Cyclades are not considered a typical summer holiday destination but once you discover them you come to realize that you do not know Greece unless  you visit the Cyclades.   The best time to visit them is May through September.  The peak season is late June to early September.  Mid- July to Mid –August  is the most difficult time to visit the islands as they become very crowded during that time. So, before you set out to explore the islands make a well-planned itinerary and all your bookings in advance to make  the best deals in accommodation and tickets.

Although air travel is considered to be the fastest way to reach your destination, in the case of Cyclades it may turn out to be a wrong choice.   Air travel is constantly improving, yet  due to the lack of inter-islands flight  connections it  can be nerve wrecking and time consuming.  International airports are available in Santorini and Mykonos, in Syros, Milos, Paros and Naxos, there are domestic airports. In the some of the smaller islands, there are helisports, which are in use for emergency cases or upon private arrangements.

There are daily ferries or flying dolphins and highspeeds and catamarans   from Pireaus to most of these islands, as well as  from   Lavrio  and  Rafina  Ports for some islands  like Kea,  Andros,  Tinos and  Mykonos. Ferry trips take four to five hours to  the  nearest  islands and from eight to ten hours to the furthest. The highspeeds and catamarans take half the time but  cost  a bit more.   Once you disembark  at your destination, check with local travel agencies to find out about daily island boat trips.  Apart from the ferries and flying dolphins, there are boat trips round the island or day excursion to near and far islands.  For instance, from Santorini you can visit Antiparos or Folegandros and return on the same day.

 However,  the travelers during the early July to early September season must be aware of the wind that prevails the Cyclades the so-called ‘meltemi'.  Meltemia,  gust of winds, are always welcome since they bring a cool relief in the mid-summer heat but  they also disrupt sea travel and in  some places  air travel as well.  So, it is always wise to check with a travel agent for departure times and allow plenty of time between connections, especially if you are to catch an international flight. Basil Boziotis is an experienced travel Agent that can really help you make the best decision while planning your trip to Greek islands

The inhabitants of the Cyclades differ from other inhabitants of Greece.  They are known  for their  sea travels and adventures,  their love for the endless blue horizon,  they are admired for their hospitality and friendliness, their eagerness to learn from their visitors about the farm lands and cultures.

If you are an ‘early bird' then make sure not to miss the break of dawn, the sunrise, the awakening of nature.  You can witness the return of the fishing boats and watch the fishermen as they untangle the fish from their nets, which will soon be sold out.   And when evening  comes and the sun descends slowly in the blue waters or disappears behind a rocky hill top, time stays still. Wherever you may be at that moment you will feel a total silence. The only sound that may be heard is that of the cameras trapping that special moment to be shared back home .

Windmills, countless chapels, dovecotes, whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, crystal clear waters, every island is unique in its own special way.  If you want a quiet holiday, Amorgos, Kimolos, Folegandros are the places to visit.  If you are in for clubbing and nightlife then there is Mykonos, Paros,  Naxos and Santorini.  No matter how many islands, how many times you visit the Cyclades , it will never be enough. There will always be something more to see, to explore to cherish.  There will always  be a reason for your wanting to come back to the Cyclades.