Guide to the Cyclades Islands

The spectacular group of islands known as the Cyclades are located in the Central Aegean Sea southeast of mainland Greece. The strategic position makes them key points for travel, and they are characterized by their gleaming whitewashed buildings and churches with striking blue domes. The archipelago encompasses more than 220 islands, including bucket-list destinations like Mykonos and Santorini, along with the increasingly popular islands of Naxos and Milos. One can still find more unspoiled gems such as Syros and Kythnos. No matter which you visit you’ll find mouthwatering cuisine, rich history and a unique allure. Some offer miles and miles of white powdery sands, like Naxos, while others are known for their colorful stretches that can even include fiery sands like Santorini’s Red Beach.

When planning your visit to the Cyclades you’ll have several options for getting there. The most popular is taking the ferry from one of the key ports on the mainland. Piraeus is the primary terminal, but there are also ferries from Rafina and Lavrio. They run regularly with various travel times, including high-speed catamarans that will get you to population islands faster, such as Mykonos and Santorini which are also easy to reach by plane with international airports. There are others you can fly to as well, including Naxos, Milos, Syros, and Paros. No matter which method you choose, look forward to breathtaking views.

Cosmopolitan Mykonos tends to draw many VIPs, including supermodels and various Hollywood stars like Lindsay Lohan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé and Jay-Z. It boasts trendy beach clubs hosting summer parties on some of the country’s finest sands, high-end shipping, world-class dining, and nightclubs for dancing ’til dawn. But you’ll find plenty of other things to do, including exploring nature on an off-road Jeep tour to find hidden parts of the island and jaw-dropping views most visitors miss. Activities like sea kayaking, swimming, hiking, and biking are all on offer too. History enthusiasts can explore everything from the iconic windmills in Little Venice to nearby Delos Island, an archaeological site with ruins dating to the 5th century BC, including an amphitheater.

The largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos is perfect for spending time on powdery sand beaches, swimming, and dining on delicious sea- and farm-to-table fare. While it’s becoming increasingly popular, it’s still wonderfully less crowded than the most-visited destinations like Santorini. Beyond offering some of the most beautiful beaches in the country with pale turquoise water ideal for swimming, SUP, sea kayaking, and other watersports, you can hike rugged mountains, including two spectacular trails that lead to the top of Mount Zeus for a panoramic view of the Aegean and nearby islands. Make sure to visit the mountain villages, like Apiranthos, tucked between two valleys with Venetian architecture and marble-paved paths, and Filoti, with stunning vistas and Byzantine churches.

While Ios is only a short ferry ride from Santorini, it offers equally stunning views minus the crowds. This isn’t an island for international jet setters like Mykonos either, but those who want to enjoy more tranquility with the classic whitewashed buildings and traffic-free cobbled streets are sure to appreciate it. Vehicles are banned in the center of Chora, built on the slopes of a hill with Panagia Gremiotissa rising from the top providing a panoramic vista. Rich history is waiting to be discovered throughout the island, with its past revealed in everything from Byzantine architecture, including nearly 20 churches with beautiful frescoes, to the tomb of Homer and the Archaeological Museum of Ios with remarkable finds from the Hellenistic era.

The Cyclades boast a wealth of historical and cultural sites that can be explored on a Greek private tour or independently. It would take years to see them all but ancient Delos is one of the most notable. A UNESCO-listed site just a few miles off the coast of Mykonos, the island features impressive ruins dating to the 5th century BC, including temples and a theater. In Santorini, the Akrotiri settlement is an archaeological site with very well-preserved ruins having been covered under ash during a massive volcanic eruption some 3,500 years ago, similar to Pompeii. Naxos is home to the Portara which sits at the entrance to its main harbor, an imposing marble gateway dating to the 6th century BC.

The archipelago is renowned for its breathtaking beaches with a diverse array that can be discovered. Santorini is known for its unique volcanic beaches, including Kamari with its midnight black sands and the striking Red Beach. Naxos boasts some of the best beaches in the Cyclades, including Agios Prokopios and Plaka Beach with soft white sands and crystal-clear blue waters, ideal for everything from relaxation to swimming and various watersports. Mykonos is famous for its lively beach scene, with popular spots like Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach hosting renowned parties. Paros offers scenic Santa Maria and Kolymbithres beaches with unique rock formations. Milos is best known for Sarakiniko Beach with a lunar landscape different from every other shore in the country.

The nightlife in the Cyclades is vibrant and diverse, appealing to a wide range of tastes. Mykonos is famously known as the party capital, attracting visitors with its lively clubs, beach parties, and glamorous bars. There are renowned venues hosting international DJs that attract all sorts of international jet-setters, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere for dancing until dawn. Santorini offers a more laid-back scene with stylish lounges and cliffside bars. An evening often starts with a glorious sunset accompanied by cocktails in Oia or Fira. Naxos, while more relaxed, features traditional music taverns and beach bars where visitors can dance the night away. Paros is another hotspot, especially in Naoussa, renowned for its bar scene and clubs for all-night dancing.