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 attractive Cyclades Islands. From attractive islands like Santorini and Mykonos – to lesser-known gems, there’s a heap of the most effective islands to go to within the Cyclades that you may’t miss while in Greece.
Not solely does Greece have some stunning islands to discover, however 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. Every 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. Better of all, they’re well-connected (both by ferry or flight) and fairly straightforward to navigate… even when the ferries are generally late (simply one thing to be careful for).
So, to make your journey planning that bit simpler, we needed to share among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades that you may go to when in Greece.
Have the most effective journey travelling across the Cyclades Islands in Greece. We love them!
1.) Santorini
Most likely 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 may be one thing of a double-edged sword… it’s completely stunning (attractive actually), has loads of worldwide connections to the airport and also you’ll be spoilt for alternative with nice lodges, too. However, that does imply that it may possibly get tremendous busy on the peak occasions of 12 months (and may get fairly costly, relying on the place you keep).
Although don’t let any of that put you off, I’d say that it’s a must to go to Santorini – it’s simply gorgeous and an ideal spot for anybody that wishes a quintessential Greek island vacation of sunsets, pretty eating places and beautiful views.
As soon as right here, make sure to try the sundown within the clifftop city of Oia (attractive, even when it does get busy), and go to Thera for its little bars and eating places alongside the caldera itself.
Truly, speaking concerning the caldera, make certain to guide your self on a small-group catamaran tour (like we did) of the caldera, stopping off on the volcanic scorching springs and snorkelling spots at each the White and Pink Seashores. You’ll be able to guide both the morning or sundown tour and the group is at all times small, with below 20 individuals onboard.
Oh, and don’t neglect concerning the vineyards which might be so particular in Santorini. There are fairly a couple of that we visited throughout the island (Santo Wines and Venetsanos Wines, to call a couple of) and so they’re completely scrumptious. You’ll even discover numerous the vines (which might be a lot shorter in Santorini than conventional vineyards) all throughout the island.
Now, what I might say is to guide your self a guided winery tour of the vineyards which might be so particular! Not solely will it can help you go to fairly a couple of however you gained’t have to fret about driving or transport when desirous to style the wines.
Lastly, in the event you want taxi transfers to the ferry port or airport, then book a transfer upfront. As I stated, it may possibly get busy and taxis might be scarce at peak occasions.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Santorini
2.) Mykonos
Usually referred to as the occasion island of Greece, Mykonos is a lot greater than its glamourous seaside golf equipment and on-trend bars. Sure, that’s a part of Mykonos (and a enjoyable half in the event you fancy going for a celebration.
The truth is, I’d go so far as saying it’s among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades in the event you fancy a great mixture of enjoyable, historical past and a stunning Greek Island. You’ll be able to simply spend per week visiting Mykonos, taking in Mykonos City, spending time on the seashores and simply chilling – we beloved it for that.
After arriving, make sure to discover Mykonos City 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).
In the event you’re leaving the city itself, head over to Agios Sostis Seashore and cease by for among the freshest seafood at Kiki’s Tavern. It’s casual, unpretentious, pleasant and completely scrumptious.
Oh, and don’t neglect to book a skip-the-line boat tour to the traditional island of Delos. It’s fairly near Mykonos and one of the crucial vital islands in Greek mythology.
You’ll be able to even see the ruins and artefacts which might be strewn all throughout the island website. It’s effectively price a visit.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Mykonos
3.) Milos
Milos is likely one of the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades to go to for its attractive shoreline. It’s simply unimaginable and has been one thing of a favorite with Greek individuals for a lot of many years. Stuffed with stunning coves, attractive seashores and the long-lasting Sarakiniko Seashore (on the north a part of Milos) it’s a spot that’s finest loved chilled.
After arriving make sure to spend a while having fun with the crystal-clear waters of Sarakiniko. Simply make sure to take loads of sunblock and drinks and snacks with you; there are not any facilities right here and the solar can get actually intense.
Don’t neglect to book an intimate boat tour (lower than 10 individuals) round Milos, too. These will get you to the hidden spots across the west a part of Milos which might be 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. Right 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.
Lastly, when in the principle city, make sure to seize a desk at O! Hamos! Tavern. Nonetheless 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!
Learn extra: Greatest 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 lots much less busy than the extra standard spots of Santorini, too.
This all makes Paros among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades to go to while island hopping. That is precisely what we did and beloved each second; we took the ferry from Santorini (direct to Paros) and it was completely straightforward and tremendous quick. For ease with the ticketing, we booked ours on FerryScanner and simply confirmed our QR code when boarding.
As soon as in Paros, make sure to keep in or go to the attractive city of Naousa. It’s quintessentially Greek, with whitewashed little homes and cobbled alleys – it’s simply gorgeous. Right 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.
In the event you’re in search of a stunning lodge, about 15-minutes from Naousa, then test 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 attractive rooms with non-public swimming pools.
