The Aegean Islands
Like Ulysses and other great adventurers of the ocean waters, the
fate of the Greek people has always been intertwined with the sea. The islands of
the Aegean reveal just some of the many secrets connected to this marvelous
relationship
Perhaps the most alluring feature of the Greek islands is their relaxed way
of life. Unlike the typically structured approach of the many vacation
itineraries, the mood and pace among the Greek isles is always of a sultry and
unhurried nature. The distinctive Mediterranean lifestyle prevails here: its
gentle easy rhythms are as much a part of the landscape as the warm soft winds.
The landscape, too, is distinctive - a blend of refined elements of which
rocks and sun take centre stage. Here and there are tiny settlements, the
inhabitants of which are noteworthy for their sincerity and openness. Visitors
will catch glimpses of these qualities in the rituals of daily life and during
the many colourful village festivals that are held every year on the islands.
The fascination that these islands have held for travellers since the dawn
of time can be felt even in at a distance -while they are still only massive
rocks floating on the blue surface against the horizon. Some of these land
masses are arid, others are remarkably lush, and still others are composed of
great mountain ranges, deep valley floors that end-up in magnificent beaches.
Many of these remote and golden beaches offer sun worshippers the
opportunity to experience a solitude that is nearly absolute and profound in its
depth. Everywhere a glorious white light casts a protective veil over the land,
suffusing colors with a fullness and dimension that cannot be replicated
anywhere else. Each day, visitors have the impression that they are witnessing the
rebirth of the world.
Every island has its own collection of tiny coastal villages. These
welcoming ports are distinguished by small white dwellings, vivid against the
intense blue backdrop of the sky or the grey-brown hills.
At day's end, sailboats and small fishing vessels, piloted by
sun-bronzed fishermen, head for safe haven at the base of the cliffs. The
inhabitants of this small universe then convene on outdoor patios and terraces
in the cool evening air, ready to enjoy the daily catch, grilled to succulent
perfection in the Mediterranean manner. The meal is celebrated with retsina, a
white wine with pine scent, followed by ouzo, a potent licorice-flavoured
liquer.
Inland, the island's breezes are mixed with the scent of thyme, other
herbs and wildflowers. Underlying this is the aroma of sun-baked lemon groves and
vineyards. The brilliant sunlight is periodically relieved by the shade of gnarled
olive trees. On rocky hilltops, tiny whitewashed chapels provide pleasant
contrast to the otherwise stark terrain.
Although the islands all share a gentle way of life, they are each very
different from one another. Each island community is fiercely independent and
terribly proud of its particular attributes. This individuality has ancient
roots. The development of every Greek island depended on the chance influences
an domination of various civilizations, which, over a period of 5,000 years,
helped the eastern Mediterranean culture to evolve into one of exceptional wealth
and diversity.
Inhabited as early as 6,000 BC, these islands even bear signs of human
settlement dating back to Neolithic times. This all combines to offer amateurs
and students of archeology endless hours of artistic, historic and cultural
adventure.
One should include in his travel itinerary visits to the sacred island of
Delos, mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, Amorgos and its Byzantine
treasures: and Rhodes, a Venetian stronghold in the Middle Ages. At Milos, where
the stunning statue of Aphrodite (Venus) was discovered, vestiges ofthe Hellenistic
period, Christian catacombs, and remnants of a 5,000-year-old kingdom whose
size and power were comparable to that of Crete.
The remains of Homer, the worlds most celebrated poet, are said to rest on
the island of Ios. It is at Anafi where the Argonauts sought refuge from the
storm.
The fascinating links of history, myth, and legend heighten the
natural charms of the Aegean Islands. With their unique magic, they restore the
depleted energies and spirits of the travellers they have welcomed over the
centuries.
It will undoubtedly occur to any visitor to this region that perhaps this
was how we were always intended to lead our lives. For this reason, when one
stays on any of these miniature domains, one always leaves promising to return.
Browse through their Site and you will find everything from guided
archaeological tours and adventure sailing charters to luxury cruises and
the best hotels in Greece.
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