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 the very best islands to go to within the Cyclades that you would be able to’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 totally 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 in search of. Better of all, they’re well-connected (both by ferry or flight) and fairly simple 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 a few of the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades that you would be able to go to when in Greece.
Have the very best 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 (beautiful in reality), has loads of worldwide connections to the airport and also you’ll be spoilt for alternative with nice accommodations, too. However, that does imply that it will possibly 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 it’s important to 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 lovely views.
As soon as 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.
Truly, speaking concerning the caldera, make certain to e-book 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 Crimson Seashores. You possibly can e-book both the morning or sundown tour and the group is at all times small, with underneath 20 individuals onboard.
Oh, and don’t overlook concerning 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) they usually’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 e-book your self a guided vineyard tour of the vineyards which can be so particular! Not solely will it mean you can go to fairly a number of however you received’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 e-book a switch prematurely. As I stated, it will possibly get busy and taxis will be scarce at peak occasions.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Santorini
2.) Mykonos
Usually generally known as the social gathering 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 top-of-the-line islands to go to within the Cyclades in case you fancy a great mixture of enjoyable, historical past and a stunning Greek Island. You possibly can simply spend every 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).
When you’re leaving the city itself, head over to Agios Sostis Seashore and cease by for a few of the freshest seafood at Kiki’s Tavern. It’s casual, unpretentious, pleasant and completely scrumptious.
Oh, and don’t overlook to e-book a skip-the-line boat tour to the traditional island of Delos. It’s fairly near Mykonos and some of the necessary islands in Greek mythology.
You possibly can even see the ruins and artefacts which can be strewn all throughout the island website. It’s nicely price a visit.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Mykonos
3.) Milos
Milos is among the finest 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 individuals for a lot of a long time. Crammed with stunning coves, beautiful 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 aren’t any facilities right here and the solar can get actually intense.
Don’t overlook to e-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 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 chew 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: Finest 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 rather a lot much less busy than the extra standard spots of Santorini, too.
This all makes Paros top-of-the-line 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 simple 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 beautiful 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’ll be able to sit within the alley and devour the tastiest treats. Their grilled octopus is so good.
When you’re in search of a stunning resort, about 15-minutes from Naousa, then examine into Summer time Senses. We stayed right here throughout our journey to Paros and beloved it. It’s so peaceable and calm they usually even have probably the most beautiful rooms with non-public swimming pools.
Fancy a while on the seas? Ebook a shocking crusing cruise to the islands of Iraklia and Schinoussa. Simply make certain to pack your swimming wear as you’ll get plenty of chill time to snorkel and swim, too. It’s so good.
Learn Extra: Finest locations in Greece to go to
5.) Antiparos
The smaller sibling of Paros, Antiparos is among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades that’s an everyday celeb hang-out attributable to 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’ll be able to go to for a day in case you’ve bought a automobile on Paros. That is what we did and it was nicely definitely worth the crossing.
As soon as right here, take a look at the streets round Antiparos Port; you’ll discover plenty of impartial 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 a few 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 however it could possibly be tough if the climate is moist.
Fancy staying longer on Antiparos? Verify into the Rooster that’s completely particular and overlooks Livadia Seashore (which is unimaginable, by the way in which). Sure, it’s just a little extra expensive than different spots on the island; however it’s beautiful.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Santorini
6.) Naxos
Only a few kilometres (because the crow flies) from Paros, Naxos is an attractive Greek island that has a great mixture of bars, impartial eating places and lovely countryside and seashores. It’s simply top-of-the-line 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 out of doors seating space and the moussaka is so yummy. For night drinks with pals, hop into Like Residence Bar Naxos, it’s small and cosy however has a vigorous vibe that’s nicely price visiting for a night with pals.
In fact, you’ll be able to’t miss the Temple of Apollo which overlooks the harbour space and is among the island’s most prized archaeological websites. Plus, it’s really easy to walk over, particularly in case you’re based mostly within the outdated city itself.
That being stated, in case you fancy getting out of the outdated city, head into the countryside of Naxos itself. Close by (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.
Lastly, for a stunning seashore, head to Alyko Seashore. The water is pristine right here and it’s nice for swimming. That being stated, the wind will be sturdy so make certain to put on loads of solar block. That wind can idiot you into considering you’re not burning.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Rhodes
7.) Serifos
North of Milos, Serifos is among 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 contemporary, it’s a spot you’ll be able to’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 case you go to within the weekdays. Simply make sure to pack plenty of liquids; there aren’t at all times services proper on the seashore, 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 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 will possibly get busy. If you wish to keep away from a wait, arrive early and prepare to go away stuffed.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Zakynthos
8.) Syros
It’s stated that folks have known as Syros dwelling for over 5,000 years… and it’s completely simple 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 a few 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. Each are unimaginable to see and epic to see as you discover the island.
Although, in case you’re extra of a seashore bum, head to Kini Seashore that’s good for a day on the shore.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Zakynthos
9.) Sifnos
Proper within the coronary heart of the island group, Sifnos is among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades in case you’re in search of a completely peaceable island journey.
After arriving in Kamares by boat, you’ll wish 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 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: Finest issues to do in Corfu
11.) Ios
Midway between Santorini and Paros, Ios is a superb island for all ages and all kinds of guests. Reality be instructed, it’s bought just a little little bit of the whole lot; making it a fantastic journey for {couples}, mates and households alike.
If it’s the seashores you like, take a look at the idyllic Magganari Seashore that’s a fantastic household spot; particularly because the waters are good and calm.
Alternatively, in case you’ve bought a automobile, head in direction of the Tomb of Homer and see a few of the island’s historical past that dates again millennia. Not solely that, the drive to the tomb is completely stunning.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Kefalonia
12.) Tinos
Neighbouring Mykonos, Tinos is the sort of Greek island that’s nicely 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 overlook to go to the shrine of Panagia Evangelistria, go to Pachia Ammos seashore and pop into Ballis Vineyard Tinos to attempt a few of the island’s finest wines.
Learn extra: Finest Greek Islands to go to
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