Beautiful main towns on the Aegean islands for endless summer strolls.
Labyrinthine alleys leading to squares, little chapels and hidden courtyards with geraniums and bougainvillea. Windmills and castles gazing over the deep blue of the Aegean. Picturesque settlements that capture the heart of the Greek summer. From the Dodecanese and the Cyclades to the Sporades, we singled out some of the most beautiful and atmospheric Chorasof the Aegean, which are reason enough on their own to travel to these islands.
Astypalea
Built atop a rocky promontory that juts into the sea, creating two bays, Pera Gialos and Livadi, the Chora ofAstypaleais one of the most beautiful island capitals in the Aegean. With its whitewashed houses, narrow lanes and traditional windmills, it looks like a Cycladic Chora, even though it belongs to theDodecanese.At its summit stands the Venetian castle,built by the Querini family in the 13th century. It stands out as you approach the island and captivates you even more as you climb through the narrow alleys and steps- the view unfolding before you is unique.
Patmos
The journey toPatmosmay seem quite time-consuming, but it is worth it. Patmos’s Chora is one of the most atmospheric in the Aegean. A stroll through its picturesque alleys, with stone arches and blooming courtyards, will confirm it. All roads lead to the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, a monastery with remarkable history and architecture,which impresses you the moment you see it from afar. The site exudes tranquility, while the view over the Aegean is breathtaking. A unique experience is a visit to the Cave of the Apocalypse, locatedon the route from the port of Skala towards the Chora. You feel profound serenity inside this cave where, according to Christian tradition, John wrote the Apocalypse.
Folegandros
The Chora ofFolegandrosfeels like a theater set. Perched 200 meters above the sea, it spreads in and around the medieval castle that dominates the cliff’s edge. The houses with their little whitewashed courtyards, the picturesque lanes, the striking view of the Aegean and the many squares with shops where locals and visitors gather will make you not want to leave the island. Follow the path that starts from Pounta Square to climb to the top of the hill, where the Church of Panagia stands - ideally late in the afternoon to savor the magical sunset.
Amorgos
Built in the center of the island, so as not to be visible from the sea, the labyrinthine Chora ofAmorgosis without a doubt one of the loveliest in the Cyclades. The settlement has developed around a tall rock atop which stands the Venetian castle. A wander through its whitewashed alleys will reveal traditional Cycladic houses with colorful doors, courtyards fragrant with honeysuckle and jasmine, covered passages, windmills, countless churches and traditional coffeehouses that are ideal for convivial late nights with psimeni raki.
Anafi
Small, picturesque and whitewashed, built amphitheatrically above the port at an elevation of 260 meters, like a balcony hovering over the Aegean, the Chora ofAnafihas ardent admirers, and not unjustly. Its distinctive feature is the numerous domed single-room houses with blue windows, while its narrow alleys lead to the old Venetian castle at the heart of the settlement. Among the sights of Anafi’s Chora are the picturesque windmills on the hillside.
Serifos
Built on the slope of a hill, the Chora ofSerifos,with its pure-white houses, labyrinthine alleys and windmills, is the island’s jewel. Walks usually begin at the little church of Agios Konstantinos in the Venetian castle with its enchanting view, and end at the bustling Pano Piatsa. The picturesque central square, with the neoclassical Town Hall building and the imposing church of Agios Athanasios, recalls a movie set. Everyone will pass through here for coffee, meze and an evening drink.
Ermoupoli, Syros
The capital ofSyros,Ermoupoli, is an island city that thrives in every season. Everything here exudes culture, nobility and grandeur. Following the picturesque alleys, you will feel as if entering a time machine. The beautiful neoclassical mansions and impressive buildings, the imposing Town Hall on Miaouli Square, a work by Ernst Ziller, the historicApollon Municipal Theater created in 1864 by the Italian architect Pietro Sampo and a miniature of La Scala in Milan, the mansions on the water in the aristocratic Vaporia quarter, the church of the patron Saint Nicholas with its distinctive blue dome and the other beautiful Orthodox and Catholic churches make Ermoupoli resemble an open-air museum.
Apollonia, Sifnos
The capital of Sifnos,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. No matter how many strolls you take, you won’t get enough of it. At every step, you will discover a picturesque house, a white chapel, a distinctive corner - all bound together in a composition of unique aesthetics. On your walk you will pass through Apollonia’s famous "steno" - a street full of restaurants, bars and little shops - where the heart of Sifnos’ nightlife beats.
Andros
The island ofAndrosdiffers quite a bit from the other Cycladic islands. Its aristocratic Chora, with splendid captains’ mansions, unique listed buildings, beautiful churches and fascinating museums, will be unforgettable. Known as the homeland of renowned shipowners and captains, it is built on a small peninsula that seems to cut the sea in two. At the entrance of the harbor stands the Tourlitis lighthouse, the only lighthouse in Europe built on a rock. At the northeastern tip of the Chora’s peninsula, on a small islet, you will see the remains of the Venetian castle. Opposite the castle lies the square wherethe statue of the Unknown Sailor dominates, in honor of the seafarers who lost their lives at sea.
Ioulida, Tzia
Amphitheatrically built on the slopes of two hills with excellent views of the Aegean, theChora ofKeais one of the loveliest in the Cyclades. Get ready for strollsthrough a picturesque settlement withtraditional white houses with reddish tiled roofs, narrow cobbled alleys, numerous little chapels and scattered small shops. In the square of Ioulida towers the historic Town Hall, amphitheatrically built around an imposing rock atop the ruins of the medieval castle. It is an impressive neoclassical building from 1902, a work by Ziller, adorned with finds from the island’s various archaeological sites.
Skyros
Perched on a precipitous hill, the Chora of Skyros, with its narrow winding lanes and pure-white houses on the slope, strongly recalls the Cyclades. The settlement embraces a towering rock, atop which stands the Byzantine castle with the Monastery of Agios Georgios. The route up is tiring, but it rewards the visitor. The view takes your breath away. Take a stroll along the main kalderimi, the Megali Strata, which crosses the whole Chora and is filled with prettylittle shops, as well as kafeneia and ouzeris serving local delicacies. In the Square of Eternal Poetry (or Brooke Square) you will see the statue of Rupert Brooke (an English romantic poet who died ona French hospital ship off the island during World War I and was buried on Skyros) and you will enjoy the fantastic view of the Aegean.
Alonnisos
TheOld Village, the former capital of Alonnisos, sits atop a hill and enjoys unobstructed views to all points of the horizon. After the devastating earthquake of 65, the inhabitants moved down to Patitiri, the island’s port, and the Chora was almost completely abandoned until the 80s. That was when some foreigners, lovers of tradition, bought the ruined two-story stone houses with wooden balconies and restored them. Thus, the traditional architecture was preserved intact and today the visitor can walk the cobbled lanes of a well-preserved settlement. Leave your vehicle and slip into the narrow paved lanes with well-kept little shops, cozy tavernas and the impressive view toward the Park’s deserted islets and Evia.
