This book describes the loveliest old walking trails. With precise descriptions detailed maps
exact times GPS points and photos of outstanding places for better orientation. And lots of
useful knowledge about the Islands of Light. It is made for island hoppers who want to drift
through the island world by ship and who would also like to hike and swim in this ancient
cultural landscape. For the update of this new edition all the tracks and paths have been newly
walked along and rechecked. All extensions some of them also changed routes are recorded. And
12 new hikes have been added. White cubical houses in front of infinitely blue sea - that is
how we know Greece from the travel brochures. The Cyclades fit this picture perfectly. The name
of the archipelago is derived from Antiquity and implies that they are arranged like a circle
a kyklos around the holy island of Délos. Out of 56 islands in total 24 are inhabited and
they are all described in this series of books. They are linked together by numerous and
frequent boat services which makes island-hopping such a special experience. Besides serving
the more well-known islands such as Páros and Náxos the boats also ferry you to the Small
Cyclades which occasionally make you feel as if you had been taken back to the beginnings of
tourism. Given the variedness of the Cycladic islands it takes quite a while to find your
favourite island. It is best to discover the diversity of the islands on foot. Old paved mule
tracks wind their way across the extensive landscape and bordered by walls lead to fortified
monasteries lonely strands and clustered villages. Surrounded by the sea the countryside
which hardly has any fences lends itself particularly to hiking. You reach places where
sometimes nobody has set foot for days or even weeks. Far removed from tourist facilities the
hiker finds the old Greece and what is more in the tranquillity of the nature peace of mind.
In the mountain villages the hiker encounters open-minded people who let him the stranger be
guest - in Greek both concepts are expressed in one word xénos. Of the twelve islands
presented here Amorgós and Náxos as well as Andros and Tínos can be especially recommended for
walking. Yet the others also have many attractions which are worth discovering. Have a good
trip! Kaló taxídi!
