There’s no denying how a lot I really 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 most effective islands to go to within the Cyclades that you would be able to’t miss while in Greece.
Not solely does Greece have some lovely islands to discover, nevertheless it 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 completely different. Every with its personal vibe and is ideal for various sorts of journeys that make it excellent 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 typically 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 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 lovely (attractive actually), has loads of worldwide connections to the airport and also you’ll be spoilt for alternative with nice motels, too. However, that does imply that it will probably get tremendous busy on the peak instances 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 beautiful 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, remember to take a look at 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 that 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 Crimson Seashores. You possibly can guide both the morning or sundown tour and the group is all the time small, with underneath 20 individuals onboard.
Oh, and don’t overlook 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) they usually’re completely scrumptious. You’ll even discover plenty 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 guide your self a guided vineyard tour of the vineyards which might be so particular! Not solely will it will let you go to fairly a couple of however you received’t have to fret about driving or transport when desirous to style the wines.
Lastly, should you want taxi transfers to the ferry port or airport, then guide a switch upfront. As I stated, it will probably get busy and taxis may be scarce at peak instances.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Santorini
2.) Mykonos
Usually 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 should you fancy going for a celebration.
In reality, I’d go so far as saying it’s the most effective islands to go to within the Cyclades should you fancy mixture of enjoyable, historical past and a beautiful Greek Island. You possibly can simply spend every week visiting Mykonos, taking in Mykonos City, spending time on the seashores and simply chilling – we liked 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).
If you happen to’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 guide 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 might be strewn all throughout the island web site. It’s properly price a visit.
Learn extra: Finest 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 unbelievable and has been one thing of a favorite with Greek individuals for a lot of a long time. Crammed with lovely 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 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 are not any facilities right here and the solar can get actually intense.
Don’t overlook to guide 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 lovely.
For a chunk 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 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: 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 (lovely city and shoreline), with out the hefty price ticket. Plus, it’s quite a bit much less busy than the extra fashionable spots of Santorini, too.
This all makes Paros the most effective islands to go to within the Cyclades to go to while island hopping. That is precisely what we did and liked 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 attractive 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 liked 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.
If you happen to’re in search of a beautiful resort, about 15-minutes from Naousa, then examine into Summer time Senses. We stayed right here throughout our journey to Paros and liked it. It’s so peaceable and calm they usually even have essentially the most attractive rooms with personal swimming pools.
Fancy a while on the seas? Guide a shocking crusing cruise to the islands of Iraklia and Schinoussa. Simply be certain that 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 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’ll be able to go to for a day should you’ve obtained 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 relax 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 exquisite. We spent a couple of hours exploring this space and even adopted a few 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 nevertheless it might 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 unbelievable, by the best way). Sure, it’s a little bit extra expensive than different spots on the island; nevertheless it’s attractive.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Santorini
6.) Naxos
Just some kilometres (because the crow flies) from Paros, Naxos is a stupendous Greek island that has mixture of bars, unbiased eating places and lovely countryside and seashores. It’s simply the most effective 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 associates, hop into Like House Bar Naxos, it’s small and cosy however has a energetic vibe that’s properly price visiting for a night with associates.
After all, you’ll be able to’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 should you’re based mostly within the outdated city itself.
That being stated, should you fancy getting out of the outdated city, head into the countryside of Naxos itself. Close by (by automotive), you’ve obtained 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 beautiful seashore, head to Alyko Seashore. The water is pristine right here and it’s nice for swimming. That being stated, the wind may be robust 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 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 should 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’ll be able to’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 should you go to within the weekdays. Simply remember to pack plenty of liquids; there usually are not all the time 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 beautiful little foodie spot, the SAAN Eco Restaurant that overlooks the bay.
Oh, and should 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 will probably get busy. If you wish to keep away from a wait, arrive early and prepare to depart stuffed.
Learn extra: Finest 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 attractive 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 unbelievable to see and epic to see as you discover the island.
Although, should you’re extra of a seashore bum, head to Kini Seashore that’s excellent 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 finest islands to go to within the Cyclades should 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 home made tzatziki is just 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, remember to pop over round sundown. The orange hues are simply unbelievable.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Corfu
11.) Ios
Midway between Santorini and Paros, Ios is a good island for all ages and all forms of guests. Reality be advised, it’s obtained a little bit little bit of all the things; making it an excellent journey for {couples}, mates and households alike.
If it’s the seashores you like, take a look at the idyllic Magganari Seashore that’s an excellent household spot; particularly because the waters are good and calm.
Alternatively, should you’ve obtained a automotive, 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 lovely.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Kefalonia
12.) Tinos
Neighbouring Mykonos, Tinos is the type of Greek island that’s properly price 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 seashore and pop into Ballis Vineyard Tinos to strive a few of the island’s finest wines.
Learn extra: Finest Greek Islands to go to
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