13 best islands to visit In Cyclades Greece. If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, look no further than the Cyclades Islands. Located in the Aegean Sea off the southeast coast of Greece, these islands are known for their stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites or simply soaking up the sun, these islands have something for everyone.
Best Islands to Visit In Cyclades Greece
1. Santorini
Santorini is a volcano island in the Cyclades, located about 100 km south of Athens and about 15 km from Naxos. Santorini is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece and regularly has over 100,000 visitors. Santorini is known for its dramatic volcanic landscape, picturesque villages, and its many hot springs. It is also well known for its wine production. The best time to visit Santorini is from May to October when the weather is mild and the island is busy with tourists.
2. Mykonos
Mykonos is a beautiful island located in the Cyclades group of islands in Greece. With white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery, Mykonos is a paradise for tourists. The island’s capital Mykonos town features lively nightlife and plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained.
Some of the best places to visit on Mykonos are the stunning beaches of Plaka, Souvala, Gerolimenas, and Patmos. Other popular attractions include the picturesque villages of Porgy/Porhoi, Kamari, and Agios Nikolaos. The impressive Paleokastro fortress can also be seen in Mykonos.
3. Lesbos
If you’re looking for a dreamy, uninhabited island to relax on, look no further than Lesbos. The island is full of stunning shorelines and bays, as well as plenty of hiking trails that will take you to some of the most beautiful sights on the island. If you’re looking for more excitement, head to Mykonos or Santorini.
4. Paros
If you’re looking for a truly luxurious island experience, then Paros should be on your list. With its idyllic villages, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coastline, it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular islands in Greece. But don’t let its luxury fool you; there are plenty of viewpoints and spots to explore off the beaten track too.
Here are five of our favorites:
- The Moni Kinari monastery on the east coast is a beautiful spot to relax and take in the views.
- If you’re looking for a more active day out, head to Vigla for some great swimming and snorkeling. Alternatively, climb up to the top of Mt Parnassus for stunning 360-degree views.
- If you’re feeling appetite-driven, make a beeline for Psarakis village for its delicious local food – try the octopus pizza or baklava!
- For an unforgettable sunset cruise, head out to Ano Mera on the western coast – it’ll be like watching the sunset over the sea from your private yacht!
- Finally, don’t forget to take in some of the island’s opulent architecture – there are plenty of beautiful old mansions to explore, like the Villa Haralambos on the outskirts of Paros town.
5. Naxos
Naxos is the most popular island in the Cyclades group. It has long, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The island is also full of charming villages and picturesque landscapes. You can enjoy a wide variety of activities here, from swimming to hiking to biking.
Naxos is another great island to visit in the Cyclades group. It has rugged peaks, clear waters, and stunning views. There are plenty of trails to explore, and you can find many secluded coves where you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
6. Sifnos
Sifnos is a small island located in the Greek Archipelago and is known for its stunning landscape and vibrant culture. The island has a rich history dating back to the Minoan period and its many ancient ruins. Today, Sifnos is a popular tourist destination with plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. From hiking to swimming in crystal-clear waters, there’s something for everyone on Sifnos. If you’re looking for a relaxing retreat, Sifnos is worth a visit.
7. Tinos
Tinos is a small town located in the North Aegean region of Greece. It is known for its whitewashed houses, pine trees, and crystal-clear waters. The town has a population of just over 2,000 people and is surrounded by stunningly beautiful landscapes. Tinos is a popular tourist destination, with visitors drawn to its traditional architecture, clear water, and friendly people.
8. Rhodes
Rhodes is one of the most popular islands in the Cyclades, with good reason. The island is well-known for its stunningly beautiful coastline and picturesque villages, as well as its many archaeological sites. If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, Rhodes is the place to go. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, as well as attractions like the Palace of Zeus and the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes. Plus, the food is top-notch, so you won’t go hungry no matter where you decide to eat. Whether you’re spending your days lounging on the beach or exploring ancient ruins, Rhodes has something for everyone.
9. Mytilene
If you’re looking for a beautiful and serene island to visit in the Cyclades, you need to look no further than Mytilene. With crystal-clear waters and plenty of stunning beaches to explore, Mytilene is an ideal place to relax and take in the natural beauty of Greece’s Aegean Sea. When it comes to food, don’t miss Mytilene’s famous kalamata olives and feta cheese salad.
