There’s no denying how a lot I really like Greece! It’s a rustic that’s stuffed with stunning locations to go to and historical past and tradition that’s second to none, particularly within the beautiful Cyclades Islands. From beautiful islands like Santorini and Mykonos – to lesser-known gems, there’s a heap of the very best islands to go to within the Cyclades which you can’t miss while in Greece.
Not solely does Greece have some stunning islands to discover, nevertheless it additionally has some unimaginable cities; I’m naming you, Athens! Plus, there are many stunning locations to see on the mainland, too; and that’s even earlier than we get onto all of the scrumptious Greek dishes to devour in your journey!
You see, every of the Cyclades Islands is completely completely different. Each with its personal vibe and is ideal for various sorts of journeys that make it good for no matter kind of vacation you’re in search of. Best of all, they’re well-connected (both by ferry or flight) and fairly simple to navigate… even when the ferries are typically late (simply one thing to be careful for).
So, to make your journey planning that bit simpler, we wished to share a number of the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades which you can go to when in Greece.
Have the very best journey travelling across the Cyclades Islands in Greece. We love them!
1.) Santorini
Probably one of many best-known Greek locations to go to, Santorini is one thing of a well-liked island within the Cyclades to go to.
This will be one thing of a double-edged sword… it’s completely stunning (beautiful actually), has loads of worldwide connections to the airport and also you’ll be spoilt for alternative with nice inns, too. But, that does imply that it might get tremendous busy on the peak instances of yr (and may get fairly costly, relying on the place you keep).
Though don’t let any of that put you off, I’d say that you must go to Santorini – it’s simply gorgeous and an ideal spot for anybody that desires a quintessential Greek island vacation of sunsets, beautiful eating places and beautiful views.
Once right here, make sure to take a look at the sundown within the clifftop city of Oia (beautiful, even when it does get busy), and go to Thera for its little bars and eating places alongside the caldera itself.
Actually, speaking concerning the caldera, be certain to guide your self on a small-group catamaran tour (like we did) of the caldera, stopping off on the volcanic sizzling springs and snorkelling spots at each the White and Red Beaches. You can guide both the morning or sundown tour and the group is at all times small, with beneath 20 individuals onboard.
Oh, and don’t overlook concerning the vineyards which are so particular in Santorini. There are fairly a number of that we visited throughout the island (Santo Wines and Venetsanos Wines, to call a number of) and so they’re completely scrumptious. You’ll even discover a number of the vines (which are a lot shorter in Santorini than conventional vineyards) all throughout the island.
Now, what I might say is to guide your self a guided vineyard tour of the vineyards which are so particular! Not solely will it permit you to go to fairly a number of however you gained’t have to fret about driving or transport when eager to style the wines.
Finally, should you want taxi transfers to the ferry port or airport, then guide a switch prematurely. As I stated, it might get busy and taxis will be scarce at peak instances.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Santorini
2.) Mykonos
Often referred to as the get together island of Greece, Mykonos is a lot greater than its glamourous seaside golf equipment and on-trend bars. Yes, that’s a part of Mykonos (and a enjoyable half should you fancy going for a celebration.
In truth, I’d go so far as saying it’s among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades should you fancy a very good mixture of enjoyable, historical past and a stunning Greek Island. You can simply spend every week visiting Mykonos, taking in Mykonos Town, spending time on the seashores and simply chilling – we beloved it for that.
After arriving, make sure to discover Mykonos Town and cease off for sundown drinks at Bao’s Cocktail Bar (our favorite) and seize a desk on the veranda at Kastros (once more, at sundown).
If you’re leaving the city itself, head over to Agios Sostis Beach and cease by for a number of the freshest seafood at Kiki’s Tavern. It’s casual, unpretentious, pleasant and completely scrumptious.
Oh, and don’t overlook to guide a skip-the-line boat tour to the traditional island of Delos. It’s fairly near Mykonos and one of the crucial essential islands in Greek mythology.
You may even see the ruins and artefacts which are strewn all throughout the island web site. It’s nicely price a visit.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Mykonos
3.) Milos
Milos is without doubt one of the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades to go to for its beautiful shoreline. It’s simply unimaginable and has been one thing of a favorite with Greek folks for a lot of many years. Filled with stunning coves, beautiful seashores and the enduring Sarakiniko Beach (on the north a part of Milos) it’s a spot that’s greatest loved chilled.
