Cyclades Islands

CYCLADES are a group of islands south-east of the mainland Greece. The name Cyclades refers to the islands around the sacred island of Delos. The archipelago consists of about 220 islands, the major are Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros. Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Tinos and Santorini. The capital is Ermoupolis on the island of Syros. The islands have in total an area of 2.572 km² and 113.050 inhabitants.

The Cyclades enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate. The winters are mild and the summers slightly cooler, thanks to the beneficial effects of the seasonal winds known as the meltemia. Winter temperatures average 12°C and the summer highs 30°C and upwards. Most rainfall is received between October and May.

The islands have been inhabited since 7000 BC. Later during the Early Cycladic period (3000-2000 BC) famous Cycladic marble figurines were sculpted. Many of the islands were occupied by the Minoans in the Middle Cycladic period (2000-1500 BC). The Cyclades were taken by the Mycenaeans at the beginning of the Late Cycladic period (1500-1100 BC), and the Dorians followed in the 8th century BC. Most of the Cyclades joined the Delian League in 478 BC. In the Hellenistic era (323-146 BC) the islands fell under the control of Egypt's Ptolemies and, later, the Macedonians. In 146 BC the islands became a Roman province. After the division of the Roman Empire the islands became a part of Byzantine Empire followed by the rule of Venetians, Turkes, Russians, Ottomans and then Italians during the Second World War.

All Cycladic Islands share some distinctive features, such as the renowned Cycladic architecture, narrow cobblestone alleyways, fascinating archaeological, historical, religious and natural sights, quaint seaside and mountain villages and endless beaches. Each island though has several specific characteristics that make it stand out from the rest, making the islands unique each in their own way.