Delve deeper into the Cyclades and the Dodecanese and discover unique destinations for unforgettable holidays.
Greek summer is inextricably linked with the islands of the Aegean, with images of whitewashed villages, endless blue, and flavors that remain unforgettable. The islands of the South Aegean enchant travelers at first glance, with dreamlike beaches, delicious cuisine, and welcoming people. The true identity of the islands is revealed only to those who choose to explore beyond the surface, for there lie their soul and their energy, which one rarely encounters elsewhere.
In the heart of the South Aegean - in the Cyclades and the Dodecanese - you will find Greece’s most emblematic islands, from Santorini with its spectacular sunsets to Mykonos with its international glamour. Yet, at the same time, lesser-known islands, such as distinctive Nisyros and captivating Halki, offer authentic and unexpected experiences. In this guide you will discover unique island destinations for your next holidays.
The stars of the Cyclades
Whitewashed houses, rugged and arid landscapes, and sandy beaches characterize the Cyclades. Yet there you will discover much more than that. For example, on Santorini visitors can walk along the rim of the volcano, and on Syros admire neoclassical mansions with Venetian influences.
Santorini: The enigma
The eruption of Santorini’s volcano around 1600 BC created the famed Caldera. Every day, caiques ferry visitors to the islets Palaia Kameni (for a dip in the thermal springs) and Nea Kameni (for a walk around the crater and the fumaroles). The island at the edge of the Cyclades always has a cloudless blue sky and the sun bathes the whitewashed houses and the beaches.
To enjoy the finest views of the Caldera’s sheer cliffs, opt for a catamaran cruise. Oia, with its impressive sunset, pastel-hued buildings, galleries, and boutiques, attracts many couples. The black-sand beaches of Perivolos and Perissa await to cool you in their waters. Santorini’s distinctive character is captured in its wine, with vineyards cultivated in basket-shaped wreaths to protect from wind and sun. Try a chilled Assyrtiko with local products such as white eggplant, fava, and cherry tomatoes.
Mykonos: Endless glamour
"Wild" and unpredictable, Mykonos has a character all its own. Once a poor island that lived from fishing and agriculture, it became famous in the 1960s when Jackie Kennedy paved the way for tourism with her visit. Hippies, celebrities, and royalty followed. Today Mykonos features luxury hotels, aristocratic beach clubs, and elegant restaurants. On the island you can meet them all - from carefree couples to the jet set.
Mykonos’ beaches are countless: from cosmopolitan Psarou and family-friendly Platis Gialos to unspoiled Agrari. Take the caique to visit impressive Delos, birthplace, according to mythology, of Apollo and Artemis. The islet is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth discovering.
Milos: Heavenly waters
Beloved by couples, Milos is the ideal escape thanks to its more than 70 spectacular beaches. It was on this island in 1820 that the famous statue of the Venus de Milo was discovered, which today is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. The volcanic terrain has gifted the island lunar landscapes such as Sarakiniko beach. Due to its geological singularity, Milos has a rich history of mining, presented at the Milos Mining Museum in Adamas.
Among the island’s most popular destinations, beyond Sarakiniko, are the sea caves of Kleftiko, Sykia, and Papafragas. The colorful fishing villages, such as Klima and Mandrakia, captivate photographers and artists. Equally fascinating are the old sulfur mines, which ceased operation in the mid-20th century and form an abandoned industrial attraction.
Syros: The aristocrat
The capital of the Cyclades, Syros, looks nothing like its neighboring islands. Ermoupoli is filled with mansions, neoclassical buildings, and cultural monuments. Two hills rise over the town: on one side the Orthodox church of Agios Nikolaos and on the other the Catholic Saint George. In Miaouli Square, the Town Hall building designed by Ernst Ziller in the 19th century dominates, while in the picturesque Vaporia district you’ll find the Apollo Theater, inspired by and built in the style of Italian theaters, which hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year. In Ano Syros, the atmosphere is enchanting with panoramic views of the Aegean, and at night the narrow lanes fill with rebetiko songs. Families prefer beaches such as Galissas, Agathopes, and Kini, for their shallow waters and taverna options.
