At A Glance
The Cyclades Islands are a collection of over 220 islands and islets — jewels scattered in the Aegean Sea. The name Cyclades refers to the islands forming a circle around the sacred island of Delos. Most of the smaller islands are uninhabited. Exploring each island, you’ll find different people and adventures, but you’ll always find great scuba spots, fresh seafood, and constant Greek hospitality. Ocean-lovers and adventure-seekers will never find themselves wanting for any activity on the islands.
In the southern part of the Cyclades, you’ll encounter the famous wine region of Santorini, a popular destination in Greece for wine enthusiasts. For those with an extreme interest in cats, the Cyclades Islands are the birthplace for the Aegean cat breed, but you don’t need to be a cat lover to appreciate all that the Cyclades Islands have to offer. Synonymous with Greek summers, the Cyclades are the dream of many tourists and are one of the most popular holiday destinations.
Κυκλάδες
Jewels of the Aegean
Attractions
- Kleftiko Beach
- Hiking Trail Fira
- Old Town (Naxos Town)
- Delos
History
The islands had a distinctive culture in the early and middle Bronze Age and regained regional importance during the Archaic and Classical periods.
The early Cycladic civilization spanned the period from 3000 BC – 2000 BC and communicated and developed with the early Minoan civilization of Crete.
Traditional crafts such as marble sculpture, ceramics, and pottery as well as local gastronomy give the Cyclades their “couleur locale.” Innumerable fairs take place on the islands of Cyclades, maintaining the religious and cultural traditions of the place.