THE ISLANDS OF THE CYCLADES
The group of islands that make up the Cyclades consists of 39 islands of which 24 are inhabited.
The Cyclades are well known for their islands like Mykonos, Delos,Santorini, Naxos, Paros Amorgos, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Syros and the more quiet and less visited Small Cyclades like Folegandros, Koufonissi, Schinoussa and Donoussa .
The Cycladic islands provide visitors with a wide range of different characteristics from party islands to more remote and quiet islands.
Each island is unique but all have one thing in common…. typical Greek villages clustered with white cube-shaped houses, blue doors and windows, endless beaches, terraces and tavernas.
The small white villages with their narrow cobblestone alleys, white washed churches and tiny cafés are a delight to the eye. Many were build on a hill overlooking the sea for defense purposes.
The climate is dry and mild. The landscape is barren because of the little rainfall, apart from Naxos where the soil is very fertile and is called the green island.
Local produce are wine, fruit, olive oil, capers, vegetables and mountain herbs.
Mykonos the party island, is one of the most famous islands in Greece. It is dry and windy. Mykonos attracts thousands of visitors every year for its sophisticated nightlife and its beautiful white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters.
Famous are the windmills and Little Venice with the balconies hanging over the sea and the cafés and tavernas right on the beach, the beautiful whitewashed church of Virgin Mary. And of course Petros the pelican, the mascot of Mykonos for 50 years.
Famous also the nude and topless beaches. Mykonos is also known as being gay friendly.
The archeological island of Delos is close to Mykonos and can be reached by a local ferry.
ALBA IV will dock in TOURLOS, the marina of Mykonos, a small distance away from the Chora (town) A bus runs between the two.
The airport is a 10 minute taxi ride from the marina.
Mykonos is definitely worth a visit.
The island of Delos is one of the most visited and important archeological site in the Cyclades.
Delos is know as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. In the archeological museum of Delos many findings are on display.The island is just five miles from Mykonos and is connected in the summer by local ferry every 2 hours between 8 am and 2 pm. On Monday Delos is closed. If the weather permits Marco will take you to DELOS with ALBA and wait for you while you visit.
If you are interested in archeology a visit to DELOS is a must.
Rhinia is an almost deserted island close to Mykonos and separated by a narrow channel from Delos. Today only a few people from Mykonos keep some animals on Rhinia and during the summer months stay in isolated cottages.
It is possible to stay overnight in the bay of Rhinia and have a barbecue on the beach.
Santorini is a volcanic island and one of the most visited islands in the Cyclades. After an enormous volcanic explosion, some 3600 years ago, the caldera was formed. This caldera (7 by 12 km) is a central lagoon surrounded by 300 meter high cliffs. The arrival at Santorini is spectacular and unforgettable sailing through the caldera under the white painted villages perched high on the edge of the impressive cliffs. In the center the caldera is about 400 meter deep.
The beaches are of solidified lava and have various colors, Red , Black and White … The water at the darker colored beaches is significantly warmer because the lava acts as a heat absorber. Santorini has very good local wine.
ALBA IV will be on a buoy under the town of Oia, the ancient capital of Santorini. To reach or leave the boat there are 2 ways, either you use the donkey who can take you and your luggage or Marco can call a watertaxi that will take you directly to / from the boat to the pier of Ammoudi. In Ammoudi you can find buses and taxis to take you around.
Syros is the capital of the Cyclades and was once an important economic center. The main town of Ermoupolis with its neoclassical architecture and narrowl marble streets is definitely worth a visit. Syros is little known as a tourist island but has many interesting places to see. Many people live all year round in Syros thus there is always something going on.
The area of Vaporia in Ermoupolis was where the sea captains lived and there is a legend that sometimes a ghost can be seen on one of the balconies overlooking the sea. It seems to be the wife of a sea captain waiting for her husband to come home.
The islands rich past can still be seen in the beautiful mansions both in town and around. Ano Syros is the old town of Syros and was built by the Venetians at the beginning of the 13th century on the hill of San Giorgio. The catholic church of San Giorgio dominates Ermoupolis. In the narrow alleys of medieval Ano Syros you can find some great taverns with view of Ermoupolis, the harbor and the surrounding islands.
The north part of Syros (Ano Meria) is certainly worth a visit as it is still very authentic with few farmhouses, no buses, no shops and only a few taverns famous for beautiful sunset views.
