Three weeks starting and ending in Lavrion.
Άνδρος, the most northerly and, after Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, is a kind of south-easterly continuation of Evvia, from which it is separated by a busy and sometimes stormy channel only 8 nm wide.
In the island’s four ranges of hills, the largest of which is Mount Petalon (997 m), are marble quarries which were already being worked in antiquity. Thanks to its unusual abundance of water Andros – most Cycladic islands are rather barren – has a flourishing agriculture.
Τήνος with its highest peak Mount Tsiknias (713 m), at the east end of the island. The inhabitants live by farming on terraced fields. Characteristic features of the landscape are the Venetian-style tower-like dovecots, of which there are some 1300. There are also numerous windmills.
Σίφνος lies approximately in the middle of the triangle formed by Milos, Serifos and Paros. The north and north-west of the island are occupied by barren ranges of hills, the east and south by gentler uplands. The coast is much indented and lined by cliffs for much of its length.
Agriculture (particular onion-growing) on the island’s fertile soil, the manufacture of pottery of traditional type and weaving bring the inhabitants a modest degree of prosperity.
The principal port on Sifnos is Kamares, which is well sheltered, and where you can rent bikes or scooters to reach Apollonia, the island’s capital. From there roads leads to the must-see places along the coasts and indeed these also proof beautiful anchorages and should really if possible visited by boat.
The medieval village of Kastro – with remnants of its ancient walls – but also the bays of Faros, Vathi and Platis Gialos are absolutely worth exploring: translucent turquoise water, combined with good tavernas. However, the best restaurants (notably To Liotrivi) can be found in Apollonia.
