KEA ISLAND
Due to its proximity to Athens, Kea (also called “Tzia”) is an easily accessible beauty with a scenery variety: steep mountains, small fields, olive groves, vineyards, valleys, picturesque coves, exciting hiking trails and off-the-beaten-track beaches. On the island with the largest oak forest in the Cyclades birdwatching is a real delight. For those who are into geology, there are plenty of small caves (like in Kálamos and in Áyios Timótheos). 36 km long cobbled trails will lead you to the four city-states of the ancient times: Ioulis, Karthaia, Koressia, Poiessa).
Situated in the centre of the island, at the site of the ancient citystate by the same name, the capital of Kea, Ioulis, is a very picturesque town with ceramic-tile roofed houses, cobbled streets, arched passages, steps and squares. The island was named after Ceos, a hero from Nafpaktos who settled on the island in the 12th century BC. The island was later named Tzia during the Venetian occupation. Kea played an important role in the flourishing of the Cycladic civilization and was homeland to great figures of ancient Greece, such as the poet Simonides.
For hikers, Kea is a paradise. Paths with a total length of 36 kilometres, 65% of which are stone-paved, cross dreamy routes through dense forests of tall oaks and lead to beautiful isolated beaches.
FOLEGANDROS ISLAND
Shining under the Aegean sun, Folegandros was named after the son of king Minos. This off-the-beaten-path destination captivates the visitors with the untouched beauty of its beaches, the luminous blue of its waters, and the unadulterated style of its architecture.
At 200m above sea level travelers will discover Kastro, a Venetian castle. Chora, the capital town of the island, it's been built partially in it. Bougainvillea leaning over the balconies, sugar-cube whitewashed houses, and sheer cliff drops convey the island’s ethereal, yet wild, beauty.
Walk along the cobblestone narrow streets of Chora past white houses with multi-colored doors and windows, timeless creations of the traditional Cycladic architecture. If you need to take a rest, plane trees will offer you their cool, welcome shade. Wait until the sun sets into the eternal blue of the Aegean and join the locals in the village’s squares.
This small island in Cyclades is full of pebbly beaches covered with tamarisk trees. The scenic harbor of Karavostássis with its beautiful beach is the perfect starting point for an exploration of the glorious beaches of Hohlidia, Vitzetzo, Latinaki, Pountaki and Livadaki, a village with a sandy beach, turquoise waters and a camping site. Those of you, who don't feel like walking, can take a caique from Karavostássis to Kátergo, the most beautiful beach on the island, with thin pebbles and crystal-clear waters. Sheer cliff drops and azure waters embrace Agali beach to the west of the island.
ZAKYNTHOS
Zakynthos (or Zante) has different type of beaches: there are sandy beaches inside secluded caves where the waters are deep and blue. The perfect destination for superb beaches, great nightlife, beautiful scenery and ideal watersports destination.
LEFKADA
Lefakada is surrounded by of 24 isles – one of them is the Aristotle Onassis’ Scorpios. There you will find sightseeing, churches and monasteries, coves of transparent, turquoise waters, traditional houses and restaurants. You will definitely come again and again to see the hall island.
SYMI ISLAND
While approaching the port of Symi, one has the overwhelming feeling of entering a perfectly painted image of a scenic traditional village. As a rule, people remain agape and cannot take their eyes off the spectacular sight. The few who can resist the superb spectacle of the town of Symi stretching its impeccable architecture on the slopes of the surrounding hills, take off their eyes to look at their book guides.
