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.
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.
Arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in Kythnos, this fabulous sandbank separates two bays and connects Kythnos to the island of Agios Loukas.
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.
Unknown and extraordinary - Poliegos is the Aegan’s largest uninhabited island and rises like a glittering diamond against the sapphire backdrop of the sea. Also known as the island of goats, Poliegios gives a glimpse into a lost way of life - when the world was untouched by human hands. The island itself is strikingly large - even bigger than Agistri and some of Greece’s other habited island homes. On Poliegos you will find sea caves brimming with seals, cliffs dotted with migratory birds, and goats wandering the sparse land. While uninhabited at present there are signs of life from former years - an abandoned lighthouse and the crumbling remains of a church. Now, Poliegos is protected as it’s a haven for the Mediterranean monk seal to come and give birth to its young. While soaking up the flora and fauna is a major draw of visiting Poliegos, the island is also scattered with natural pools of turquoise and staggering shallow seas in every shade of blue.
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 Kynthos 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.
On the west coast of sun-soaked Greece, you will find the nook of Perdinka. A peaceful village flanked by olive groves, fragrant pine forests, and the pebbled blue sea, Perdinka has all the ingredients you need for recharging your batteries in blissful surroundings. Life in Perdika is low-key with a handful of great places to eat, a folklore museum, and the beauty of Arilla Beach with its balmy bath-like temperatures enticing you in for a daily dip.
Athens, the historical capital of Europe and the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of western civilisation, was also the home of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles and Aeschylus.
As one of the world’s oldest cities, it’s recorded history spans around 3.400 years and has been inhabited since the 11th Century BC.
The first thing that most people think of when it comes to Athens is, of course, the Acropolis. Sitting majestically above this dense Greek city, the Acropolis and the columned Parthenon are one of the greatest sites of Europe.
But there happens to be more to this hellenistic metropolis.
So much more: aside from the obvious museums - the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis Museums should be obligatory visits for first-timers to Athens - be sure to stroll around Plaka, a neighbourhood densely packed with shops, cafes and restaurants.
The district of Kolonaki with its high-end boutiques, upscale restaurants and vibrant nightlife is also well-worth a visit.