Over the past few decades, the islands in the Cyclades Islands in Greece have become one of the most desired travel destinations in the world. They range from the ultimate beach vacation and family fun to party paradises and traditional mountain villages. So what are actually the best Cyclades Islands for your next vacation? Here’s our top 12 spots in the Greek Cyclades that you can’t miss!
What Makes the Cyclades Islands in Greece So Special?
The word Cyclades means “encircling islands,” due to the fact that they form a ring around the ancient island of Delos. This is said to be where Apollo and his sister Artemis were born, so it’s been of great importance for centuries.
All of the best Cyclades islands that circle Delos have their own unique flavors and traditions that make them special. In this article, we will of course tell you about the most popular Cyclades Islands in Greece. Yet, as you’ll see, there are so many lesser-traveled spots that should be on your radar!
→ Planning a Trip to Greece: 10 Step Easy to Follow Guide
How to Get to the Best Islands in the Cyclades
Before we get into the best Cyclades islands, you should know how simple it is to get around! The Greek island ferry system is easy to use, and can be especially cheap if you plan your route correctly outside of high-season.
Companies such as Blue Star, Zante Ferries, and Seajets run regular lines through the Greek Cyclades. We’ve even found tickets for under 20 Euros from Santorini to Milos!
Note that only a few of the bigger islands have airports. If the flights are cheap enough, we will fly into one of them from Athens and then continue on via ferry from there.
→ 12 Most Important Tips For Using the Greek Island Ferries
12 Best Cyclades Islands in Greece For Your Next Vacation
1. Santorini
Let’s start with one of the Cycladic Islands that every traveler probably knows! Santorini is world-renowned for its white-washed buildings that sit high on the cliffs.
The towns of Fira and Oia have been shared in photos around the globe. These popular villages are a huge reason why many travelers come to the Greek Cyclades in the first place.
However, there is so much more to see on Santorini! You can visit a black and red sand beach, the charming mountain town of Pyrgos, and the ancient Thera ruins. It’s even possible to hike from Fira to Oia for unreal views of the caldera.
Taking a Santorini food tour is a fun way to taste the local cuisine or you can head to Santo wines for a tasting at sunset. Although it’s very touristy, once you see this island in person you’ll get what all the hype is about.
Keep in mind the best time to visit Santorini is outside of July and August. You’re sure to have a much more enjoyable experience if you go when there aren’t 7 or 8 cruise ships in port during summer months.
→ 20 Fun Things to do in Santorini Greece on Your First Visit
2. Milos
Next up is one of the most stunning places to visit in all the Greek Cyclades. This island has gotten well deserved attention for its wild rock formations and fun swimming spots. As we would discover, there are over 70 Milos beaches to see once you arrive at Adamas port!
Renting a car in Milos or all-terrain vehicle will give you the freedom to see things on your own time. You can hit the colorful fishing village of Klima, Roman catacombs and amphitheater, and the traditonal town of Plaka all in one day!
Still, the best way to experience Milos is to take a boat tour! All-day sailing trips will take you to all the best beaches and bays that that can’t be reached by car. You’ll even get to swim through the wild Kleftiko Caves where the pirates once roamed.
Milos Day Trip: if you have time, make the short ferry ride over to Kimolos. Milos’s small neighbor is an off-the-beaten path adventure to add to your Cyclades Islands itinerary.
→ 16 Fun Things to do in Milos Greece
3. Paros
Paros may not be as popular as Mykonos and Santorini, but it does have its own following that can’t be denied. From the moment you get off the ferry in the main town of Parikia, you will be truly blown away!
Naousa is an absolutely stunning town to experience on the Northeastern coast. After that, you’ll want to see the coastal gems of Kolympethres and Monastiri. Honestly, some of the best beaches in Paros will have you feeling like you’re swimming on a different planet.
Golden Beach is definitely worth the trip, as it’s where they’ve held the World Windsurfing Championships. At Kalogeros Beach, you can even find special clay to put on your body for a natural treatment that’s great for your skin.
Once you’re done playing in the sand, head to the mountain village of Lefkes. This is the ancient capital of Paros and will take you back to olden days. It’s also a fantastic place to have to try traditional Greek food.
→ 14 Things to do on Paros Greece
4. Antiparos
Believe it or not, one of the best Cyclades islands is right next door to Paros! The little island of Antiparos is just a quick 10-minute ferry ride across the Aegean Sea.
