| Staying on the Islands of GreeceWhen staying on | | | | ferry boat, with the nearby islands taking around |
| one of the islands of Greece, you'll receive a | | | | four or five hours to reach and the farthest |
| two-fold benefit. First, the scenic mountains, | | | | islands taking eight to ten hours!Tips for Visiting |
| forests and coastlines will mesmerize you. Second, | | | | the Greek IslandsWhether you're planning a tour |
| there's a quiet stillness in many of the remote | | | | of several islands or only one, make sure you |
| locations that is very inviting if you want a | | | | know the ferry schedules ahead of time. There |
| peaceful vacation. If you plan to visit several | | | | are many tours available where you can visit |
| different islands in Greece, you might find an island | | | | several islands during your trip to Greece. These |
| tour package helpful. You'll be able to visit several | | | | tours make it easy to schedule your ferry rides |
| different popular islands, and the travel agency | | | | and reserve a hotel room on the islands. Some |
| takes care of your transportation to and from | | | | island tours allow you to make up your own |
| the islands by ferry and also your hotel stay at | | | | itinery. Either way, it's worth the trip to see an |
| each island. You can enjoy islands such as Crete, | | | | island or two while in Greece.Below is a list of |
| Kos, Lesvos and Rhodes during your visit to | | | | islands in the Cyclades and what you'll discover on |
| Greece without the typical hassles. These tour | | | | your visit:AmorgosThe island of Amorgos offers |
| packages are also great if you're planning to tour | | | | an abundance of nightlife and taverns. There are |
| the Cyclades. Many packages enable you to | | | | very few sandy beaches here, but some visitors |
| choose which islands you want to visit during your | | | | enjoy swimming off the rocks or snorkeling. A |
| stay, and your hotels as well.Taking the FerryThe | | | | nice resort area is at the northern port of Agiali, |
| best means of transportation to the Greek islands | | | | which can also be reached by ferry. The Chora, |
| is the ferry boat. It's inexpensive and very | | | | or capital town, is located in the mountains. During |
| relaxing. The ferry boats typically have snack | | | | your stay, don't miss the Monastery of |
| bars, restaurants and comfortable seating. Some | | | | Chozoviotissa. This monastery was built into a cliff |
| boats have cabins where you can rest during | | | | on the other side of the island from the port. It's |
| your trip. There are also modern ferries that are | | | | a fascinating sight! There are local boat tours of |
| similar to airplanes. These provide TV or movie | | | | neighboring islands such as Koufonisi, Donousa, |
| entertainment, comfortable chairs and great food. | | | | Iraklia and Schinousa.AndrosThis island offers |
| Tip: Be sure to plan ahead when staying on an | | | | great activities and dining. There are traditional |
| island. Make sure a ferry ride is available at the | | | | villages to explore, a shipping museum and art |
| times you'll be arriving at or departing from each | | | | museum. Tourism is not encouraged here, which |
| island. If you're uncomfortable planning the trip, | | | | is great if you want peace and quiet. You can |
| use a dependable travel agency to be safe.Don't | | | | rent a car on the island and drive through the |
| Miss Greece's MainlandDon't become so occupied | | | | lovely green landscapes and forests. You might |
| with the islands of Greece that you miss the | | | | even see a couple of small rivers! There are |
| mainland! Greece's mainland has much to offer as | | | | connections to the islands of Syros, Mykonos and |
| well. The Peloponessos, for example, is referred | | | | Tinos by ferry from Andros as well.FolegandrosIf |
| to by many locals as the "true Greece" and has | | | | you enjoy breathtaking scenery and untouched |
| many stunning beaches, seaside mountains and | | | | beauty, Folegandros is the island for you. Artists |
| unique towns such as Githeon. Here you can | | | | use this island as a thinktank for creativity, and to |
| discover Greece's most amazing attractions, the | | | | capture landscapes on canvas! Although small, the |
| Diros Caves and the Santorini volcano. Also, | | | | island can get crowded during tourist season, so it |
| there's the Byzantine city of Mystras, which | | | | might be a good idea to go during the off |
| overlooks Sparta. Also on the mainland is modern | | | | seasons. The tourist area, or Chora, sits high in |
| Greece's first capital city, Nafplio. Here you can | | | | the mountains and has taverns. The port of |
| visit the area of Argolis to see archaeological sites | | | | Karavostasis offers hotels, beaches and |
| such as Epidavros, Nemea and Argos. Nafplio has | | | | restaurants. The ferry stops at this port. There |
| fortresses, restaurants, great beaches and an | | | | are ferry rides available to Milos, Santorini, Ios, |