10. Kos
Kos is a beautiful island with a stunning coastline and dramatic cliffs. There are plenty of beaches to explore, as well as some great hikes to take. The island is also home to some of the best nightlife in Greece. Kos is the place to go if you’re looking for an idyllic getaway.
11. Naxos
Naxos is a small island located in the Cyclades group of islands in Greece. It features stunning coastal and mountain scenery, making it a popular tourist destination. The island is also known for its wine production.
The best places to visit in Naxos are the port town of Naxos Town, the villages of Ano Mera and Kalamata, and the mountains of Aghios Nikolaos and Aghios Stefanos. All of these areas offer plenty of beautiful beaches and stunning views.
If you’re looking for more activity, head to the ports of Paralia and Poros or explore the caves at Spinalonga. There’s also plenty to see and do in the capital, Naxos Town, such as shopping at its numerous boutiques and dining at some of the island’s top restaurants.
12. Serifos
Serifos is a little-known island in the Aegean Sea, but its stunningly beautiful coastline and crystal-clear waters make it a popular destination for vacationers. The town of Serifos is located on the eastern coast of the island, and it’s filled with charming Mediterranean-style homes. The town’s main square is home to a lively market, and there are several restaurants and cafes throughout the town. Although it’s small, Serifos has plenty to offer visitors, including crystal clear waters and picturesque coastal scenery.
13. Antiparos
Antiparos is a beautiful island in the Aegean Sea, just north of Athens. It’s known for its crystal clear water, white sand beaches, impressive cliffside villages, and lively nightlife. The island is also home to some of the best restaurants in Greece.n The locals are warm and friendly, and there’s always something happening on Antiparos. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with stunning scenery, Antiparos is the perfect place.
Travel Costs
One of the great things about traveling to the Cyclades is that travel costs are relatively low. This is thanks to the fact that most of the islands are located in Greece, which is a member of the European Union. This means that you can easily travel from one island to another using public transportation or by ferry.
| Cost Category | Details | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry Transport | Price varies depending on the island and season. Major routes include Piraeus to islands like Paros, Naxos, and Santorini. | €25 – €95 per person (ferry ticket) |
| Accommodation | Prices fluctuate significantly based on the island and type of accommodation. Luxury options in Santorini and Mykonos are more expensive. | $75 – $250 per night (hotel stay) |
| Car Rental | Available on islands like Naxos, Paros, and Milos. Prices are higher during the peak season. | Around $100 per day |
| Public Transport (Bus) | Available on islands with tickets ranging based on the route. | €1.80 – €5.30 (per bus ticket) |
| Food | Prices depend on the type of dining. Street food is more affordable compared to upscale restaurants. | $5 – $500+ per person (varies by dining choice) |
| Overall Budget for 10 Days (for Two People) | Includes accommodation, ferries, car rental, and food. Excludes flights to and from Athens. | Around $4,100 USD |
Where to Stay in the Cyclades
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Cyclades islands, you’ll want to stay on one of the islands. There are many wonderful places to stay on the islands, and each has its unique charms.
| sland | Highlights | Recommended Stay Options |
|---|---|---|
| Santorini | Known for inland wine villages, ancient sites, and unique beaches. | Zannos Melathron (5-star with spa and wine cellar), Apanema (affordable options near Akrotiri), and accommodations in Vlychada. |
| Mykonos | Famous for its whitewashed town, nightlife, and sandy beaches. | Luxury options like Bill & Coo and Cavo Tagoo in Mykonos Chora, budget-friendly Markos Beach Hotel, and beach resorts in Elia and Ornos such as Myconian Imperial and Santa Marina Resort. |
| Ios | Popular for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful quiet beaches. | Dionysos Seaside Resort at Mylopotas Beach, and the luxury eco-resort Calilo near Papa Beach. |
| Paros | Offers whitewashed villages and beautiful beaches, a cultural hub. | 5-star Parilio and Astir, 4-star Naoussa Hills Beach Resort, and Saint George Beachfront Resort in Piso Livadi. |
| Antiparos | Laid-back and bohemian atmosphere, frequented by celebrities. | Accommodations in Antiparos Chora and upscale options li |
Conclusion
As the summer heat creeps in, many people find themselves dreaming of the best islands to visit this year. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back getaway or something more active and strenuous, there are plenty of options available. In this article, we’ve selected five different islands that span a wide range of interests and abilities – so whether you’re an experienced traveler or just getting started, I recommend giving one of these islands a try! For more articles please visit here
