The Cyclades

During my high school years, I learned that the name “Cyclades” refers to the islands forming a circle –around the sacred island of Delos, an arc of history, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And according to Greek mythology, Poseidon, God of the Sea, was furious at the Cyclades nymphs and turned them into islands. Little did I care back then, but I do thank him for that now. Mykonos was the very first destination for a getaway with friends, back in my teenage years. Those iconic windmills, the wave-lashed Little Venice, the cosmopolitan and luxurious flair and the incredible sapphire-coloured waters have been engrained on my mind ever since. After all these years, it is Ftelia that remains my favourite beach. Like most of you, I first saw Amorgos not at the south-eastern edge of the cluster but on the big screen, back in 1988, in Luc Besson’s “Le Grand Bleu”. So when the boat docked, I felt like a believer, returning to pay my respects. The same feeling overwhelmed me with the mysterious rock formations, curious soil colours and various jaw-dropping beaches of Milos (some sage advice: rent a boat to see every formation up close). And I will be forever grateful for the volcanic activity resulting in the unbelievable red and black beaches of Santorini (as well as the rich wine traditions). Yes, the island has a volcano, one of the very few still active in both Greece and Europe as a whole. Decades on from that first visit of mine, I still believe that the world’s finest spot to sit and enjoy the sunset is at the caldera. Surfers, architecture fans, art aficionados and fine diners are all drawn to Tinos, her wild-at-heart flair and giant granite boulders, dubbed by philosopher Cornelius Castoriadis as the “handmade island”. If there, an excellent place to lunch is “Thalassaki” at Ysternia Bay. For windsurfing enthusiasts though, there is no place quite like Paros. This leads me to think of Piso Livadi, a tiny and serene fishing village. And, of course, Naoussa, the romantic port (and my favourite part) of the island, where you simply have to visit “Barbarossa”, a true legend among fine dining restaurants. Gorgeous sandy beaches, incomparable light, translucent water, and unique architecture in white and blue – the most famous island group is, in my view, really the crown jewel of

The village of Limeni and the castles of Monemvasia and Nafplio are among the most romantic destinations in Greece (and a real treat for architecture aficionados). Another tip are the regional wines of “Nemea” and “Mantineia”, as well as Monemvasia’s famous “Malvasia”, the local sweet wine, which is dubbed “the nectar of the nobles”. And, of course, you will also love the coastline of the Peloponnese with its spectacular hidden beaches and azure crystal-clear water. Awardworthy are the somewhat exotic “Elafonisos” and “Voidokoilia” beaches in Messinia (again, you can thank me later).