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The ‘off-the-grid’ islands of the Cyclades

Perhaps the most famous group of islands in Greece is the Cyclades. The name derives from the Greek word “kyklos” which in English means circle (circular islands), hence the shape the islands form around the sacred island of Delos. According to Greek mythology, the God of the Sea, Poseidon, turned the Cyclades nymphs into islands from fury. Located in the Aegean Sea and comprised of some of the most well-known and particularly beautiful islands in Greece, the Cyclades have million of visitors every year for very obvious reasons: magnificent sandy beaches, Cycladic architecture in white and blue, traditional and authentic lifestyle, heartwarming locals and of course a cuisine that will not disappoint. The “off the grid” Cycladic islands that deserve to be mentioned are Sikinos, Ios, Folegandros, Sifnos and Amorgos. Dip your toe in the crystal clear waters, have your stomach thank you after trying out the local cuisine and stroll though whitewashed villages. Silent Sikinos Just a ferry ride from Athens, Sikinos, one of the lesser-known Cycladic islands, is rarely featured in any travel guide or blog.  Having only one petrol station operating two hours a day, Sikinos is a quiet island that can steal your heart, only if you come prepared! If you want to survive on a quiet island like Sikinos, measuring 41 km² and with only 200 permanent inhabitants, you must be both polyvalent and creative. Back in the old days, Sikinos was the wine mecca of the Mediterranean and local grapes such as Asyrtiko, Aidani, Madilaria and Monemvasia were grown on the island in vast quantities. So, with a nice glass of wine you will forget all your worries and just go with the flow of the island. Hidden Sifnos A well-kept secret is definitely Sifnos Island. Lovers of the good life and those who have a more artistic flair often stumble upon Sifnos. It is no accident, as the whitewashed houses found in the villages, the secluded breathtaking beaches and the artsy energy of the place allow you to relax and unwind without feeling the slightest emotion of guilt. Not to forget about the homemade cheeses, spinach pies and meatballs that can be found on any tavern table tasting like home. All those elements have inspired great poets and painters back in the day and continue to inspire upcoming artists today. Unspoiled Ios On this idyllic island, you will find a paradisiac beach called Managari. Its azure waters and gorgeous landscape can be the definitions of heaven on earth! To top it all off the superb cuisine of Ios Island is easily detected. The fish is always the catch of the day and seasoned with fresh handpicked herbs and Mediterranean style dressings with virgin olive oil, oregano and juicy lemons. Taking it slow is the norm on Ios Island giving the traveler a chance to appreciate the surrounding and to forget about the hustle of the city. Romantic Folegandros One of the very promising islands in the years to come, Folegandros does not have an airport and is quite far from Athens, making it even more exclusive and bespoke. For sophisticated travelers, Folegandros promises a carefree vacation as the center has a no-car policy. A very romantic island where the sunset paints the sky with magical colors, the villages such as Ano Meria have the most hospitable locals and the beaches such as Agkali are so clear that nothing stands in the way between you and your reflection. Secret Amorgos The Hollywood Movie “Le Grand Bleu” was filmed on this dazzling Cycladic Island, in 1988. Jean Reno was lucky enough to swim in the virgin blue waters and walk on ancient soils while filming. Amorgos is has been discovered for its optimal diving spots, hidden caves and picturesque landscapes. The main town of the island, Chora, looks like a labyrinth in which you would want to get lost. A true off the beaten track island, where the traditional white and blue Cycladic colors prevail and the hospitable residents welcome all tourists with joy. Maria Nikolakaki is Managing Partner at Beyond Spaces Villas. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Maria Nikolakaki

Maria Nikolakaki is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Beyond Spaces Villas. Beyond Spaces Villas is one of the leading luxury villa specialist in Greece, going beyond finding the perfect Greek Island luxury villa and design a sophisticated and branded villa experience seeped in luxury, exclusivity and bespoke service from start to finish. Prior to her involvement in the luxury hospitality Industry, she spend 20 years in the capital markets in various senior executive positions based in various countries. She has lived in London, New York and Moscow and has travelled extensively to almost 35 countries with a travel attitude of finding the non guides guides.

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9 Comments

  1. Great list you have here. I’ve been to the famous Santorini and Mykonos but would never have thought about these islands. Some of them are pretty interesting like Sifnos and Amorgos. Seem like pretty good places to get lost for a while. What would you recommend to visit?

  2. There’s almost too much choice. Ideally I would like to spend a few days on an island and then move on. Are there enough ferries to go Island-hopping between islands? As a foot passenger would it be easy to walk to some accommodation or get a taxi?

  3. It looks as if “off-grid” could be one of the travel trends of 2019.

    Travellers seem happy to add a few hours on to their journey to escape from the crowds.

    It seems that we want to stop our busy world and get off, retreating into quieter ways of living.

    1. Yes, with Thomas Cook issuing a profits warning it may be that the travel market is tiring of the package. Maybe people are weary of being biased about and having their holidays packaged up for them. Perhaps we are seeing a new individuality where people want to explore on their own.

  4. I love the opening paragraph. Too often we get no sense of history. I like the fact that you’ve gone back to Ancient Mythology and given the islands, their people and architecture a context. Such things make a visit all the more exciting and worthwhile.

  5. These sound like a great way to explore something different, to escape the usual tourist traps and have a quieter, authentic experience. I had no idea Le Grand Bleu was filmed in Amorgos, but the gorgeous water and scenic landscape certain make it tempting, not to mention picture perfect.

  6. I would second the recommendation for a trip to Sifnos. The island is so peaceful and it’s a totally different pace and way of life, it’s somewhere I’d actually love to live and as a place to visit it’s a breath of fresh air.

  7. I made a short stop on Sikinos as part of a gulet cruise and I fell completely in love. Scotland with a Mediterranean climate, uncrowded and untamed. The ancient church at Episkopi is a fascinating ruin and the landscape is stunning. I’ve wanted to go back there ever since.

  8. Off-the-grid, remote, road less traveled…it seems like it’s going to be the new normal and best way to travel for now. In this pandemic era, we are all looking to get out and still be safe. Best bets are less crowded destinations that are just as beautiful as the popular ones. Take for example these lesser-known Cyclades islands, unknown but just as beautiful and breathtaking as Mykonos or Santorini. We need to discover more places like this to spread out tourists and also to protect it from getting spoilt by mass tourism.

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