Travel Photography Destinations

According to ancient Greek mythology, Cyclades were nymphs, daughters of Oceanus and Tethys who provoked the rage of Poseidon. In revenge, Poseidon – the God of the Sea – turned them into islands.

The Cyclades islands form a circle (hence the name) around the sacred island of Delos. As the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, Delos attracts millions of Greek and foreign visitors all year round. Furthermore, Mikonos, Naxos, and Ios  astonish the visitors with their dreamy Cycladic architecture all in white and blue, turquoise waters, spectacular beaches and dazzling light. These islands are considered as the gems of the Cyclades. Consequently, they make the perfect travel photography destinations.

Mykonos

A favorite vacation destination of the world’s jet set, Mykonos is well-known for its white churches, charming windmills, stunning architecture and barren landscape. Apart from having a holiday of a lifetime, you will return with beautiful landscape images. Typical subjects include sandy beaches, cascade hills and narrow cobbled streets in the shade of the ornamental bougainvillea.

Mykonos to-do List

Beaches. Unquestionably the biggest natural attraction of the island. Mykonos has 25 beaches that range from long strips of white sand to secluded small coves, sheltered by the hills.

Whether you decide to spend lazy days on sandy Elia, party on Paradis, or to escape from the crowds to isolated Fokos or Myrsine bays, you will be amazed by the beauty of the scenery. I won’t start talking about the wonderful transparency of the sea. Moreover, the play of natural light on the surface of the water is simply breathtaking.

Hora. The tiny white capital of the island (also known as Mykonos) is recognized as a perfect spot for Greek travel photography. Narrow pedestrian streets among rich, vividly-colored bougainvillea trees, picture-perfect white and blue houses and churches make a delightful scenery for photography enthusiasts.

Churches. Churches and monasteries that date back from the Byzantine times are scattered humbly across the hills of Mykonos. They offer a splendid view of the Aegean Sea and a perfect set for landscape images. The ascetic architecture contrasting the infinity of the sea in the background – simply extraordinary.

Sunsets. If you take a walk to Kato Mili, the quartet of windmills on a hill overlooking Little Venice and the town of Mykonos, you will enjoy one of the most stunning sunsets you have ever seen. With or without sunset, this is one of the best travel photography destinations on the island.

Ios

Ios is an island of history. It is believed to be the birthplace of Homer’s mother and his own final resting place. Although the locals call their island “Nios”, its name comes from the word ion, the Greek name for the flower violet. One of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades, Ios will take your breath away. With its cascade-looking like cities and whitewashed houses with blue windows, it provides the finest examples of Cycladic architecture.

Ios Must-visit

Chora. The island’s capital, Chora will greet you with its amphitheater-like appearance on the slope of the small hill. On the barren hilltop, you will find ruins of a medieval castle – a perfect spot to take your seascape images bathed in natural light.

Traditional Cycladic village, Chora is a great setting for traveler photos. Its dreamy windmills, churches with blue domes and arched towers, crystal clear sea, charming arcade-covered alleys and charismatic traditional taverns will make your stay on the island truly unforgettable.

Beaches. Ios beaches are well-known as some of the best places to swim in Greece. For those looking for the buzzing beach life, Ormos and Mylopotas are the perfect destinations. Their close proximity to the port, numerous beach bars and a great selection of watersports makes them a perfect travel destination.

However, Ios has a great selection of secluded, remote coves where you can spend days in serenity, surrounded only by nature and warm, ever-changing natural light.

Naxos

The biggest island in the Cyclades, and also the greenest one. So, if you ever get enough of barren hilltops of Ios and Mykonos, drop by this charming island. It is full with strikingly high mountains, lush green valleys, traditional villages, ancient ruins, and stunning landscapes.

Don’t Miss Out Naxos’ History

Traditional Cycladic Villages. Perched on the mountain tops of Naxos, these traditional villages offer a great insight into the island’s tradition and culture. Hence, you will meet the locals who still live in traditional whitewashed cubic houses cascading down the hillsides.

Naxos is an island of gorgeous old monasteries, churches, and Venetian castles. The island’s namesake capital and port features characteristic cubic houses, medieval Venetian mansions and a hilltop castle with an archeological museum dating to the 13th century.

The Cyclades have it all: beautiful landscape, crystal clear waters, intriguing history and captivating architecture. Don’t miss it out.