ATHENS
The Capital of Greece. Within the sprawling city of Athens it is easy to imagine the golden age of Greece when Pericles had the Parthenon (the most eminent monument of the ancient Greek architec ture) built. Athens is built around the Acropolis and the pinnacled crag of Mt. Lycabettus, which the goddess Athena was said to have dropped from the heavens as a bulwark to defend the city. The suburbs have covered the barren plain in all directions and the city is packed with lively taverns and bustling shops.
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.
MYKONOS ISLAND
Mykonos is a wonderful Cycladic island, worth visiting at any time of the year. However, it is a must to enjoy the days of its summer glory, when it literally becomes an international village, when its community of believers make it a sight worth seeing, when one can experience the unique feeling that everything and everyone is in Mykonos.
According to mythology, Mykonos was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules. And did you know that the island took its name from the grandson of Apollo, “Mykonos”?
Set out on a journey to discover a fascinating world where glamour meets simplicity. On Mykonos celebrities, college students and families mingle together to celebrate the Greek summer. However, despite its cosmopolitan character, Mykonos remains a beautiful and picturesque island, whose all white Chora lies next to the sea, with golden beaches, friendly and smiling people and a continuous link with history lasting for centuries. If you think you've seen someone that looks famous, then you're probably right. In Mykonos you'll sit right next to famous actors, singers, stars, TV personalities, top models.
In Mykonos there are beaches that cater for all tastes: family beaches such as Lia, trendy beaches like Psarou and quiet beaches such as Agios Sostis.
In contrast to other Cycladic capitals, the capital town (Chora) of the island is not built in the shape of an amphitheater but instead spreads out over a wide area. It is one of the best examples of Cycladic architecture and a spellbinding attraction for visitors. Stroll around its narrow marble streets and admire whitewashed houses with colorful doors and window frames, bougainvillea trees in purple bloom and hidden churches.
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.
KOS ISLAND
Endless beaches with turquoise waters, lush vegetation and abundantly flowing streams, ancient and medieval monuments, grand edifices of Italian architecture all come to spell one word: Kos, the third largest island of the Dodecanese Group, only 4 miles away from the coast of Turkey. Kos is the island that gave the world Hippocrates, the father of medicine.