CRUISING THE CYCLADES ISLANDS IN MAY, OCTOBER
The Cyclades derive their name
from the Greek word for circles because they loosely radiate out around the sacred island of Delos. Although not far from Athens, they have retained their unpretentious character full of gleaming white houses and blue-domed chapels. Because the islands are all within easy reach of each other, this archipelago is perfect for short hops from one to the other.
In the mornings, practise your favourite outdoor pursuit...
… be it a hike, a shorter walk, swimming or visiting a remarkable site. Around midday, we set off for your new destination. Depending on where that is, we may be able to drop anchor in a sheltered cove to do some snorkelling, swimming or a take a trip to the shore. When we reach our evening’s destination near the end of the afternoon, there’ll be time to take a look around before dinner in a good Greek taverna.
On Kythnos, you can soak up the benefits of the hot springs at Loutra or set off on foot from the picturesque village of Driopida. Serifos is still quite wild and rugged with numerous inlets lapped by crystal-clear water and its “chora”, a lovely village that clings to the side of the hill. Syros, the capital of the Cyclades islands, boasts some splendid examples of neoclassical architecture, as well as Ermoupolis (Hermoupolis) – named after the god, Hermes – and a reputation for excellent “loukoumi” (Turkish Delight) and nougat. While the foot of Cape Sounion makes the ideal location for contemplating the grandeur of the Temple of Poseidon. The Kythnos cruise gives the opportunity to discover Sifnos the flowery island and Paros with its whiteness spotless villages. Visit the sacred site of Delos.
