There’s no denying how a lot I 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 one of the 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 unbelievable 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 sort of vacation you’re searching for. 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 wished to share among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades which you can go to when in Greece.
Have one of the best journey travelling across the Cyclades Islands in Greece. We love them!
1.) Santorini
In all probability one of many best-known Greek locations to go to, Santorini is one thing of a preferred island within the Cyclades to go to.
This may be one thing of a double-edged sword… it’s completely stunning (beautiful the truth is), has loads of worldwide connections to the airport and also you’ll be spoilt for alternative with nice resorts, too. However, that does imply that it might probably get tremendous busy on the peak occasions of 12 months (and might get fairly costly, relying on the place you keep).
Although don’t let any of that put you off, I’d say that you need to go to Santorini – it’s simply beautiful and an ideal spot for anybody that desires a quintessential Greek island vacation of sunsets, pretty eating places and lovely views.
As soon as right here, remember 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.
Truly, speaking in regards to 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 sizzling springs and snorkelling spots at each the White and Purple Seashores. You possibly can guide both the morning or sundown tour and the group is at all times small, with underneath 20 individuals onboard.
Oh, and don’t neglect in regards to the vineyards which can be 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 plenty of the vines (which can 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 can be so particular! Not solely will it can help you go to fairly a number of however you gained’t have to fret about driving or transport when eager to style the wines.
Lastly, in case you want taxi transfers to the ferry port or airport, then book a transfer prematurely. As I stated, it might probably get busy and taxis might be scarce at peak occasions.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Santorini
2.) Mykonos
Usually often known as the get together island of Greece, Mykonos is a lot greater than its glamourous seashore golf equipment and on-trend bars. Sure, that’s a part of Mykonos (and a enjoyable half in case you fancy going for a celebration.
The truth is, I’d go so far as saying it’s among the best islands to go to within the Cyclades in case you fancy mixture of enjoyable, historical past and a stunning Greek Island. You possibly can simply spend per week visiting Mykonos, taking in Mykonos City, spending time on the seashores and simply chilling – we cherished it for that.
After arriving, remember 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).
When 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 essential islands in Greek mythology.
You possibly can even see the ruins and artefacts which can be strewn all throughout the island website. It’s properly 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 beautiful shoreline. It’s simply unbelievable and has been one thing of a favorite with Greek folks for a lot of many years. Stuffed with stunning coves, beautiful seashores and the enduring Sarakiniko Seashore (on the north a part of Milos) it’s a spot that’s finest loved chilled.
After arriving remember to spend a while having fun with the crystal-clear waters of Sarakiniko. Simply remember 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 neglect to book 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 can 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 recent fish is so good.
Lastly, when in the principle city, remember 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 quite a bit much less busy than the extra well-liked spots of Santorini, too.
This all makes Paros among the best islands to go to within the Cyclades to go to while island hopping. That is precisely what we did and cherished 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, remember 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 beautiful. Right here, you’ll discover loads of little seafront bars and eating places that serve up some tasty Greek treats. We cherished Kafeneion – I Palia Agora, the place you may sit within the alley and devour the tastiest treats. Their grilled octopus is so good.
When you’re searching for a stunning resort, about 15-minutes from Naousa, then verify into Summer Senses. We stayed right here throughout our journey to Paros and cherished it. It’s so peaceable and calm and so they even have essentially the most beautiful rooms with personal 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 swimwear as you’ll get plenty of 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 an everyday celeb hang-out as a consequence of 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 case you’ve received a automotive on Paros. That is what we did and it was properly well worth the crossing.
As soon as right here, take a look at the streets round Antiparos Port; you’ll discover plenty of unbiased shops, cafes and little foodie spots round each nook. Driving south, take a drive in direction of Paralia Apantima (seashore) and sit back on the seashore 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 among the trails across the coast. One factor to notice, nonetheless, is that the highway here’s a full-on dust observe. We did this in a small automotive nevertheless it might be tough if the climate is moist.
Fancy staying longer on Antiparos? Test into the Rooster that’s completely particular and overlooks Livadia Beach (which is unbelievable, by the way in which). Sure, it’s somewhat extra expensive than different spots on the island; nevertheless it’s beautiful.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Santorini
6.) Naxos
Only a few kilometres (because the crow flies) from Paros, Naxos is a phenomenal Greek island that has mixture of bars, unbiased eating places and lovely countryside and seashores. It’s simply among the best islands to go to within the Cyclades for
Getting peckish? Seize a desk at Doukato Restaurant within the previous city itself. We love the vibe of their outside seating space and the moussaka is so yummy. For night drinks with buddies, hop into Like Home Bar Naxos, it’s small and cosy however has a energetic vibe that’s properly price visiting for a night with buddies.
After all, 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 case you’re primarily based within the previous city itself.
That being stated, in case you fancy getting out of the previous city, head into the countryside of Naxos itself. Close by (by automotive), you’ve received the beautiful Routsouna’s Waterfall (which is round a 45-minutes hike from the centre of the close by spot of Keramoti.
Lastly, for a stunning seashore, 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 proper Greek island to go to in case 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 recent, it’s a spot you may’t miss.
When you’re good and full, head onto the open highway and go to Psili Ammos. It’s completely unspoilt and comparatively quiet in case you go to within the weekdays. Simply remember to pack plenty of liquids; there should not at all times amenities proper on the seashore, right here.
Speaking of seashores, one other agency favorite is Ganema Seashore that’s on the opposite aspect 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 case you’re hitting up the mountain roads, pop into Οι Πλάκες for dinner and views over the island. Although, keep in mind, in the summertime months it might probably get busy. If you wish to keep away from a wait, arrive early and prepare to depart stuffed.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Zakynthos
8.) Syros
It’s stated that folks have referred to as Syros house 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 beautiful 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 unbelievable to see and epic to see as you discover the island.
Although, in case you’re extra of a seashore 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 case you’re searching for 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 one of the best 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 aspect of Sifnos.
If that sounds such as you’re factor, remember to pop over round sundown. The orange hues are simply unbelievable.
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 varieties of guests. Fact be informed, it’s received somewhat little bit of all the pieces; making it an important journey for {couples}, mates and households alike.
If it’s the seashores you’re keen on, take a look at the idyllic Magganari Seashore that’s an important household spot; particularly because the waters are good and calm.
Alternatively, in case you’ve received a automotive, head in 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 properly price a go to for its beautiful 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 seashore and pop into Ballis Vineyard Tinos to strive among the island’s finest wines.
Learn extra: Greatest Greek Islands to go to
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