DELOS, in the centre of the cluster, is the island of Apollo and Artemis, the god of light and music and the goddess of hunting. It is uninhabited but visitable. The island may not have beaches for swimming, trees or flowers, it may not be inhabited or shelter animals, but bathed in dazzling sunlight, it offers unique insights into mythology and history. Because the sacred island is one large, open museum.

It is part of the character of the inhabitants of AMORGOS that on feast days they will invite you to their table for the traditional "patatato". They will also bring out figs, olives, sun-drenched red wine, raki, "myzithra" cheese and honeycake.

There are also incredibly beautiful beaches to be found on ANAFI, where the visitor's programme will include swimming and fishing, walks, reading, relaxation and generally a holiday in the countryside, in a rented room, where he can enjoy the beautiful, unspoilt environment and the particular colour of the island.

On ANDROS unique views and country air frame a place full of nautical traditional and cultural events like exhibitions of modern and classical painting and the permanent museum of Cycladic art which offer the perceptive visitor everything he could possible ask for. Sea and walks in green valleys, delicacies such as "kaltsounia", almond sweets and jams, and also sausages, which are used in the making of the traditional "froutalia" omelete.

Many islands claim the honour, but it was probably on IOS where the poet Homer was buried. If he were alive today, the poet would walk among the picturesque windmills and he would offer visitors "dipless", "pastelia", almonds sweets and cheese pies. As well as a lively night-life there are also museums to visit during the day.

Although it was a refuge for pirates, KIMOLOS is a wonderful place to holiday for those seeking peace and solitude. It may not offer all the luxuries, but it is superb with its houses and courtyards adorned with natural colours, This is its luxury.

From peace and quiet there is a complete transition to intense night-life, partying and noise on PAROS. It is the island where the world windsurfing champions can be seen on the beaches during the championships. Apart from action, sports and lively entertainment, Paros has numerous historical sights as well as unexpected beauty spots for those seeking something more. The local cuisine is worthy of particular attention with its stewed rabbit, doves and "gounes", a baked sun-dried fish.

ANTIPAROS is close to Paros, but they are very different. The crowds are on Paros. Antiparos is quiet, peaceful and has its own particular beauty. It is renowned for its octopus fishing, and whether you fish or not, you will enjoy it charcoal grilled with your ouzo.

When there is talk of food, KEA should not be forgotten. On Sundays the locals sit in the cafes and exchange pleasentries to the accompaniment of grilled herring and retsina. Taste their red wine, cheeses, "kopanisti", fish dishes, honey, honey cakes and "pasteli".

When holidays are also linked with good health, the choise is Kythnos with its thermal baths, which are excellent for the treatment of arthritic, dermatological and gynaecological ailments. And of paramount importance is the peaceful environment, with Venetian castles and a religious tradition that contributes to the healing of body and soul.

Although the famous Venus of Milos statue may be in the Louvre Museum, MILOS itself has been a cultural centre since 3000 BC. It has fishing villages and is a wonderful setting for those who want to enjoy the countryside, activities, and the sea on an island with an excellent tourist infrastructure. The volcanic lava of the island was hewn by a divine hand into the form of a wave-borne horse-shoe. It has this strange shape, because basically it is the crater of a volcano.

A group of beautiful islands, far from civilization, with few visitors (but be careful, there are lots in August) is the so-called Little Cyclades, which offer quiet holidays with few comforts. They include the KOUFONISIA, a terrific place for fish, which boasts more fishing boats than families on the island; KEROS, where important excavations are still in progress; DONOUSA where the earth is the colour of burnt ochre and the prickly pears and palms form oases; and HERACLEIA and SKINOUSA, picturesque islands with quiet indented beaches for those in search of peace. There is abundant fishing, many archaeological sites and warm, hospitable people.

FOLEGANDROS is also small, basically just a rock in the sea, covering an area of 32 sq.km. with fewer than 600 inhabitants. In the capital one can marvel at the incredible town planning as well as the old settlement in the middle of the town, the Kastro.

Windmills and Little Venice. If there were only to be windmills in one place, the would be in MYKONOS. As for tasty food, apart from superb restaurants, Mykonos has almond sweets, "kopanisti" and "soumada". A lot of people, terrific clubbing, acceptable eccentricity, incredible jewellery, famous visitors. Everything one hears about the island is true.

NAXOS is the largest of the Cyclades. The whole island is worth seeing with its Venetian towers and museums. In the capital, Hora, there is a Venetian castle which houses an entire town within its precinct. The visitor can fill his programme with windsurfing, hiking, cycling and all the sea sports. He can fill his bag with sculptures, pottery, woven goods, textiles and traditional instruments, and his stomach with "xinotiro", "anthotiro", wine, potatoes, meat, fish and honey.

On arriving in SANTORINI, what one sees is a wall, an island cut in half. The next surprise is when one climbs through the bowels of the earth and reaches the surface to see the beauty, the vines and the fields. In 1500 BC there was a volcanic eruption on Santorini which cut the island in half. Mythology says that the city of Atlantis sank during the eruption; historians believe a tidal wave destroyed the Minoan Civilization. It is worth sampling the wine, the pease-pudding and the famous "tomatokeftedes".

Everyone says that SERIFOS has a particular charm. It is a mountainous island with green valleys. The inhabitants work at agriculture and fishing and preserve their customs and traditions. One can sample the wine, honey, "myzithra" cheese, savoury and sweet pies, figs and capers.

Although it is very close to bustling Ios, SIKINOS has lost none of its local colour. The fewer than three hundred inhabitants are hospitable, yet glad that tourism has not changed their island. They proudly show off their impressive stone mansions and splendid churches.

A frequent ringing of bells is the unique acoustic experience marking deeply religious SIFNOS with its 365 churches. It is an island that has been exploited touristically, while maintaining its Cycladic architecture and its pottery tradition. This island has the greatest variety of Cycladic cuisine.

For modern Greeks however, the sacred island is TINOS. It is the home of the celebrated Virgin of Tinos with the miraculous icon discovered in 1822. In the hinterland natural beauty combines with magical beaches, green valleys and architectural dovecotes, which are unique in the world.

SYROS is home to the capital of the whole island cluster, Hermoupolis, which is more like a city than anywhere else in the Cyclades. It is probably the most "neo-classical" city in Greece, its centre dotted with impressive architectural monuments of art. There too, on two adjacent hills, Orthodoxy and Catholicism coexist in harmony. Every visitor, even if only passing through on a ship, should try the famous local honey, herbs, "loukoumia" and "halvadopites".