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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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