| active night life. Another popular area on the | | | | Sifnos and Sikinos, but only a couple of times per |
| mainland is the Town of Kalavrita, where you can | | | | week.IosThe island of Ios is not the place for a |
| go skiing, see scenic mountains, and also visit a | | | | peaceful family vacation. College students flock |
| gorge with a train that runs for 22 kilometers | | | | here like they do to Daytona, Florida during Spring |
| near waterfalls and rapids, and the Cave of the | | | | break! This island connects to Naxos, Syros and |
| Lakes.A Tour of Athens, GreeceAthens combines | | | | Paros.KeaThis is a quiet, peaceful island near |
| modern city life with ancient Greek customs, | | | | Athens where tourism is not as frequent as |
| making it one of the most intriguing places to live | | | | some of the other islands in the Cyclades. It's |
| and visit in Europe. The city's coastal tram | | | | very popular with native Greeks, many of whom |
| provides easy access to the beaches at Attika. | | | | own summer vacation homes there. A lovely |
| There are many new parks and streets that | | | | village called Ioulis has Cycladic houses sitting on |
| have been transformed with convenient walking | | | | the side of the mountain. There are some great |
| paths. Many of the museums and hotels in Athens | | | | beaches that can be reached by hiking. Kea also |
| have been renovated. Even if you can't see the | | | | offers many great restaurants. A restaurant |
| Olympics in Athens, you can witness where it | | | | called Rolandos, located in Ioulida, is known for its |
| took place and learn for yourself why so many | | | | delicious fresh fish. Kea is a great place for hiking |
| tourists love Athens. Restaurants, cafes, night life | | | | if that's your fancy!KythnosKythnos is a remote |
| and spectacular events make Athens far from | | | | island in the Western Cyclades that doesn't see |
| boring any time of the year.When to Travel to | | | | much tourism. There are some attractive |
| GreeceIf traveling in July or August, be prepared | | | | beaches and hot springs. Those who are touring |
| for the crowds and hopping night life. Make your | | | | the Cyclades in sailboats and yachts often stop |
| reservations early to secure the best possible | | | | for a visit.MilosMilos is a volcanic island where you |
| rates and a place to stay. This is when many | | | | can see amazing rock formations and hot springs. |
| college students visit Greece. During May through | | | | When you arrive, be sure to secure a rented car |
| June or September through October, the weather | | | | or bike for touring the island if possible. There are |
| in Greece is great and it's much quieter. This is a | | | | lovely beaches and villages where you can enjoy |
| great time to visit islands such as Santorini or | | | | delicious cuisine and more. There are also some |
| Mykonos. You can enjoy many of the beaches | | | | historic sites you don't want to miss during your |
| without the big crowds. Also, this is a great time | | | | visit such as the Roman ampitheatre, Christian |
| for honeymooners!Touring Greece in | | | | catacombs, Venetian museums and castles. The |
| WinterGreece is not crowded during the winter | | | | famous Venus de Milo was discovered on |
| months, and this is a great time to see the sites, | | | | Milos!MykonosMykonos is a fast-moving island that |
| explore museums and maybe even take a swim | | | | offers expensive entertainment and nightlife, and |
| on warm days. Many days you'll enjoy mild | | | | also some great beaches. While on the island, you |
| temperatures. The winter in Greece is usually not | | | | can take a short boat trip to the nearby island of |
| harsh unless you're in the high elevations of the | | | | Delos where you can explore ruins. The island |
| mountains. You can also ski in Arahova, which is | | | | connects to Tinos, Syros, Naxos, Ios, Ikaria and |
| near Delphi.See Greece by BoatA great way to | | | | other surrounding islands.NaxosWith possibly the |
| tour Greece is by sailboat or Yacht! You can tour | | | | best beaches in Greece, Naxos is a large island |
| the islands by water while viewing the fascinating | | | | that's located near Paros, Ios and Santorini, and |
| scenery. See the island coasts from a different | | | | you can easily take a ferry to these popular |
| perspective and enjoy the fresh open air all at | | | | islands. Naxos has an abundance of restaurants, |
| once.The Holidays of GreeceGreece celebrates | | | | cafes, shops and clubs. You can rent a car to tour |
| several major holidays, with the biggest being the | | | | the island or take an enjoyable walk through the |
| 15th of August. Easter is the next biggest holiday, | | | | valleys of Tragaia. The village of Apollon attracts |
| with its services, celebrations and the popular | | | | many seafood lovers, and has ancient marble |