You may think that it’s a just a quiet island, yet Antiparos has so much more to offer. You’ll love the bustling main street, scenic hiking trails, and sailing trips that circle the landscape.
We particularly loved making the day trip from Paros since it’s so close. You can even just go for dinner and drinks, and to see the ruins of a 15th Venetian Castle.
→ How to Get to Antiparos Greece: Fun Ferry, Beaches, and Day Trip Guide
5. Naxos
Not far from Paros and Antiparos is another jewel of the Cyclades Islands in Greece. Naxos has been important to the history of this region for thousands of years and even plays a part in Greek Mythology.
Legend has it, that Zeus took shelter in the cave on the top of the highest mountain of Naxos. It was here he was given his lightning rod and named the supreme ruler of Olympus.
If that’s not enough reason to visit, don’t worry. There is plenty more things to do in Naxos for every type of traveler!
After seeing the gate of the Temple of Apollo and Naxos Town, the west coast has a stretch of beaches that seem to go on forever. On both of our trips to Naxos, we have found ourselves staying in the beach town of Agios Prokopios and using it as a home base to explore the vast island.
If you have time, be sure to make the drive into the mountain villages to see Chalki, Filoti, and Apeiranthos. You can easily rent cars, ATV’s, and scooters for the ultimate road trip on Naxos Island.
6. Syros
You may have never heard of Syros, as it’s one of the lesser-known islands on this list. It also serves as the administrative capital of the Cyclades Islands. Once you’ve seen the colorful main town of Ermoupoli, make your way to one of the beach towns on the coast.
Our personal favorite towns is the perfect place to relax in Galissas Beach. Syros is the kind of quiet and traditional island that will steal your heart.
If you plan to see the more touristic Greek Cyclades, definitely include somewhere like Syros in your itinerary to switch it up.
7. Mykonos
You may be wondering… how have you not mentioned Mykonos yet?? This is one of the Cyclades Islands in Greece that definitely has earned a reputation. Mykonos is known for its all-day beach parties, expensive restaurants, and overall lavish lifestyle.
Now, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t visit this popular vacation spot. Mykonos Old Town is one of the most visually pleasing places you’ll ever see, and the windmills which hover above it feel straight out of a fairy tale.
The good part is that there are direct flights from Athens to Mykonos running quite often. Much like Santorini, we would just suggest going to Mykonos in off-season to see its true beauty.
Unless you’re ready to party your face off that is! We recently went here during the spring on our trip with Celestyal Cruises and fell in love.
8. Ios
Speaking of a party, Ios is known as one of the best Cyclades Islands to let loose on. Its hostels and cheap accommodations surely draw in the backpacker crowd. Yet, as we would find out, there is so much more to see on Ios.
It may be small, but it more than makes up for its size with the gorgeous surroundings. We loved walking through the main streets and hiking up to the Panagia Gremiotissa church for sunset.
There are over 30 unreal beaches to discover, ranging from long sandy paradise to sparkling crystal coves. Ios is somewhere that’s easily added to a larger Greek Cyclades itinerary with its close proximity to the main islands, and firm spot on the ferry schedules.
→ Is Ios Greece Worth Visiting? Our Surprising Trip to the Party Island
9. Folegandros
Oh Folegandros. This one of those tiny islets that many travelers miss on their visit. However, it’s easy to see that this will surely change soon!
We only had the chance to visit here for 2 days in off-season and we could already tell how special it is. There is a calmness and traditional style to Folegandros that separates it from more of the best islands in the Cyclades.
The small main town sits high in the mountains and serves as the center of life on Folegandros. You can easily rent a vehicle to experience its rugged landscapes and untouched beaches.
10. Sifnos
If you’re looking for another unique destination to include in your Cyclades islands itinerary, Sifnos might be it! Sifnos has the perfect mix of beautiful beaches and mountain villages that are guaranteed to blow you away.
Also, the food on Sifnos has the reputation of being some of the best in all of Greece. With its easy accessibility from Athens and other close by islands like Milos, you’ll have no problem getting to Sifnos to see it for yourself.
11. Serifos
Much like Sifnos and Folegandros, Serifos has maintained its authenticity over the years. Starting with its traditional Cyclidic architecture, the amazing mountain villages of Serifos are certainly easy on the eyes.
