12 Very Greatest Islands To Go to In The Cyclades, Greece - Hand Baggage Solely

There’s no denying how a lot I really like Greece! It’s a rustic that’s full of lovely locations to go to and historical past and tradition that’s second to none, particularly within the attractive Cyclades Islands. From attractive islands like Santorini and Mykonos – to lesser-known gems, there’s a heap of one of the best islands to go to within the Cyclades that you may’t miss while in Greece.

Not solely does Greece have some lovely islands to discover, but it surely additionally has some unimaginable cities; I’m naming you, Athens! Plus, there are many lovely 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 completely different. Every with its personal vibe and is ideal for various sorts of journeys that make it excellent for no matter kind of vacation you’re on the lookout for. Better of all, they’re well-connected (both by ferry or flight) and fairly simple to navigate… even when the ferries are typically late (simply one thing to be careful for).

So, to make your journey planning that bit simpler, we needed to share a few of the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades that you may go to when in Greece.

Have one of the 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 well-liked island within the Cyclades to go to.

This may be one thing of a double-edged sword… it’s completely lovely (attractive the truth is), has loads of worldwide connections to the airport and also you’ll be spoilt for selection with nice inns, too. However, that does imply that it may get tremendous busy on the peak occasions 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 beautiful and an ideal spot for anybody that wishes a quintessential Greek island vacation of sunsets, beautiful eating places and lovely views.

As soon as right here, you’ll want to take a look at the sundown within the clifftop city of Oia (attractive, 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, be sure to e book your self on a small-group catamaran tour (like we did) of the caldera, stopping off on the volcanic sizzling springs and snorkelling spots at each the White and Crimson Seashores. You possibly can e book both the morning or sundown tour and the group is all the time small, with underneath 20 individuals onboard.

Oh, and don’t neglect concerning the vineyards which are so particular in Santorini. There are fairly just a few that we visited throughout the island (Santo Wines and Venetsanos Wines, to call just a few) and so they’re completely scrumptious. You’ll even discover plenty of the vines (which are a lot shorter in Santorini than conventional vineyards) all throughout the island.

Now, what I might say is to e book your self a guided vineyard tour of the vineyards which are so particular! Not solely will it permit you to go to fairly just a few however you received’t have to fret about driving or transport when eager to style the wines.

Lastly, when you want taxi transfers to the ferry port or airport, then e book a switch prematurely. As I stated, it may get busy and taxis could be scarce at peak occasions.

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Santorini

2.) Mykonos

Typically often called the occasion island of Greece, Mykonos is a lot greater than its glamourous seaside 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 the most effective islands to go to within the Cyclades when you fancy a great mixture of enjoyable, historical past and a beautiful Greek Island. You possibly can simply spend every week visiting Mykonos, taking in Mykonos City, spending time on the seashores and simply chilling – we cherished it for that.

After arriving, you’ll want to 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).

When you’re leaving the city itself, head over to Agios Sostis Seaside and cease by for a few of the freshest seafood at Kiki’s Tavern. It’s casual, unpretentious, pleasant and completely scrumptious.

Oh, and don’t neglect to e book a skip-the-line boat tour to the traditional island of Delos. It’s fairly near Mykonos and some of the vital islands in Greek mythology.

You possibly can even see the ruins and artefacts which are strewn all throughout the island web site. It’s nicely value a visit.

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Mykonos

3.) Milos

Milos is without doubt one of the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades to go to for its attractive shoreline. It’s simply unimaginable and has been one thing of a favorite with Greek folks for a lot of many years. Full of lovely coves, attractive seashores and the long-lasting Sarakiniko Seaside (on the north a part of Milos) it’s a spot that’s finest loved chilled.

After arriving you’ll want to spend a while having fun with the crystal-clear waters of Sarakiniko. Simply you’ll want to take loads of sunblock and drinks and snacks with you; there aren’t any facilities right here and the solar can get actually intense.

Don’t neglect to e book an intimate boat tour (lower than 10 folks) round Milos, too. These will get you to the hidden spots across the west a part of Milos which are all inaccessible by land. You’ll take within the likes of Kleftiko and the cave of Sykia that are simply so lovely.

For a chew to eat, jump over to the picturesque harbour village of Mandrakia; It’s tiny, lovely 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 primary city, you’ll want to 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 (lovely city and shoreline), with out the hefty price ticket. Plus, it’s lots much less busy than the extra well-liked spots of Santorini, too.

This all makes Paros the most effective islands to go to within the Cyclades to go to while island hopping. That is precisely what we did and cherished each second; we took the ferry from Santorini (direct to Paros) and it was completely simple 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’ll want to keep in or go to the attractive city of Naousa. It’s quintessentially Greek, with whitewashed little homes and cobbled alleys – it’s simply beautiful. Right here, you’ll discover loads of little seafront bars and eating places that serve up some tasty Greek treats. We cherished Kafeneion – I Palia Agora, the place you’ll be able to sit within the alley and devour the tastiest treats. Their grilled octopus is so good.

