Astypalea, Dodecanese Islands

In brief
Astypalea (or Astypalaia), with its whitewashed sugar cube house, narrow alleys and windmills, has a more Cycladic character than Dodecanesean where it belongs. Astypalea is a butterfly-shaped island; a narrow isthmus a mere 100 meters wide connecting its two wings, with citrus groves and decent mountainous walking country.

General Information
This most western of the Dodecannese has had many names: Ichthyoessa (abundant in fish) in ancient times; Stampalia or Astropalia, as the locals call it today. The name Astipalea means “old city”.
A mountainous island with an indented coastline concealing numerous delightful coves, Astipalea in fact resembles two islands joined by a ribbon of land only 100 metres wide.

The main village is Hora or Astypalea, built up the side of a steep hill, and presided over by the massive, austere remains of a Venetian castle. Its small,
square houses, painted white with brightly coloured doors and windows, follow the contours of the hill in an almost unbroken band down to the sea. So closely are they packed, that the walls of the uppermost houses form part of the outer fortifications of the castle. According to tradition, Kleomedes -an Olympian boxer- was the island's most famous citizen in antiquity, as he killed in the 71st Olympiad a competitor with a foul blow. He came home so enraged that he demolished the local school, killing all its pupils.

A row of windmills on the pass of the hill provides an additional picturesque
note. One enters the castle from the southwest side of the hill. Inside it are two churches, dedicated to St. George and to the Annunciation (Evangelismos). The former contains a noteworthy carved iconostasis.
Below the castle stands the 18th century church of Our Lady Portaitissa, one of the most beautiful in the Dodecanese. It too has an impressive iconostasis, covered with gold leaf.
Livadia, Analipsi and Vathi are charming fishing hamlets on the south and north coast of the island.

Sightseeing 
In Hora there is a small archeological museum, a few interesting churches and a citadel. The remains of a Roman Villa are to be seen in the village Maltezana (Analipsis). Here, there is also a monument over the perished crew of the French ship Bison that sunk in 1827. In Vathi you can visit the Cave of the Dragon, Dracospilia.

Beaches
Beautiful beaches can be found all around the island for visitors to enjoy. Pera
Yialos, Livadi (with sand and pebbles), Tzanaki, Moura, Pappou and Agios
Konstantinos are some of them while there are more remote beaches at Vatses, Kaminakia, Panormos and Agios Ioannis and Pachia Ammos (accessible by boat).
Moreover, there are also outstanding beaches at Marmari, Schinondas, Karekli, Vrysi, Plakes (a rocky beach), Steno and Psili Ammos.

Useful Information
How to get there
By air from Athens
Olympic Airways: +30 2103550500 
By sea from Pireaus
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22430
Municipality: 61217, 61206
Police: 61207
Port Authority: 61208
Olympic Airways: 61410, 61665 (airport), 61588 (tickets)
Health Center: 61222

http://www.astypalaia.gr

Tinos, Cyclades Islands

In brief
The island of Virgin Mary has always been famous for its rich natural landscapes offering a special peace, perfect for those who desire relaxed vacations. This mystical place, bearing chants of the past and a religious aroma that covers everything will capture you from the beginning.
You will find yourself strolling around traditional Cycladic villages, wandering between ancient monuments and remains of venetian castles or admiring the sunset from one of the hundreds of dovecotes, found on mountains, seaside villages and ravines.

General Information
Tinos lies very close to the southern tip of Andros. This is the holy island of Our Lady, which in August is swamped by pilgrims who have come to pray in the church devoted or in fulfillment of a vow.
As Our Lady’s feast day on 15 August approaches, the church and the town of Tinos become crammed with people, and religious services take place next to the commercial fair being held in the surrounding streets.
A line of mountains, whose highest peak is Mt Tsiknias (in the myths, the home of the wind-god Aeolus), runs the length of the island. On its lower slopes, walls like the fortifications of old castles divide the terraced fields. The coast of the island is mostly steep, but there are also numerous coves with sandy or pebbly beaches.
Among the special characteristics of Tinos are its dovecotes. These structures developed from simple roosts for pigeons into works of art – and the stone-built fountains to be seen in the villages evolved in a similar manner.

Tinos or Hora is capital of the island and its port, is where most of the population lives. A broad paved street leads from the harbour to the low hill on which stands the magnificent church of Our Lady. Built in marble from Paros and Tinos itself, the church stands overlooking the town on the site where a miraculous icon of Our Lady was discovered.
Next to the church, the Gallery of Tiniot Artists and Modern Greek Painters, which has a very interesting collection. Close by is the Archeological Museum of Tinos.
At Exomvourgo, we can admire the ruins of the medieval castle, on the south side of which is a sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone.
The interior of the island has been little affected by tourism, and the 45 villages have retained much of their traditional character and distinctive vernacular architecture.