After arriving make sure to spend a while having fun with the crystal-clear waters of Sarakiniko. Just make sure to take loads of sunblock and drinks and snacks with you; there aren’t any facilities right here and the solar can get actually intense.
Don’t overlook to guide an intimate boat tour (lower than 10 folks) round Milos, too. These will get you to the hidden spots across the west a part of Milos which are all inaccessible by land. You’ll take within the likes of Kleftiko and the cave of Sykia that are simply so stunning.
For a chunk to eat, jump over to the picturesque harbour village of Mandrakia; It’s tiny, stunning and completely intimate. Here, you’ll discover Medusa, a restaurant, that serves up some conventional Greek meals that’s simply so yummy. Their contemporary fish is so good.
Finally, when in the primary city, make sure to seize a desk at O! Hamos! Tavern. Still family-owned, its meals is simply scrumptious and their baked feta is simply too good to overlook. Don’t miss it, you’ll thank me as soon as you permit stuffed!
Read extra: Best Greek Islands to go to
4.) Paros
Not too removed from Naxos or Ios, Paros is one other gem of an island that has so many similarities to Mykonos (stunning city and shoreline), with out the hefty price ticket. Plus, it’s quite a bit much less busy than the extra common spots of Santorini, too.
This all makes Paros among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades to go to while island hopping. This is precisely what we did and beloved each second; we took the ferry from Santorini (direct to Paros) and it was completely simple and tremendous quick. For ease with the ticketing, we booked ours on FerryScanner and simply confirmed our QR code when boarding.
Once in Paros, make sure to keep in or go to the beautiful city of Naousa. It’s quintessentially Greek, with whitewashed little homes and cobbled alleys – it’s simply gorgeous. Here, you’ll discover loads of little seafront bars and eating places that serve up some tasty Greek treats. We beloved Kafeneion – I Palia Agora, the place you may sit within the alley and devour the tastiest treats. Their grilled octopus is so good.
If you’re in search of a stunning lodge, about 15-minutes from Naousa, then examine into Summer Senses. We stayed right here throughout our journey to Paros and beloved it. It’s so peaceable and calm and so they even have probably the most beautiful rooms with personal swimming pools.
Fancy a while on the seas? Book a shocking crusing cruise to the islands of Iraklia and Schinoussa. Just be certain to pack your swimwear as you’ll get a number of chill time to snorkel and swim, too. It’s so good.
Read More: Best locations in Greece to go to
5.) Antiparos
The smaller sibling of Paros, Antiparos is without doubt one of the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades that’s an everyday superstar hang-out resulting from its peaceable island vibe. Which, makes it one epic place to go and chill.
Only round 15-minutes from Paros by boat, it’s a Cyclades Island you may go to for a day should you’ve bought a automobile on Paros. This is what we did and it was nicely well worth the crossing.
Once right here, take a look at the streets round Antiparos Port; you’ll discover a number of unbiased shops, cafes and little foodie spots round each nook. Driving south, take a drive in direction of Paralia Apantima (seaside) and relax on the seaside bar that’s nice for meals.
Oh, and if you wish to see the distinctive shoreline that makes Antiparos so beautiful, head to Ubini Rocks. It’s completely quiet, chilled and delightful. We spent a number of hours exploring this space and even adopted a number of the trails across the coast. One factor to notice, nevertheless, is that the street here’s a full-on filth observe. We did this in a small automobile nevertheless it may very well be troublesome if the climate is moist.
Fancy staying longer on Antiparos? Check into the Rooster that’s completely particular and overlooks Livadia Beach (which is unimaginable, by the way in which). Yes, it’s a bit extra expensive than different spots on the island; nevertheless it’s beautiful.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Santorini
6.) Naxos
Just a number of kilometres (because the crow flies) from Paros, Naxos is an attractive Greek island that has a very good mixture of bars, unbiased eating places and beautiful countryside and seashores. It’s simply among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades for
Getting peckish? Grab a desk at Doukato Restaurant within the previous city itself. We love the vibe of their out of doors seating space and the moussaka is so yummy. For night drinks with mates, hop into Like Home Bar Naxos, it’s small and cosy however has a energetic vibe that’s nicely price visiting for a night with mates.
