Cyclades Travel Guide
Plan your perfect trip to Cyclades in Greece with this comprehensive travel guide featuring must-see places, activities and itinerary for a perfect holiday experience.
- Introduction to Cyclades
- List of Places to Visit in Cyclades
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Cyclades
- Best Things to Do in Cyclades: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Cyclades
- Food and Drink Scene of Cyclades
- Where to Stay in Cyclades: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Cyclades: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Cyclades
- Best Time to Visit Cyclades
- Do’s and Don’ts of Cyclades
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Cyclades: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Cyclades
- Where to Go Next from Cyclades: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Cyclades
Cyclades is a cluster of Greek islands that sits in the Aegean Sea, between the mainland of Greece and the island of Crete. Consisting of 220 islands, only 24 of them are inhabited. Cyclades are widely known for their beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, white-washed buildings, and rich history. The most popular islands among tourists are Santorini, Mykonos, and Naxos.
List of Places to Visit in Cyclades
Cyclades offers something for everyone ranging from historical landmarks, stunning natural scenery, and exciting nightlife. Here are some destinations you shouldn’t miss.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Akrotiri Archaeological Site, Santorini.
- The ancient city of Delos, Mykonos
- Archaeological Museum of Naxos
- Castle of Chora, Serifos
Natural Attractions of Cyclades: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Caldera Views from Oia, Santorini
- Rock formation at Sarakiniko Beach, Milos
- Valley of the butterflies, Rhodes
- Beaches of Mykonos
Hiking/Biking Routes of Cyclades
- Byzantine Road, Tinos
- Hiking to Skaros, Santorini
- Marble Thoroughfare, Naxos
Best Things to Do in Cyclades: Activities and Tours
- Sunset Boat Cruise on Caldera, Santorini
- Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini
- Watersports in Mykonos
- Tour of the Apollon Theatre, Ermoupoli
Week-Long Itinerary for Cyclades
Here is a suggested itinerary that will help you cover major attractions efficiently in a week:
| Day | Destination |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Santorini and Sunset Boat Cruise on Caldera. |
| Day 2 | Exploring ancient sites on the island of Delos before hopping to Mykonos for sunset. |
| Day 3 | Water sports and shopping in Mykonos. |
| Day 4 | Ferry to Naxos and visit the renowned marble Kouroi. |
| Day 5 | Hiking on Byzantine Road, Tinos or discovering the medieval castle of Chora, Serifos. |
| Day 6 | Ferry to Paros to visit the Venetian Kastro and the well-known butterfly valley. |
| Day 7 | Ferry to Tinos to visit the Panagia, the Cathedral of Cyclades and many of the island’s picturesque villages. |
Food and Drink Scene of Cyclades
Must-Try Dishes
- Kopanisti Creamy Cheese Spread, Mykonos
- Gyros, Naxos
- Melitinia Cookies, Tinos
- Revithada, Sifnos
Local Beverages
- Ouzo - traditional Greek alcohol
- Assyrtiko wine, Santorini
- Aloinon Wine, Serifos
Where to Stay in Cyclades: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Andronikos Hotel, Mykonos
- Azalea View, Santorini
- Nastasia Village Hotel, Naxos
- Morfeas Hotel, Paros
What to Buy in Cyclades: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Handmade pottery in Mykonos and Santorini
- Traditional textiles in Tinos
- Natural beauty products from Amorgos and Naxos
Local Culture and Customs of Cyclades
Greek hospitality, slow pace of life, and respect for religious customs are some of the traits you will encounter while visiting. Don’t hesitate to join locals in their daily routine of eating, dancing, and celebrating.
Best Time to Visit Cyclades
The peak season in Cyclades is from June to August, so the best time to avoid the crowd is in the offseason from April to June, and from September to November, where the weather is still enjoyable.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cyclades
Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Try Greek cuisine and wines.
- Be mindful and cautious of the environment.
Don’t:
- Wear shoes indoors
- Get overly intimate in public.
- Ignore local dress codes at religious sites.
Safety and Health
Safety in Cyclades
Cyclades is generally a safe area to travel in. Petty crime is uncommon, but tourists should still exercise basic precautions like securing valuables and not flashing lots of cash on streets.
Health in Cyclades
The healthcare system is advanced and affordable in Cyclades. Pharmacies can be found in all major towns and cities. Medical treatment is also available at the Health Centres if needed.
Getting to Cyclades: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Cyclades
The main regional airport is the Athens International Airport. From Athens, it takes no more than 45 minutes by domestic flights to reach the principal islands in Cyclades. Other airports in Cyclades include Santorini (JTR), Mykonos (JMK), and Naxos (JNX).
Bus Stations Near Cyclades
You can take a bus from Athens or Thessaloniki to Piraeus. From the port, ferries, and catamarans sail to Cyclades.
Other Options
Some islands have airports, but ferry transport is the most popular way to get around Cyclades.
How to Get Around in Cyclades
Walking, cycling, and driving are popular means of transportation to explore the islands of Cyclades. Ferries between islands and water taxis are the most popular transportation options for island hopping.
Where to Go Next from Cyclades: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Athens and its numerous ruins and historical sites
- Crete, for a more laid-back seaside holiday
- Peloponnese, for an in-depth experience with ancient Greece
Conclusion
Cyclades Islands offer a vast array of experiences that are visually staggering, culturally exhilarating, and visually inspiring. Your time in Cyclades will be nothing short of fabulous, with memories that will last a lifetime.