ALBA IV will dock in the center of Ermoupolis.
Paros is a large and beautiful island with a little of everything. Beautiful beaches, traditional villages, vineyards, Cycladic churches and monasteries and small fishing harbors. The 1600 years old church of the Virgin Mary with the 100 doors is imposing.
The small fishing village of Naoussa is certainly worth a visit. The constant strong wind between Paros and Naxos makes it a great location for windsurfing. Many competitions are held here each year.
Parikia, the main town of Paros, is a typical Greek village with whitewashed houses and blue shutters and doors surrounded by gardens.
Paros was famous for its marble and it is possible to visit the quarries. ALBA IV will be docked in front of the main town Parikia.
Antiparos is a small island close to Paros. It has sandy beaches and secluded coves and impressive landscapes. Antiparos is certainly worth a visit. Upon request ALBA IV can drop the anchor in front of Antiparos.
Naxos is known for its natural beauty. It is the largest island of the Cyclades and the most fertile one. It has a good supply of water because Mount Zas (999 meters) traps the clouds thus permitting greater rainfall than all the other islands of the Cyclades.
It has a rich history and long sandy beaches. It has many local villages and the best way to get around the island is by car. The capital with its Venetian fortress and ruins of the temple of Apollon are certainly worth a visit.
Naxos has excellent local cheese. Marco will take you to a small ouzeri where he will offer you a few plates of fresh seafood grilled in front of you.
ALBA IV will dock in the marina of Naxos close to the temple of Apollon and in front of the town.
Sifnos is a quiet island offering nice sandy beaches, typical Greek villages with cube-shaped houses in narrow paved alleys, monasteries, whitewashed chapels and little churches.
The village of Kastro built on top of a high cliff is an old medieval town with an archeological museum and certainly worth a visit.
Sifnos is a great island for people who like to hike, plenty of old paths link the picturesque villages.
Sifnos is also known for its local pottery. Many Greeks pass their summer holidays in Sifnos.
ALBA IV will dock on the tiny pier next to the village with its long sandy beach.
Only 4-5 boats can stay on the pier so coming in too late means no place….
Serifos is an unspoiled island with beautiful nature, wild like Africa. Not many tourists visit this beautiful place, mostly Greeks come to Serifos. The town of Serifos is right up on a cliff and very much worth a visit. Serifos has some beautiful unspoiled beaches in secluded bays that can only be reached by foot.
Originally Serifos was a mining island.
ALBA IV will dock on the pier surrounded by many beaches.
Amorgos is the island where the french film maker, Luc Besson, turned some sea scenes of the movie “Big Blue”. The Monastery of Hozoviotissa situated into a huge precipice at 300m from the sea is a must see. The island also has wonderful beaches with fine sand, palm trees and huge cliffs.
ALBA IV will dock right in front of the village Katapola.
Ios is very much liked by the young for its lively nightlife and beautiful beaches.
The Chora (main village) is above the harbor and can be reached by bus or a 15-minute walk up the donkey path surrounded by beautiful gardens.
The Chora is a white and very picturesque cycladic village, with its narrow alleys and steps, shops, restaurants, bars and disco’s.
Ios has many beaches.
ALBA IV will stay close to a long sandy beach in front of some cafés and tavernas and close to the Chora.
Folegandros is a small wild dry island with few beaches. The village of Folegandros (Chora) is one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades and different from the typical Greek village. The natural setting of this island is very peaceful and pleasant.
ALBA IV will dock at a tiny pier in beautiful waters and surrounded by fishing boats. It is a great setting and close to a beautiful beach.
There is a bus going up to the village
Schinoussa is a tiny island of only 9 sq.km and belongs to the small Cyclades islands.
Not many people live on Schinoussa and the pace of life is still traditional. It is a quiet island with few restaurants and cafés.
This is a great island to enjoy pure privacy as not many tourists come to visit.
ALBA IV will moor in a small bay next to beautiful beaches and at 15 minutes walking distance to the village. There is a beautiful sand beach close to the harbor or you can dive from the rocks in crystal clear waters.
It is also possible to spend the night in the bay.
Koufonissi is part of the small Cyclades. It is a tiny island of only 4 sq km. with little traffic and lovely beaches.
In the village you can find a few restaurants and everything you need. ALBA stays in a little fishing harbor close to a beautiful beach and close to the only village on the island.
It is a place for pure relaxation.
