Cyclades Islands
The Cyclades islands are located south west of Athens and mainland Greece and are home to probably the most iconic and well recognised islands in the country if not the world.
Famous for the quintessential blue and white sugar cube architecture as well as magnificent beaches, azure waters, rugged landscapes and ancient ruins its easy to see why the Cyclades islands are so popular.
The Capital of the Cyclades is Ermoupoli which is on Syros. The most popular islands are Santorini and Mykonos but it is possible to visit several islands in a short time due to the extensive ferry network and a high number of airports.
The largest island is Naxos and many believe the most important, perhaps in all of Greece, is Delos, which is said to be the birthplace of Apollo although it is uninhabited.
Year Round
3-5 days each
Historic Center
What to expect
The Cyclades are the classic whitewashed, blue-domed vision of Greece.
Expect dry, rugged landscapes, bright light, clear Aegean water and towns built from narrow lanes, cube houses and small squares.
Ferries are frequent, distances are short, and island hopping is simple. The group mixes busy hubs like Santorini and Mykonos with quieter islands such as Sifnos, Amorgos and Serifos.
Prices range widely, food is excellent, and the overall feel is minimal, airy and unmistakably Cycladic.
Language: Greek, but most people in tourist areas speak English ( and more)
Currency: Euro
Credit Cards and ATMs: You can find ATMs all over Greece. Every major town and city has them, even in mini marts, travel agencies and some hotel lobbies. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and in fact, it is illegal for taxis, hotels and any business working in tourism not to accept them.
Plugs: The plugs in Greece are Type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. For many people, appliances and devices will work fine, but if you are from the USA, you will need a dual-voltage styling iron or hair dryer.
Best time to visit the Cyclades
The season officially runs from Easter to mid-October. The best time to enjoy the famous beaches is from June to September.
How long to go for
With 25 inhabited islands in the group, you could spend months island hopping. You need at least 3 nights on any island.
How to get around the Cyclades
Island hopping is done by ferry. There are no flights between the islands in the Cyclades.
Which Cycladic islands should I visit?
There are 25 islands to choose from so it really depends on what you are into, your budget and time of year too.
Santorini for drama, Naxos & Milos for beaches, Paros for balance, Mykonos for nightlife, Milos for landscapes, Syros for culture.
How do I get between the Islands?
The world’s largest and most efficient ferry network links almost all of the Cyclades, and it is reliable, frequent in summer, and efficient.
You can fly in and out of Santorini and Mykonos, which have international airports, as well as Milos, Syros, Naxos, and Paros, which have small domestic ones.
How long should I stay on each island?
A minimum of three nights per island if you want to actually settle in rather than sprint through it. The big islands like Naxos and Tinos could really use at least 5.
Are the Cyclades windy?
There is a famous wind called the Meltemi that can blow anytime from May to November. It is very unpredictable and can be disruptive, but it also cools things down and has its advantages too.
Are they expensive?
Santorini and Mykonos are the most expensive islands in Greece, although it is possible to visit them on a budget, too.
Islands considered mid-range are Paros, Milos and Naxos, while islands like Amorgos, Tinos and Kithnos are quite a way on the wallet.
Do I need a car in the Cyclades?
It depends on the island. Paros, Naxos and Milos are far easier with a car unless you plan to stay put. Santorini, Syros and Mykonos have better bus networks. Taxis are limited everywhere, so if you want freedom, hire wheels.
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