Among the most interesting villages are the large settlements of Falatado, Stem and Pirgos, the latter of which has a museum dedicated to the sculptor Halepas, the house of the artist Lytras and numerous marble-sculptors’ workshops.
Among the monasteries of the island, many of them built on superb sites, we could single out that of Our Lady of the Angels at Kehrovouni (Panagia ton Angelon), which has the appearance of a Tinos village in medieval times.
The beauties of Tinos are gradually making a name for themselves. Although amenities for tourists outside the town are scanty, they are constantly expanding.

Sightseeing
The most dominating feature of Tinos is its basilica Panagia Evangelistria (Virgin Mary Evangelist). It was built after a nun had dreamt of an icon in 1823, and after searching and digging in the area, it was found, as well as a well of fresh water. The church is situated on a hill in Hora, with steps leading up to it. In antiquity, there used to be a Dionysus temple here.

In Hora there is also an archaeological museum. It houses findings from the temple of Poseidon and Amphitrite (at Kionia beach) and from the Geometric burials of Exo Meria.
Pilgrimage is of course not the only reason for going to Tinos. It is a beautiful island, with many little villages well worth visiting. For example Moundatos, Ktikados, Hadzirados, Kardiani, Volaka, Isternia, Kambos, Steni and Pyrgos, which is the largest and perhaps prettiest village. In Pyrgos you can visit the workshop of the sculptor Giannoulis Halepas as well as the museum of artists from Tinos. The lunar landscape at the village Volakas with its peculiar boulders, is probably unique anywhere in the world and is a worthy visit.

The cave of Gastrion outside Kionia is quite fascinating with inscriptions dating back to antiquity. Here, there are also ancient remains of a temple to Dionysus and Roman baths.
On Mt. Exomvourgo the Venetian citadel used to lie, until it was blown up by the Turks in 1715. The Jesuits used to live here, and there is a Catholic, as well as an Orthodox church here.
The nunnery Kechrovouni is definitely worth a visit. It dates back to the 11th century, and allegedly it was built after three sisters had dreamt about it. This is where sister Pelagia, the one that dreamt of the Evangelistria icon lived. There is also a small museum here.

Beaches

There are plenty of beautiful beaches, notably at Agios Fokas near the town, Kionia, Porto, Panormos bay, Kolimbithra, Agios Sostis and Pahia Amos.

Useful Information

(Area 195 sq. km. Distance from Piraeus 86 nautical miles. Distance from Rafina 64 nautical miles)
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus, Rafina & Lavrio
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Rafina Port Authority: +30 22940 28888, 22300
Lavrio Port Authority: +30 22920 25249, 60188

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22830
Municipal Offices: +30 22833 60100-5
Police: 22255, 22100
Port Authority: 22348
Health Center: 22210, 41229
Archaeological Museum: 22670
Holy Foundation of Our Lady: 22256

http://www.tinos.gov.gr

Naxos, Cyclades Islands

In brief
Naxos Island, the largest and most fertile island in Cyclades, is probably one of the most attractive and beautiful of the Greek Islands. It combines golden sands with the mountain beauty. Large enough to be explored, Naxos promises you unforgettable holidays.

General Information
Naxos, the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands, lies almost at the center of the Aegean. Due to its size and fertility, Naxos is one of the most self sufficient islands of Cyclades, with significant production and variety of agricultural and dairy products.

Meadows running down to vast beaches, cliffs sinking suddenly into the sea, rocky mountains side-by-side with fertile valleys, abundant springs and streams are just some of the features of a natural environment marked for its variety.
The coastline of Naxos is abrupt on the south side and more sheltered to the west, with numerous inlets and sandy beaches.
The island is first heard of in the myths and then mentioned through-out every period of history, though it was at the peak of its glory during the period of the Cycladic civilization.

Naxos or Hora stands on a naturally amphitheatrically site on a hillside on the north-west side of the island and is one of the most attractive towns in the Cyclades. As the visitor walks from the harbour high up to the Venetian castle, he will be struck by the beauty of the narrow winding lanes and the old stone houses lining them.
Interesting monuments from various periods are to be found all over the town. They include Byzantine churches, the castle itself (with its tower and battlements), and traces of Mycenaean buildings in the spot known as Grota.