The beauties of the Dodecanese
The Dodecanese are full of contrasts, with stories bearing the imprint of every conqueror – from Arabs and Ottomans to Italians. Each island has its own character and identity. Though all have something special to tell, some truly stand out. On Nisyros, for example, the experience of walking in the crater of an active volcano is unique, while on remote Kastellorizo the authenticity of the place remains untouched by mass tourism.
Symi: The postcard island
Symi proves that "the finest perfumes come in small bottles". The island’s harbor welcomes visitors with a scene of colorful houses clinging to the hillside, in shades of ochre, terracotta, and blue. On their pediments, the ox-eye stands out for protection, while the courtyards are paved with intricate pebble mosaics. In the 19th century, sponge diving and shipbuilding brought wealth and splendor to Symi, with captains erecting two- and three-storey mansions mainly in the harbor of Gialos. If you climb the 500 steps to Chorio, you will admire houses influenced by Cycladic and Venetian elements, creating a beautiful settlement that today has been declared preserved.
To the south, the 15th-century monastery of Panormitis stands among cypresses and pines. Caiques circle the island, taking visitors to beaches such as Agios Georgios Dysalonas and Nanou. If the sea whets your appetite, try the local specialty: Symi’s famous tiny fried shrimp.
Kastellorizo: A serene escape
Kastellorizo exudes a charming artistic atmosphere and became internationally known thanks to the film Mediterraneo, which also won an Oscar. The island still maintains a low profile and is ideal for travelers seeking tranquility. Its little harbor, where the heart of everyday life for around 500 residents beats, is adorned with neoclassical houses in bold hues. Getting around its only settlement is on foot or by boat, creating a sense of another era.
In Chorafion Square stands the Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen, while if you climb 400 steps you will reach the Monastery of Agios Georgios tou Vounou. The Ottoman mosque hosts the island’s Historical Collection, a permanent exhibition with documents and photographs concerning its modern history from the 19th to the 20th century. There are many options for swims among rocks and wooden platforms at Faro and Mandraki, while the boat ride to the Blue Cave reveals a unique wonder of nature.
Nisyros: Volcanic beauty
Among the volcanic islands of the Aegean, Nisyros stands out as it is green, with olive, almond, fig, and lemon trees beautifying the landscape. The island’s agriculture continues to go hand in hand with the developing tourism. The major attraction is the active volcano, 160,000 years old. The Stefanos crater is accessible, and walking inside it you will feel as if you are on another planet.
In the village of Nikia, with its authentic architecture, atop the caldera, the Nisyros Volcanological Museum offers interactive exhibitions about the volcano’s birth and activity. Thermal springs bubble up in various parts of the island, with the best known being Loutra on the northern coast, between Mandraki and Pali. Here Nisyros reveals its most authentic character. At the Castle of Mandraki you will admire the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, built inside a cave, with panoramic views over the endless blue.
Halki: With an eye on sustainability
Halki is the smallest inhabited island of the Dodecanese, but its charm is great. With very few cars, life here flows calmly and slowly, with everything done on foot. Nimborio, the island’s only settlement, stands out from afar with its multicolored neoclassical houses reflected in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean. Halki is designated as a NATURA 2000 area and has dynamically entered a path of sustainability with European support.
The photovoltaic park covers almost all of its energy needs, making it a model of green transition. Do not miss a stroll to the abandoned settlement of Chorio, just 2.5 kilometers from the port, with ruins of houses, old churches, and thrones carved in rock with ancient Greek inscriptions. On the eastern coast, the castle of the Knights Hospitaller of Rhodes has dominated the hill of Agios Nikolaos since the 14th century, offering enchanting views.
