The concept of measure in everything, self-sufficiency and sobriety are another characteristic of the inhabitants of the Aegean Islands. It is by taking advantage of local materials, the morphology of the soil, the peculiarities of their terroir that these have created their particular agglomerations and applied a formidable “instinctive urbanism” which constitutes a model in the world.
Sea transport in the Aegean Sea dates back to a very long time ago, more specifically to the beginning of the Neolithic period. Clear evidence and recent studies certify that the trade of raw materials had been very widespread in the Aegean region since that time. Apart from the trade transactions between islands and their opposite and even the most remote coasts, there were also cultural exchanges over the centuries. The islanders’, seamen’s and traders’ life was defined by this very contact. Close ties connected every aspect of their lives to those of the people in Asia Minor and its coasts. In 1922 these ties were suddenly broken and communication routes were blocked. SEAMEN AND TRADERS OF THE AEGEAN In…
Simple and unpretentious, as are the landscapes of the islands, with many similarities and differences from place to place, is the cuisine of the Cyclades. The main reason for its formation was the climate and the barren soil.
Vine and wine form an integral part of the Aegean history and have played an important role in the development of the economy and the flourishing trade in the islands. Reports of Homer, as well as findings from the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri in Thera, witness the long winemaking tradition in the archipelago, a tradition revived in many islands in the recent decades. Rhodes and Santorini are on top of the list, with Paros following. The viticulture shows development in Leros, Kos, Mykonos, Tinos, Sifnos and Milos as well. The wine was part of the ancient Greeks’ life who worshiped the god of wine, revelry and theatre, Dionysus and depicted him in many vessels, holding a bunch of grapes, or…
The Aegean Sea, linked to timeless myths and centuries of history, with the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands constitutes one of the main poles of attraction in Greece for travelers who love water sports, sailing, yachting, cruises. The meltems (known as Etesian winds since antiquity) blow throughout the summer for the joy of lovers of sailing and, why not, a real challenge for fans of adventure and sport sailing. Countless competitions like the Aegean Regatta and water sports championships like kitesurfing and windsurfing are organized there every summer, which sees the arrival in our country of athletes from around the world.
From prehistoric times until today, the Aegean produces culture and has its own, unique, cultural identity thanks to which millions of visitors come here every year. The works of art of people are of incalculable value, such as the famous Cycladic chairs that were a source of inspiration for contemporary artists around the world, the achievements of angiography and sculpture. You will admire many of them in the very interesting museums that exist in all the islands of the Aegean.
Great religious shrines exist on the islands of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, monuments of incomparable architecture and historical significance, with icons, hagiographies and reckless relics, and libraries that hold great manuscripts and books. Monasteries in operation, early Christian or Byzantine churches and chapels in the villages, towns, villages and the countryside of the islands are an attraction for thousands of visitors all year round and especially at Easter and the period of the celebrations of the 15th of August. Reflecting the turbulent historical periods during which several of the monasteries were built or rebuilt, they have an impressive fortress architecture. Churches and chapels whitewashed on the slopes, mountains and ravines of the islands or around the Villages and Settlements…