20 Islands to Visit in the Cyclades
The Cyclades are a chain of 220 Greek islands and islets in the Aegean sea. There are 20 major islands that are inhabited and of potential interest to travelers. The Cyclades contain some of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations - places like Santorini, Mykonos, and Naxos, but also many almost totally unvisited islands where authentic and slow-paced Greek maritime life is still present.
Spread over a fairly large patch of sea - about 1,000 sq miles - many islands are quite distinct from one another. For example, Santorini’s volcanic creation makes for striking black sand beaches, rocky soil, and hilly terrain while calmer Sifnos has miles of sandy beaches lapped by serene waters.
You won’t be able to see them all (or even half of them) on any single trip. But that’s the pleasure of the Greek islands - you always have somewhere new to explore. To help you decide where to visit, I’ve put together this guide to 20 of the larger Cyclades islands. I hope you enjoy it!
More Greece travel info:
For more ideas on travel in the Cyclades, have a look at our Cyclades travel guide and this comprehensive one week island-hopping itinerary.
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1. Kea (Tzia)
Photo: Joy Coffman from San Diego, CA, US, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
The gorgeous island of Kea, also known as Tzia, is located to the south of Attica. Kea is located quite close to Athens, making it a favorite weekend retreat from the Greek metropolis. You can take the ferry from Lavrio Port and be at Kea in less than an hour.
Despite being part of the Cyclades complex, Kea is very different than the rest of the Cyclades islands and you won’t find whitewashed houses and blue domes. Plus, the island showcases much more vegetation than the typical Cycladian landscape does. Ioulida, the capital, is quite vibrant, but there are also some other cute villages to visit like Vourkari, Korissia, and Otzias.
Kea features beautiful organized beaches, such as Gialiskari, Koundouros, and Korissia, and some others that are more remote and absolutely unspoiled!
Villas, houses, and studios are the most common types of accommodations, with apartments and camping facilities providing additional possibilities.
People come to Kea in order to visit an island close to Athens with natural beauty, to dive into the crystal-clear waters of Cycladic beaches, to admire the architecture and explore the history, to enjoy good food, and to get that much needed island vibe.
Kea is largely unknown to international tourists, but it’s quite popular with Greeks of all ages.
It’s capital, Ioulida, is a historic community with intact Cycladic architecture. The ruins of the Venetian castle may be found in the Kastro neighborhood, which was home to the old acropolis.
You can see the renowned "Lion of Kea" outside of Ioulida by continuing your journey at a short distance. This enormous lion was carved into slate sometime around 600 BC.
Don't forget to explore the archeological site of Karthaia, which features the ancient temple of Pythian Apollo that was constructed above the sea (if you enjoy exploring old ruins, of course).
2. Kythnos
Kythnos’ Kolona Beach
Kythnos is an incredible destination in the western Cyclades, with wild natural terrain, unusual beaches, and medieval settlements. Because of its proximity to Athens, approximately 2 hours on a ferry from Lavrio port, Kythnos has been gaining popularity as a destination for short vacations and weekend breaks, particularly for travelers who prefer authentic settings.
Kythnos, once only known to Greek visitors, the past few years has started to attract visitors from all over the world, as social media are flooded with images of the iconic Kolona beach.
The Loutra region of Kythnos, also known as Thermia, is famous for its hot thermal springs, where a hydrotherapy center is located.
The island contains several lovely towns with cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, churches, and windmills, all in addition to its gorgeous hilltop Chora (main town).
When visiting, be sure to check out the stalactite and stalagmite-filled Katafyki cave.
There are also approximately 100 beaches on the island. There are many lovely ones to choose from, but the most well-known is Kolona Beach, where two coastlines are formed by a thin sliver of sand in a breathtaking setting.
3. Serifos
Serifos is a small Cycladian island located between the islands of Kythnos and Sifnos. It is a less-visited island with unspoiled beauty by the mass tourism. In summertime there are daily ferry routes from Piraeus port to Serifos and the average journey time is 3 hours.
