12 Very Greatest Islands To Go to In The Cyclades, Greece – Hand Baggage Solely
There’s no denying how a lot I like Greece! It’s a rustic that’s crammed 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 the very 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, but it surely 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 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 generally late (simply one thing to be careful for).
So, to make your journey planning that bit simpler, we wished to share among the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades you can 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 stunning (beautiful in reality), 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 may 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 gorgeous 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, 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.
Really, speaking concerning the caldera, ensure 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 Pink Seashores. You possibly can guide both the morning or sundown tour and the group is at all times small, with below 20 individuals onboard.
Oh, and don’t overlook concerning the vineyards which might be 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 numerous 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 permit you to go to fairly a number of however you received’t have to fret about driving or transport when desirous to style the wines.
Lastly, when you want taxi transfers to the ferry port or airport, then guide a switch upfront. As I mentioned, it may get busy and taxis may be scarce at peak instances.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Santorini
2.) Mykonos
Typically generally known as the celebration 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 when you fancy going for a celebration.
The truth is, I’d go so far as saying it’s probably the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades when you fancy an excellent mixture of enjoyable, historical past and a beautiful Greek Island. You possibly can simply spend per week visiting Mykonos, taking in Mykonos City, spending time on the seashores and simply chilling – we beloved 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).
For those who’re leaving the city itself, head over to Agios Sostis Seashore and cease by for among 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 probably the most essential islands in Greek mythology.
You possibly can even see the ruins and artefacts which might be strewn all throughout the island website. It’s effectively price a visit.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Mykonos
3.) Milos
Milos is likely one of the greatest 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 individuals for a lot of many years. Crammed with stunning coves, beautiful seashores and the enduring Sarakiniko Seashore (on the north a part of Milos) it’s a spot that’s greatest 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 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 stunning.
For a chew 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 common 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 beloved 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, 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 beloved Kafeneion – I Palia Agora, the place you may sit within the alley and devour the tastiest treats. Their grilled octopus is so good.
For those who’re searching for a beautiful resort, about 15-minutes from Naousa, then examine into Summer season Senses. We stayed right here throughout our journey to Paros and beloved it. It’s so peaceable and calm they usually even have essentially the most beautiful rooms with non-public swimming pools.
Fancy a while on the seas? E-book a surprising crusing cruise to the islands of Iraklia and Schinoussa. Simply ensure to pack your swimwear as you’ll get numerous 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 likely one of the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades that’s an everyday superstar hang-out as a consequence 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 when you’ve obtained a automotive on Paros. That is what we did and it was effectively definitely worth the crossing.
As soon as right here, take a look at the streets round Antiparos Port; you’ll discover numerous impartial shops, cafes and little foodie spots round each nook. Driving south, take a drive in the 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 beautiful, head to Ubini Rocks. It’s completely quiet, chilled and exquisite. We spent a number of hours exploring this space and even adopted among the trails across the coast. One factor to notice, nevertheless, is that the highway here’s a full-on grime observe. We did this in a small automotive but it surely might be tough if the climate is moist.
Fancy staying longer on Antiparos? Examine into the Rooster that’s completely particular and overlooks Livadia Seashore (which is unbelievable, by the way in which). Sure, it’s slightly extra dear than different spots on the island; but it surely’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 lovely Greek island that has an excellent 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 Dwelling Bar Naxos, it’s small and cosy however has a vigorous vibe that’s effectively price visiting for a night with mates.
After all, you may’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 when you’re based mostly within the previous city itself.
That being mentioned, when you fancy getting out of the previous city, head into the countryside of Naxos itself. Close by (by automotive), 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 beautiful seashore, head to Alyko Seashore. The water is pristine right here and it’s nice for swimming. That being mentioned, the wind may be robust so ensure to put on loads of solar block. That wind can idiot you into considering you’re not burning.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Rhodes
7.) Serifos
North of Milos, Serifos is likely one of 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 when 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 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 when you go to within the weekdays. Simply you should definitely pack numerous liquids; there should not at all times amenities 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 when you’re hitting up the mountain roads, pop into Οι Πλάκες for dinner and views over the island. Although, keep in mind, in the summertime months it may 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 mentioned 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 beautiful Greek gems.
If you wish to discover among 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, when you’re extra of a seashore bum, head to Kini Seashore 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 likely one of the greatest islands to go to within the Cyclades when you’re searching for a completely peaceable island journey.
After arriving in Kamares by boat, you’ll wish to seize lunch at Argyris which is a family-owned spot that makes the very best 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, 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 good island for all ages and all kinds of guests. Fact be instructed, it’s obtained slightly little bit of all the pieces; making it an amazing journey for {couples}, mates and households alike.
If it’s the seashores you’re keen on, take a look at the idyllic Magganari Seashore that’s an amazing household spot; particularly because the waters are good and calm.
Alternatively, when you’ve obtained a automotive, head in the direction of the Tomb of Homer and see among 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 type of Greek island that’s effectively price a go to for its gorgeous shoreline.
After touchdown onshore, ensure 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 among the island’s greatest wines.
Learn extra: Greatest Greek Islands to go to
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