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More than 2051 kilometres coastline, 242 sites to
visit, 77 museums to see, all on 147 islands, and
much more.....
T
he Cyclades Islands situated in south-eastern part
of the Aegean Sea in relation to Attica-Athens area
and it is a group of 220 islands (either habited,
inhabited or vacant). Amorgos, Anafi, Andros,
Antiparos, Delos, Folegandros, Ios, Kea, Kimolos,
Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini
(Thira), Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros and Tinos, as well as the
complex of Small Eastern Cyclades (Donousa, Irakleia, Koufonisia
and Schinousa), are the most well known.
The Cyclades is an administrative prefecture of Greece with
Ermoupolis, on Syros, capital and administrative centre.
The Cyclades group of islands is considered one of the finest
vacation destinations worldwide, providing visitors with a wide
range of diverse activities: history, religion, sea activities, etc.
All Cycladic Islands share some distinctive features, such as the
renowned Cycladic architecture with the whitewashed houses,
narrow cobblestone alleyways, fascinating archaeological,
historical, religious and natural sights, quaint seaside or mountain
villages and endless beaches.
Each island though has several specific characteristics that make
it stand out from the rest, making the islands absolutely unique.
From prehistoric years and up to the archaic period, the islands
of Cyclades were covered with dense forests. The climate of the
Cyclades Islands is mild, an endless summer.
9 0 0 0 Y E ARS OF H I S TOR Y AND CU L T URE
According to the texts of famous ancient writers, like Herodotos,
Thucydides and Stravon, the name Cyclades was given to the
islands because they form a circle around the holy island of
Delos.
According to the tradition, first residents of Cyclades were Kares,
Leleges and Phoenicians. The oldest settlement of people in
Cyclades is dated back in 9000 B.C., as shown by the Mesolithic
settlement that was discovered in the region Maroulas in Kythnos.
The Cycladic Islands have been inhabited since 3000 B.C. a
period known as the early Cycladic period. Archaeological
findings from this era have proved the existence of houses and
boat building but most importantly, the marble statues that are
famous until today.
That Cycladic Culture that existed throughout the copper era
(3200-1100 B.C.), is divided in three periods:
• The Early Cycladic Period (3200-2000 B.C.)
• The Middle Cycladic Period (2000-1650 B.C.)
• The Late Cycladic Period (1650-1100 B.C.)
Every island has its own unique identity; Andros with its springs
and greenery, Tinos with the pious shrine of the Holy Virgin Mary,
Delos the birthplace of Apollo, Santorini with its volcano legacy
and wine, the cheerful Ios, the Amorgos of the poets, Sifnos with
its ceramic art, Paros with its famous Arhilohos and marble, the
unexpected Folegandros, the humble Sikinos, Milos of the
catacombs and the statue of the Venus de Milo, Naxos of
dancing and music, the reclusive Anafi, the sail experienced
MEETINGREECE
120
CYCLADES ISLANDS
The most unique islands are
waiting to host unique
meetings