Suggestions for autumn getaways in the Cyclades. Strolls in picturesque Choras without the crowds and the heat of summer.
Without the summer crowds, the capitals ofCycladeshave a different charm. Autumn is an ideal time to discover thebeautiful in their simplicityChoras of the islands and enjoy relaxed strolls through labyrinthine alleys that lead to squares, little chapels 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, Andros
The island ofAndros differs quite a lot from the other Cycladic islands, and its Chora is one you wont soon forget. Aristocratic, with splendid captains mansions, uniquely preserved buildings, lovely churches and cobbled lanes. Known as the homeland of renowned shipowners and sea captains, it is built on a small peninsula that seems to cleave the sea in two and doesnt resemble a Cycladic capital at all.
At the entrance to the harbor stands Tourlitis Lighthouse, a unique landmark as it is the only lighthouse in Europe built atop a rock. At the northeastern tip of Choras peninsula, on an islet connected to Chora by a stone arched bridge, youll 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 the seafarers who lost theirlives at sea.Along the central marble-paved street of Chora youll admire the Andros Club, Girokomeio Square, as well as the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Its also worth setting aside time for the engaging museums, such as the Archaeological, the Maritime, and the Museum of Folklore and Christian Art. For art lovers, there is always the internationally renowned Museum of Contemporary Art, which hosts interesting exhibitions.
Ioulida, Tzia
Built amphitheatrically on the slopes of two hills with exceptional views of the Aegean, theChora of Kea is one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades. Get ready for strolls through a picturesque settlement with traditional white houses topped with reddish tiled roofs, narrow cobbled alleys, numerous little chapels and scattered small shops. In Ioulidas square stands the historic town hall, built amphitheatrically around an imposing rock upon the ruins of the medieval castle. It is an impressive neoclassical building from 1902, a work by Ziller, adorned with finds from the islands various archaeological sites.
On the uphill waytowards Choras square lies the Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums of the Cyclades, with unique finds from the excavations on the island. About a 10-minute walk northeast of the town, youll also find the famous Lion of Kea. It is an Archaic sculpted monument of the 6th -7th century BC carved into a solid schist rock about 8 meters long.
Apollonia, Sifnos
Laid-back yet vibrant, for calm as well as more restless travelers, Sifnosoffers a unique package of Cycladic beauty and harmony. The islands capital, cosmopolitan Apollonia (the name derives from the worship of the god Apollo on the island in antiquity), is built over three hills in the center of the island. However many strolls you take, you wont get enough of it. At every step, youll discover a picturesque house, a white chapel, a special corner - all tied together in a composition of unique aesthetics.
On your walk youll pass through Apollonias famous «Steno» - a street full of restaurants, bars and little shops - where the heart of Sifnos nightlife beats. In Apollonias central square (Heroes Square) is the Folklore Museum of Sifnos, which includes exhibits from the islands traditional life. Thewonderful traditional flavors of Sifnos are yet another good reason to visit the island. Dont forget to trymastelo (kid goat or lamb placed on vine canes and baked in a wood-fired oven, inside a special ceramic vessel), the traditional revithada and the local cheeses (gylomeni manoura, xinomizithra and chloromanoura).
Ermoupoli, Syros
The capital ofSyros,Ermoupoli, is an island city that has life regardless of season. Everything here exudes culture, elegance and grandeur. Following the picturesque alleys, youll feel as if 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 Apollon Municipal Theater created in 1864 by Italian architect Pietro Sampo and a miniature of Milans La Scala, the mansions right on the wave in the aristocratic Vaporia quarter, the church of the patron Saint Nicholas with its distinctive blue dome and the rest of the beautiful Orthodox and Catholic churches make Ermoupoli resemble an open-air museum.
Visit the Industrial Museum of Ermoupoli (among the exhibits youll see the legendary Enfield 8000, the first electric car manufactured in Greece), walk throughVaporia to admire the impressive mansions and - if the weather permits - take a swim off the rocks at Asteria Beach. Dont miss a stroll through the medieval settlement of Ano Syros, which stands on one of the two large hills above Ermoupoli and has its own authentic beauty.
