A stone's throw from the capital of Athens but still soaked in that Cyclades flavor, Kea is a lesser-known gem that other islands but makes for a great hangout for charter guests wanting to experience a local secret. Kea has been around since the bronze age which means it has a long history and a lot of archeological sites and ancient ruins to suit. One of the must-see ancient sites on Kea is the stone-carved lion which dates back to 600 BC. Get into the rhythm of life on Kea at the port of Korissia, where the pebbled beach comes flanked with colorful homes in shades of burnt orange against the blue sea. Hike the trail of the ancient cities that crosses over 40km and leads you through landscapes that were once home to cities of old. With a tender on hand, you can also explore the nooks and coves tucked into he coastal crannies of Kea.
Serifos Island boasts typical Cycladic architecture is dotted with little whitewashed houses and churches that contrast with the wild natural landscape of the island. This off-the-beaten-track island is ideal for relaxing holidays as it has not been affected by overdevelopment. The capital, Serifos Chora, is undoubtedly one of the Cyclades' most beautiful capitals! Travelers fill the paved narrow alleys of Chora to stroll and have a drink at the island's bars after spending their day on the idyllic Serifos beaches.
Milos is recognised as the Island of Colours, it has incredible rock formations and postcard villages which make it an ideal stop on your charter. There are over 75 beaches, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Created from volcanic Lava, this magnificent island is a source of rare minerals. There are many great bars and restaurants, fabulous beaches and remote bays for suntanning. The island once housed the famous Venus de Milo statue, now at the Paris Louvre.
The largest uninhabited island in the Aegean Sea, Polyaigos, is close to Milos and Kimolos. Named after the roaming goats that roam the lands, Polyaigos is a virgin world of clean and untouched beaches, protected wildlife, and beautiful green and blue waters sparkling beneath the sun. On Polyaigos, you can find rare Mediterranean monk seals shading themselves in the cool sea caves. Speaking of sea caves, the Diamantospilia Cave and the Fanara Cave aren't to be missed as they are large enough to sail into and sparkle with minerals and quartz gems that glitter in the stone.
The quiet island of Kimolos may be overshadowed by the more popular Milos, but the island certainly has its fair share of beautiful, calm sandy beaches with crystal clear waters to plunge into! A visit to the island's Capital, Chora as well as the picturesque port village of Psathi, is a must.
Wild, fragrant, and bursting with flavor, Sifnos is known for being one of the prettiest ports of call in the Cyclades. Sifnos is a postcard with its whitewashed buildings, impossibly blue sea, and the sparkle of sunlight hitting already golden-soaked rocks. Charter guests should be sure to explore the stone streets of Kastro and make the short hike to see the enigmatic Church of the Seven Martyrs. This white-washed, blue-top tiny church sitting precariously at the edge of a cliff has become a poster child for the ancient charm of Greece. The seafood and mezze here are spectacular, with fresh calamari and octopus bruschetta, which are a must while watching a sunset of dizzying color.
Named after a mythical king, it's no wonder that Kythnos feels like a fairy tale. With its rolling golden hills, charming stone huts, and absolute serenity, you couldn’t wish for a better escape in the Cyclades. The port of Merichas welcomes you in with its relaxing buzz and bright waterside cafes. Visit villages and caves and wander the colorful close-knit streets of Hora with their painted walls, local frescoes, and windmills. On the northern side, charter guests can seek steaming hot springs in Loutra, and with more than a hundred beaches to choose from, when it comes to sun and sand, you will be spoilt for choice.
Close to Athens and representing the golden age, Sounion is home to the impressive Temple of Poseidon. Built in 440 BC, this is one of the most important and well-preserved monuments from Ancient Greece. Standing high on the cliff, this temple was more than a homage to the god of the sea; it also served as a calling card for sailors returning home. Visiting at sunset turns everything to gold and lends impressive views across the Saronic Gulf. Poetry lovers can even see the graffiti of Lord Byron, who had scratched his name on one of the temple pillars.
Athens is all beauty and grit, history and the here and now - an eclectic combo that makes for a fascinating city stay. Under the shadow of the imposing Acropolis, Athens takes its place in the history books seriously. Home to temples and tales, the capital has been around since the 5th century, and unraveling its onion-like skin serves up ancient mythology, byzantine delights, ottoman edges, and an urban modern appeal that gives it its modern buzz. The Acropolis is a must for charter guests wanting to marvel at one of the best examples of Greek antiquity. Art lovers can swoon at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and antique hunters will get their fill at the ancient neighborhood of Monastiraki with its rooftop bars and sprawling market scenes.