If you can tear yourself away from the fun capital town Chora, there are 50 miles of incredible coastline to discover. Serifos is the ideal place to sit back, relax, and let yourself go.
12. Amorgos
The first thing you will notice about Amorgos is how massive it is. We stopped here en route to Rhodes Greece (and the Decodonese island chain) and couldn’t believe our eyes. The rocky mountains tower into the sky and are filled with breathtaking hiking trails.
The Hozoviotissa Monastery is one of the most fascinating you’ll see in Cyclades Islands and definitely worth all those steps! Also, make sure to try the traditional raki liquor drink to truly feel like a local.
Fun 1 Week Greek Cyclades Itinerary Ideas
Something we love about this area of Greece is how easy it is to get around by ferry. Three islands in 7 days might feel rushed for some, so we urge you to use our island breakdown below to choose the places that are right for you. This way you can make the best Cyclades islands hopping itinerary possible!
Iconic Greece: Fly into Mykonos for 2 Nights – 3 Nights Naxos – 2 Nights Santorini – Fly Out
Beaches and Sunshine: Fly into Paros for 2 Nights – 2 Nights Naxos – 2 Nights Mykonos – Fly Out
Islands Less Traveled: Fly into Santorini and Ferry to Folegandros for 2 Nights – Paros 2 Nights – Syros 3 Nights – Fly Out
Patry Time: Fly into Mykonos for 2 Nights – 3 Nights Ios – 2 Nights Santorini – Fly Out
Golden Triangle: Fly into Mykonos for 2 Nights – 2 Nights Paros – 3 Nights Naxos – Fly Out
Fun & Sun: Fly into Santorini for 2 Nights – Folegandros 2 Nights – Milos 3 Nights – Fly Out
Nothing Familiar Choice: Fly into Naxos for 2 Nights – Ios 1 Night – Milos 3 Nights – Fly out
More Incredible Cyclades Islands in Greece
With so many mind-blowing places to visit, we aren’t claiming that the above 12 are the very best islands in the Cyclades. These are simply the ones we have personally been to so far. We didn’t want to write about the places we hadn’t been to as we like to share our own personal experiences.
While we have made several trips to the Cyclades Islands, there are still SO many that are on our list. Here are a few more to consider while planning your trip to this magical region of Greece.
→ When’s the Best Time to Visit Greece? Month to Month Breakdown
7 Cyclades Islands On Our List
Delos: As we mentioned earlier, Delos is the ancient centerpiece of the Greek Cyclades. Explore the Doric temples, mosaics, and more historic ruins.
Tinos: Tinos is known for its Panagia Evangelistria church and over 60 traditional villages. See the history of the marble craft on your visit while enjoying the food and beaches of this lesser-visited island.
Andros: This is the most northern of the best islands in the Cyclades, which makes it one of the easiest to get to from Athens. Even with its great location, mass tourism hasn’t seemed to get to Andros yet. It’s also a destination filled with greenery and nature unlike many of the desert-like environments you’ll see around Cyclades.
Anafi: Anafi is a place you may have never heard of, but it’s certainly worth considering on your next Greek Cyclades vacation! The is one of the smaller islands which is quite peaceful, as it only has 300 residents year-round. Still, it’s easily reachable being the closest to Santorini.
Kea: Kea has plenty of eye-popping beaches, but what it’s really known for is its system of walking trails. The scenic pathways will take you through ancient sites and viewpoints that will impress even the most well-traveled Cyclades islands hopper.
Kythnos: What if I told you Kythnos has over 100 beaches? Yes, that’s the most of any of the Cyclades Islands in Greece. Excuse us while we book the next ferry boat over!
Sikinos: Last but not least, Sikinos is a not-so popular spot that can’t be missed. Its untouched beaches, natural beauty, and perfect location between Folegandros and Ios, make it a great addition to any Greek holiday.
Have any questions about this article or want to share more of the best islands in the Cyclades? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
best period to visit cyclades, from middle of may to end of june.. donousa schoinousa irakleia koufonisia amorgos anafi some of the best ones. psimeni raki is a btouristic bullshit, made from bad quality of raki and full of sugar.. gavdos is unique also..
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Completely agree about visiting in May and June! Our favorite time to go to Greece (-: