The Cyclades archipelago embodies much of the Greek essence, which is expressed in historical monuments, cobbled streets, blue-domed churches, hilltop windmills, and breathtaking landscapes. 24 of the 220 islands of the Cyclades are inhabited. Classic names such as Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos and Paros may be the most famous, but all the islands in the group have their own character and charm. In addition to the famous islands, there are other charming secret paradises with beautiful beaches. The Cyclades are therefore ideal for island hopping in Greece .
Culinary delights and water experiences
Some are looking for a vibrant nightlife, others are looking for beautiful beaches, others are looking for historic villages with winding streets and white houses with blue shutters. And those looking for a balance of all these things, without the tourist crowds and with a certain emphasis on food, can include the island of Sifnos in their summer itinerary. At only 15 km long, Sifnos is one of the smallest Greek islands, but its gastronomic richness is immense. It is known as the island of flavors and the culinary scene. An absolute must is the Cycladic Gastronomy Festival, which takes place every year in September. Sifnos is ideal for adventurers – rent a speedboat for a day in the port town of Camares and head to the beautiful Gulf of Faccidia. The island’s hiking trails stretch for more than 65 km and offer 19 scenic routes with spectacular views, traditional villages and historical monuments, as well as visiting some of the island’s 366 churches.
Black and golden sand beaches
The bays, the lively streets, the contrasting colors, the whitewashed villages, the mythology and the reality that mix indistinguishably make the Cyclades the most popular tourist destination in Greece. A short ferry ride from Mykonos, Santorini or Naxos to Paros is the ideal holiday destination with its blue domes, pristine beaches, colourful fishing ports and traditional villages. In the capital Parikia, you will find the “Church of the 100 Gates” from the 4th century and a beautiful, intact windmill in Cycladic style. Paros is also an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts. Adrenaline junkies can go windsurfing, kiteboarding, and kayaking at Golden, New Golden, and Santa Maria beaches.
The island of Serifos is wild, charming, peaceful and full of traditional Cycladic architecture and beautiful beaches. In the numerous taverns, you can taste traditional delicacies, including the sweet and sour Xynomyzithra cheese and the wine produced in the region. There are about 72 beautiful beaches on Serifos. The island of Andros is a hiker’s paradise, with scenic mountain trails that lead past bubbling springs and shimmering streams. Andros is the greenest of the Cyclades and has a rich naval history as well as beautiful beaches and magnificent historical monuments. With a coastline of almost 180 km, Andros is also known for its incredibly wide sandy beaches, of which there are more than 30.
An idyllic landscape, characterized by bright white and deep blue
Peaceful, incredibly beautiful and romantic atmosphere, frozen in time. This is what Santorini looks like. This island is associated with relaxing sophistication. There are pebble and black sand beaches, framed by jagged rocks and glittering light. Cruise ships stop here, weddings are held here, and movies are filmed here because the scenery is so beautiful.
Milos is located far to the south and benefits from its proximity to other Cycladic islands such as Santorini, Paros and Naxos. If you are staying on one of the mentioned islands, you can reach Milos by ferry. Thanks to its volcanic origins, Milos offers impressive landscapes, some of which are reminiscent of scenes on the surface of the moon. Sarakiniko is the most famous beach in Milos, where you can swim in the sky-blue sea surrounded by bright white cliffs.
Cocktails and endless blue horizon
Mykonos is much more than just bars and cocktails. When the sun rises, the party is over, but the white houses that dazzle, the feathered inhabitants, the symbolic descendants of the legendary pelican Petros, the coastal area of Little Venice and the windmills that glow in warm colors at sunset are waiting for you.
The island of Ios is known as a party island, because its main town, the Ios of the same name, is home to numerous nightclubs, and the place attracts mainly young people.
Hiking or visiting prehistoric ruins
Amorgos is much quieter and more tranquil. It is located in the easternmost part of the Cyclades and is far from Athens and Piraeus, which has the advantage of having fewer tourists here. The topography here is mountainous and rocky. The most famous beach is Agia Anna, and the sea in the area is suitable for diving.
Perhaps the most iconic attraction of the Greek island of Tinos is the exquisite marble squares, doorsteps, signs, and building decorations – your eye will be filled with beauty at every turn. The hills smell of herbs. Vineyards stretch between huge boulders and grow despite the barren and rocky soil. The fifty villages of the island are full of taverns, wineries and cafes.
Result
The Cyclades are ideal for booking and enjoying individual combination tours Greece . Learn about traditions on these beautiful Greek islands.
