Cyclades Islands – Map

Best Cyclades Islands for Beaches
Looking for amazing sand and sea in the Cyclades? You’ve got options. Lots of them. But some islands just do beaches better than others. Here’s the rundown:

Naxos: The Crowd-Pleaser
Why Go: Naxos has long, golden, sandy beaches. Many are easy to reach and great for everyone.
Top Spots:
Agios Georgios (St. George): Right next to Naxos Town. Super convenient. Shallow waters, lots of tavernas. Perfect if you have kids or don’t want to travel far.
Agios Prokopios & Agia Anna: A bit further south. Stunning, long stretches of sand. Crystal clear water. Can get busy, but big enough to find space. Lots of food and drink options.
Plaka: Even further down. Huge, sandy beach. Parts are organized with sunbeds, others are wild. Great for a long walk and finding a quiet spot. Some nudist-friendly sections.
Good For: Families, couples, anyone who loves easy-access, beautiful sand.

Mykonos: The Glamorous Choice
Why Go: Famous for its beach clubs and lively atmosphere, but also has some quieter coves.
Top Spots:
Platis Gialos & Psarou: Popular, well-organized, and often have a party vibe. Expect sunbeds, music, and restaurants.
Elia: A large, beautiful beach. More relaxed than some, but still popular. Gay-friendly, with a nudist section.
Agios Sostis & Fokos: Northern beaches. Quieter, less organized. You’ll need your own transport. Great for escaping the crowds.
Good For: People looking for a scene, beach bars, and beautiful water (and quieter spots if you look).

Milos: The Unique One
Why Go: Volcanic landscapes mean unique, stunning beaches unlike anywhere else.
Top Spots:
Sarakiniko: The famous moon beach. Smooth white rocks, not much sand. Incredible for photos and exploring.
Tsigrado: Reached by a rope and ladder. A small, stunning cove. An adventure to get to, but worth it.
Firiplaka: A long, sandy beach with colourful cliffs. Partially organized. Easier to access.
Good For: Adventurous types, photographers, and those seeking unique coastal scenery.

Paros: The All-Rounder
Why Go: A great mix of beach types, from busy hubs to quiet coves.
Top Spots:
Kolymbithres: Famous for its smooth granite rocks forming small coves. Unique and beautiful.
Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti): Huge, sandy, and popular for windsurfing.
Santa Maria: Organized, popular, and great for watersports.
Good For: Families, watersports enthusiasts, and those wanting variety.

Top Cyclades Islands for Couples
Romance in the Cyclades? Easy. Whitewashed villages, stunning sunsets, and incredible views are everywhere. But these islands add that extra something special for couples.

Santorini: The Classic Romance
Why Go: It’s famous for a reason. The caldera views are breathtaking. Sunsets in Oia are legendary. It’s built for romance.
What to Do: Stay in a cave hotel with a private plunge pool. Walk the Fira to Oia trail. Enjoy wine tasting with caldera views. Have dinner overlooking the volcano.
Best For: Unforgettable views, luxury stays, iconic sunsets. It’s busy, but the magic is real.

Folegandros: The Quiet Charmer
Why Go: Like Santorini, but without the crowds. Dramatic cliffs, a stunning clifftop Chora (main town), and a relaxed, authentic vibe.
What to Do: Get lost in the Kastro (old town) within the Chora. Hike to secluded beaches. Enjoy dinner in a quiet square. Watch the sunset from the Panagia church high above the Chora.
Best For: Couples seeking quiet beauty, authenticity, and dramatic landscapes without the hustle.

Milos: The Adventurous Love Nest
Why Go: Unique beaches and incredible coastline best explored by boat. It feels wild and a bit adventurous.
What to Do: Rent a boat (or join a tour) to explore Kleftiko and Sarakiniko from the sea. Discover colourful fishing villages like Klima. Find a secluded beach all to yourselves.
Best For: Couples who love exploring, swimming in unique spots, and a touch of adventure.

Family-Friendly Cyclades: Island Guide
Taking kids to the Greek islands is fantastic. You need good beaches, easy travel, and things to keep them happy. These islands deliver.

Naxos: The Top Choice
Why It Works: Amazing beaches with shallow, calm water. Naxos Town is fun to explore. It’s big, so there’s lots to do. It’s also more affordable than Mykonos or Santorini.
Best Beaches: Agios Georgios (St. George) is perfect – right by town, very shallow, lots of space. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are also great options.
Things to Do: Explore Naxos Town’s Kastro. Visit inland villages. Try some easy hikes. Enjoy delicious, kid-friendly food.
Good For: Families of all ages. Especially good for beach lovers.

