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 could’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 sort 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 a number of the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades that you could go to when in Greece.
Have the very 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 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 truth), has loads of worldwide connections to the airport and also you’ll be spoilt for alternative with nice inns, too. However, that does imply that it could get tremendous busy on the peak instances of yr (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 you need to go to Santorini – it’s simply beautiful and an ideal spot for anybody that wishes a quintessential Greek island vacation of sunsets, beautiful eating places and beautiful views.
As soon as right here, you’ll want 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, be certain that 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’ll be able to e-book both the morning or sundown tour and the group is all the time small, with beneath 20 individuals onboard.
Oh, and don’t overlook concerning the vineyards which might be so particular in Santorini. There are fairly just a few that we visited throughout the island (Santo Wines and Venetsanos Wines, to call just a few) and so they’re completely scrumptious. You’ll even discover a number of the vines (which might be a lot shorter in Santorini than conventional vineyards) all throughout the island.
Now, what I’d say is to e-book your self a guided vineyard tour of the vineyards which might be so particular! Not solely will it will let you go to fairly just a few 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 e-book a switch upfront. As I mentioned, it could get busy and taxis could be scarce at peak instances.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Santorini
2.) Mykonos
Usually generally known as the celebration 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.
In truth, I’d go so far as saying it’s probably the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades in the event you fancy mixture of enjoyable, historical past and a stunning Greek Island. You’ll be able to simply spend every week visiting Mykonos, taking in Mykonos City, spending time on the seashores and simply chilling – we cherished it for that.
After arriving, you’ll want 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 a number 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 one of the essential 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 nicely value a visit.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Mykonos
3.) Milos
Milos is likely 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 a long time. Full of stunning coves, beautiful seashores and the enduring Sarakiniko Seashore (on the north a part of Milos) it’s a spot that’s greatest loved chilled.
After arriving you’ll want to spend a while having fun with the crystal-clear waters of Sarakiniko. Simply you’ll want 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 overlook to e-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 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 primary city, you’ll want 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 allow 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 quite a bit much less busy than the extra in style spots of Santorini, too.
This all makes Paros probably the greatest 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, you’ll want 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 possibly can 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 resort, about 15-minutes from Naousa, then verify into Summer season 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? Guide a surprising crusing cruise to the islands of Iraklia and Schinoussa. Simply be certain that to pack your swimwear as you’ll get a number 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 likely one of the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades that’s a daily movie star hang-out on account 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 possibly can go to for a day in the event you’ve acquired a automotive 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 a number of unbiased 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 beautiful, head to Ubini Rocks. It’s completely quiet, chilled and delightful. We spent just a few hours exploring this space and even adopted a number of the trails across the coast. One factor to notice, nonetheless, is that the highway here’s a full-on grime observe. We did this in a small automotive however it might be tough if the climate is moist.
Fancy staying longer on Antiparos? Examine into the Rooster that’s completely particular and overlooks Livadia Seashore (which is unimaginable, by the best way). Sure, it’s a little bit extra expensive than different spots on the island; however it’s beautiful.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Santorini
6.) Naxos
Just some kilometres (because the crow flies) from Paros, Naxos is a phenomenal Greek island that has mixture of bars, unbiased eating places and beautiful countryside and seashores. It’s simply probably the greatest 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 associates, hop into Like Residence Bar Naxos, it’s small and cosy however has a vigorous vibe that’s nicely value visiting for a night with associates.
After all, you possibly can’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 mentioned, in the event you fancy getting out of the outdated city, head into the countryside of Naxos itself. Close by (by automotive), you’ve acquired 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 seaside, head to Alyko Seashore. The water is pristine right here and it’s nice for swimming. That being mentioned, the wind could be sturdy so be certain that 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 likely 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 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 possibly can’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 the event you go to within the weekdays. Simply you’ll want to pack a number of liquids; there are usually not all the time services proper on the seaside, 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 the event 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 could 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 mentioned that folks have referred to as Syros dwelling 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 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. 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 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 likely one of the greatest 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 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 home made 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, you’ll want 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 varieties of guests. Fact be informed, it’s acquired a little bit little bit of all the things; making it a terrific 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 a terrific household spot; particularly because the waters are good and calm.
Alternatively, in the event you’ve acquired a automotive, head in the 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.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Kefalonia
12.) Tinos
Neighbouring Mykonos, Tinos is the sort of Greek island that’s nicely value a go to for its beautiful shoreline.
After touchdown onshore, be certain that 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 seaside and pop into Ballis Vineyard Tinos to attempt a number of the island’s greatest wines.
Learn extra: Finest Greek Islands to go to
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