Cyclades, Greece

Dovecotes, steep rocks carpeted with lush green vegetation, 800 chapels and white picture-perfect beaches are all found in Tinos, in the centre of the Aegean Sea. The majority of the island’s visitors are Greek, because Tinos is the centre of pilgrimage for Greek Orthodox Christians.

Panayia Evanyelistria Cathedral, the main place of worship on the island, is well worth a visit for people of all religious affiliations. Tinos is also an island of artists. Some of great Greek painters and sculptors of the 19^th and 20^th centuries were from Tinos.

Beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water of the Aegean, lots of sunshine and refreshing summer winds make Tinos one of the most interesting destinations in the Cyclades.

Near Mykonos there is the much quieter island of Delos, also an archaeological site and open-air museum. The legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, this sacred site on the Aegean is now uninhabited and open to visitors. It takes several hours to have a comprehensive tour of Delos, but those hours will be very rewarding, leaving behind lingering impressions of this unique location.

In the museum you’ll find one of the finest collections of ancient Greek sculptures, as well as artefacts found around the island during excavations. Delos is an interesting stopover for anyone, not just culture and history buffs. Its enchanting and mystical energy makes it a significant point of interest in the Cyclades.

Ios is a mountainous island with numerous picturesque coves, amazing sandy beaches, countless churches, olive groves and balmy air. The centuries-old history of the island dates back to prehistoric times. According to the historian Herodotus, Homer was buried here (you can see his tomb in the north of the island, on the hilltop, complete with fabulous views).

The main attractions of the island include the dilapidated Venetian Castle and the ruins of the Hellenistic tower in the Plakoto district (check out Plakoto beach if you are in the area). Apart from all the history and architecture, Ios is a party island, with swanky clubs and trendy beach bars.

One of Louvre’s most prized possessions is the legendary statue of Venus de Milo, coming from the island of Milos. Now in Milos you can only see a replica exhibited in the Archaeological Museum, but there are many more reasons to visit the island than just this statue, famous as it may be.

Firstly, there are more beaches here than in any other Cycladic island, and the mind-blowing Sarakiniko Beach, with its lunar landscapes, white pumice formations and whimsical shapes, is the perfect setting for some great Instagram snaps.

Throw in scenic caves, lovely little villages and culinary delights and you get the general idea of what Milos is all about.

Serifos is a small, easy-going island that never fails to impress visitors with its untamed wilderness and natural beauty. Serifos has not received as much publicity as some other Greek islands, so if you are looking for less touristy, more authentic atmosphere and isolated beaches that are never crowded, this island should be high on your list of priorities.

Hora, the capital, lies on the flank of a steep mountain, and if you go higher, to the mountain top, you’ll have a dazzling view of the old Kastro with views of Hora, the harbour, aquamarine sea and the island of Sifnos nearby.

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, the capital of Greece and the cradle of democracy. The city was built around the Acropolis and Lycabettus hills dominating the flatland. According to legend, the hills were formed when Athena threw two rocks from the sky to help protect the city from enemies.

Walking around the centre of this megapolis, with so many historic buildings and ancient monuments, let your mind wander back to the Golden Age of Athens. Think back to when Pericles ordered the rebuilding of the Parthenon, one of the finest examples of Greek architecture.

Athens is particularly exciting at night: trendy clubs, fine restaurants and upscale events make this city a supreme entertainment venue.