Dear friend
Join us on a photo-discovery of the islands of Milos, Serifos and Sifnos with adventurous traveller and photojournalist Laura Gingerich. Whether you’re master of your DSLR or lover of your compact camera, you are sure to return home with some great memories to add to your portfolio.
From ancient sites and picturesque villages with white-washed houses to fairytale medieval castles and monasteries at the top of hills offering incredible panoramic views, solitary bays and sandy beaches, you’re sure to find inspiration for some stunning imagery.
Highlights include:
- Explore 3 islands in the West Cyclades; volcanic Milos, traditional Sifnos & unspoilt Serifos,
- Excellent tuition from experienced professional photographer,
- Expert Local Guides and Daily Photo Walks,
- Shoot the white washed villages, solitary beaches and breathtaking panoramic views,
- Train the eye for artistic composition and master the exposure triangle,
- Eco focus: introduction to the local flora and fauna,
- Delicious local food & wine,
- Traditional accommodations,
- Small Group Size (8-10 People).
- Option to join for 7 or 10 days
Here is a sample of what you will experience…
DAY 1: VISIT MEDIEVAL CASTLE SETTLEMENT FOR SUNSET
Arrival at the island of Serifos and transfer to our traditional, family-run guesthouse. Orientation and introduction to the history and culture of the Cyclades islands as well as the photography skills you will acquire during the holiday. Walk in the evening to the main village, the Chora, at the top of the hill to capture the unique light and landscapes during sunset. Supper at our favourite local tavern where you will taste delicious local dishes!! (PHOTO WALK 1)
DAY 2: WALK THROUGH AGRICULTURAL LAND OFFERING PANORAMIC SEA VIEWS
We’ll start our walk from the picturesque reservation of Kallitsos with its pretty square, narrow streets & white traditional houses, situated on a verdurous valley. We’ll ascend the paved trail towards the ruined village of Xero and Profitis Ilias in order to admire the panoramic views of the island and the deep blue sea. On the way you will encounter clusters of oaks, experience the unique flora of the Aegean, pass pigeon houses and ruined mills. We’ll then take the ancient path towards the old settlement of Triandafillos with its numerous orchards, the oak forest of Voudomantra and the impressive church of Skopiani. Time for a refreshing swim at a beautiful bay and lunch. (PHOTO WALK 2)
DAY 3: CIRCULAR WALK THROUGH ABANDONED VILLAGES TO ISOLATED BEACH
Today we’ll follow a circular trail starting from the abandoned village of Pyrgos, crossing a pretty creek as we descend towards the reservation of Galani. Soon the bay appears and a seductive view of the deserted beach of Sykamia is revealed. You’ll have the chance to have a picnic under the shade of the tamarisks, rest and swim at its crystal clear waters. On the way back we’ll follow a different route towards the beautiful Byzantine church of Panayia dating from the 10th century, leaving behind us the beautiful view of Sykamia and the surrounding islands. (PHOTO WALK 3)
In the evening we’ll take the ferry to Sifnos. Transfer to your guesthouse and supper at the picturesque main village, Apollonia.
DAY 4: CIRCULAR WALK TO ADMIRE PICTURESQUE VILLAGES WITH STUNNING VIEWS
Free morning. Early in the evening we’ll follow the beautiful trail from Apollonia towards the settlement of Kastro. The beautifully paved path is a flight of stairs – zigzags between fields with grape vines, olive trees, bee hives and pigeon towers. We’ll pass from the pretty village of Kato Petali and soon we’ll reach Kastro, one of the most picturesque villages and the most important from an archeological point of view. The village took its name from the “castle” which is formed by its buildings.
