Milos are accessible by boat from Athens/Piraeus and
most surrounding islands.
Iconic Odyssey - one of the nest examples of Cycladic
most surrounding islands.
This image: Milos 1 Santorini 2 Mykonos
3 Naxos 4 Milos 5 Donousa
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