Paros: Easy and Fun
Why It Works: Good ferry connections make it easy to reach. A nice mix of family-friendly beaches and charming towns (Parikia and Naoussa).
Best Beaches: Livadia (near Parikia) is convenient and shallow. Santa Maria offers watersports for older kids. Golden Beach is huge.
Things to Do: Explore the streets of Parikia and Naoussa (though Naoussa gets very busy at night). Take a day trip to Antiparos. Enjoy watersports.
Good For: Families who want a bit of everything – beaches, towns, and easy travel.

Antiparos: Small and Relaxed
Why It Works: A tiny island just a 10-minute ferry ride from Paros. Very laid-back. You can walk almost everywhere in the main town. Beaches are calm and uncrowded.
Best Beaches: Psaraliki I and II are close to town and shallow. Glyfa is another good option.
Things to Do: Explore the charming main street. Visit the Antiparos cave. Take a boat trip around the island. Enjoy a very relaxed pace.
Good For: Families with younger kids or those seeking a truly relaxed, small-island feel.

Cyclades on a Budget: Affordable Island Hopping
Yes, you can visit the Cyclades without spending a fortune. Skip the most famous (and expensive) spots or visit in the shoulder season (May/June or Sept/Oct). Focus on these islands for better value.

Naxos: Value and Variety
Why It’s Affordable: Lots of accommodation options, including studios and apartments. Food is generally cheaper than Mykonos/Santorini, especially away from the main tourist drags. Great, free beaches.
Budget Tips: Stay in studios with kitchenettes to save on meals. Use the excellent bus system. Eat at local tavernas away from the immediate waterfront. Naxos Town offers more budget options than beach resorts.

Amorgos: Authentic and Offbeat
Why It’s Affordable: Less touristy, so prices are generally lower. Known for hiking and its stunning monastery, not high-end luxury.
Budget Tips: Stay in basic rooms or studios. Enjoy hiking (free!). Eat at traditional kafeneia or tavernas. It’s further out, so ferry costs can be higher, but you save once you’re there.

Serifos: Simple and Beautiful
Why It’s Affordable: A quiet island, popular with Greeks. It’s not geared towards mass tourism. Accommodation and food are reasonably priced.
Budget Tips: Enjoy the beautiful, free beaches. Stay in Livadi (the port) or the stunning Chora. Eat simply at local spots.

General Budget Tips:
Travel Off-Season: May, June, September, and even early October offer great weather and lower prices.
Book Ferries Smartly: Use slower, conventional ferries – they’re much cheaper than high-speed catamarans. Book in advance, especially for summer.
Eat Local: Souvlaki, gyros, and bakery pies (tiropita/spanakopita) are cheap and delicious. Tavernas often offer affordable daily specials.
Stay Simple: Look for “domatia” (rooms to let) and studios. They’re basic but clean and much cheaper than hotels.

Exploring Ancient History in the Cyclades
The Cyclades aren’t just beaches. They’re packed with history, going back thousands of years. These are must-visit spots for history buffs.

Delos: The Sacred Island
Why Go: The mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. One of the most important archaeological sites in all of Greece. An entire island dedicated to history. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What to See: The Terrace of the Lions. The House of Dionysus (with amazing mosaics). The Sanctuary of Apollo. Temples, houses, a theatre – it’s a vast, open-air museum.
How to Visit: It’s an easy day trip by boat from Mykonos. You can also visit from Naxos or Paros (longer trips). Go early to avoid heat and crowds. You cannot stay overnight.
Key Info: No inhabitants, just ruins and a museum. Wear good walking shoes and bring water and sun protection.

Santorini (Thera): The Buried City
Why Go: Akrotiri is a remarkably well-preserved Minoan Bronze Age settlement. Buried by a volcanic eruption around 1600 BC (like Pompeii, but much older).
What to See: Walk through the ancient streets. See multi-story buildings, pottery, and frescoes (though many originals are in Athens, some are in the Fira museum). It’s covered by a roof, offering shade.
Ancient Thera: High on a mountain ridge. A later city (founded around 9th century BC). Offers incredible views and ruins from Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. A steep drive/hike up.
Key Info: Visit Akrotiri with a guide for the best experience. Go to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira to see finds from Akrotiri.

