"Embark on an unforgettable island-hopping adventure as we traverse this cluster of idyllic gems scattered across the Aegean Sea," states Glossy Magazine at the beginning of an extensive feature.
The renowned British magazine aimed at thousands of Manchester travellers interested in history, gastronomy, romantic getaways and museum tours suggests Ios, Sifnos and Naxos as the 'stops' on a magical tour of the Cyclades.
It is noted that the three Cycladic destinations represent Greece in the travel trends for the next year, according to the medium, which also suggests Miami, Luxembourg, Prague, Budapest, Porto, Berlin, Lake Como, Amalfi and Paris for 2024.
Regarding Ios, the journalist refers to the easy accessibility from Manchester via Santorini and the evolution of the destination which, in addition to entertainment, is now an ideal destination for walkers, lovers of good quality cuisine and couples who want to get married without crowds and with an unparalleled natural background.
"Ios is a must for your bucket list – from churches and chapels and sunset beach bars to some of the most beautiful coastlines in Greece – and an easy-to-reach island situated between the glitz of Santorini and the glamour of Mykonos."
Next is Sifnos, the island of harmony which is the birthplace of famous Greek poets as well as acclaimed chefs.
Separate traditional villages, secluded beaches and unique arts, such as ceramics, and hundreds of churches dominate the island offering unforgettable experiences.
"Among the Cycladic islands, Sifnos stands out for both its architecture and natural beauty. Once a thriving gold and silver mining location, it has, since ancient times, cultivated a reputation for the finer things in life. Today, the island combines the picturesque with a rich tradition in cuisine and crafts, along with a high-level infrastructure in tourism. Despite its refined culture and ‘Cycladic chic’ ambience, Sifnos retains a low profile that instils a sense of peace in the visitor."
A valuable addition to Glossy Magazine's list is Naxos which is the largest and most fertile island of the Cyclades and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and popular summer destinations. Endless beaches, crystal clear waters, picturesque villages, rich history and delicious local products captivate tourists.
The representatives of the three destinations on the list give a summary to AMNA for the completed season.
"Despite the peculiarities of the tourist year, Ios achieved remarkable performance with a 6.7% increase in arrivals for the period April-October compared to 2022. Our call for experiences off the beaten track is being answered. Sports events, marine tourism, culture festival, gastronomy, hiking and wedding tourism contribute to the lengthening of the season. It is no coincidence that during April and October, the percentage increase in arrivals was double-digit with 10% and 15.2% respectively," said the mayor of Ieton Gikas Gikas.
"The arrivals in Sifnos fluctuated from May to October at a historic high of ten years. For the first time, the traffic reached double digits in May, while October also strengthened by 10.9% compared to 2022. We continue to reach a traveling audience with special interests in culture, gastronomy and alternative activities," added the mayor of Sifnos Maria Nadali.
"For the April-October period, Naxos broke the barrier of 600,000 arrivals in total. Coastal arrivals set consecutive six-year records, while air arrivals also shot up by 24.6% up to the end of September compared to last year. We specifically target the off-season months where traffic has been encouraging. As a result of our story, Naxos was recently ranked among the top 10 destinations in Europe with the highest added value for off-season holidays," pointed out the Deputy Mayor for Tourism of the Municipality of Naxos and the Lesser Cyclades, Vangelis Katsaras.
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