The Cyclades Islands

As I said at the beginning of this issue, we’ve been enjoying a trip through this group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea for the past week. And there’s so much about them that’s spectacular. Unlike anything anywhere else in the world. The beaches and little fishing villages. The dramatic volcanic landscapes and natural hot springs. Archeological ruins and ancient history everywhere you look. (The islands were home to one of the oldest civilizations in Europe, from 5000 to 2000 BC.)

Each island has ports, and they are nice. But the real action is in the town centers, which are almost always built on hilltops. All the buildings are white. And cube-shaped. Doors and windows are hues of blue and green, with some exceptions. The overall effect is stunning against the cobalt blue of the Aegean.

The people are friendly and engaging – like Italians, but a bit less thrilled to help you. But just a bit.

A few of the highlights:

* Santorini and Ios – touristy, for good reason. Among the most beautiful towns I’ve ever seen. Almost too much to believe. Lots of great restaurants. Lots of bars and nightclubs. Lots of young people with tattoos.

* Paros – some interesting churches and a fun folk art museum.

* Antiparos – amazing caves. (We learned the difference between stalactites and stalagmites.)

* Delos – a one millennium BC ruin. Very impressive.