What are the Cyclades?
The Cyclades are located SE of the mainland of Greece. In general, when traveling to the Cyclades from locations outside of Greece, the possible airports to consider flying to are located in Athens, the island of Santorini, and the island of Mykonos. Athens will have the most options available. Santorini and Mykonos airports may have direct flights from destinations outside Europe, likely just less frequent and more expensive. This is largely because flying directly to the islands is advantageous. Even if not planning to stay on Santorini or Mykonos, the ferry trip to the other islands in the Cyclades will be shorter (45 mins – 2 hours) in comparison to the ferry trip from Athens (2 – 4 hours).
Which islands to visit?
Mykonos
Known for: the party island, drawing in groups of friends looking a good time and planning to check out the beach parties during the day, bar hopping and clubbing in the evening until the early hours of the morning
Who should visit: groups of friends
What Else: Mykonos is VERY expensive, very touristy and crowded. It lacks any authentic charm and instead comes with a crowd looking to drink the night away and not be bothered by the cost. It is much more touristy than other islands and will not provide an authentic Greek experience
Duration: 2 – 3 nights
Paros
Known for: Greek cuisine – excellent food, and picturesque villages like Naoussa
Who should visit: couples, families, or groups of friends looking to hit a few different islands in the Cyclades
What Else: Paros is a great mix of some of the other islands. It offers cute Greek villages, some nice beaches, delicious food, and more nightlife options, all while being quite affordable. It is an easy island to add when visiting other Cyclades islands.
Paired well with: Naxos, Antiparos, Milos and Santorini
Duration: 2 – 3 nights
Santorini
Known for: being the typical Greek island getaway for the picturesque views, white buildings covered with coloured windows, doors and bright flowers, and magnificient sunset views. The sunsets are incredible, and the white houses lining the cliffside in Oia are as beautiful as the photographs show.
Who should visit :Santorini draws in all types of travelers, but often is especially prevalent for couples due to the romantic vibes and luxurious accommodations available.
What else: It draws in a lot of tourists, making it a less authentic experience, but is a beautiful island that should not be missed. Try to visit in the shoulder months (June or September) to avoid the really busy months of July ang August. It will be a more expensive island since it is more touristy.
Paired well with: Milos, Naxos, and Paros
Duration: 3 – 4 nights
Naxos
Known for: being a chill and quieter island, ideal for nice beaches and a relaxed Greek island trip with incredible Greek food. It provides a unique and more authentic experience on the Greek islands
Who should visit: couples, families, or groups of friends looking to hit a few different islands in the Cyclades
What Else: Naxos is a quieter island, but has incredible Greek food and is easy to add onto a Greek island itinerary when hitting some of the other Cyclade islands. It has nice beaches and enough to keep busy for a few days
Paired well with: Naxos, Milos and Santorini
Duration: 2 – 3 nights
Milos
Known for: beautiful, and unique beaches. It also feels less commercialised and brings in many local Greeks, keeping it a more local and authentic experience.
Who should visit: couples, families, or groups of friends looking to hit a few different islands in the Cyclades
What Else: Milos has incredible beaches, nice towns and excellent food. It is a must visit for your Greek island adventure
Paired well with: Naxos, Paros and Santorini
Duration: 3 – 4 nights