It is very important to note that not all the islands are connected to one another.

Since the development of tourism, the Archipelego of the Cyclades has become the symbol of the Greek islands, and there is something to appeal to everyone. But above all, it is the sea that offers the most possibilities: swimming, lazy days on the beach, fishing, diving, windsurfing and water skiing. For those who like walking, the islands are perfect, as they are criss-crossed by numerous paths. Photographers and painters will be in awe of the colours, contrasts and luminosity of the Cyclades.

Those who like to party will choose the islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, Ios or even Paros.

Those with a passion for archaeological sites must not miss the opportunity of visiting the island sanctuary of Delos, or even staying on Santorini.

Those who love authenticity will be delighted by islands such as Amorgos, Antiparos, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, or the remoter little islands.

Islands such as Milos, Kimolos, Amorgos and Santorini will fascinate diving fans.

Windsurfers will be attracted by the great weather conditions in Paros, Naxos and Mykonos.

The Cyclades have an average of 300 sunny days a year.

The climate is of the Mediterranean type, mild and rainy in winter, dry and hot in the summer.

There are three seasons:

winter, from November to March, is the season of rain and strong winds. Most of the tourist establishments are closed, boat connections are rare, but on the other hand the islands return to a more natural and authentic state.

spring, from April to June: the islands are full of energy, coming out of the lethargic winter season. The islanders prepare for the Easter festivities and the start of the tourist season, whitewashing the streets and houses and resurfacing the roads.

In April, the temperatures are cool, but the fields are carpeted with a multitude of flowers, and the islands have turned various shades of green and are filled with marvellous scents. It is the ideal time for walking.

the dry season lasts for five months, from June to October. The "meltem", a wind from the north, prevails over all the Aegean Sea during the months of July and August. It can get so strong that sea traffic is often interrupted.

If you can, it is better to go in the off-season.

The best months are May, June, September and October.

From late April to late June, the Cyclades offer a true explosion of colours; asphodels, lupins, wild gladiolas, orchids, poppies and daisies cover the fields. Yellow broom bushes line the paths and clumps of oleanders flower in the hollows of the small valleys. The winds are light. By the end of April, it is warm enough to go swimming.

During the months of September and October, the winds die down a little, the landscapes are turned a scorched colour by the summer dryness, the temperatures are mild (between 15° and 25° Centigrade), and the sea is warm. Above all, there is an exceptional quality of light despite the much shorter days. This season is known as the "micro kalokairaki", or "little summer" in Greek.

There are fewer tourists and prices are much lower. However, boat services are much less frequent. In April and October, many establishments are closed.

25th March: Greek Independence Day is celebrated, marking the revolution of 1821 against Turkish occupation. Military processions take place in most towns.

APRIL 23 rd : Orthodox Easter. This holiday marks the beginning of the tourist season. Some establishments display rather high prices.

It is the biggest religious and popular festival of the year. There are numerous events organized throughout Holy Week.

The Epitaph procession takes place on Good Friday. It commemorates the placing of Christ's body in the tomb. The faithful walk around the village with the Orthodox priest, holding candles in their hands.

In certain villages, all the Passion scenes are re-enacted in a living Way of the Cross, bringing the ceremony to an end.

On Holy Saturday the bells ring at midnight after mass to herald the resurrection of Christ. The Orthodox priest pronounces "Christos Anesti", meaning "Christ has risen" in Greek, and lights his altar candle. Holding a candle, the faithful come forward to take this "light". They then disperse to the sound of firecrackers and return home, taking care that the flame does not go out, and on arriving home they mark the lintels of their doors with a cross, a sign of happiness. This marks the end of Lent. Everyone sits down to eat the "mayeiritsa", a traditional Easter soup made out of sheep entrails and lettuce, scented with dill.

On Easter Sunday the celebrations end with a meal, when family and friends gather to eat the paschal lamb which is roasted on a spit. There is also the "kokoretsi", meat offal kebabs, as well as red-painted hard boiled eggs that the guests crack, according to tradition, by hitting them against their neighbour's egg. All this is washed down with retsina wine.

15th August: feast of the Assumption. It is the second most important religious celebration after Easter. Numerous events are held throughout Greece, notably on the island of Tinos.

28th October : Greek national holiday, called "the day of no". It commemorates the defeat of the fascist Italian invasion of 1940.
This is the end of the tourist season.