The official start of the summer tourist season in Greece has already begun. Tourists are drawn by the warm weather in Greece and every year, a high volume of visitors are having their vacations in the Greek islands.

The Cyclades islands are a top destination for visitors and for a very good reason. The tranquil light blue of the sea, white houses with blue shutters, many small chapels, stone steps, marvelous sunsets and sunrises, visits to archeological sites, and of course amazing traditional food are all you would wish for to have amazing vacations.

The Cyclades comprise thirty-three islands in the heart of the Aegean Sea. Cyclades means ‘circle of islands’ as they all form the shape of a circle in the middle of the Greek open sea. In the center of the circle, you find the island of Delos. According to mythology, Apollo, the god of Light was born there. It is believed that before the birth of Apollo it was called Adelos (meaning not visible, floating on the sea) and after the god’s birth it became Delos (meaning visible). In Ancient Greece it was the epicenter of cultural, spiritual, and economic life. The UNESCO World Heritage Center considers Delos one of the most significant mythological and archaeological sites in the world. Today, the Archaeological Museum of Delos has a considerable collection of statues, and the whole island seems to take you back to the ancient world.

Most tourists are familiar with the famous islands of Mykonos and Santorini. Both give the visitors a good taste of beautiful sightseeing, along with the excitement of modern luxury. However, there are other islands that are easy to reach and present the opportunity to enjoy the golden beaches with never ending blue colors of the sea expanding in front of you, with the sun setting beyond the horizon. In recent years, Paros has welcomed international flights, making it an easily accessed island, whereas smaller airports in Naxos, Mylos, and Syros host only domestic flights, but they still flοοd the islands with visitors.

The Cyclades islands can be reached by plane or by ferry, most departing from the port of Piraeus, however, ports of Rafina and Lavrion also serve ferry itineraries to the Cyclades. By plane from Athens International Airport most islands are just 45 minutes away.

Cycladic beauty is not only about the relaxing beaches and the breathtaking ancient monuments. One very important aspect of the tourist industry, rising even higher every year, is the culinary experience. Enjoying local specialties in a stunning landscape could even be therapeutic for tourists. You just can’t resist tasting signature dishes and local certified products along with the most famous wines made with special grape varieties.

The Cyclades are very proud of the celebrated chef and cookbook author Nikolaos Tselementes, born on the island of Siphnos in 1878. He is considered one of the most influential cookery writers of modern Greece, modernizing Greek cuisine like no other in his time. All women in Greece through today use his book ‘Cooking Guide’, published in 1930, as the ultimate cookbook. Indeed, his name ‘Tselementes’ is synonymous with ‘cookbook’.

Through the ‘modern philosophy’ and training of Greek chefs, special varieties of wines, fruits, vegetables, and cheeses blend harmoniously with modern techniques as well as the traditional recipes, using in the best way the fresh produce of the Hellenic land.

During the summer, Greece is filled with visitors and the locals try to serve them in the best way possible. In the Cyclades tourists enjoy the sun and the sea, do sports, and visit secluded areas in order to experience the Greek summer in its fullest. A major hospital on Syros island attends the medical needs of their visitors. As the islands are scattered in the Aegean Sea, multiple Medical Centers are responsible for render medical care to their patients. In many cases, when special treatment is required, patients are transferred to larger, more adequate clinics or hospitals. Gamma Air Medical receives many requests for medical cases in the Cyclades and its teams can reach patients in the fastest way possible, with airplanes and helicopters. Expert planning along with the company’s 25-year experience enables them to respond to possible cases. They also handle medical repatriations happen, directly from an island’s airport to another airport abroad.

According to its representatives, “when we think of the islands, only pleasant moments pass through our mind. However, in a time of need, there is always Gamma Air Medical to make sure that the best possible care is given.”

Lila Mariza is Administration Manager and Anthi Christodoulou is Customer Relations Manager at Gamma Air Medical.