Ideas for autumn getaways in the Cyclades. Strolls through picturesque Choras without the crowds and the summer heat.
Without the summer crowds, the capitals of the Cyclades have a different beauty. The autumn is the ideal season to discover the beautiful in their simplicity Choras of the islands and to enjoy leisurely strolls through labyrinthine alleys that lead to squares, little churches and courtyards, castles and picturesque corners with views of the open sea. Here are four wonderful Cycladic Choras that could be your destination for an autumn escape.
Chora of Andros
The island of Andros differs quite a lot from the other Cycladic islands, and its Chora is one you won't forget. Aristocratic, with splendid captains' mansions, unique listed buildings, lovely churches and cobbled lanes. Known as the homeland of famed shipowners and sea captains, it's built on a small peninsula that seems to split the sea in two and doesn't resemble a Cycladic capital at all.
At the entrance to the harbor stands the Tourlitis lighthouse, a singular attraction as it's the only lighthouse in Europe built on a rock. At the northeastern tip of Chora's peninsula, on an islet connected to Chora by a stone arched bridge, you'll see the remains of the Venetian castle. Opposite the castle lies the much photographed square with the statue of the Unknown Sailor, dedicated to all sailors who lost their lives at sea. On Chora's central marble paved street you'll admire the Andrians' Club, Girokomeio Square, and the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin. It's also worth dedicating time to the interesting museums, such as the Archaeological, the Maritime, and the Museum of Folklore and Christian Art. For art lovers there's always the world renowned Museum of Contemporary Art, hosting intriguing exhibitions.
Ioulida, Tzia
Amphitheatrically built on the slopes of two hills with exceptional views over the Aegean, the Chora of Kea is one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades. Get ready for strolls through a picturesque settlement of traditional white houses with reddish tiled roofs, narrow cobbled alleys, numerous little churches and scattered small shops. In the square of Ioulida the historic Town Hall dominates, amphitheatrically built around an imposing rock atop the ruins of the medieval castle. It's an impressive neoclassical building from 1902, designed by Ziller, adorned with finds from the island's various archaeological sites.
On the uphill way toward Chora's square stands the Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in the Cyclades, with unique finds from excavations on the island. About a 10-minute walk northeast of town, you'll also find the famed Lion of Kea. It's an archaic sculpted monument of the 6th -7th century BC, carved into a solid schist rock about 8 meters long.
Apollonia, Sifnos
Relaxed yet vibrant, for relaxed and more restless travelers alike, Sifnos offers a unique package of Cycladic beauty and harmony. The island's capital, cosmopolitan Apollonia (its name comes from the worship of the god Apollo on the island in antiquity), is built on three hills in the center of the island. No matter how many strolls you take, you won't get enough of it. At every step you'll discover a picturesque house, a small white church, a special corner - all woven into a composition of unique aesthetics.
On your stroll you'll pass through Apollonia's famous «narrow lane» - a street full of restaurants, bars and little shops - where the heart of Sifnos's nightlife beats. In Apollonia's central square (Heroes' Square) you'll find the Sifnos Folklore Museum, which includes exhibits from the island's traditional life. The island's wonderful traditional flavors are yet another good reason to visit. Don't miss trying mastelo (goat or lamb set on vine twigs and baked in a wood fired oven, inside a special ceramic dish), the traditional chickpea stew and the local cheeses (aged manoura, xinomizithra and chloromanoura).
Ermoupoli, Syros
The capital of Syros, Ermoupoli, is an island city that's lively regardless of season. Everything here exudes culture, nobility and grandeur. Following the picturesque alleys, you'll feel like stepping into a time machine. The beautiful neoclassical and impressive buildings, the imposing Town Hall on Miaouli Square, a work by Ernst Ziller, the historic Municipal Theater Apollon created in 1864 by Italian architect Pietro Sabo and a miniature of Milan's La Scala, the mansions on the water in the aristocratic Vaporia quarter, the church of the patron Saint Nicholas with its characteristic blue dome and the other beautiful Orthodox and Catholic churches make Ermoupoli feel like an open-air museum.
Visit the Industrial Museum of Ermoupoli (among the exhibits you'll see the legendary Enfield 8000, the first electric car manufactured in Greece), walk through Vaporia to admire the impressive mansions and - if the weather permits - take a dip off the rocks at Asteria beach. Don't miss a stroll through the medieval settlement of Ano Syros, which sits on one of the two large hills above Ermoupoli and has its own authentic beauty.