| roast lamb. The smell of wildflowers and spring is | | | | quarries with an unfinished statue of |
| in the air. Keep in mind that traveling and booking | | | | Apollo.ParosParos is a center for the Aegean |
| a hotel will be difficult around the time of these | | | | ferry system, with many boats coming through |
| Greek holidays. The Greek version of Mardi Gras, | | | | each day. It's a crowded tourist area, especially in |
| Apokreas, is celebrated in Patras, Athens and | | | | Naousa. Naousa is a small fishing village that |
| many other towns in Greece. This event is held in | | | | attracts many tourists each year. The island has |
| February. If you enjoy parties, night life and | | | | wind surfing and body surfing if you're the |
| dancing, you'll love Apokreas. You can get | | | | adventurous type. A ferry trip here is |
| discounted rates for flights and hotels during this | | | | approximately six hours from Athens. Hop over |
| time as well. Visiting Greece will be one of the | | | | to Antiparos for a day of |
| best vacation choices you've ever made. In | | | | relaxation.SantoriniSantorini is an island where you |
| Greece, you can choose a peaceful island | | | | can see ruins of ancient Thira or enjoy the |
| getaway or a city tour as your destination - it's | | | | beaches at Kamari or Perissa. Many tourists enjoy |
| your preference!Hiking in the Magical Land of | | | | staying in the hotels that overlook the caldera. |
| GreeceWhen you want to get away, take an | | | | These hotels sit on the edge of a cliff that drops |
| intriguing hike in the country of Greece, where | | | | 1,000 feet below! The sunsets here are beautiful. |
| you can explore ancient mythology and beautiful | | | | The island offers great beaches, nightlife, |
| landscapes. Hiking in Greece will captivate your | | | | restaurants and more. Ferry connections can be |
| mind with philosophy and history. Greece is one of | | | | made to Mykonos, Crete, Thessaloniki, Milos and |
| Europe's most romantic and inviting lands, and | | | | other nearby islands. There's also an international |
| there's no better way to see Greece than by | | | | airport here.SifnosSifnos is a handsome island that |
| foot! Here are some great hiking areas in Greece | | | | appeals to tourists of all sorts. There are beaches |
| you'll want to try out during your visit: Take a | | | | for the family, fine dining and scenery as well as |
| Hiking Challenge on the Island of Kefallonia | | | | many houses and villas for rent on the island, |
| Kefallonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands in | | | | giving tourists a variety of choices if they want to |
| Greece, and you can hike through rugged | | | | stay a night or two. You can travel by ferry to |
| mountains, caves, forests, coves and stunning | | | | nearby islands such as Mykonos, Ios, Paros and |
| beaches. The island reveals gorgeous scenery and | | | | Naxos during the summer.SerifosThis is a poor |
| picturesque villages, making the hike enjoyable for | | | | island near Sifnos that is undeveloped besides its |
| all.Take a Culture Walk in PeloponneseDo you | | | | main port. It has nice quaint beaches that appeal |
| enjoy learning about culture? The southern | | | | to older travellers. The island is about a four-hour |
| Peloponnese hike offers a quiet hike where few | | | | ferry ride from Athens and connects to Milos, |
| tourists trod. You'll discover striking architecture of | | | | Sifnos and Kythnos.SikinosAn island where mainly |
| tall and narrow houses in Kardamili, which lies | | | | farmers and fishermen make their abode, Sikinos |
| around the center of Messinian Mani. These unique | | | | is a great place for a quiet getaway. Rooms are |
| houses were built with pastel-colored stone and | | | | available for rent in the villages of Chora and |
| grey slate or tiles. The landscape is outlined with | | | | Kastro.SyrosSyros is the capital of the Cyclades |
| Taygetus' rocky ridge (2407 meters), which is | | | | that has a shipyard for ocean freighters and |
| capped with snow until late April. There are | | | | tankers in the harbor. The town offers very nice |
| dried-out foothills high in elevation, and lovely crop | | | | restaurants, old buildings and churches, and even |
| fields and olive groves near the coast.View the | | | | mansions that have been restored. Cobblestone |
| Amazing Vickos GorgeThis gorge borders popular | | | | streets and cafes welcome pedestrians. The island |
| ski areas of Greece and is known for its | | | | connects with Pireaus, Mykonos and Tinos daily by |
| footpaths, which are interconnected for hiking | | | | ferry.TinosNear the island of Mykonos, Tinos has |
| ease. The Vickos Gorge is located in the Vikos | | | | villages, landscapes and beaches for terrific |
| Aoos National Park, a place known for its | | | | sightseeing. Tinos is known for its church called |
| protection of bears and wild boars. The gorge | | | | the Panagia Evangalestria, which attracts people |
