The Cyclades form a cluster of islands in the south Aegean Sea. They are Mykonos, Delos, Tinos, Syros, Andros, Naxos, los, Paros, Thera or Santorini, Kea, Yaros, Kythnos, Siphnos, Milos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Serifos, Amorgos, Anaphi and several smaller islands.
In addition to this, many small islets are scattered the length and breadth of the Aegean. All are notable for their picturesque scenery, their clean seas and beaches, their small towns and villages, many of which are interesting architecturally, and their historical remains, which cover all periods (prehistoric, classical, Hellnistic and Roman, Byzantine, Frankish, Turkish, and modern). The Aegean islands can offer the traveller a wide variety of types of entertainment, from the noisy international and cosmopolitan centres to the idyllic atmosphere still to be found in isolated villages.
DELOS. Not far from Mykonos lies Delos, the island of light, the rock which was once the most splendid religious, artistic and commercial centre of ancient Hellenism, mythical birthplace of the God Apollo and the Goddess Artemis. Today Delos is a vast conglomeration of ruins. Among them the most interesting are those of: the Agora, the treasuries of the various cities, the Stoa of Antigonos, the theatre, the Terrace of the Lions, the Sanctuary of the bulls, the Sanctuary of the bulls, the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Dean’s house and many houses with the most beautiful mosaic floors, representations of dolphins, a Satyr, and that of Dionysus with a thyrsus in one hand and a cymbal in the other astride a panther.
MYKONOS is one of the most characteristic of the Cycladic islands, with its white-washed houses, hundreds of churches, windmills, and stair-like narrow streets. Since the second world war, Mykonos has become a tourist centre of international fame. Foreigners find the island fascinating, with plenty to do both in the daytime and at night.
Above: Many of the houses which have been built in the traditional style in recent years are the work of qualified Mykonian architects and civil engineers.
Below right: The Venice of Mykonos, the artists1 quarter.
Below left: The Terrace of the Lions in the ruined ancient city of Delos.