The island is nearly circular in shape and has seventy-four beaches all around its shoreline. The vast number of beaches are varied in their appearance and characteristics including beaches with pebbles, rocks and golden sand as well.
The large number of beaches and the relaxed island living is the main reason Serifos is visited, mostly by Greeks that wish to experience a more authentic and less cosmopolitan escape.
Serifos unquestionably boasts one of the Cyclades' most untamed landscapes, with alternating mountain ranges, lush valleys, and both secluded and wide-open bays.
With its lovely characteristic Cycladic architecture, the main town on the island, Chora, which is constructed amphitheatrically on a hill, is truly charming. Apart from Chora town, Serifos has 5 very picturesque villages worth visiting.
For expansive vistas, be sure to climb up to the town’s Venetian fortress. The historic mines on the island are a unique feature; Megalo Livadi even has an outdoor mining museum.
Lastly, the beaches of Serifos are of unique beauty the most well-known of which are Lia, Koutalas, Vagia, Ganema, Kalo Ambeli, Psili Ammos, and Sykamia.
4. Sifnos
The town of Kamares, in Sifnos. Photo: Kondephy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
Sifnos is located in the Aegean Sea, near the islands of Milos and Serifos. The island, always one of the favorite choices in the Cyclades for Greek visitors of all ages, has become popular in the last decade to International visitors as well.
Access from Athens to SIfnos is by ferry and the duration of the trip can range between 2 hours 30 minutes and 5 hours depending on the operator you are sailing with and the type of the vessel
Sifnos is the ideal Greek island for anyone seeking a balance of stunning beaches, less intense nightlife, white Cycladic villages, mild to medium tourism levels, and possibly the best gastronomy in the Cyclades.
The island is considered the epitome of Cycladic grace and beauty by many. The landscape is ordinary but stunning, with barren heights and valleys that finish in tiny coves.
Sifnos has many small towns and picturesque villages to visit. The island’s capital is Apollonia, a typical community with white, two-story homes and churches that is built amphitheatrical on three heights. Artemonas, a nearby town with Neoclassical architecture, floral courtyards, and two windmills perched on a hill overlooking the island, is close by.
Don’t forget to visit the Panagia Chrysopigi monastery in the bay of Faros, which is situated on a small peninsula.
Beautiful beaches for swimming are Kamares, Platy Gialos, Seralia, and the outstanding Herronissos.
If you love good food and gourmet gastronomy, the island has a rich culinary history, which can be experienced in every dish you taste. While Greece is well-known for its cuisine, and most visitors are interested in eating traditional meals, the food in Sifnos has something unique that distinguishes it; perhaps it's the way that modest materials convert into an explosion of flavor.
The majority of traditional dishes are produced with minimal ingredients (typically fresh seasonal vegetables) and gently cooked in a wood oven. Sifnos cuisine is based on vegetables and lentils, however there are dishes with fresh fish and meat as well.
Read our full guide to Sifnos here.
5. Milos
The southernmost and possibly most well-known island of the western Cyclades is Milos. Its unusual volcanic rocks, which paint the rocks on the beaches in hues of red, pink, and orange, are one of the main reasons for its reputation. Due to its volcanic origin, the island has a wonderful colorful landscape and a huge coastline with over 40 distinctive beaches.
Milos is visited by International and Greek travelers mostly because of the unique and varied landscape and the many and different beaches the island showcases. Traditional gastronomy is also a good reason to visit the island, however, if you are looking for vibrant nightlife then be sure to island-hop on one of the nearby Cycladic islands that offers sparklier nights.
The island is accessible by plane from Athens or ferry from Piraeus and Lavrion ports in Athens and many other islands. Athens to Milos ferry duration can range between 2 hours and 40 minutes to 6 hours and 35 minutes depending on the operator you are sailing with and the type of the vessel.
