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.
SANTORINI ISLAND
Santorini is worthily considered one of the most famous and highly desirable destinations on earth. Just think that, apart from the usual pictures, there is an entire island of beauty, incredible beaches, sights and attractions, more than enough to make Santorini a famous destination. The fascinating legend of the island that emerged out of the lathered sea - an island cut into two, the globally unique archaeological riches, the sublime folk architecture and the magic that no picture can capture make Santorini an island of surprises which reveals its true face when summer visitors are gone, out in the open sea.
Santorini or Thera is at the far south of the Cyclades, together with Anafi. It covers an area of 73 square kilometers, in a circular arrangement together with Therasia and Aspronisi. In the center of this circle is the caldera created after the major volcanic eruption in 1650 BC. Inside the caldera, underwater eruptions caused the emergence of the isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni - a unique phenomenon in the entire world. The view as the yacht approaches the island is breathtaking! A steep reddish-black rock of 300 meters, the caldera walls, stands imposing. And as the yacht approaches, human presence can be discerned - small houses and blue church domes - an impressive sight! Don't miss the chance to walk the route Fira - Firostefani - lmerovigli - Oia. The view to the caldera is unique in the world.
The beaches of Santorini, with their characteristic black or reddish sand, are charming in a special way: Exo Gialos, the Red and the White beach, Mesa Pigadia with the unique cave, Vlychada with the yellowish weathered rocks that form small caves and natural sculptures - a magnificent scenery! The settlement of Kamari features a very long beach and Perissa an endless beach of black sand and dark blue waters. Perissa is also the settlement where the largest church of Santorini, Timios Stavros (19th century) is located. In Pon, one can admire the large church of Panagia Kalou (1650) and enjoy swimming at a remote sandy beach.
MONEMVASIA
Monemvasia occupies a steep, rocky islet connected to the Laconian coast by a bridge. The settlement was founded in the 6th century A.D. by the inhabitants of Laconia. A second settlement was later founded on a lower level, and gradually developed into a town of significant strategic importance. After a short domination of the Popes, the area was captured by the Venetians in 1464. In 1540 it was occupied by the Turks and its decline became more evident. In 1690 it was given over to the Venetians and in 1715 was recaptured by the Turks. It was the first among the fortified towns of the Peloponnesus to be liberated by the Greeks in 1821. The area is inhabited today and many of the ruined buildings have been restored by the 5th Ephorate. The settlement is surrounded by a U- shaped fortification wall with two gates, one on the east and one on the west side, and a small exit to the sea. Important Monuments of the Lower Town are: Church of Christ Helkomenos (Led to the Passion), Moslem Mosque, Church of Panaghia Myrtidiotissa.
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.
ELAFONISSOS ( SIMOS )
Elafonissos is located in the Bay of Laconia (Lakonikos Kolpos), just north of the island of Kythira. The island was a peninsula in ancient times and the sandy isthmus that separates it from Peloponnesus is only a few feet underwater, which is why the sea has a remarkably alluring color. The largest beach of Elafonissos is Simos, for some one of the most spectacular beaches of Greece, with its almost tropical look of soft, white sand and clear, turquoise waters. At the port town, there is a picturesque line of taverns, where visitors can enjoy freshly caught fish and seafood.