When you’re on the lookout for a beautiful lodge, about 15-minutes from Naousa, then verify into Summer time Senses. We stayed right here throughout our journey to Paros and cherished it. It’s so peaceable and calm and so they even have probably the most attractive rooms with personal swimming pools.

Fancy a while on the seas? Guide a surprising crusing cruise to the islands of Iraklia and Schinoussa. Simply be sure to pack your swimwear as you’ll get plenty of 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 without doubt one of the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades that’s an everyday movie star 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’ll be able to go to for a day when you’ve obtained a automobile on Paros. That is what we did and it was nicely well worth the crossing.

As soon as right here, take a look at the streets round Antiparos Port; you’ll discover plenty of impartial shops, cafes and little foodie spots round each nook. Driving south, take a drive in the direction of Paralia Apantima (seaside) and sit back on the seaside bar that’s nice for meals.

Oh, and if you wish to see the distinctive shoreline that makes Antiparos so attractive, head to Ubini Rocks. It’s completely quiet, chilled and exquisite. We spent just a few hours exploring this space and even adopted a few of the trails across the coast. One factor to notice, nonetheless, is that the street here’s a full-on dust observe. We did this in a small automobile but it surely may very well be troublesome if the climate is moist.

Fancy staying longer on Antiparos? Verify into the Rooster that’s completely particular and overlooks Livadia Seaside (which is unimaginable, by the best way). Sure, it’s a bit of extra dear than different spots on the island; but it surely’s attractive.

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Santorini

6.) Naxos

Only a few kilometres (because the crow flies) from Paros, Naxos is a phenomenal Greek island that has a great mixture of bars, impartial eating places and lovely countryside and seashores. It’s simply the most effective islands to go to within the Cyclades for

Getting peckish? Seize a desk at Doukato Restaurant within the outdated city itself. We love the vibe of their out of doors seating space and the moussaka is so yummy. For night drinks with pals, hop into Like Dwelling Bar Naxos, it’s small and cosy however has a vigorous vibe that’s nicely value visiting for a night with pals.

After all, you’ll be able to’t miss the Temple of Apollo which overlooks the harbour space and is without doubt 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 outdated city itself.

That being stated, when you fancy getting out of the outdated city, head into the countryside of Naxos itself. Close by (by automobile), you’ve obtained the attractive Routsouna’s Waterfall (which is round a 45-minutes hike from the centre of the close by spot of Keramoti.

Lastly, for a beautiful seaside, head to Alyko Seaside. The water is pristine right here and it’s nice for swimming. That being stated, the wind could be sturdy so be sure to put on loads of solar block. That wind can idiot you into pondering you’re not burning.

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Rhodes

7.) Serifos

North of Milos, Serifos is without doubt one of the finest 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’ll be able to’t miss.

When you’re good and full, head onto the open street and go to Psili Ammos. It’s completely unspoilt and comparatively quiet when you go to within the weekdays. Simply you’ll want to pack plenty of liquids; there will not be all the time services proper on the seaside, right here.

Speaking of seashores, one other agency favorite is Ganema Seaside 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 go away stuffed.

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Zakynthos

8.) Syros

It’s stated that folks have known as Syros residence for over 5,000 years… and it’s completely simple to see why! Though comparatively small, this Cyclades island is an ideal little getaway while hopping between these attractive Greek gems.

If you wish to discover a few of 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 unimaginable to see and epic to see as you discover the island.

Although, when you’re extra of a seaside bum, head to Kini Seaside 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 without doubt one of the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades when you’re on the lookout for a very peaceable island journey.

After arriving in Kamares by boat, you’ll need to seize lunch at Argyris which is a family-owned spot that makes one of the 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 Seaside (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’ll want to pop over round sundown. The orange hues are simply unimaginable.

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. Reality be informed, it’s obtained a bit of little bit of all the things; making it an incredible journey for {couples}, mates and households alike.

If it’s the seashores you’re keen on, take a look at the idyllic Magganari Seaside that’s an incredible household spot; particularly because the waters are good and calm.

Alternatively, when you’ve obtained a automobile, head in the direction of the Tomb of Homer and see a few of the island’s historical past that dates again millennia. Not solely that, the drive to the tomb is completely lovely.

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Kefalonia

12.) Tinos

Neighbouring Mykonos, Tinos is the type of Greek island that’s nicely value a go to for its beautiful shoreline.

After touchdown onshore, be sure 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 neglect to go to the shrine of Panagia Evangelistria, go to Pachia Ammos seaside and pop into Ballis Vineyard Tinos to attempt a few of the island’s finest wines.

Learn extra: Greatest Greek Islands to go to