The island of Milos has seven main villages: Adamas, Triovassalos, Tripiti, Plakes, Plaka, Zefiria and Pollonia. The capital of the island of Plaka, with its distinctive Cycladic architecture, is one of the most gorgeous settlements in the Aegean, while the port of Adamas is one of the largest natural ports in the Mediterranean.
You may view artifacts from the Paleolithic Phylakopi as well as a replica of the renowned Venus of Milos in the archaeological museum.
A trip to the Venetian castle is a necessity if you want to take in the breathtaking scenery and the romantic sunset.
Don't forget to stop by Klima, where you may explore the well-known Catacombs that the early Christians used as a place of worship.
Milos beaches are the most scenic featuring out-of-this-world landscapes. Sarakiniko, Kleftiko, Papafragas, Achivadolimni, Paleochori, and Fyriplaka are only a few of the island's and the Aegean's finest and most beautiful beaches; they are absolutely exquisite creations of nature.
For more info on Milos, check out our comprehensive travel guide to Milos.
6. Kimolos
Photo: Roza24, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kimolos, a neighboring island to Milos, is smaller in size but no less stunning although much less visited. The island is volcanic and is well known for its chalk, which is used to make porcelain.
Visitors of Kimolos are mostly Greeks that want peaceful vacations away from the tourist crowds that are flooding other Cycladic islands.
The virgin beaches, the picturesque Chora and the volcanic history of the island are the main attractions. Locals mostly stay at Chorio and Psathi where most of hotels and restaurants are also located.
The Chorio (Chora) is made up of two settlements: the ancient Mesa Kastro, which is now in ruins, and the slightly more recent Exo Kastro, whose homes were constructed in the shape of a castle. A stroll through the dome-adorned, winding lanes and whitewashed homes is charming.
The island's beaches are beautiful, including Hellini (where you can view the island's ancient city submerged in the water), Prassa (which has thermal spas), Aliki and Bonatsa.
The only method to get to the island from Athens is by ferry from Piraeus, although you may alternatively take a small boat from Milos. The ferry route Athens (Piraeus) - Kimolos normally takes from 4 to 6.5 hours depending on the operator and the type of vessel. The nearest airport is in Milos, and it only receives flights from Athens.
7. Andros
Photo: G Da, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Andros is the northernmost island in the Cyclades and the 2nd biggest island in the complex after Naxos. Despite its proximity to Athens, the island has remained relatively unaffected by mass tourism, retaining a more relaxed and authentic vibe.
The ferry crossing from Athens to Andros takes approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes on most ferries servicing this route, although it might take a bit longer depending on the vessel. The island has three main urban centers: Batsi, Andros Town, and Korthi, followed by many smaller villages that are also worth visiting.
The island is mainly popular amongst Greeks but also features a substantial percentage of international travelers, although the overall number of tourists is sustainable and not at all overwhelming.
The beaches of Andros are one of the main reasons that visitors choose this lovely island. Organized or unspoiled, virgin or vibrant, this island has beaches for all preferences. The most well known are Agios Petros, Batsi, and Golden Sand but if you opt for virgin and isolated beaches, consider Vlychada, Agios Sostis, and Halkolimnionas.
One more exciting activity at Andros is hiking, as the island is filled with trekking paths of all difficulty levels, suitable for amateurs and experienced hikers alike.
Andros displays a different image from the one we typically associate with the Cyclades, due to its rich maritime culture.
The Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art is the showpiece of the impressive Chora, which also impresses with its arches, hills, churches, and palaces of shipowners and captains.
The plane trees in Cairo Square, Afanous Navti Square, and the small island with the Frankish castle that is connected to the mainland by a stone bridge are a few of Chora's most picturesque locations.
Traditional apartments, studios, hotels and suites, and villas with breathtaking views are available for your stay.
8. Tinos
The town of Kardiani. Photo: Stepanps, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tinos is at the heart of the Cyclades islands, close to Andros, Mykonos, Syros and Delos. It is the 3rd largest island in the complex after Naxos and Andros, occupying about the same area as Paros, but is much more mountainous.
