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