The Greek islands make you dream at the risk of being sometimes saturated in summer.
On the speedboats of the Cyclades, all you have to do is take a step aside to discover another equally charming island, minus the crowds!
Thus, the discreet little sisters of Santorini, Milos and Paros have known the same history, share the same landscapes and offer similar dreams as their elders, but they are not in the spotlight.
No airport or luxury
resort
, just Greece in all its splendor still untouched by the flood of tourism.
To discover
Figaro stay in Greece |
6 days |
The Athenian Days
Read alsoCyclades: map, presentation of the islands... What you need to know to prepare your trip
Do you like Santorini?
You will love Thirassia
Does the volcano island fascinate you?
You will find the same spectacular view of the caldera invaded by the sea and its ocher cliffs sprinkled with white houses in Thirassia.
This island confetti completes the Santorini crater ring.
With its 300 year-round inhabitants, the silent Thirassia is a paradise for lovers of solitude, just opposite the extravagant star of the Cyclades.
No trendy bar, no organized beach, that's what Santorini looked like forty years ago.
A rugged geography, a mini-port where to drop anchor and a zigzag staircase to climb to the top of the cliff on foot or by donkey.
Balanced on the ridge, the main village of Manolas with its rustic constructions, hiking trails that lead to the adventure of virgin desert landscapes, black pebble beaches,
Our good addresses
Panorama restaurant
, in Manolas, at the top of the 250 steps that go up from the port.
From the terrace, exceptional view of Santorini.
After a hike, taste the pasta with capers or moussaka.
From 10 to 15 €.
Zacharo rooms
, 12 simple rooms and a veranda with a breathtaking view of the caldera.
Jimmy, the owner, is a valued host.
From 65 to 70 € per night.
Phone.
: +228 60 29 102;
+228 69 78 39 56 40.
Email: zacharostudios@yahoo.com
Take the opportunity to visit…
Néa Kameni
, the volcanic islet with a lunar landscape and hot springs.
Crossing by caique to be negotiated on the spot with the help of Jimmy or with the regular boats which provide the shuttle from Santorini and call at Thirassia.
Read alsoWith the family, to party or play sports... Which beach in the Cyclades to choose?
If you are thinking of Milos, prefer Kimolos
The translucent waters of Karas Beach, in Kimolos, are reminiscent of those of Sarakiniko (Milos).
Haris Andronos
Here is another volcanic island that keeps its promises of swimming in translucent waters and picturesque Cycladic villages.
Four times smaller, Kimolos can be reached from Pollonia north of Milos, with a “slipper” boat that shuttles between the two islands several times a day.
We disembark at the tiny port of Psathi where a few taverns are scattered on the white sand beach.
Just above, 2 km away, Chorio, the micro-capital: a veritable labyrinth where squares and alleys wind around a Frankish citadel.
Between the two, to the east, the fishing village of Groupa-Kara amazes with its boathouses carved into the rock and their multicolored gates.
The transparency of the sea is so enchanting that you can't resist the urge to dive from its sculpted rocks.
Kimolos offers a succession of creeks and white bentonite cliffs which, like in Milos, give the water its deep azure color.
Secret coves hidden behind rocks, underwater caves that bear witness to a time when the island was a haunt of pirates, siesta in the shade of the tamarisk trees, hikes along the olive groves, paths where you come across ageless muleteers , honey tasting… Hurry up, the wind is turning and the little island is already taking on a trendy look!
Our good addresses
Sardis Tavern
, south of Kimolos on Aliki beach, fish restaurant with shrimp and lobster.
Excellent value.
Phone.
: +228 70 51 458.
The Windmill
, 5 bedrooms in a 19th century windmill above the harbor with stunning views of the sea and neighboring islands.
230 € per night with breakfast.
Phone.
: +228 70 51 554;
+228 69 51 92 38 16.
For further…
We jump into a fishing boat from the port of Psathi and set off to explore
the desert islet of Polyaigos
, a natural park protected for its fauna and flora.
Round trip €10 or full tour with swimming stops and buffet €50.
Read alsoGreece: getting to the Cyclades by ferry, instructions from Athens
Forget Paros and prefer Antiparos
The lovely Kastro, mini-capital of Antiparos, which unfolds a white and blue Cycladic decor highlighted with fuchsia bougainvillea.
The island welcomes a few discreet celebrities in the summer, like Tom Hanks, who enjoy its tranquility.
Costas 1962
A 1km canal separates them.
Antiparos is the natural extension of Paros with the same small mountainous massifs, its postcard villages and its golden sand beaches.
Reserved for pedestrians, Kastro, the mini-capital, unfolds a white and blue Cycladic decor highlighted with fuchsia bougainvillea.
On the sea side, the island declines pleasure in all its forms: cove (naturist) in the north, public or equipped beaches with Beach bar and water sports in Psaralyki in the East, sunset in Sifneiko on the western side, or even pocket bays at the southern cape around the church of Fanéroméni.
On the land side, a huge underground cave cool in summer which houses the oldest stalagmite in the world and 11 marked hiking trails allow you to escape the tourists who come from Paros for a day.
, Antiparos is the island of Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, who became Greek citizens in July 2020!
Read alsoYour questions about summer vacation: "Do you have to be vaccinated to go to Greece in August?"
SEE THE DOSSIER
- Cyclades: the
Figaro travel guide
Our good addresses
Taverna Yorgis
, in Kastro, fish specialties cooked over a wood fire to choose from in the kitchen.
From 10 to 15 €.
Phone.
: 228 40 61 362.
Oliaros Studios
, Agios Georgios, opposite Despotiko, a lodge run by two French-speaking musicians, Vassilis and Safiria, who offer music and Qi Gong sessions.
8 suites and a private house, from €130.
Phone.
: 228 40 25. 305;
69 73 40 32 31.
Always further…
From the beach of Agios Georgios, we reach
the desert islet of Despotiko
where there is a superb archaeological site with the Temples of Apollo and Artemis.
€5 for a boat crossing or €25 for an organized tour.
Read also
Complete guide to the Cyclades, everything you need to know so you don't miss a thing