After a short break to explore and capture the medieval atmosphere, the stunning rock formations and deep blue of the Aegean Sea, we will continue towards the church of Panayia Poulati. Walking along the coast, you’re likely to spot on the way beautiful gulls and shags that hang around in these waters. We’ll end our excursion with a relaxed walk in the village of Artemonas to admire its neoclassical mansions and architecture and another delightful supper. (PHOTO WALK 4)
DAY 5: REACH THE HIGHEST PEAK TO ENJOY PANORAMIC VIEWS
Today we’ll walk up the highest hill of Sifnos named after the monastery at its peak, Profitis Ilias. On the way, the smell of herbs will accompany you and you’ll be able to gather thyme, oregano, lavender and sage. In April and May wild flowers including rare species are abound, so you will have plenty of opportunities to capture creatively their beauty under Laura’s guidance.
At the end of the walk, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the whole island and the surrounding islands of the Cyclades. We’ll end the day’s exploration at the village of Katavati with a drink and a meze. (PHOTO WALK 5)
DAY 6: REST DAY
Opportunity to rest or explore the island’s numerous beaches, villages and various sites.
DAY 7: WALK THROUGH A NATURA 2000 AREA TO THE LONELIEST PART OF SIFNOS
Today you’ll explore one of the loneliest parts of the island, Fikiada bay in the south. Fikiada is ranked amongst the island’s nicest beaches and can only be reached on foot or by boat. We’ll start our walk from the bay of Vathy and wonder around an area of unique natural beauty, part of the European Natura 2000 network. En route you will practice and capture creative images of flora, wildlife, landscapes and portraits under Laura’s guidance.
You will enjoy a picnic and a swim at the bays’ secluded, turquoise waters. You will eventually reach another magnificent bay, Platy Yalos, where we’ll stay till the sun sets. (PHOTO WALK 6)
DAY 8: EXPLORE THE MYCENAEAN CITADEL OF AGIOS ANDREAS & SURROUNDING VIEWS
Today you’ll visit the monastery of Fyrogia and the hill of Agios Andreas where you’ll admire the most important archaeological site of Sifnos, the Mycenaean Citadel of Agios Andreas, while taking in panoramic views across Sifnos’ villages and agricultural land as well as the nearby islands.
You’ll continue on the trail towards the magnificent monastery of Ag. Νikolas T’Aerina, an ideal place to stop to rest and capture dramatic images of the surrounding landscapes. The walk will end at the extraordinary bay of Vathy where you can swim and shoot the colourful sunset. Tonight we’ll eat at a lovely local tavern accompanied by ‘live’ traditional island music. (PHOTO WALK 7)
DAY 9: HISTORICAL WALK REACHING THE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE OF ANCIENT MILOS
Morning Ferry to Milos and rest. Early in the evening, we’ll start our walk from the port of Adamas, pass olive groves, abandoned & cultivated fields and small farms. You’ll have the chance to admire the typical Cycladic phrygana vegetation, such as mastic, genista, prickly burnet, Jerusalem sage… and Milos’ unique fauna with endemic species such as the Milos Wall lizard.
You’ll reach Trypiti (“full of holes”), a quaint village built over the catacombs, an Early Christian cemetery carved in soft volcanic tuff. After visiting the catacombs you’ll continue to the archaeological site of ancient Milos where the famous statue of the Aphrodite of Milos was found in 1820 and the Roman theatre.
You’ll enjoy supper at the picturesque village of Plaka after visiting the castle and watching the most enchanting sunset from the village “balcony” offering great views of western Milos, Adamas Bay, and Antimilos. (PHOTO WALK 8)
DAY 10: ENJOY STUNNING VOLCANIC BEACHES AND ‘LUNAR’ LANDSCAPES
Today you’ll appreciate the unique landscapes of Milos and capture unique images of colorful volcanic rocks, stunning coastal views, picturesque harbors, creeks and canyons. You’ll visit one of the most famous beaches of Milos, Sarakiniko, known for its lunar landscape as long horizontal volcanic rocks have been eroded by sea water and have turned bright white, a contrast with the turquoise blue of the sea.
Your last stop is the picturesque little harbor of Mandrakia, full of colourful fishing boats and white-washed houses. Farewell supper. (PHOTO WALK 9)
Contact us at info@nofootprint.gr for further information and our group and other offers.
If you wish to discuss the above or any other matter please don’t hesitate to contact us either by phone at +30 6976 761492!
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Nofootprint team