The island has more than 8,000 permanent residents and a total of more than 50 inhabited villages. Athens to Tinos ferry duration can range between 3 hours 30 minutes and 4 hours 50 minutes depending on the operator you are sailing with and the type of the vessel.
The island's church, Panagia Megalochari, is one of Greece's most popular religious pilgrimages. Every year, people from all over the country flock to this imposing church to worship the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, which is housed there.
Every year, on August 15th, when the Virgin Mary is honored, there are numerous celebrations throughout the island, ranging from feasts to large-scaled culinary festivals!
Apart from the religious interest, Tinos is also visited for the picturesque villages and the pristine beaches, mostly by Greeks but also from international visitors although in lower proportion.
Overall, the island offers a more laid-back experience except at the time around the 15th of August, when it tends to be fully booked. There are many hotels and apartments scattered around the island, offering quality accommodation for all budgets.
The island of Panagia and the marble sculptures, Tinos, is a place of special charm. In the capital which is also named Tinos, apart from the white houses and narrow streets, you will also find the famous church of Panagia which was built in 1823 after the icon of the Virgin Mary was found.
The villages of the island are true Aegean jewels: the green Kardiani with its beautiful view, the enchanting Ysternia with its marble-paved alleys, the bustling Pyrgos with museums dedicated to local marble sculptors (such as the Halepa Museum in honor of the famous Tinian sculptor Giannoulis Halepas), the picturesque Panormos with its fresh fish, Falatados with its winding narrow streets, and Kalloni with its gardens and olive groves.
9. Mykonos
Mykonos’ Little Venice
Elia Beach. Photo: Squirmy2000 at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Mykonos is located in the northern part, right in the heart of the Cyclades close to Syros, Delos and Tinos islands. Mykonos has an area of only 90 sq km, therefore, it is considered a rather small island.
Mykonos is accessible by air as it has a fully operational International Airport and by sea via multiple ferry routes. Depending on your origin, you may either fly directly to Mykonos or with connecting flights via Athens International Airport El. Venizelos. During the summertime many airlines operate regular and chartered flights to Mykonos.
Alternatively, you can fly to Athens and afterwards take the ferry to Mykonos. The duration of the ferry from Piraeus port to Mykonos ferry can range between 2 hours 35 minutes and 5 hours 30 minutes depending on the operator you are sailing with and the type of the vessel.
In terms of attractions and tourism infrastructure, the island of winds and international cosmopolitan air, requires no introduction. Travelers from all over the world visit Mykonos for the vibrant lifestyle, the amazing beaches, the exceptional gastronomy, the top-notch venues, the parties and events with famous performers and world-known Djs.
The island's capital is undoubtedly one of the most attractive in the Cyclades. Its whitewashed cobblestone lanes, white houses with colored doors, windmills, and antique churches, the most important of which is Panagia Paraportiani, spread across the city and impress.
Visit the Castle quarter, which is constructed on a hill above the harbor, as well as the famed Little Venice, an old neighborhood with houses of wealthy merchants and captains.
During your island exploration, you will come across some of the most magnificent Aegean beaches, including Tourlos and Agios Stefanos in the west, Ornos and Agios Ioannis in the south, Platis Gialos and Psarou, the famous Paradise and Super Paradise, and many others.
Finally, don’t forget to visit the Armenistis lighthouse, from where you will witness a spectacular Aegean sunset.
10. Delos
The Terrace of the Lions in Delos. Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
Delos is located in the center of the Cyclades islands and this center position shaped the name “Cyclades”, as the rest of the islands in the complex are cyclically located around Delos. The island is an archaeological site that played a major role in ancient Greek history, both spiritually and politically.
Delos was preserved almost intact through the centuries due to the fact that it remained uninhabited since the 7th century AD and due to its remote location. Nowadays, the entire island is designated as an archaeological site and as UNESCO world heritage site.
Access to Delos is only through a day trip from a nearby island, there is no direct ferry connection from Athens. Most often the point of departure for Delos day cruises is Mykonos, but there are also day trips to Delos from the islands of Naxos and Paros.