Of course, you may’t miss the Temple of Apollo which overlooks the harbour space and is without doubt one of the island’s most prized archaeological websites. Plus, it’s really easy to walk over, particularly should you’re primarily based within the previous city itself.
That being stated, should you fancy getting out of the previous city, head into the countryside of Naxos itself. Nearby (by automobile), you’ve bought the beautiful Routsouna’s Waterfall (which is round a 45-minutes hike from the centre of the close by spot of Keramoti.
Finally, for a stunning seaside, head to Alyko Beach. The water is pristine right here and it’s nice for swimming. That being stated, the wind will be sturdy so be certain to put on loads of solar block. That wind can idiot you into pondering you’re not burning.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Rhodes
7.) Serifos
North of Milos, Serifos is without doubt one of the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades that’s a lot much less developed than the likes of Mykonos. This makes it the right Greek island to go to should you’re wanting a real little escape while in Greece. It’s so tranquil.
After hopping off the ferry, head straight over to Mpakakaki for his or her Greek meat dishes. All cooked and grilled contemporary, it’s a spot you may’t miss.
Once you’re good and full, head onto the open street and go to Psili Ammos. It’s completely unspoilt and comparatively quiet should you go to within the weekdays. Just make sure to pack a number of liquids; there are usually not at all times amenities proper on the seaside, right here.
Talking of seashores, one other agency favorite is Ganema Beach that’s on the opposite facet of Serifos. Best of all, all of it has a stunning little foodie spot, the SAAN Eco Restaurant that overlooks the bay.
Oh, and should you’re hitting up the mountain roads, pop into Οι Πλάκες for dinner and views over the island. Though, bear in mind, in the summertime months it might get busy. If you need to keep away from a wait, arrive early and prepare to go away stuffed.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Zakynthos
8.) Syros
It’s stated that folks have referred to as Syros residence for over 5,000 years… and it’s completely simple to see why! Although comparatively small, this Cyclades island is an ideal little getaway while hopping between these beautiful Greek gems.
If you need to discover a number of the island’s majestic church buildings head over to Anastaseos church in Vrodado or pop contained in the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas that’s located inside Ermoupolis itself. Both are unimaginable to see and epic to see as you discover the island.
Though, should you’re extra of a seaside bum, head to Kini Beach that’s good for a day on the shore.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Zakynthos
9.) Sifnos
Right within the coronary heart of the island group, Sifnos is without doubt one of the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades should you’re in search of a completely peaceable island journey.
After arriving in Kamares by boat, you’ll need to seize lunch at Argyris which is a family-owned spot that makes the very best souvlaki in all of Sifnos. Oh, and their selfmade tzatziki is simply too good to overlook!
Afterwards, take a while to go to Vathi Beach (for its shallow and heat waters) and Chrisopigi Monastery that’s on the opposite facet of Sifnos.
If that sounds such as you’re factor, make sure to pop over round sundown. The orange hues are simply unimaginable.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Corfu
11.) Ios
Halfway between Santorini and Paros, Ios is a superb island for all ages and all forms of guests. Truth be informed, it’s bought a bit little bit of every thing; making it an incredible journey for {couples}, mates and households alike.
If it’s the seashores you like, take a look at the idyllic Magganari Beach that’s an incredible household spot; particularly because the waters are good and calm.
Alternatively, should you’ve bought a automobile, head in direction of the Tomb of Homer and see a number of the island’s historical past that dates again millennia. Not solely that, the drive to the tomb is completely stunning.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Kefalonia
12.) Tinos
Neighbouring Mykonos, Tinos is the form of Greek island that’s nicely price a go to for its gorgeous shoreline.
After touchdown onshore, be certain to spend a while in Tinos Town itself and discover the Αrchaeological Museum of Tinos and eat at Mikro Karavi which serves up a scrumptious grilled goat dish.
Plus, don’t overlook to go to the shrine of Panagia Evangelistria, go to Pachia Ammos seaside and pop into Ballis Winery Tinos to strive a number of the island’s greatest wines.
Read extra: Best Greek Islands to go to
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