“Cykady na Cykladach” – probably everyone in Poland knows this famous song by the band Maanam. The singer Kora wrote it after her stay on the Cyclades, on the island of Ios.
Okey so lets start with history. The name Cyclades comes from the Greek word kyklos, meaning “circle.” The islands form a rough circle around the sacred island of Delos. In ancient Greece, Delos was believed to be the birthplace of Apollo, god of the sun and music, and his twin sister Artemis, goddess of the moon and hunting. Because of this, Delos became a holy island where no one was allowed to die or be born.
There are about 220 islands, but only around 20 are inhabited. People started living on the Cyclades around five thousand years ago,but the islands themselves are much older. They were formed millions of years ago by volcanoes and movements of the Earth’s crust, which gave them their steep cliffs, sandy beaches, and unique rock shapes.
Mykonos is famous for its luxury and nightlife. It has stylish clubs, luxury hotels, and beautiful beaches. Celebrities often come here in the summer. It is a very popular destination for Americans (so its very noisy).
Ios It is popular among young travelers for nightlife and beach parties, but it also has a quiet side with small villages and sandy beaches. According to legend, the great poet Homer is buried here. This is where Kora found inspiration for the song „Cykady na Cykladach”.
Santorini is the most famous of all the Cyclades. Thousands of years ago a huge volcanic eruption created its unique shape, the high cliffs and the caldera. Santorini is expensive and very busy with tourists, but it is truly one of a kind, especially because of the breathtaking views from the cliffs.
Naxos is the biggest island of the Cyclades. It is green, with mountains, fertile valleys, and many farms. The island produces cheese, olives, and potatoes. In Greek mythology, Naxos is connected with the god Dionysus, the god of wine and joy, who was said to have lived here.
Paros is full of narrow white streets and small traditional towns. It is a quiet and calm island, not very popular among Polish tourists, which for me was a big advantage. The beaches are beautiful, and the whole island is perfect if you want to slow down, rest, and enjoy peaceful Greek life.
Syros is less touristy but very important. The town of Ermoupoli was once a big port and today is the capital of the Cyclades. It has beautiful buildings, a theater, and many festivals.
In my next blog, I will write more about some of these islands from my personal perspective. I will share which one became my favorite, how to explore them, and what you can actually do there. See you!
