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

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There’s no denying how a lot I really like Greece! It’s a rustic that’s full of stunning 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 which you could’t miss while in Greece.

Not solely does Greece have some stunning islands to discover, nevertheless it additionally has some unbelievable cities; I’m naming you, Athens! Plus, there are many stunning 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 in search of. Better of all, they’re well-connected (both by ferry or flight) and fairly straightforward 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 number of the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades which you could go to when in Greece.

Have one of the best journey travelling across the Cyclades Islands in Greece. We love them!

1.) Santorini

Most likely one of many best-known Greek locations to go to, Santorini is one thing of a preferred island within the Cyclades to go to.

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

Truly, speaking concerning the caldera, make sure that 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 Pink Seashores. You’ll be able to 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 can be 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 a lot of the vines (which can be a lot shorter in Santorini than conventional vineyards) all throughout the island.

Now, what I’d say is to e book your self a guided vineyard tour of the vineyards which can be so particular! Not solely will it can help you 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 will probably get busy and taxis will be scarce at peak instances.

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Santorini

2.) Mykonos

Usually generally known as the occasion island of Greece, Mykonos is a lot greater than its glamourous seashore golf equipment and on-trend bars. Sure, that’s a part of Mykonos (and a enjoyable half when you fancy going for a celebration.

In actual fact, I’d go so far as saying it’s among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades when you fancy mixture of enjoyable, historical past and a stunning Greek Island. You’ll be able to simply spend every week visiting Mykonos, taking in Mykonos City, spending time on the seashores and simply chilling – we liked 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).

If you happen to’re leaving the city itself, head over to Agios Sostis Seashore and cease by for a number 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 one of the necessary islands in Greek mythology.

You’ll be able to even see the ruins and artefacts which can be strewn all throughout the island website. It’s nicely price a visit.

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Mykonos

3.) Milos

Milos is among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades to go to for its attractive shoreline. It’s simply unbelievable and has been one thing of a favorite with Greek folks for a lot of many years. Crammed with stunning coves, attractive seashores and the enduring Sarakiniko Seashore (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 are not 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 can be all inaccessible by land. You’ll take within the likes of Kleftiko and the cave of Sykia that are simply so stunning.

For a chunk to eat, jump over to the picturesque harbour village of Mandrakia; It’s tiny, stunning 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 allow 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 (stunning city and shoreline), with out the hefty price ticket. Plus, it’s rather a lot much less busy than the extra fashionable spots of Santorini, too.

This all makes Paros among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades to go to while island hopping. That is precisely what we did and liked each second; we took the ferry from Santorini (direct to Paros) and it was completely straightforward 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 gorgeous. Right here, you’ll discover loads of little seafront bars and eating places that serve up some tasty Greek treats. We liked Kafeneion – I Palia Agora, the place you possibly can sit within the alley and devour the tastiest treats. Their grilled octopus is so good.

If you happen to’re in search of a stunning lodge, about 15-minutes from Naousa, then examine into Summer time Senses. We stayed right here throughout our journey to Paros and liked it. It’s so peaceable and calm and so they even have essentially 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 make sure that to pack your swimming wear as you’ll get a lot 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 among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades that’s an everyday celeb hang-out resulting from 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 possibly can go to for a day when you’ve bought a automotive on Paros. That is what we did and it was nicely definitely worth the crossing.

As soon as right here, take a look at the streets round Antiparos Port; you’ll discover a lot of unbiased shops, cafes and little foodie spots round each nook. Driving south, take a drive in direction of Paralia Apantima (seashore) and relax on the seashore 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 number of the trails across the coast. One factor to notice, nonetheless, is that the highway here’s a full-on grime monitor. We did this in a small automotive nevertheless it might be troublesome if the climate is moist.

Fancy staying longer on Antiparos? Test into the Rooster that’s completely particular and overlooks Livadia Seashore (which is unbelievable, by the way in which). Sure, it’s somewhat extra expensive than different spots on the island; nevertheless it’s attractive.

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Santorini

6.) Naxos

Only a few kilometres (because the crow flies) from Paros, Naxos is an exquisite Greek island that has mixture of bars, unbiased eating places and beautiful countryside and seashores. It’s simply among the finest 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 outside seating space and the moussaka is so yummy. For night drinks with associates, hop into Like Residence Bar Naxos, it’s small and cosy however has a vigorous vibe that’s nicely price visiting for a night with associates.

After all, you possibly can’t miss the Temple of Apollo which overlooks the harbour space and is among 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 automotive), you’ve bought 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 stunning seashore, head to Alyko Seashore. The water is pristine right here and it’s nice for swimming. That being stated, the wind will be robust so make sure that to put on loads of solar block. That wind can idiot you into considering you’re not burning.

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Rhodes

7.) Serifos

North of Milos, Serifos is among 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 proper 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 possibly can’t miss.

When you’re good and full, head onto the open highway 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 a lot of liquids; there aren’t all the time amenities proper on the seashore, right here.

Speaking of seashores, one other agency favorite is Ganema Seashore that’s on the opposite facet of Serifos. Better of all, all of it has a stunning 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 will probably 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 individuals have known as Syros dwelling for over 5,000 years… and it’s completely straightforward 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 number 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 unbelievable to see and epic to see as you discover the island.

Although, when you’re extra of a seashore bum, head to Kini Seashore 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 among the finest islands to go to within the Cyclades when you’re in search of a completely 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 selfmade tzatziki is simply too good to overlook!

Afterwards, take a while to go to Vathi Seashore (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 unbelievable.

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Corfu

11.) Ios

Midway between Santorini and Paros, Ios is a superb island for all ages and all forms of guests. Reality be informed, it’s bought somewhat little bit of every little thing; making it an important journey for {couples}, mates and households alike.

If it’s the seashores you like, take a look at the idyllic Magganari Seashore that’s an important household spot; particularly because the waters are good and calm.

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

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Kefalonia

12.) Tinos

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

After touchdown onshore, make sure that 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 seashore and pop into Ballis Vineyard Tinos to strive a number of the island’s finest wines.

Learn extra: Greatest Greek Islands to go to