Delos is visited by international and Greek travelers that want to explore the archaeological treasures of the island. Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, Delos was in ancient times a very important cult center and seat of the Delian Alliance.
Today, visitors can admire the ancient theater, the temples of Artemis and Isis, the Street of Lions with the five marble lions-guards and the sacred Phoenicia where Leto was held while giving birth to Apollo.
There’s also an archaeological museum with rich exhibits, such as sculptures, mosaics, vases, inscriptions and funerary statues.
11. Syros
Photo: Hans Peter Schaefer, http://www.reserv-a-rt.de, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Syros is the most populated island of the Cyclades with 20,000 permanent inhabitants and covers an area of 84 sq km, thus considered a medium-sized island. Syros is close to Tinos, Mykonos, Delos and Paros.
Syros has a national airport that operates domestic flights from Athens, however the most usual means of transportation to the island is by ferry. The ferry duration can range between 2 hours 5 minutes and 3 hours 45 minutes depending on the operator you decide to travel with and the type of the vessel.
Syros is popular with families and couples, and the architecture of the island's main towns is one of its most notable features! Colorful homes, neoclassical structures, massive orthodox churches, and squares provide postcard-worthy scenery.
Apart from the dreamy landscape and the stylish architecture, Syros is also visited for the gorgeous coastline, which is filled with beautiful beaches, the most popular of which are located on the southern side and feature golden sand, crystal-clear and shallow warm waters, ideal for children.
The gastronomy and the sweet delicacies like Chalvadopites and Loukoumia are also a yummy attraction for visitors. The island has 30 villages in total, some large and some small but all equally picturesque and worth-visiting.
The "Aegean nymph," as Syros is called, will wow you with its dignity and cosmopolitan air. Ermoupoli, the capital, is brimming with spectacular neoclassical architecture, a tribute to the economic boom it had as the country's principal port throughout the nineteenth century.
The Vaporia quarter, with the church of Agios Nikolaos and the stately city architecture, is one of its most picturesque areas. Ano Syros, the Catholic area, is located on the hill of Agios Georgios (San George to the locals) and is distinguished by its twisting lanes, steps, and little white cottages.
The island showcases many accommodation options in the capital, Ermoupoli.
Find out everything you need to know about Syros in our Syros island guide.
12. Paros
The town of Naoussa
Alyki Beach. Photo: Tango7174, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
Paros is the 2nd largest island in the Cyclades covering an area of 196 km² and featuring a coastline 120 km long. It is located between the islands of Sifnos and Naxos from which it is separated by a channel about 8 kilometers (5 miles) wide.
Paros has a national airport operating domestic flights from Athens, however, the most preferred way of access is by ferry from Piraeus port. The Athens to Paros ferry duration ranges from approximately 3 hr the fastest to 5 hr & 15 min the slowest. The travel time varies depending on the type of vessel.
The island is visited mostly by younger ages as the high-spirited nightlife and the up-tempo vibes attract the contemporary tribal vacation style.
Despite the large number of visitors in recent years, Paros remains an island of unparalleled beauty. Parikia, the capital, is a typical Cycladic village with small cobblestone alleys, white buildings, and lovely churches. Don't miss the Panagia Ekatontapyliani or Katapoliani church (from the 6th century AD), which has 99 apparent doors and one secret one, according to legend.
With its whitewashed cottages and heavy tourist traffic, the charming harbor of Naoussa, once a pirate's den, is also worth a visit.
Must-visit beaches include Kolymbithres with its impressive rocks, Chrysi Akti, Santa Maria, Pounta, Kalogeros and many others.
For more info, check out our guide to Paros.
13. Antiparos
Photo: Dimorsitanos, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Antiparos is a small yet picturesque island to the west of Paros. Despite its proximity to Paros, Antiparos is less busy and has a more sophisticated vibe. There is no direct ferry from Piraeus Port to Antiparos, so in order to access the island you must take a ferry to Paros first.
