The Aegean Islands are undoubtedly the most popular and world-famous Greek islands. There are more or less 6,000 islands and islets in this area, traditionally subdivided into seven groups. While sailing onboard Oneida, you will be able to visit the Argolic and Saronic Gulf Islands, the Cyclades, and the east coast of the Peloponnese.
According to Greek Mythology, the Aegean Sea owes its name to the King of Athens, Aigeas (Aegeas).
One aspect to consider when deciding to sail in this area is the strong wind known as the Meltemi, which blows from the north over the entire archipelago and can reach up to 9 Beaufort. The potential drawback of this area is that, in strong winds, the sailing cruise schedule may need to be adjusted, and the customer must be prepared to change the itinerary.
Since the 1960s, Mykonos has acted like a magnet, drawing a substantial international audience, and consistently securing its reputation as one of the best summer destinations. Whether it’s the desire to feel like a VIP, Mykonos has it all: exceptional beaches, award-winning restaurants, legendary parties, luxury yachts, stunning villas, and 5-star services.
According to myth, the Olympian Gods and the Giants, who are the sons of the earth goddess Gaia, engaged in an epic fight on the island of Mykonos. The giants were drawn from their hiding place by the hero Hercules, who then defeated them in combat on the island of Mykonos. The belief holds that some of Mykonos’ enormous rock formations are the petrified remains of these legendary giants.
This island is unique because it can satisfy a range of needs: you can visit it for its historical places, learn about local customs in its picturesque villages, and enjoy its incredible beaches, which many people consider to be among the best in the Aegean Sea.
Some reasons we love Mykonos:
– Chora and its quartier of Little Venice
The island’s capital is a typical Cycladic town that will surprise you with its beauty and elegance. There are numerous things you may do in this city, like walking through its winding backstreets and admiring the tiny, whitewashed villas with blue windows, small churches, and museums. On the hill above the harbor, visit the Panagia Paraportiani Church, the Town Hall, and the Castle. Mykonos’ pedestrian-only streets are humming with activity thanks to the trendy clothing and jewelry boutiques, cafes, clubs, and restaurants that are there. Alefkandra, often known as Little Venice, is one of the town’s most well-liked and attractive areas. With colorful balconies and wooden galleries, as well as being surrounded by the sea, the houses are spectacular.
– Panagia Paraportiani chapel
On Mykonos, there are literally dozens of little churches, each with a snow-white facade and frequently a tiny colorful dome. The most famous of all is Panagia Paraportiani, which dates to the 1400s and can be located facing the sea at the entrance of Chora (the name, which means “Our Lady of the Side Gate,” reflects the position). It is recognized as a national monument and is regarded as a model of Cycladic architecture.
– Paradise and Super Paradise beach clubs
Paradise and Super Paradise Beaches in Mykonos are located in the south part of the island. Those are some of the most famous spots of Mykonos since the hippie era and a lot of amenities and points of interest for both tourists and locals are found there. During the summer, these beaches’ bars and clubs offer a number of gatherings and events with notable DJ special guests like David Guetta and Steve Aoki.
– Santana beach club for a pool party on the sea
– Sacred Island of Delos
In ancient Greek history, the island of Delos had a significant role, particularly in terms of politics and religion. Being the hub of the Cyclades complex, which literally means “those who encircle [Delos],” gave it a privileged geopolitical position.
The Peloponnese Island of Poros is made up of two tiny islands: Sferia and Kalavria, which means “fine breeze.”
The myth narrates that Kalavria was initially devoted to the God Apollo and subsequently was given to the god Poseidon in return for the Delphic Oracle.
Poros really is a must-see destination for a quick journey because of its wonderful beaches and bustling main town.
You can find numerous stunning beaches with shady trees, fine sand, and blue waters. Most of Poros’ beaches are well organized, dotted with resorts, taverns, beach bars, and. Askeli and Love Bay are two of the most gorgeous beaches in Poros.
Some reasons we love Poros:
– Poros town
– Bourtzi Islet
– Mikro Neorio beach
– Askeli and Love bay beaches
– Lemon forest
The year-round ideal destination for a brief getaway or extended holiday is the Greek Island of Spetses, with its rich history and culture, museums, stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.
The name Spetses is a borrowing from the Italian word spezie, which means “spices.” The Venetians, who had occupied the island since 1220, gave it this name because of its location on a key trading route for spices in the 15th century.
The paradisiac island is particularly famous for its rich and relaxed ambiance: it is filled with great villas and driving is restricted, which helps to maintain a pleasant environment and gives the possibility to visit the islands by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriages.
