In the middle of the Aegean sea spreads the complex of the Cyclades islands.
The special architecture that all the islands of the complex have is the most characteristic feature, a point of reference for everyone who has visited these islands which spread in a distance of hundreds of miles.
The special architecture of small white houses with blue or green windows and doors, and the picturesque villages with the narrow alleys is a tourist attraction today, but it was made for specific reasons and this is what makes it so special.
All the islands are poor in flora therefore they are exposed to the sun, so the white color helped the habitants to keep the houses cool, as for the narrow alleys this had a double role, first to protect from the strong wings that dominate the islands and to protect from the pirates' attacks by forming a natural wall creating a perimeter of protection.
The unique landscape of the Cyclades islands makes the most beautiful contradiction.
The rocks that mirrors on the blue crystal waters, the small white houses scattered all around, the sandy beaches, the bright blue sky above: It's a warm and hospitable place.
HISTORY OF THE ISLANDS
The complex of the Cyclades islands has a history of thousands of years.
Due to their position into the center of the known world of the prehistoric and ancient years, the Cyclades islands where a station for merchandisers and sailors. This gave a boost to the economic and cultural life of the islands.
According to the myth, Cyclades where named after the nymphs Cyclades who Poseidon, the god of the sea transformed into rocks because they caused his anger. A different version is that they where named like this because they form a natural circle around the island of Delos the sacred island of Apollo. (From the Greek word "cyclos", which means "cycle").
The Cycladic civilization is parted in three periods during prehistoric period, the first Cycladic period (3200-2000B.C.), the middle Cycladic period (2000-1550B.C.) and the late Cycladic period (1550-1100B.C.).
During the historic times (1100B.C. - 500B.C.) there was a great flourish in economy and culture with Delos playing the most important role.
During the times of Macedonian and Roman domination (500B.C. - 300B.C.) the islands passed to the domination of Fillip the 2nd, king of Macedonia and then to his son Alexander the great. After the fall of Macedonia the Romans dominated, bringing the decay to all of the islands with only exception Delos which kept flourishing.
During the Byzantine period and the middle ages (300B.C.-1537B.C.) the islands belonged to the Byzantine Empire until 1204 when Konstantinoupolis the capital of Byzantium fell to the Franks. After that and until 1537 the islands where ruled by the Franks. On 1538 the great Pirate Barbarosa, looted the islands and this caused the desolation of some of the islands.
Until 1617 Cyclades decayed and gradually fell under the domination of the Turks. On 1821 they participated on the rebellion of the Greeks against the Turks and contributed to the liberation of Greece.
The complex is consisted of 34 islands from which 23 are being habited.
Each island has a history of his own and apart from the common characteristics, differ in style and aura making each and every one of the islands worth visiting and finding out the unique characteristics and special feeling they have.
The islands have differences in the way they have evolved. The bigger islands, by being centers of commerce, navigation and more recently tourism centers, are cosmopolitan and crowded, especially during summer period.
Syros, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Santorini can host even the most demanding and cosmopolitan visitors, having followed the needs of modern times in facilities and entertainment, keeping at the same time the unique features of the complex.
Islands like Amorgos, Sifnos, Andros and Milos are following the steps of evolution, having made great steps in tourist facilities the past years, being like this great tourist destinations as well.
For the ones that whish for something original and outstanding, islands like Anafi, Sikinos, Folegandros and the small Cyclades will fill with magic and reveal the authentic aura of the Cyclades, away from the modern civilization, beyond time.
The best way to enjoy the complex is a small tour to some of the islands according to the needs that everyone wants to fulfill. There is a fully organized navigation network with modern ships with hourly schedules from the ports of Athens to the islands and connecting the islands. Visitors just have to choose which destinations they want to visit. Start with a visit to the capital, Syros and a walk at Ermoupolis with the picturesque alleys, a village with a unique mix in Catholic and Orthodox culture spreading onto two hills. After that, a night at Mykonos letting the senses rule until the morning light. Continue on a cosmopolitan beach of Paros or Naxos. Start a quest on the Paths of Amorgos ending at the monastery of Santa Anna with the grand blue just under the cliff, enjoy the sun at the isolated beach of Roukounas at Anafi and finally take a walk at the castle of Sifnos during sunset where you can literally listen to the Aegean sea breathing!
Some things cannot be measured, cannot be described. If you want to understand the aura of the Cyclades complex, come and see for yourself, magic will overcome you once you enter the complex and from then on the Cyclades islands will be a synonym of joy of life, just let Poseidon, Apollo and Aphrodite take you into their arms.
Learn more about Myconos, Santorini, Delos, and discover the rest of the greek islands, by visiting George Nellas' Website about the greek islands.
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