12 Very Best Islands To Visit In The Cyclades, Greece

Greece! It’s a country that’s filled with beautiful places to visit and history and culture that’s second to none, especially in the gorgeous Cyclades Islands. From gorgeous islands like Santorini and Mykonos – to lesser-known gems, there’s a heap of the best islands to visit in the Cyclades that you can’t miss whilst in Greece.

Probably one of the best-known Greek places to visit, Santorini is something of a popular island in the Cyclades to visit.

Once you’re nice and full, head onto the open road and visit Psili Ammos. It’s totally unspoilt and relatively quiet if you visit in the weekdays. Just be sure to pack lots of liquids; there are not always facilities right on the beach, here. 
The smaller sibling of Paros, Antiparos is one of the best islands to visit in the Cyclades that’s a regular celebrity haunt due to its peaceful island vibe. Which, makes it one epic place to go and chill. 
Best Islands In The Cyclades Greece To Visit
Places to visit in Paros Greece

1.) Santorini

If that sounds like you’re thing, be sure to pop over around sunset. The orange hues are just incredible. 
Neighbouring Mykonos, Tinos is the kind of Greek island that’s well worth a visit for its stunning coastline. 

Best Places to visit in Paros Greece
Best Islands To Visit In The Cyclades
Read more: Best things to do in Zakynthos 
Read more: Best things to do in Mykonos
North of Milos, Serifos is one of the best islands to visit in the Cyclades that’s much less developed than the likes of Mykonos. This makes it the perfect Greek island to visit if you’re wanting a true little escape whilst in Greece. It’s so tranquil. 
If you’re leaving the town itself, head over to Agios Sostis Beach and stop by for some of the freshest seafood at Kiki’s Tavern. It’s informal, unpretentious, friendly and totally delicious. 
Best Islands In The Cyclades Greece To Visit
Talking of beaches, another firm favourite is Ganema Beach that’s on the other side of Serifos. Best of all, it all has a gorgeous little foodie spot, the SAAN Eco Restaurant that overlooks the bay. 
If it’s the beaches you love, check out the idyllic Magganari Beach that’s a great family spot; especially as the waters are nice and calm.
Just a few kilometres (as the crow flies) from Paros, Naxos is a beautiful Greek island that has a good mix of bars, independent restaurants and gorgeous countryside and beaches. It’s easily one of the best islands to visit in the Cyclades for 

2.) Mykonos

After arriving in Kamares by boat, you’ll want to grab lunch at Argyris which is a family-owned spot that makes the best souvlaki in all of Sifnos. Oh, and their homemade tzatziki is too good to miss! 
Right in the heart of the island group, Sifnos is one of the best islands to visit in the Cyclades if you’re looking for a totally peaceful island trip. 
If you want to explore some of the island’s majestic churches head over to Anastaseos church in Vrodado or pop inside the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas that’s situated within Ermoupolis itself. Both are incredible to see and epic to see as you explore the island. 
19 Beautiful Islands In Greece You Have To Visit
Only around 15-minutes from Paros by boat, it’s a Cyclades Island you can visit for a day if you’ve got a car on Paros. This is what we did and it was well worth the crossing. 
Best Islands In The Cyclades Greece To Visit
Actually, talking about the caldera, make sure to book yourself on a small-group catamaran tour (like we did) of the caldera, stopping off at the volcanic hot springs and snorkelling spots at both the White and Red Beaches. You can book either the morning or sunset tour and the group is always small, with under 20 persons onboard. 

Best Islands In The Cyclades Greece To Visit
Not too far from Naxos or Ios, Paros is another gem of an island that has so many similarities to Mykonos (beautiful town and coastline), without the hefty price tag. Plus, it’s a lot less busy than the more popular spots of Santorini, too. 
Best Islands In The Cyclades Greece To Visit

Getting peckish? Grab a table at Doukato Restaurant in the old town itself. We love the vibe of their outdoor seating area and the moussaka is so yummy. For evening drinks with friends, hop into Like Home Bar Naxos, it’s small and cosy but has a lively vibe that’s well worth visiting for an evening with friends. 
Best Things To Do In Mykonos (7)

3.) Milos

Best Islands In The Cyclades Greece To Visit
Once here, be sure to check out the sunset in the clifftop town of Oia (gorgeous, even if it does get busy), and visit Thera for its little bars and restaurants along the caldera itself. 
Best Islands In The Cyclades Greece To Visit
Once here, check out the streets around Antiparos Port; you’ll find lots of independent stores, cafes and little foodie spots around every corner. Driving south, take a drive towards Paralia Apantima (beach) and chill out at the beach bar that’s great for food.
Not only does Greece have some beautiful islands to explore, but it also has some incredible cities; I’m naming you, Athens! Plus, there are lots of beautiful places to see on the mainland, too; and that’s even before we get onto all the delicious Greek dishes to devour on your trip! 
Read more: Best things to do in Zakynthos 
This can be something of a double-edged sword… it’s totally beautiful (gorgeous in fact), has plenty of international connections to the airport and you’ll be spoilt for choice with great hotels, too.  But, that does mean that it can get super busy at the peak times of year (and can get quite expensive, depending on where you stay). 
Read more: Best things to do in Rhodes

4.) Paros 

Read more: Best things to do in Rhodes

So, to make your trip planning that bit easier, we wanted to share some of the best islands to visit in the Cyclades that you can visit when in Greece. 


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