At Paros, you can take a small passenger ship that will take you to Antiparos in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you may fly from Athens to Paros and then take this passenger ship to Antiparos.
The Chora of Antiparos, the main village on the island, also known as Kastro, is the capital of the island and is built around a Venetian fortification. Most hotels, restaurants, bars and taverns are nestled at Chora. To the west, on the hill of Agios Ioannis, is the spectacular Antiparos cave, which is richly ornamented with stalactites and stalagmites.
The island's lace coasts will delight even the most demanding beach seekers: Psaralykes, Sifneiko, Soros, Glyfa, and Apandima are just a few of the lovely beaches with pure blue waters.
14. Naxos
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades located nearly in the center of the complex and occupying 429.8 km² and with more than 20,000 permanent residents, the island is also the most productive and self-sufficient.
The island has an airport servicing domestic flights from Athens on a daily basis. Alternatively, ferries from the port of Piraeus depart daily for Naxos island. The ferry duration from Athens to Naxos varies from 3 and a half hours to almost 6 hours, depending on the ferry operator and the type of the vessel.
Naxos island has approximately 40 inhabited villages, each one with its own distinct personality and style and all of them equally worth-seeing. The island is visited by international and Greek travelers of all ages as it offers the ideal proportion of Cycladic landscape, amazing beaches, delightful gastronomy, history and archaeological sites, picturesque villages and lively nightlife.
Naxos Town (or Chora) is Naxos capital and port and it is a lively town with 9,000 inhabitants. In the entrance of the harbor lies "Portara," the lone fragment of the ancient temple of Apollo. The volume of the Venetian castle, where the island's Catholic people originally dwelt, dominates the lovely Chora with its steep alleyways, antique palaces, and churches.
Many historic villages may be found in the island's interior, including Filoti, a lovely mountain village with cube-shaped dwellings and stone-paved streets, and Apeiranthos, a mountain village with a strong Venetian flavor in its architecture.
The beaches of Naxos, of course, are equally attractive: Mikri Vigla, Apollonas, Agios Prokopios, Alykos, Panormos are just some of the innumerable options for the visitor.
Across the island you will find plenty of options for accommodation for every budget, but we propose staying close to the Chora where most of the action takes place in the evening and move around the beaches and villages during the day.
15. Folegandros
Folegandros’ seaside Chora
Folegandros is a relatively small island but large enough to offer you a breathtaking scenery created by the contrast of the dark brown and tall stone hills with the azure waters of the sea.
The island is located between Milos, Sikinos and Santorini and is accessible directly by ferry with frequent routes from the ports of Piraeus and Lavrion in Athens to Folegandros all year round.
The duration of the trip from Athens to Folegandros varies between 4 to 9 hours, depending on the operator and the type of vessel. The closest airport to the island of Folegandros is in Santorini. You can fly to Santorini and catch a ferry to Folegandros.
Despite its closeness to two of Greece's most cosmopolitan islands, Folegandros maintains a distinct personality. Folegandros island retains its pristine appeal while being mostly undiscovered by international tourists. The island features 3 main villages, Chora, Karavostasi and Ano Meria and most of the hotels and restaurants are located there as well.
Folegandros is ideal for travelers that are seeking awe-inspiring Cycladian sceneries and virgin beaches of unique beauty away from the tourist masses.
Named after Minos' son, Folegandros is an island full of authentic Aegean beauty. The Chora is half built inside the medieval castle on the edge of a steep cliff, with the houses acting as a fortified enclosure, while the newer part is typically Cycladic, with white houses with colorful porticoes and courtyards, cobbled streets and churches.
Don't forget to stop by Ano Meria, which has an excellent folklore museum.
Beaches for swimming include Karavostasis, Livadi, Agali, Agios Georgios Bay, and others.
16. Sikinos
Sikinos is a small, hidden island-gem that encompasses unparalleled beauty. It is regarded as one of the most isolated Cycladic islands, unaffected by tourism development. Its capital city and towns are built in ancient Cycladic style, and its untouched beaches create a soothing environment.