The Archeological Museum of Naxos has some notable exhibits.
Given that traces of Greek antiquity are to be seen everywhere, each part of the island has something of interest. Near the pretty coastal village of Apollonas, for instance – on the north side of the island – is a half-finished outsize “kouros” (statue of a youth), dating from the 6th century BC, still lying in the marble quarry where it was abandoned. Another such statue can be seen at Melanes.
An interesting archeological museum is to be found at Apiranthos, a village where a number of strange customs and habits have survived.
Among churches of interest are those of Our Lady “Protothroni” at Tragea and Our Lady “Filotitissa” in the village of Filoti.

The superb beaches of Naxos, its attractive villages and its wealth of monuments draw thousands of visitors to the island each year.
The good tourist amenities in Hora make it easy to tour the charms of the island.

Sightseeing
The most characteristic image of Naxos is the great gate just outside Hora. The locals call it the Portara - the great door, and it is the most photographed spot on the island. The gate was built in the 6th century BC by order of the tyrant Legdames. It was to be a temple to the god Apollo, but the building was abandoned when war broke out between Naxos and Samos. Later, Christians built a church on top of the unfinished temple. A very good time to go to the gate is in the evening when you will get to see a fantastic sunset. You can also discern Paros from here.

Parts of the temple was also used to build the castle in Hora. The castle is dominating the Old town; all its little streets lead to it. The archaeological museum here is well worth a visit. It is located at the commercial school and used to be a place where catholic monks had a school. The famous Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis (Zorba, The lastTemptation) stayed here for a while.

The Metropolitan church of Agios Nicodemus and Nectarius was built 1780-87, which was built partly with ancient remains. It hold a priceless new Testament, which was given to the church by Catherine of Russia according to tradition.

The church of Agia Kyriaki used to be where the hidden school was held during the Turkish rule. Just outside the village Galanado stands the Tower of Belonia. Next to it is the church of St John, which is half Catholic, half Orthodox. At the village Vivlos or Tripodes stand windmills. In Prompona a good local wine is worth a try.

At the village Ano Sagri is the monastery of Agios Eletherios, which used to be a hidden school during the Turkish rule. Another monastery is dedicated to St. John, and here excavations indicate that there used to be a 6th century BC temple to the goddess Demeter here. You can also visit the Castle (Kastro) of Apalyrou.

The village Apiranthos is also called the marble village, since many buildings and streets here are made of marble. It has many beautiful buildings, and you can go to the tower of Zevgoli from the 17th century and the tower of Bardani. There is also a small museum here with various findings from the east part of the island. You should also try the local wine.

At the village Flerio there is a 7th century statue lying on the ground. It is a kouros, or boy, with a height of 6,40 meters. If you want to climb the Za (Zeus) mountain this is the place to start. You can also take a two-hour walk from here to the ruins of the monastery Fotoides. The Byzantine capital of Naxos was Halci, and there are still venetian castles there as well as the oldest lemon distillery of the island.

At the village Moni you can visit the monastery of the Virgin Mary with its old wall paintings. The village Koronida or Komiaki is the highest village on the island, built at 700 meters above the sea level. The village Apollona has the remains of an ancient temple to Apollo, with a ten-meter statue lying on the ground.

From Galini you can go to the monastery of the Highest Virgin Mary (Panagias tis Ypsiloteras), which is also called Tower of Agelakopoulou, which was the surname of the last owner. In the 17th century this was a monastery. From here, the people of Naxos fought both Venetians and pirates. Close to Agios Arsenios is a 17th century monastery to St John as well as the oldest church on the island: Agios Mamas from the 9th century.

Beaches

There are beautiful beaches for swimming at Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Mikri Vigla, Kastraki, Alikos, Pirgaki, Agiassos (on the west side), Apollonas, Psili Ammos, Panormos, Pahia Ammos and others elsewhere round the island.

Things to taste & buy
Embroideries
Honey
Various local cheeses "Kefalotyri" "Arseniko" and "Ksynotyro"
Citrus drink "kitron"
Local octopus

Useful Information

(Area 448 sq. km. Distance from Piraeus 103 nautical miles)
How to get there
By air from Athens
Olympic Airways: +30 2103550500
By sea from Piraeus, Rafina & Lavrio
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Rafina Port Authority: +30 22940 28888, 22300
Lavrio Port Authority: +30 22920 25249, 60188

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22850
Municipal Office: 60100
Police: 22100
Port Authority: 22300

Olympic Airways, Naxos: 24816 (airport)
Health Center: 23333, 23676
Archeological Museum: 22725

http://www.naxos.gr

Mykonos, Cyclades Islands

In brief
Superb beaches, whitewashed cube houses, sophisticated nightlife, non-stop party can picture Mykonos. Mykonos has something for everyone. Busy beaches as well as quiet beaches, plain local tavernas as well as sophisticated international restaurants. Mykonos town is a picturesque Cycladic town with a maze of tiny streets and whitewashed steps lanes and houses.

