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 you can’t miss while in Greece.
Not solely does Greece have some stunning islands to discover, however 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 totally different. Every with its personal vibe and is ideal for various sorts of journeys that make it good 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 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 wished to share a number of the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades 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 in actual fact), has loads of worldwide connections to the airport and also you’ll be spoilt for alternative with nice lodges, too. However, that does imply that it could 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 it’s a must to go to Santorini – it’s simply gorgeous 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 should definitely 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 possibly can e book both the morning or sundown tour and the group is at all times small, with beneath 20 individuals onboard.
Oh, and don’t neglect concerning the vineyards which are 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) 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’d say is to e book your self a guided vineyard tour of the vineyards which are so particular! Not solely will it mean you can go to fairly just a few however you received’t have to fret about driving or transport when eager to style the wines.
Lastly, if you happen to want taxi transfers to the ferry port or airport, then e book a switch upfront. As I stated, it could get busy and taxis might be scarce at peak occasions.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 if you happen to fancy going for a celebration.
The truth is, I’d go so far as saying it’s among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades if you happen to fancy an excellent 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 liked it for that.
After arriving, you should definitely 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 vital essential 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 price a visit.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Mykonos
3.) Milos
Milos is without doubt 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 a long time. Full of stunning coves, beautiful seashores and the long-lasting Sarakiniko Seaside (on the north a part of Milos) it’s a spot that’s finest loved chilled.
After arriving you should definitely spend a while having fun with the crystal-clear waters of Sarakiniko. Simply you should definitely 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 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 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, you should definitely 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 so much much less busy than the extra widespread spots of Santorini, too.
This all makes Paros among the finest 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 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, you should definitely 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 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.
In the event you’re in search of a stunning resort, about 15-minutes from Naousa, then test into Summer season 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 beautiful rooms with personal swimming pools.
Fancy a while on the seas? E book 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: Greatest locations in Greece to go to
5.) Antiparos
The smaller sibling of Paros, Antiparos is without doubt one of the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades that’s an everyday movie star 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 if you happen to’ve obtained a automobile on Paros. That is what we did and it was properly 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 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 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, nevertheless, is that the highway here’s a full-on grime monitor. We did this in a small automobile however it may very well be tough if the climate is moist.
Fancy staying longer on Antiparos? Test into the Rooster that’s completely particular and overlooks Livadia Seaside (which is unbelievable, by the way in which). Sure, it’s a little bit extra expensive than different spots on the island; however 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 stupendous Greek island that has an excellent mixture of bars, unbiased eating places and beautiful countryside and seashores. It’s simply among the finest 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 Dwelling Bar Naxos, it’s small and cosy however has a energetic vibe that’s properly price visiting for a night with mates.
In fact, you’ll be able to’t miss the Temple of Apollo which overlooks the harbour space and is without doubt one of the island’s most prized archaeological websites. Plus, it’s really easy to walk over, particularly if you happen to’re primarily based within the previous city itself.
That being stated, if you happen to fancy getting out of the previous city, head into the countryside of Naxos itself. Close by (by automobile), you’ve obtained 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 Seaside. The water is pristine right here and it’s nice for swimming. That being stated, the wind might be robust so be certain that 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 without doubt 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 right Greek island to go to if you happen to’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 if you happen to go to within the weekdays. Simply you should definitely 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 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 if you happen to’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 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 residence 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 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, if you happen to’re extra of a seashore bum, head to Kini Seaside 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 without doubt one of the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades if you happen to’re in search of a very 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 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 aspect of Sifnos.
If that sounds such as you’re factor, you should definitely 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 superb island for all ages and all varieties of guests. Reality be instructed, it’s obtained a little bit little bit of every little thing; 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 Seaside that’s a fantastic household spot; particularly because the waters are good and calm.
Alternatively, if you happen to’ve obtained 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 stunning.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Kefalonia
12.) Tinos
Neighbouring Mykonos, Tinos is the sort of Greek island that’s properly price a go to for its gorgeous 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 neglect to go to the shrine of Panagia Evangelistria, go to Pachia Ammos seashore and pop into Ballis Vineyard Tinos to attempt a number of the island’s finest wines.
Learn extra: Greatest Greek Islands to go to
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