Fancy a while on the seas? Book a stunning sailing cruise to the islands of Iraklia and Schinoussa. Simply make certain to pack your swimming wear as you’ll get numerous chill time to snorkel and swim, too. It’s so good.
Learn Extra: Greatest locations in Greece to go to
5.) Antiparos
The smaller sibling of Paros, Antiparos is likely one of the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades that’s a daily celeb hang-out resulting from its peaceable island vibe. Which, makes it one epic place to go and chill.
Solely round 15-minutes from Paros by boat, it’s a Cyclades Island you may go to for a day in the event you’ve received a automobile on Paros. That is what we did and it was effectively definitely worth the crossing.
As soon as right here, try the streets round Antiparos Port; you’ll discover numerous impartial shops, cafes and little foodie spots round each nook. Driving south, take a drive in the 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 attractive, head to Ubini Rocks. It’s completely quiet, chilled and exquisite. We spent a couple of hours exploring this space and even adopted among the trails across the coast. One factor to notice, nonetheless, is that the street here’s a full-on filth monitor. We did this in a small automobile however it could possibly be tough if the climate is moist.
Fancy staying longer on Antiparos? Examine into the Rooster that’s completely particular and overlooks Livadia Beach (which is unimaginable, by the best way). Sure, it’s a bit of extra dear than different spots on the island; however it’s attractive.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Santorini
6.) Naxos
Just some kilometres (because the crow flies) from Paros, Naxos is a fantastic Greek island that has a great mixture of bars, impartial eating places and beautiful countryside and seashores. It’s simply among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades for
Getting peckish? Seize a desk at Doukato Restaurant within the outdated city itself. We love the vibe of their outside seating space and the moussaka is so yummy. For night drinks with pals, hop into Like Home Bar Naxos, it’s small and cosy however has a vigorous vibe that’s effectively price visiting for a night with pals.
In fact, you may’t miss the Temple of Apollo which overlooks the harbour space and is likely one of the island’s most prized archaeological websites. Plus, it’s really easy to walk over, particularly in the event you’re based mostly within the outdated city itself.
That being stated, in the event you fancy getting out of the outdated city, head into the countryside of Naxos itself. Close by (by automobile), you’ve received the attractive Routsouna’s Waterfall (which is round a 45-minutes hike from the centre of the close by spot of Keramoti.
Lastly, 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 might be robust so make certain to put on loads of solar block. That wind can idiot you into pondering you’re not burning.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Rhodes
7.) Serifos
North of Milos, Serifos is likely one of the finest 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 in the event 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.
When you’re good and full, head onto the open street and go to Psili Ammos. It’s completely unspoilt and comparatively quiet in the event you go to within the weekdays. Simply make sure to pack numerous liquids; there should not at all times services proper on the seaside, right here.
Speaking of seashores, one other agency favorite is Ganema Seashore that’s on the opposite facet of Serifos. Better of all, all of it has a stunning little foodie spot, the SAAN Eco Restaurant that overlooks the bay.
Oh, and in the event you’re hitting up the mountain roads, pop into Οι Πλάκες for dinner and views over the island. Although, bear in mind, in the summertime months it may possibly get busy. If you wish to keep away from a wait, arrive early and prepare to go away stuffed.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Zakynthos
8.) Syros
It’s stated that individuals have known as Syros residence for over 5,000 years… and it’s completely straightforward to see why! Though comparatively small, this Cyclades island is an ideal little getaway while hopping between these attractive Greek gems.
If you wish to discover among 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. Each are unimaginable to see and epic to see as you discover the island.
Although, in the event you’re extra of a seaside bum, head to Kini Beach that’s good for a day on the shore.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Zakynthos
9.) Sifnos
Proper within the coronary heart of the island group, Sifnos is likely one of the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades in the event 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 most effective souvlaki in all of Sifnos. Oh, and their do-it-yourself tzatziki is simply too good to overlook!
Afterwards, take a while to go to Vathi Seashore (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.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Corfu
11.) Ios
Midway between Santorini and Paros, Ios is a good island for all ages and all kinds of guests. Fact be advised, it’s received a bit of little bit of every little thing; making it an amazing journey for {couples}, mates and households alike.
If it’s the seashores you’re keen on, try the idyllic Magganari Seashore that’s an amazing household spot; particularly because the waters are good and calm.
Alternatively, in the event you’ve received a automobile, head in the direction of the Tomb of Homer and see among the island’s historical past that dates again millennia. Not solely that, the drive to the tomb is completely stunning.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Kefalonia
12.) Tinos
Neighbouring Mykonos, Tinos is the form of Greek island that’s effectively price a go to for its gorgeous shoreline.
After touchdown onshore, make certain to spend a while in Tinos City itself and discover the Αrchaeological Museum of Tinos and eat at Mikro Karavi which serves up a scrumptious grilled goat dish.
Plus, don’t neglect to go to the shrine of Panagia Evangelistria, go to Pachia Ammos seaside and pop into Ballis Vineyard Tinos to attempt among the island’s finest wines.
Learn extra: Greatest Greek Islands to go to
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