Naxos: Kouroi and Temples
Why Go: See the giant, unfinished Kouroi statues lying in ancient quarries. Visit the impressive Temple of Demeter. And of course, the Portara (Temple of Apollo) gateway in Naxos Town.
What to See:
Portara: The iconic marble gate. Perfect spot for sunset photos.
Kouroi of Melanes & Apollonas: Huge, ancient statues left unfinished. A glimpse into ancient sculpting.
Temple of Demeter: A beautiful, partially reconstructed temple in a rural setting.
Key Info: You’ll likely need a car or scooter to visit the Kouroi and the Temple of Demeter easily.

Island Hopping Routes: Travel Times and Logistics

1. The All-Stars (Approx. 10-14 Days)
Route: Athens → Mykonos → Naxos → Santorini → Athens
Why Go: This is the classic for a reason. You hit the big names and experience the best of what makes the Cyclades famous. It’s a great first-timer’s route.
The Vibe:
Mykonos: Start with glamour, beautiful beaches, and buzzing nightlife. Don’t miss a day trip to ancient Delos.
Naxos: Your chill-out stop. Amazing, long sandy beaches, a charming main town (Chora), and green inland villages. Great food and more affordable.
Santorini: End with those jaw-dropping caldera views, iconic sunsets in Oia, and unique volcanic beaches. Pure romance and drama.
Logistics: Excellent ferry connections, both high-speed and conventional. Easy to book and travel.

2. Western Wonders (Approx. 10-12 Days)
Route: Athens → Sifnos → Milos → Folegandros → Santorini → Athens
Why Go: Explore some of the most stunning and unique islands in the western Cyclades. It’s a mix of foodie havens, incredible coastlines, and quiet charm.
The Vibe:
Sifnos: Famous for its incredible food and beautiful pottery. Charming villages and great walking trails. Stylish yet understated.
Milos: The island of colours. Mind-blowing beaches like Sarakiniko and Kleftiko. Best explored by boat. Adventurous and beautiful.
Folegandros: A quieter, dramatic alternative to Santorini. Its clifftop Chora is one of the most beautiful in Greece. Stunning views, very relaxed.
Santorini: A quick final stop (or a longer one if you have time) to experience the famous views before flying/ferrying out.
Logistics: Good connections, but check schedules carefully, especially for Folegandros. The Western Cyclades line connects these well.

3. Paros, Naxos & The Little Guys (Approx. 12-15 Days)
Route: Athens → Paros → (Antiparos Day Trip) → Naxos → Koufonisia (or another Small Cyclades) → Amorgos → Athens (or ferry back via Naxos)
Why Go: This route gives you a mix of popular, easy-to-navigate islands with a taste of the quieter, “Small Cyclades” and the rugged beauty of Amorgos.
The Vibe:
Paros: A great all-rounder. Chic Naoussa, family-friendly beaches, watersports. Easy day trip to tiny, relaxed Antiparos.
Naxos: The big neighbour. Focus on beaches, inland exploring, and great food.
Koufonisia: Tiny island (Ano Koufonisi) famous for turquoise waters and incredible beaches you can walk to. Pure relaxation.
Amorgos: Dramatic cliffs, stunning Chora, and the incredible Monastery of Hozoviotissa. Great for hikers and those seeking raw beauty.
Logistics: Paros and Naxos are major hubs. Ferries to Koufonisia and Amorgos run regularly, but less frequently than the main lines. The “Skopelitis Express” is a local ferry doing these smaller routes.

4. Culture & Beauty (Approx. 7-10 Days)
Route: Athens → Syros → Tinos → Mykonos → Athens
Why Go: Experience the grand capital of the Cyclades, a spiritual centre, and the famous party island. A mix of culture, authenticity, and fun.
The Vibe:
Syros: The capital, Ermoupoli, feels different – grand neoclassical buildings, a vibrant town. Less about beaches, more about culture and atmosphere.
Tinos: A major pilgrimage site for Greeks, but also home to beautiful, traditional villages, amazing dovecotes, and quiet beaches. Great for exploring.
Mykonos: Finish with a bang. Enjoy the beaches, the famous windmills, Little Venice, and the lively nightlife.
Logistics: Syros and Mykonos are major ferry hubs. Tinos is well-connected to both. This is a relatively compact route, good for a shorter trip.

Island Hopping Tips:
Don’t Rush: Aim for at least 3 nights per island (more for bigger ones like Naxos or Santorini). Travel days eat up time.
Book Ferries: Use Ferryhopper or book directly. Conventional (Blue Star) is slower but cheaper and better in wind. High-speed (Seajets) is faster but pricier and can be cancelled.
Book Accommodation: Book ahead, especially for July and August.
Be Flexible: Winds can cause delays. Have a little buffer room.
Fly In/Out: Consider flying into Mykonos or Santorini and out of Athens (or vice-versa) to save some travel time.