South Aegean Islands
The periphery of the South Aegean Islands occupies the archipelagos in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, namely the Cyclades and the Dodecanese Islands, which together amount to some 400 islands. With very few exceptions, the islands are peaks of underwater mountains or originate from volcanoes. This explains their rugged terrain and not very fertile land. Sheep breeding and wine production are the pillars of the local economy here, as well as tourism. Dozens of these islands, even the uninhabited ones, offer a wealth of attractions. The islands boast a long and turbulent history, stretching back to the Bronze Age. Numerous excavations and heritage sites from different epochs attract many tourists, including Ancient Greek religious sites and amphitheatres which co-exist with Byzantine churches, medieval castles and contemporary fishing villages.