The Cyclades Islands of Greece
Despite what is shown on this map, the Cyclades Island group consists of about 220 islands, many of them way too small to be displayed on the map. The islands are actually peaks of submerged mountains—except for Milos and Santorini.
The Cycladic islands were first inhabited by voyagers from Asia Minor around 3000 BCE. Thanks to the wealth of natural resources on the islands, such as gold, silver, copper, obsidian, and marble, prosperity was achieved.
We visited three of the Cyclades: Paros, Siros and Santorini.
Paros
The island of Paros is known for its beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and vibrant nightlife. In our case, we enjoyed the authentic Greek culture!
Marpissa
We took a bus to this modest traditional village that is said to embody the essence of this beloved Greek island. It serves a a bridge between tradition and the tourist-filled façade we faced when getting off the ship.
Nestled on a hillside near the eastern coast of the island, Marpissa dates back to the 15th century and is known for its well-preserved architecture, winding alleys, and tranquil ambiance. It offers a glimpse into traditional Cycladic life, with narrow, whitewashed streets, bougainvillea-covered buildings, and the distinctively blue-domed churches that are iconic in the region.
Our goal in Marpissa was to visit the home of one lovely lady whose ancestors have inhabited this village for many generations.
We all absolutely loved this place! It has 500+ residents. She walked us through the village, sharing stories of different locations…..as we were all in awe of the present day well-preserved Cycladic architecture, with whitewashed houses, narrow winding streets, and vibrant bougainvillea.
Our photo fingers could not stop snapping!! Unlike many villages in Paros, Marpissa has remained relatively untouched by modern development, retaining its medieval-style structure.
We listened to stories in her home, eating a grape sauce served on a spoon and sesame honey bars. These things are always present in the homes in order to be ready for guests to stop by!
She also demonstrated her loom, on which she made everything in the house…rugs, linens, purses and bags, tablecloths, etc.
The village was such a peaceful destination, and we experienced a life much more simple than our own! We hated to leave the tranquility and this connection to Greek island culture.
Our guide pointed out a ruined castle that stands atop a nearby hill….a testament to the Venetian presence during the 13th century. It is believed to have been conquered by the famous pirate Barbarossa in 1537. Today, a monastery stands in its place (but no time for us to visit!)
Greek Cemetaries!!
We always encourage our guide for more opportunities to learn about the Greek ways of living, or in this case, dying! We had an impromptu stop at this cemetery to learn more about the Greek Orthodox rituals.
Greek Orthodox cemeteries are sacred places places where the living honor the memory of the dead through prayer, care, and reflection….emphasizing respect for the dead. Cremation is not an option.
The headstones and monuments are made of marble or stone and marked with crosses, the most important symbol of the Orthodox faith. It is common to see icons of saints or Jesus Christ on gravestones.
Many graves have small glass or metal cases where these icons are placed. Small oil lamps or candles are placed on the graves and are lit during visits.
Visiting and caring for the grave is an important aspect of Greek Orthodox practice. Families frequently visit cemeteries to clean the grave, light candles, and pray for the soul of the departed.
Panagia Ekatontapiliani (aka “Church of 100 Doors”)
Panagia Ekatontapiliani is a significant Byzantine-era church. Built in the 4th century, the church is one of the oldest and most important Christian monuments in Greece. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is said to have been founded by Saint Helen, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
According to legend, she vowed to build the church after surviving a storm on her way to Jerusalem.
The name “Ekatontapiliani,” which translates to “Church of 100 Doors,” is derived from the local legend that the church contains 99 visible doors, and the 100th will be revealed when Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) is reclaimed by the Orthodox Church.
These tags were interesting and we saw them all around Greece. In the Greek Orthodox Church, tama are small votive offerings made by believers as expressions of faith, gratitude, or supplication. They are typically thin metal plaques, crafted from silver or tin, and inscribed or embossed with symbols representing the prayers or wishes of the devotee.
Parikia
Our boat docked in Parikia, the capital of Paros. This island’s bustling hub of art and culture stretches out along the seafront. It is easy from here to see other islands that dot the Aegean. We had time to walk around and explore…which we did through the mazes of quaint alleys viewing the many boutique shops…and so many postcard-worthy scenes!!
There are ancient marble quarries on this island. We did not get an opportunity to see the rubble that is left…and they are not active any more….but it was these quarries that supplied the high-quality Parian marble used in famous sculptures like the Venus de Milo.
The visit to this island felt like an authentic Greek island experience with plenty of charm, beauty, and tranquility. While not all are year-round residents, Paros’ charm, privacy, and natural beauty make it a sought-after retreat for creative and public figures looking to escape busy urban lives. For example, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson own property on the neighboring island of Antiparos, but frequently visit Paros and have been spotted enjoying the local towns and beaches.
2024, with Overseas Adventure Travel