Some reasons we love Spetses
– Spetses and Bouboulina museums
– Cave of Bekiris
– Old harbour
– Agia Paraskevi beach
– Agioi Anargiri beach
One of the loveliest places in Greece is Hydra.
The city was constructed with an amphitheater-like structure on a hillside overlooking the gulf.
When you arrive in hydra you feel like you chanced era: the preservation of its unique ambience over time can be attributed to its historic stone mansions, winding cobblestone lanes, quiet squares, and, most all, the city’s ban on automobiles and usage of about 500 donkeys for public transportation. Very romantic!
– Hydra town with the port
– Avlaki beach
– Bisti beach
– Kaminia fishing port
According to myths, the island was named after a nymph, the daughter of the river god Asopos, whom Zeus brought to the island after falling in love with her.
Despite the island’s modest size, it is home to great attractions and stunning natural features. The well-known Aphea Temple is the jewel of the island. With the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, it actually forms the so-called “holy triangle” of antiquity, an equilateral triangle. The island’s capital, Aegina Town, is notable for the structures’ excellent preservation. Agia Marina, Perdika, Souvala, Kypseli, Agii, and Vagia are just a few of the quaint, traditional villages you may find on the fringes. Numerous smaller islands, including Moni, encircle Aegina that represents in fact the ideal place for sailing holidays!
– Temple of Athena Aphaia
– Moni Islet
– Monastery of Agios Nektarios
– Perdika beach
This island, located in the southwest of the Cyclades, offers several unusual natural landscapes that were created as a result of a strong volcanic activity.
The island is also the birthplace of the famous marble Venus of Milo statue that can be found in the Louvre Museum today.
Milos has an unending list of attractions: Sarakiniko and Kleftiko, with their white rocky coastline, emerald-green waters, and sea-eroded caves, are rich with legends of pirates; early Christian catacombs, an archaeological spectacle dating from the 1st to the 5th century AD, impressive and humbling sight at the same time; the colorful communities of Klima, Emborios, and Mandrakia with their charming structures carved into the cliffs and Plaka’s sunsets… you are spoiled for choice!
– Kleftiko & the Sea caves
– Catacombs
– Sulfur Mines at Paliorema
– Klima and other fishing villages
– Sarakiniko beach
– Firiplaka beach
– Papafragas Beach
– Kimolos Island
Sifnos, the island of flavors, is one of Greece’s most romantic destinations and has a thriving cuisine scene.
The pace of life is pleasantly tranquil, sweet, and honest on this tiny Cycladic Island. Here you can go around and discover the island’s 227 churches, lot of organized or secluded beaches, and fascinating traditional villages.
– Kastro Village
– Church of Seven Martyrs
– Heronissos beach
– Vroulidia beach
Paros is considered the quintessential Greek Island.
The main reasons this island is so well known are in fact the stunning beaches, medieval villages, wineries, harbors, and easy access to other islands. Paros is compared to Mykonos from 20 years ago since it has all the charm and atmosphere but none of the crowds or high pricing, especially during the summer.
Being one of the most adaptable Greek islands, Paros is wonderful for all types of tourists. This island offers a variety of vacation options, including romantic getaways, leisurely family vacations, and exciting nightlife.
In antiquity, the white marble from Paros’ quarries was very famous and highly prized for use in sculpture and construction, especially during the Classical Greek Period. This translucent, pure white material was used to create some of the greatest works of ancient Greek sculpture.
– Naoussa and Parikia Villages
– Paros Environmental and Cultural Park
– Valley of Butterflies
– traditional Lefkes village
– Monastery of Panagia Ekatondapiliani
– Kolymbithres beach
– Santa Maria beach
– Pounda beach (party beach)
An alluring air will entice you as soon as you step off the boat in the charming harbor of Antiparos.
You will be welcomed by white houses painted with blue, cobbled alleys lined with bougainvillea and eucalyptus, and an overpowering sense of calm and good energy.
The Cyclades Island of Antiparos is the perfect mix of beauty, history and archaeological interest, nightlife and peaceful moments, adventurous walks through very beautiful environment and water sports.
Antiparos invites you to explore it offering a coastline full of several beaches, caves, and lovely coves, as well as a landscape that is filled with churches and a Venetian fortress. Although maintaining secrets can also be cozy. Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, who uses it as his dreamy Greek summer retreat, is one of its many admirers.
– Cave of Antiparos
– Soros Beach
– Agios Giorgos Beach
Between Paros and Santorini there’s the island of Folegandros, which is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty.
This island has a radically diverse aesthetic despite being close to two of the most sophisticated Greek islands and has maintained its natural attractiveness while being mostly unaffected by foreign visitors.
