Discover 4 of the most impressive, unknown islands in the Cyclades archipelago, unpolished gems that will delight you with fairytale landscapes and local hospitality.
The islands of Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos and Milos are worth exploring on foot, experiencing everything they have to offer: centuries-old traditions, dream trails and selected Greek dishes.
Folegandros Island, nicknamed the "Island of Peace"
With its simplicity and authenticity, the island of Folegandros will conquer you on the spot! It shines under the Aegean sun and is named after the son of King Minos. Together with Sikinos, Ios, Anafi and Santorini, they form the southern part of the Cyclades. It is a small island, consisting of 3 villages, Chora, Karavostasis and Ano Meria, which are connected by an asphalt road. However, we recommend that you discover it while walking, so that you can enjoy every wonder that this island has to offer.
The narrow, cobbled streets, the traditional Cycladic-style architecture, with white houses and the colorful doors and windows, the wild beaches, with turquoise, crystal water, theyall all create a romantic and soothing atmosphere.
Tourist experiences from Folegandros Island
Whether you prefer culinary experiences or breathtaking tourist attractions, Folegandros Island has it all!
One of the most spectacular places is the Venetian district of Kastro, in Chora, located 200 meters above sea level. The stunning views, which offer an unreal panorama, the Greek restaurants, accompanied by music and welcoming and smiling locals will make you fall in love with Greece. Once the sun goes down in the blue waters of the Aegean Sea, get ready for a festive atmosphere.
Of course, you can notmiss the local cuisine, with delicacies such as "matsáta" (homemade noodles with chicken or rabbit) and sourotó (goat cheese). To complete the menu, try the island's famous drink, "rakómelo" (honey raki) and enjoy "karpouzénia" (a dessert made with fried watermelon).
Let us not forget, however, the essential objective of any summer holiday: the endless stretches of sand, which make up impressive beaches with golden sand and the azure waters, like the sky. The rocky peaks, well-positioned trails and the multitude of wild beaches make Folegandros Island a paradise. From Agali beach in the west of the island to Folégandros, Agios Geórgios and Serfiótiko in the northeast, each has its own beauty.
Serifos Island, the ideal combination between relaxation and adventure
History, Cycladic flair, wilderness and magnificent beaches; these features best describe the island of Serifos. Located west of the Cyclades archipelago, it is part of the Milos regional unit and is 4.5 hours away from Athens if you choose to travel by ferry.
It has preserved its famous architectural style, with white houses, cobbled streets, windmills and churches, located in villages with picturesque landscapes, such as Chora.
It is a Greek destination where you can invigorate your activity every day: from mountaineering, mountain biking or diving, to total relaxation on one of the over 70 beaches waiting to be discovered.
Tourist experiences in Serifos Island
The unique adventures on the island of Serifos, the untouched beauty, gastronomy and modesty of the locals will delight your eyes and your soul.
You can start your day exploring the idyllic and wild beaches of the island. You can also visit the beaches specially designed for tourists, such as Livadi, Sikamia and Livadakia, and then choose the one you like the most. Lunch is the tastiest when served at an authentic tavern, enjoying all the delicacies specific to the area. Serifos is known for “revithada” (baked chickpeas), “mizithra” cheese and a delicious local sausage, “loutza”. Favorite desserts are almond sweets, "amygdalota", and "marathotiganites", fried fennel cakes. It may sound a little weird, but it’s a must-try!
The day can continue with a walk through the villages of the island, which are located on rocky slopes, above some bays with views that leave you speechless. The island has a history dating back centuries and the historical monuments in the area are worth visiting: the churches of Agios Konstantinos and Agios Eleftherios, the ruins of the castle in the capital Chora, the monastery of Taxiarches.
How to end the day differently than in the Agios Athanasios square, which is animated with a lot of good cheer, Greek music and culinary specialties?
The island of Sifnos, the island of Apollo
Since ancient times, the island of Sifnos has been appreciated for its beauty, being considered the island of Apollo. It consists of picturesque villages such as Kastro, Kamares, Apollonia and Exambela, full of restaurants, terraces and shops.
The island has perfect beaches for swimming, with fine sand and a beautiful turquoise water.
Experience Sifnos Island
Sifnos is famous for its culinary delicacies, so you can't help but try all the goodies: homemade tirokafteri, bouyourdi, panakopita, gyros. The traditional recipes of the past are still respected and the experience is even more authentic. You can choose any restaurant or tavern and you will receive the same delicacies.
In addition to the capital Apollonia, which has a special quiet, with narrow pedestrian alleys and typical Cycladic houses, the village of Kastro, the first capital of the island, is a place worth visiting. It is a medieval fortress, built on a hill, above the sea, which takes your breath away with the view it offers.
And because the island of Sifnos has some amazing beaches, every day of vacation in Greece can be written differently. Vathy, Platis Gialos, Faros and Chrissopighi are just a few examples and it’s up to you to discover the rest for yourself.
Milos Island, a separate volcanic island
Located in the southern part of the Cyclades, it is distinguished by its volcanic origin, which endowed it with magnificent, colorful landscapes and a coast with over 40 exotic beaches. It is relatively close to the famous Santorini and Mykonos, which facilitates access to this paradise on earth.
It is distinguished, first of all, by its majestic ambiance, rich history, picturesque fishing villages and delicious gastronomy.
Tourist experiences in Milos Island
The statue of Venus in Milo that was discovered here in 1820, the stunning Sarakiniko beach, which has a lunar landscape with formations of white volcanic rocks and emerald waters, Kleftiko, the former refuge of pirates, sea caves and villages Klima and Firopotamos, which take you back in time are just a few of the attractions of Milos Island.
The whole landscape outlines a romantic and charming setting, which will make you return at the first opportunity.
You can swim or sail in the azure waters on a mini-yacht or kayak, enjoy the authenticity of the fishing villages and the goodies they offer, discover the hidden caves and catacombs or simply walk the whole island .
Traveling, you will get a different vision of life, and Greece is, without a doubt, on top of potentially addictive locations.
Which of the islands sounds more interest to you? You don't even have to limit yourself to one, and we are here to offer you a tailor made dream holiday.