The island is accessible by ferry from Piraeus with routes operating 3 times per week. The duration of the ferry trip ranges from 6.5 to 8.5 hours, depending on whether you choose to travel with high-speed or conventional ferry.
Sikinos is Folegandros' alternative neighbour, modest, unspoiled, and traditional. Chora is separated into two sections: the older Castle with its narrow lanes and historic homes, and the Village with its distinctive Cycladic aspect. Most hotels are located at Chora and at the port, Alopronia. The island is home to about 300 permanent inhabitants.
Sikinos is ideal for travelers that want to relax and totally unwind in a stunning landscape that is complemented by beaches with bright-blue and ultra-clear waters with minimum human intervention and absolute tranquility.
There are three impressive windmills at the top of the Castle's hill, as well as the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi or Chrysopigi, which offers an unrivaled perspective. The Black Cave, one of the largest caves in the Cyclades, is located underneath the monastery and is only accessible by sea.
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17. Ios
The harbor of Ios. Photo: Charles Haynes, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ios is the Cyclades' eighth-largest island. It has a land area of 108 square kilometers and an 87-kilometer shoreline. The permanent population is 2.300 people, with many of them working in the tourism industry.
You can reach Ios by ferry from Athens and from many other islands, especially of the Cyclades. All three ports of Athens are connected with the port of Ios. However, most visitors prefer to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. The ferry crossing from Athens to Ios takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes on most ferries operating this route, although it might take much longer depending on the operator and the type of vessel.
The island is mostly popular to international travelers of younger ages due to its party ambience but in the last few years, it has also developed a more luxurious profile as one of the most premium resorts in Greece has opened and upscaled the total look and feel of the destination.
Chora in Ios, also known as Ios Town, is the island's largest and only real settlement, located on the western side of the island, two kilometers from the harbor. As an alternative to the Chora, Ormos where the main port is located is also a very picturesque village.
Ios, or Nios as the locals call it, is a beautiful island famous for its nightlife. Beyond the countless bars and endless parties, the island has many other beauties.
Chora is built amphitheatrically on the slope of a hill, at the top of which dominates the volume of the medieval castle. It is an authentic Cycladic state, with white houses, streets and churches.
If you are interested in historical monuments, go to the archaeological site of Skarkos, which was rewarded for its excellent restoration and elevation, as well as the remnants of the ancient city on the hill of Chora. If you appreciate castles, don't miss Paleokastro, a Byzantine-era citadel that guarded the maritime passages from Constantinople to Crete.
Noteworthy beaches include Mylopotas, Magganari, Agia Theodoti, and Psathi for those looking to mix swimming with pleasure.
18. Amorgos
Photo: Oliwan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hozoviotissa Monastery. User: (WT-shared) Teddy at wts wikivoyage, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Amorgos is the easternmost and seventh-largest island of the Cyclades close to the neighboring island complex of the Dodecanese. It is surrounded by the islands of Naxos, Santorini and Astypalaia from the Dodecanese.
The island is accessible by ferry from and the travel duration is between approximately 5.5 hr and 9 hr. This depends on the type of vessel, the weather conditions as well as the intermediate stops of each itinerary.
The island became famous to the international audience after it was used as a filming site for the 1988 film "The Big Blue," starring Jean Reno, thus it is visited every year by travelers from all over the world that seek an authentic Cycladian-style vacation paired with the privacy and tranquility offered by this untouched by mass tourism destination.
The inhabited settlements of Chora, Aegialis and Katapola are amongst the prettiest in the Cyclades and most hotels and restaurants are located around these areas.
Amorgos stands out for its authentic Cycladic landscape and the immersive environment. Chora, built on the hill where the ancient castle once stood, is full of small uphill lanes, white cottages with wells and fountains, windmills, and historic churches, all with a spectacular outlook.
