On the islands of Cyclades, there are many significant archaeological sites and museums with important findings since the area was home to one of the oldest civilisations in Europe (5,000-2,000 B.C.) and continued to be dominant in the culture of ancient Greece until the Roman Times.
1. Delos
For the lovers of history, the island of Delos near Mykonos is unique. According to mythology, Delos was the birthplace of God Apollo, and the ancient Greeks considered it a sacred place, building the Temple of Apollo and a theatre for performances. In the archaeological site of Delos, which is located in a very close distance to Mykonos and is connected with it by boat several times in the day, you can also see the Street of the Lions to the way to the temple and admire the findings of the excavations in the Archaeological Museum.
Delos
2. Keros
Keros is an uninhabited island near Koufonisi. Keros is a legendary place since it was the most important centre of the Cycladic civilisation, which flourished around 3,000 B.C. In Keros, were found the Cycladic figurines that are worldwide known for its minimal design that inspired famous artists such as Picasso. Nowadays, significant excavations take place in Keros, and the most important sculptures found there are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Naxos or Athens.
3. Minoan Site of Akrotiri, Santorini
Akrotiri Minoan Site (Santorini) is located on the southern side of the island, in a close distance to the famous Red Beach (Santorini). It is visited by thousands of visitors each year thanks to the amazing findings of an ancient fully-working and developed settlement, which was constructed around 4,500 B.C. The ancient town of Akrotiri (Santorini) was covered by ashes and lava due to the enormous volcanic eruption around 1,650 B.C., and thus, it was preserved intact through time.
Akrotiri
4. Portara, Naxos
Portara is the symbol of Naxos and the first thing you will see on the cliff above the port as the boat approaches the island. Portara is a gate, which is the only remain of the ancient Temple of Apollo that was constructed on the island in the 6th century B.C.
Portara
5. Ancient Theatre, Milos
On the top of the hill near the Catacombs, stands the well-preserved Ancient Theatre of Milos that the Romans built during the Hellenistic Period. This theatre was used to organise festivals during the antiquity, and nowadays, the locals also use it for many cultural events and theatre performances during the summer period.