The Cyclades islands are beautiful and have many amazing places, beaches, significant archaeological sites, and important findings. This area was home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. With gulet cruise, you will be able to explore a mixture of ancient archeological sites from ancient Greece and Roman times and most beautiful beaches of Greek coast. Since these places can’t be missed in this post, we collected a list of the best archeological sites and beaches you should consider visiting.
DELOS
Delos Greek island is located quite near Mykonos and offers you a very unique experience if you are a history lover. This place has a significant historical site that was on UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990 Island was never actually inhabited and the entire island was dedicated to the god.
According to mythology, this island was the birthplace of God Apollo. Apollo was a very important figure among ancient Greece so they decided to build him a Temple. Delos was considered the sacred place so sacred that while humans could live there, no one could be born or die on its soil. For this reason, the Temple of Apollo and a theatre for performances were built. Much of that can be explored outdoors, but some findings are well kept in the Archaeological Museum. Day tours to Delos are organized from Mykonos and also from Paros so you can easily visit this mysterious island.
MINOAN SITE OF AKROTIRI, SANTORINI
Santorini is a popular place in Greece that almost everyone knows about and want’s to visit it. However, history lovers will love to visit Akrotiri Minoan Site (Santorini) is located on the southern side of the island. This site is in a close distance to the famous Red Beach popular among many. The place is visited by numerous visitors each year who admire all the findings of an ancient site constructed around 4,500 B.C. The secret of perseverance of the ancient town of Akrotiri lays in the fact that it was covered by ashes and lava due to the enormous volcanic eruption. Thanks to today’s technology conservators managed to exhume remains of the town that held intact through time.
PORTARA, NAXOS
Naxos has numerous significant historical and archaeological sites, and it is among the best Greek Islands for ancient sites exploration. The first thing you will see on the cliff above the port as the boat approaches the island is Portara. This is the symbol of Naxos that you can’t miss. The Portara is the entrance to an unfinished temple that faces directly toward Delos. And like we stated earlier island Delos is considered to be Apollo’s birthplace. For this reason, many believe it was dedicated to Apollo, or Dionysus worshipped on Naxos Island. These huge marble doorways are set in a picturesque environment near the village of Sangri. Furthermore, here in the countryside of Naxos, you will also find two Kouros statues (male figures).
ANCIENT THEATRE, MILOS
For a small island, Milos has a very interesting past and more to that than one would expect. An ancient theater is an interesting historical site with a beautiful view. There is an easy trail for the hike since the ancient theater is located on the top of the hill near the Catacombs. Theather well-preserved and it is believed that it was built by Romans during the Hellenistic Period. This is a great location to take pictures so definitely, don’t forget your camera. Today theatre is used by locals for many cultural events and theatre performances during the summer period. If you are lucky you might come across this and see it yourself.
CRETE
Crete was the birthplace of the Minoan civilization, that was very important in the ancient world. Remnants of this civilization are found all over the island. An important site to see is located near Heraklion, the Minoan Palace of Knossos. The palace was one a residence of the royal family and the administrative and religious center of the region. We recommend you have a guide that will be able to tell you all about legends that are connected to this place. One of the most famous ones being the myth of the Minotaur and the story of Daedalus and Icarus.
Minoan Phaistos has all features of Minoan architecture and is another important site to visit. There you will discover paved yards, multiple gates, and well-kept facades that withstand the troubles of the time. Famous disc of Phaestos and other archeological findings from this place can be found in the museum for those who want to see more.
RED BEACH SANTORINI
Red beach is the most famous beach in Santorini island. The walk to the beach offers dramatic and picturesque views of red cliffs. Landscapes were formed by volcanic activity that gave this place his distinctive color, and they are a must see. Be sure to take proper shoes that you can go into the sea with because terrain can be pretty inconvenient. Evident volcanic background made the terrain of the beach pebbly and not as comfortable as sandy beaches. Part of this popular beach has sun beds and umbrellas for those who would love to find some comfort on the beach. If you are perhaps looking for the nudism-friendly beach next to the Red beach is the White beach, called by distinctive white cliffs.
PLAKA BEACH, NAXOS
There are many reasons to love Naxos and this beach is just one of them. Soft sandy beaches with clear water called Plaka is however very high on the list. This is one of the best greek beaches. It can get populated but not overcrowded in high season. Beach chairs and umbrellas and similar amenities are available to rent. But still, the largest part of the beach is not organized and ideal for total relaxation and privacy. Some restaurants are accessible if you get hungry at any time so you can spend truly a lot of time enjoying this beach. Plaka beach in Naxos island is among the largest most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades. It is not really a surprise that it attracts so many visitors.
TSIGRADO BEACH, MILOS
Tsigrado is a hidden gem located on the southern side of Milos island. The mountains behind you glow under the sun and sea is shimmering, inviting and perfect for refreshment. It is also a great place for families with children to the shallow water that gradually gets deeper. In the close distance, there is also a nudist beach for those who want to feel free. The soft white sand and the amazing water make this place ideal for watersport activities. This beach is offering comfortable sun umbrellas, coffee, snacks and cocktails for a decent price. Service there is fast and friendly.
SUPER PARADISE BEACH & ELIA BEACH AT MYKONOS
Super Paradise beach is part of a large bay on the southeastern side of Mykonos. This is one of the most beautiful beaches ideas for those who seek enjoyment, relaxing but also a perfect place for snorkeling. One side of the beach provides sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, taverns, and watersports. Naturally, this part of the beach is the most popular. If you prefer to have some more privacy there is a more secluded side with fewer tourists. Golden sand and the crystal water seem like summer paradise on earth. Nothing less beautiful is Elia sandy beach that is among the largest beaches of Mykonos. This beach also provides all the necessary services and amenities you need for a perfect day on the beach. Bring your favorite book and you will be set for hours.
Extra note:
You must know that we can completely personalize and handcraft your itinerary according to the group structures and preferences. You can choose which places and which activities interest you the most, according to that our gulet experts will come back to you with suggestions and ideas for your dream holiday.
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