The monastery of Hozoviotissa, erected on a high cliff, is unquestionably the jewel of the island. You'll have to climb 300 high steps to get there!
Find more Amorgos travel info in our complete guide to the island.
19. Santorini
Santorini is located on the southernmost border of the Cyclades islands above Crete and close to the islands of Amorgos, Anafi and Folegandros. It is one of the most visited and iconic islands of the complex with about 16,000 permanent inhabitants and about 2 million visitors per year.
Santorini has a fully operational International AIrport (JTR), servicing hundreds of flights daily and connecting the island with many capitals and large cities from all over the world. It is also well-serviced with connecting flights from Athens and other domestic airports.
As an alternative, there are many ferry routes from Athens’ Piraeus and Rafina ports, with ferry duration ranging between 4 hours 45 minutes and 11 hours 50 minutes depending on the operator you are sailing with and the type of the vessel.
In terms of accommodation options, Santorini has an abundance of hotels, villas and apartments that span around the entire island and vary in design, services offered and rates. Budget-wise the most expensive hotels are located in Oia, Imerovigli, FIrostefani, and some areas of Fira.
Megalochori, Akrotiri and Pyrgos also present plenty of quality options for accommodation with average rates, while in areas like Perivolos, Perissa, Kamari and Monolithos travelers can find some average to lower priced hotels and apartments to stay.
The island is very popular to travelers of all ages and all styles from all over the world, as it is the only one in the world that sits in a partly submerged volcano and has been forged to its current state by a massive volcanic eruption. Santorini is home to some of the prime hotels, restaurants and beach bars in the Mediterranean and also one of the most important wine-producing locations around the world.
Santorini (the Thira of antiquity) stands out for its geological morphology as the oddest - and most famous - of the Cyclades islands due to its volcanic history. The most magnificent towns on the island are constructed on the brink of the massive caldera, perched on the steep, black cliffs.
The capital Fira, together with the neighboring settlements of Firostefani and Imerovigli, form a residential complex of amazing beauty, with cave houses in the volcanic terrain as a special feature. Oia, Greece's first preserved settlement, is carved out of lava-formed rocks and gives an amazing vision with its white and colored buildings, domes, and courtyards.
By boat you can visit the volcanic islands of Palaia and Nea Kameni, where you will feel the intense fumes of the volcano and swim in the warm waters from the hot springs. Akrotiri, on the island's southern tip, is where excavators discovered the prehistoric city of Thira, which had been buried beneath the ash of the volcano that erupted in 1500 BC.
Santorini's beaches are equally special, but sometimes extremely crowded: Red Beach, White Beach, Vlychada, Perivolos, Perissa, Kamari are some of the top ones. Last but not least, Santorini features one of the most impressive sunsets in the world with captivating colors spilled on the black rocks of the Caldera.
20. Anafi
Mount Kalamos. Photo: Mlzs, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
Anafi is a very small, peaceful and quiet island in the Cyclades that has a population of 330 inhabitants. Located near the southeastern end of the Cyclades, rather isolated from the rest of the islands, Anafi offers amazing scenery for nature-lovers and tranquility seekers.
The island is only accessible by ferry. There are ferries from Piraeus port in Athens and is also connected with Santorini and other islands. There is a ferry connection between Anafi and Piraeus port, approximately 3 times per week, however the trip is a long one, taking a total time of about 9 to 10 hours.
Chora, Anafi's only settlement and capital, is perched on the slopes of a mountainside and surrounded by lovely chapels. Another little village is rapidly emerging around the harbor, complete with summer homes and some lodging.
The island is mostly visited by Greeks as it is not really known to the international audience. Anafi offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious villas.
Chora is a charming little state constructed on the ruins of the Venetian fortress, with little white buildings with courtyards, uphill alleys, small squares, churches, and windmills.
The old city sprawls out on Kasteli hill, which is home to enormous tombs and sepulchral sculptures. Don't miss Kalamos, the highest monolith in the eastern Mediterranean, which is especially popular with experienced climbers.
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