| appeals to hikers because it offers trails for hikers | | | | from all around who are looking for a miracle. |
| of many different experience levels. You'll get a | | | | Visitors swarm to the island each year around |
| great view of stone villages tucked away in the | | | | August 15th for a religious gathering. This is the |
| mountains.Hiking in MonodendriTake a break from | | | | most crowded time of the year for the island. |
| the car journey with a walk to the abandoned | | | | Tinos connects with Andros, Mykonos and Syros |
| Monastery of Agia Paraskevi. It's nearly a | | | | daily by ferry.You will want a cell phone for use |
| kilometer down the new kalderimi from the lower | | | | while your in Greece and with the local GSM |
| platia of Monodendri.Delphi Day-HikeTake a | | | | service you'll be amazed at how much better the |
| day-hike to the ancient village of Delphi, which is | | | | service is in France than back home. Virtually |
| located at the foot of the slopes of Mt. | | | | everywhere in Greece, yes even mountains and |
| Parnassos. You can take the route down a | | | | islands, is covered by superb GSM cell phone |
| mountain that was considered sacred to Apollo | | | | service. With a local service provider all your |
| and Dionysos, and choose from one of two | | | | incoming calls are 100% free and calling the states |
| historic footpaths. The Ancient Footpath (Archaio | | | | is just $.86 / minute. Or, to be 100% sure, you |
| Monopati), was used by Pan worshippers to walk | | | | can rent a satellite phone and as long as you can |
| to the Corycean Grotto from their ancient | | | | point it to the southern hemisphere you'll get |
| temples of Delphi to celebrate Pan rites. The | | | | service across Europe. Free incoming calls day and |
| other footpath is called the European Union E4 | | | | night from every country on earth and only $1.99 |
| Long Distance Footpath. On this hike, you'll cross | | | | to call any country, always.For more information |
| over Mt. Parnassos as you travel from Gibraltar | | | | on renting/buying these type of phones and |
| to Crete. Are you a bird fan? You might see | | | | getting this type of super low cost service take a |
| linnets, robins, woodpeckers and thrushes along | | | | look at or call 800-514-2984 inside the States or |
| the way. There are also eagles and vultures in the | | | | 925-686-9945 from outside. They ship worldwide |
| higher elevations.Enjoy the Kea Island | | | | and are based in California.Cell phone use |
| LandscapesSprings, shaded valleys and watermills | | | | overseas. In 99% of the world the local cellular |
| are abundant in the hills and valleys of Kea. Kea | | | | service standard is called GSM. We use this in the |
| also contains the only oak forest in the Cycladic | | | | states as well. When combined with a SIM CARD |
| islands. Ancient roads are still in great shape on | | | | (which usually goes under the battery of the |
| the island of Kea, and you'll be able to hike from | | | | phone) the phone is able to communicate and the |
| one end to the other and see nature at its best. | | | | SIM CARD also holds the telephone number and |
| If you love the colors of Spring, you'll want to | | | | memory for pre-paid credit. Rates can be |
| hike on the island at the peak of the Spring | | | | extremely low using this system. For example in |
| season for maximum enjoyment. Late March is | | | | 99% of all SIM CARDS incoming calls are free |
| the best time to go. There are other great | | | | and calls to the states can cost a trifle. Such as, |
| benefits to hiking in Greece. You can enjoy the | | | | from the UK to the USA 7 cents/minute, from |
| food on the islands by visiting some of the best | | | | Israel 22 cents, from Australia 27 cents. Yes, |
| restaurants and taverns in the Cyclades. Also, get | | | | USA Dollar cents! There are today even prepaid |
| to know Greek locals as you pass through villages. | | | | service providers in the USA offering rates of 10 |
| You can find a great hiking adventure in Greece | | | | cents per minute to call anywhere in the US to |
| no matter what your style and tastes!Your Guide | | | | any type of phone. No contracts, no credit card |
| to the Cyclades Islands of GreeceOne of the | | | | checks, no bills. Pre-paid always means no |
| fascinating things about Greece is its wide variety | | | | minimums no contracts, no obligations. You only |
| of gorgeous islands. Tourists flock to the islands | | | | pay for the calls made. You'll need an unlocked |
| each year for luxury, excitement and romance. | | | | GSM tri-band or quadband UNLOCKED phone. You |
| The most well-known group of Greek islands are | | | | can buy factory unlocked phones and sim cards |
| the Cyclades. Two of the most popular islands in | | | | for more than 170 or the 193 countries on earth |
| Greece are located in the Cyclades -- Mykonos | | | | from Tel. |
| and Santorini. The Cyclades can be reached by | | | | |