General Information
Mykonos is a top class, worldwide destination. It is no coincidence that this, the most cosmopolitan of all Greek islands, attracts so many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals.
Here, the steep mountains to be encountered in most of the Cyclades give way to low, rocky hills which combine with superb beaches to make up the landscape of the island.
 

The capital, Hora, with its colorful harbour in which little fishing-boats nestle happily side by side with luxury yachts, presents quite a different picture from the majority of Aegean island towns. While it is usual for island villages to be built on naturally amphitheatrical sites, Mykonos is spread out over a flat area and conveys an impression of solid aesthetic cohesion.
Along the whitewashed streets stand brilliant white box-shaped houses with stepped walls for sitting on, wooden doors and windows and brightly coloured balconies. These are interspersed with small but impressive churches, pretty little tavernas and shops selling souvenirs and other goods, and the overall sense is of being inside a film set.
 

On the low Kastro hill is the complex of churches known collectively as Our Lady “Paraportiani”, a superb arrangement of whitewashed masses created over the centuries, and now recognized as a national cultural monument.
Of particular historical and aesthetic interest are the medieval houses in this district of the town, which stand like a wall above the sea protecting the west side of Hora.

The countryside of Mykonos is a mixture of grey-green rocks ringed by prickly pear plants and little fertile areas carpeted with wild flowers. Here and there are tiny white-washed chapels and windmills.
Ano Mera is, after Hora, the most important of the older villages on the island. Standing 8 km. to the east of the town, Ano Mera has the interesting monastery of Our Lady Tourliani, ornamented with fine woodcarvings. The church has a collection of valuable ecclesiastical vessels, vestments and embroideries. The courtyard contains an interesting bell-tower and a marble, fountain.
Mykonos is a busy island with all the amenities of a modern resort and with plenty to do – by day or night – for those who want to have a lively time. Yet visitors fond of more peaceful holidays will still find quiet corners to relax.

Sightseeing
The town Hora is a place you should really explore. Walk around, go to the windmills, have a drink in Little Venice (the western little harbour) while watching a seashore sunset and visit the Paraportiani church. And of course, go shopping. 

The village Ano Mera is worth a visit: small, pretty and quiet. Visit the monastery and the little church museum from the 15th century.

There are also museums that worth a visit. The Archeological Museum of Hora contains finds from tombs on the nearby island of Rhenia, sculptures, vases and figurines. The Folklore Museum brings together a number of collections of furniture, icons, pieces of sculpture and folk musical instruments. Mykonos is also the home of the Nautical Museum of the Aegean, which has interest all of its own. 

There are daily excursion to Delos, a small island that used to be the holiest island in ancient Greece. Leto gave birth to Apollo and Artemis here, holding on to a palm tree. You cannot spend the night on this island, but a daytrip is definitely a must: the island is cluttered with archaeological remains. 

Beaches
Most beaches are quite popular covering all tastes from families to youngsters and are fully equipped with beach bars, tavernas, lounge chairs & parasols. In the southern coast you may find the most crowded ones such as Psarou, Platys Gialos, Paranga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Elia, Agia Anna, Agrari. In the eastern side you will find less crowded beaches such as Kalafati, Kalo Livadi & Lia and the smaller ones Draoumia & Tafarnis. In the northern side of the island you may find Fokos, Ftelia, Panormos & Agios Sostis beaches which are less crowded because of their northern winds. The western coast of Mykonos, near Hora has also some options for swimming such as Agios Stefanos, Tourlos, Megali Ammos, Ornos and Agios Ioannis. 

Things to taste & buy
Jewellery
Fashionable Clothing
Salted white cheese "kopanisti"
Almond confectionery "amygdalota"
Fermented almond cordial "soumada"

Useful Information

(Area 85 sq. km. Distance from Piraeus 94 nautical miles)

How to get there
By air from Athens
Olympic Airways, Athens: +30 210 9666666
By sea from Piraeus & Rafina
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Rafina Port Authority: +30 22940 28888, 22300

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22890
Municipal Office: 23990
Police: 22235
Port Authority: 22218
Olympic Airways, Mykonos: 22490 (ticket office), 22327 (airport)
Health Center: 23998, 23994 
Archeological Museum: 22325
Folklore Museum: 25591
Aegean Maritime Museum: 22700

http://www.mykonos.gr