Folegandros is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway with delicious food, magnificent beaches, crystalline Aegean waters, and private coves.
Its village, Chora, is quite charming and is made up of little whitewashed homes, twisting streets, multicolored doors and windows and blue-domed chapels.
The picturesque Panagia church, the emblem of the island, is situated on a hilltop above Chora. From here, you can delight in the spectacular view of the Aegean Sea and enjoy the sunset turning the village’s white homes to golden hue. Pure joy!
Some reasons we love Folegandros:
– Chora village and its quarter Kastro
– Panagia church
– Karavostasi port
– Galifos beach
– Agali beach
Ios is a well-liked Cycladic Island especially among young people thanks to its exciting nightlife!
But Ios offers many less-known features in addition to its nightlife, including beaches with crystal clear waters, charming cliff-top villages with small alleys, and more! You can explore the capital city’s cobblestone lanes, Chora; for a stunning sea view, climb up to the Odysseus Elytis theater; from Panagia Gremiotissa Church, observe the sun sinking in the distance; or visit Homer’s grave, one of the most important historical sites on the island… Anyhow, this lovely Cycladic Island is a multifaceted vacation spot!
Moreover: according to Herodotus the island of was the mother’s native land and the final resting place of the famous Greek epic poet Homer. In fact, Homer’s tomb is allegedly a ruin that may be viewed in the Plakoto town.
Some reasons we love Ios:
– prehistoric archaeological site of Skarkos
– Panagia Gremiotissa church
– Homer’s tomb
Technically, what is referred as Koufonisia (which is plural in Greek) is a group of three islands.
The first, Keros, is off limits to tourists since it is an important archeological site, whereas Kato (Lower) Koufonisi is wilder and uninhabited. Pano (Upper) Koufonisi is the main settlement and the best one to explore where you’ll discover the island’s impressive, and frequently empty, beaches.
These islands are a true wonder, with the unbelievable turquoise water, glittering sand, relaxed mood, and Cycladic architecture. You’ve just discovered the perfect island haven to chill and rest on!
Speaking of sea, Koufonisia is home to some of the Cyclades’ greatest beaches. The best option is to take a boat cruise to Kato Koufonissi if you wish to experience Koufonisia’s unspoiled coastline. Don’t miss the chance to leap from the boat straight into the azure water; it’s a unique experience, in addition to finding sea caves and remote coves.
After visiting the beaches on the islands, go to Chora, which is in Pano Koufonissi. Even though Chora isn’t very big, it has a special charm! Explore its winding streets, take in the beautiful scenery, dine on fresh fish at its historic restaurants, and get a taste of island life!
– Chora village
– Agios Georgios church
– small archaeological site in Kato Koufonisi
– Caves before Pori beach
– Nero beach
The largest and most productive island in the Cyclades is Naxos, situated in the middle of the group.
Visitors have a wide range of options for amusement and relaxation as well as activities they can try out. At its harbor, the town of Chora welcomes visitors. On the nearby Palatia Islet, Portara, Naxos’ most well-known feature, is the marble entrance of an incomplete ancient Greek temple honoring the god Apollo.
There is a lot of history, archeological remains from all periods, a remarkable variety of scenery, hospitable folk, and delicious food here.
Naxos is also an island with a vibrant cultural scene. The Naxos Festival in Bazaios Tower and Dionysia, which features a range of art exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances, are some of the traditional festivals and other cultural events that take place during the summer and in September.
As for the beaches, some of the Cyclades islands’ greatest beaches may be found on Naxos! Small coves dot this islands’ coastline, resulting in a variety of stunning, undeveloped sandy beaches with turquoise waters.
– the ancient monument of Portara
– The quarter Kastro
– Temple of Demeter
– Agios Sozon chapel
– Fasolas Project
– Rina Cave
– Plaka beach
– Aliko beach
– Maragas beach
Schinoussa, a little island that is a part of the Small Cyclades group, is situated south of Naxos.
For those who appreciate an untouched natural landscape, it is a great secret escape because it is a little secluded and not very touristy. Schinoussa is a fantastic place for alternative vacations because of its unorganized gorgeous beaches and restricted tourist facilities.
Due of its abundance of rare plants and significance as a stopover for numerous migrating birds, the entire island is a member of the Natura 2000 program.
According to Forbes magazine, Schinoussa is one of the top six destinations in Greece.
Do not be shocked if you run into a renowned businessman, politician, or artist because it has been a popular destination for celebrities in recent years!
– Psili Ammos beach
– Lioliou beach
– Fikio beach
