Greek islands are the ultimate romantic getaways. Think: turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, white-washed buildings, and feta cheese and olives as far as the eye can see. Here’s our guide for island hopping in Greece, through the Cyclades….
Amongst the islands, the Cyclades, tucked there between Athens and Crete, are amongst the most beautiful.
Unfortunately, there are 220 Greek Cyclades Islands — far too many for the average traveler to visit on a casual float through the Aegean Sea.
How do you choose which to see? We’ve got you covered.
1. Sifnos
Stunning beaches. Casual seaside bars. White-washed buildings and sweeping Grecian hills. This is Sifnos — which has been inhabited for thousands of years, and is well-known for its ancient silver and gold mines.
If you’re looking for picturesque Grecian living, opt for a hotel or B&B in the town of Kastro. All the best beaches are on the southern side.
2. Delos
Smack-dab in the center of the Cyclades, find Delos — one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in the world.
Ancient people lived on the island as far back as the third century B.C. Hardly anyone lives on the island these days — but ferries arrive from Mykonos daily, except for Monday. This is a must-stop for history buffs and lovers of the ancient world.
3. Folegandros
Far to the south of the Cyclades, find Folegandros — similar in the more-popular Santorini for its staggering cliffs and enormous caves. In fact, its capital, Chora, is built upon the edge of a 650 foot cliff.
Folegandros is less touristic than other islands in the Cyclades, and many of the beaches must be reached by foot. Come prepared for a hike.
4. Paros
Paros is an essential stop when island hopping in Greece. It’s just a quick ferry ride from both Naxos and Mykonos, and one of the more beautiful rocks of them all, featuring glittering sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and wild nightclubs and bars, stocked with expats, locals, and travellers alike.
The little villages have spider-webs of cobblestone streets, easy to get lost in. But who cares? You’re island-hopping in the Cyclades. You can be lost for days.
5. Mykonos
Mykonos is a teensy island, but it packs a real punch with culture and nightlife. Throughout the Cyclades, it’s well-known as the “gay party island,” but it further offers stunning Byzantine architecture and a little seaside area called “Little Venice.”
6. Santorini
A trip to the Cyclades isn’t complete without Santorini — the most well-known and oft-talked about (for good reason) of them all. A volcanic explosion created the stunning cliffs of Santorini, which now feature two gorgeous cobblestoned towns — Oia and Fira.
Tourists love to take donkeys up and down the steep staircases, edging along the cliffs and snaking through the villages.
The nightlife is killer, and black sand beaches, due to volcanic activity, make this a remarkable site on earth.
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