There’s no denying how a lot I like Greece! It’s a rustic that’s crammed with lovely 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 very best islands to go to within the Cyclades that you may’t miss while in Greece.
Not solely does Greece have some lovely islands to discover, but it surely additionally has some unbelievable cities; I’m naming you, Athens! Plus, there are many lovely 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 excellent 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 typically 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 may 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 preferred island within the Cyclades to go to.
This may be one thing of a double-edged sword… it’s completely lovely (attractive in actual fact), has loads of worldwide connections to the airport and also you’ll be spoilt for selection with nice motels, too. However, that does imply that it could possibly get tremendous busy on the peak occasions of yr (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 gorgeous and an ideal spot for anybody that wishes a quintessential Greek island vacation of sunsets, pretty eating places and lovely views.
As soon as right here, be sure you 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, be certain to e-book 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 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 neglect 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) they usually’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 e-book your self a guided vineyard tour of the vineyards which are so particular! Not solely will it can help you go to fairly a number of however you received’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 prematurely. As I stated, it could possibly get busy and taxis could be scarce at peak occasions.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Santorini
2.) Mykonos
Typically often called 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 the event you fancy going for a celebration.
In actual fact, I’d go so far as saying it’s probably the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades in the event you fancy a very good 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, be sure you 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 Seaside 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 neglect to e-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 possibly can even see the ruins and artefacts which are strewn all throughout the island web site. It’s properly value a visit.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Mykonos
3.) Milos
Milos is among the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades to go to for its attractive shoreline. It’s simply unbelievable and has been one thing of a favorite with Greek folks for a lot of a long time. Crammed with lovely coves, attractive seashores and the long-lasting Sarakiniko Seaside (on the north a part of Milos) it’s a spot that’s greatest loved chilled.
After arriving be sure you spend a while having fun with the crystal-clear waters of Sarakiniko. Simply be sure you 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 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 are all inaccessible by land. You’ll take within the likes of Kleftiko and the cave of Sykia that are simply so lovely.
For a chew to eat, jump over to the picturesque harbour village of Mandrakia; It’s tiny, lovely 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, be sure you 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: 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 (lovely 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 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, be sure you 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 cherished 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 searching for a stunning lodge, about 15-minutes from Naousa, then test into Summer time Senses. We stayed right here throughout our journey to Paros and cherished it. It’s so peaceable and calm they usually even have probably the most attractive 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 to pack your swimwear as you’ll get a number 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 among the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades that’s an everyday celeb hang-out because 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 the event you’ve received a automobile on Paros. That is what we did and it was properly definitely worth the crossing.
As soon as right here, try the streets round Antiparos Port; you’ll discover a number 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 attractive, 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, nonetheless, is that the highway here’s a full-on dust monitor. We did this in a small automobile but it surely may very well be tough if the climate is moist.
Fancy staying longer on Antiparos? Examine into the Rooster that’s completely particular and overlooks Livadia Seaside (which is unbelievable, by the best way). Sure, it’s slightly extra dear than different spots on the island; but it surely’s attractive.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Santorini
6.) Naxos
Only a few kilometres (because the crow flies) from Paros, Naxos is a lovely Greek island that has a very good mixture of bars, impartial eating places and lovely 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 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 Residence Bar Naxos, it’s small and cosy however has a vigorous vibe that’s properly value visiting for a night with mates.
After all, you may’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 the event you’re primarily based within the previous city itself.
That being stated, in the event you fancy getting out of the previous 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 seashore, head to Alyko Seaside. The water is pristine right here and it’s nice for swimming. That being stated, the wind could be sturdy so be 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 among 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 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 the event you go to within the weekdays. Simply be sure you pack a number of liquids; there usually are not at all times amenities proper on the seashore, right here.
Speaking of seashores, one other agency favorite is Ganema Seaside 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 could possibly 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 known 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 attractive 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 unbelievable to see and epic to see as you discover the island.
Although, in the event you’re extra of a seashore bum, head to Kini Seaside that’s excellent 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 among the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades in the event 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 the very best souvlaki in all of Sifnos. Oh, and their do-it-yourself tzatziki is just too good to overlook!
Afterwards, take a while to go to Vathi Seaside (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, be sure you 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 sorts of guests. Fact be advised, it’s received slightly little bit of the whole lot; making it a fantastic journey for {couples}, mates and households alike.
If it’s the seashores you’re keen on, try the idyllic Magganari Seaside that’s a fantastic household spot; particularly because the waters are good and calm.
Alternatively, in the event you’ve received 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 lovely.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Kefalonia
12.) Tinos
Neighbouring Mykonos, Tinos is the type of Greek island that’s properly value a go to for its gorgeous shoreline.
After touchdown onshore, be 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 a number of the island’s greatest wines.
Learn extra: Greatest Greek Islands to go to
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