The Cyclades
The white of the Cyclades on the blue of the sea: an image that emerges from the end of history. The islands, all different, inhabited landscapes to the measure of Man, with its shady taverns, its women in black on the squares dazzled by the sun, its patios hemmed with pink and purple clematis. All are harmony and softness, tranquility and seduction.
The most famous islands are:
Mykonos with these famous beaches of Psarrou, Kalo Livadi and Paragka. Santorini, known for its breathtaking views of the cliffs and spectacular sunsets.
The island of Milos, popular for its incredible beaches such as Kleftiko.
The cosmopolitan island of Paros.
The small island of Delos, mythical birthplace of the God Apollo.
To discover, the natural beauty and colors of the “small cyclades” Koufonisia, Schinousa, Donousa and Iraklia.
The Cyclades
Kolona Beach – Kythnos
Kythnos
Kythnos is a beautiful island located in the western part of the Cyclades, offering a selection of charming beaches, ideal for moments of calm and relaxation. The most impressive beach is Kolona, where the sea wets both sides of the strip of sand, creating two golden sandy beaches. The monastery of Panagia Kanala is worth a visit to visit the island, while Chora and Driopida are the most popular villages with picturesque alleys and good restaurants.
Mykonos
The island is popular for well-organized crystal clear beaches and for the best restaurants, offering high-end services to visitors. Mykonos guests can choose between a cosmopolitan beach like Psarrou, famous for the Nammos beach restaurant or relax more privately on Lia Beach, enjoying only the sound of the sea! Other hot spots are Panormos Beach and Scorpios Restaurant, both ideal for sunset cocktails and delicious food! Next to Scorpios is paragka beach, where you can enjoy the sun! Mykonos also offers an airport with several flights, attracting many celebrities from the international Jet Set! Dilos and Rineia, two nearby islands with transparent waters, are also worth visiting!
Mykonos
Kolymbythres – Paros
Paros
Paros is located in the heart of the Cyclades. It consists of two main villages: Paroikia and Naoussa. Kolymbithres beach with artistic granite rocks, carved by wind and salt water, and Golden Beach are the must-see bays for swimming! The island attracts a significant number of tourists every year, not only for its natural beauty but also for its elite restaurants and diving centers, ideal for the most active visitors! For lovers of extreme sports, we undoubtedly suggest the beach of Santa Maria with crystal clear waters! Not to be missed is the picturesque village of Lefkes and Monastiri Beach! Paros is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, so don’t forget to try some new cocktails at the Barbarossa restaurant in Naoussa!
Naxos
Naxos is the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades, located between Paros and Mykonos. It represents the architecture of the Cyclades with white buildings, narrow marble alleys, old churches and the Venetian castle of Chora, the capital of Naxos. The island is sometimes quite windy and therefore becomes ideal for windsurfers and kitesurfers! Naxos has the reputation of a family island, but in fact, it has many places to visit. For diving enthusiasts, the sea around Naxos is full of reefs and wrecks. Some of the best beaches on the island are Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Mikri Vigla and Plaka! Not to be missed: a visit to the marble gate of Portara, the two giant statues of Kouros and the temple of Apollo, the Greek god who protected music and poets.
Naxos
Cape Kalogeros – Polyaigos
Polyaigos
Polyaigos is part of the Cyclades, but far from their cosmopolitan air, it is the largest uninhabited island in the Aegean Sea. Its name means “a lot of goats,” but the island is home to many rarer species, like the Mediterranean monk seal of Monachus. The untouched natural beauty of human presence, crystal clear sapphire waters, wind-protected bays and mysterious caves, make this island beautiful before your eyes. The rocks, which are actually white pumice stone, reflect the water and thus create an impressive view, while the lighthouse that sits on Cape Maskoula, is the perfect place to watch the beautiful sunset!
Milos
Milos is part of the Cyclades islands, mainly appreciated for its impressive white-yellow beaches. It is home to a dormant volcano and consists of more than 70 beaches, most of which are truly spectacular. Due to the eruption of the volcano, millions of years ago, multiple rock shapes were created, which is why a visit to Sarakiniko beach for swimming and Kleftiko Bay for relaxation, is not to be missed! One of the most unique beaches is Papafragas Beach, a cove with waters that change color depending on the weather and light, and is surrounded by high cliffs and caves with dark waters. Visitors can also explore the local archaeological museums and traditional villages like Klima, a small fishing village, known as the “little Venice of Milos” with the colorful doors of the house and the village of Tripiti with the catacombs and windmills. And when evening comes, go to Plaka’s church, Panagia Korfiatissa, and watch the beautiful sunset!
Kleftiko – Milos
Small port of Ios
Ios
What a beautiful island with a vibrant nightlife and amazing beaches! The mylopotamos is ideal from morning coffee to late evening cocktail in the many beach bars along the coast. Manganari is a magnificent bay that will captivate guests with crystal blue waters, while Gialos with golden sand, is ideal for a few moments of serenity. If you’re looking for some privacy, visit Tris Klisies Beach in the southern part of the island. The protected Bay of Winds is a perfect place for diving. A visit to the Odysseus Elytis Theatre and the ancient poet Homer, whose tomb sits on a hill with incredible views, are some of the best places on the island not to be missed. And the highlight of your visit: admire the beautiful sunset on the beach of Lorentzena. The most certain thing is that Ios hides more beauties than just the endless party.
Santorini
The famous sunset view in Oia is one of Santorini’s top attractions, impressive and attracting many visitors every year! Its beaches differ from other Greek islands due to their particular geographical features, as Santorini was destroyed by a volcanic eruption 3,600 years ago. The best-known bay is Red Beach, which features black and red volcanic pebbles and warm water. Other must-see beaches are Kamari and Perivolos, the longest black sand beach! The island’s rocky and “pointed” architecture, picturesque sunsets and the best restaurants make Santorini one of the most popular destinations in the world! Another place to visit is a Santorini vineyard, as the island is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the world!
Sunset – Santorini
Tsigouri to Schinoussa
Small Cyclades (Schinoussa, Iraklia, Koufonisia)
If you are looking for something unique and preserved, then the small Cyclades are perhaps the best islands for your summer holidays. Some of the most popular are Schinoussa, Iraklia and Koufonisia, offering sandy beaches and real blue waters. Visit Tsigouri Creek in Schinoussa for a private swim, explore the World War II sunken plane in Iraklia’s Alimia Bay, and be fascinated by the natural beauty of Koufonisia. Feel the soft sand under your feet on Pori Beach (Ano Koufonisi) and enjoy delicious Greek mezze at local restaurants (Kato Koufonisi).
Wind and sailing conditions
Due to the strength of the wind in summer, this group of islands is recommended only for experienced sailors. This acceleration corridor between Greece and Turkey is during the summer a strong wind zone: the Meltem (summer wind from the northern sector). Without Meltem, heat can quickly become scorching. This strong wind lasts 3 to 4 days maximum, which a competent skipper knows how to anticipate. The islands being arranged in a circle (hence their name) and the winds being NE to the west of the islands and NW in the eastern part of the archipelago, one can make a circular navigation, from island to island, without practically having to pull from the edges!
Ideally it is better to sail in spring, in the beautiful flower season, and in autumn when the sea water is warmest; there are then more weather variations, more authentic life in the villages and the well-bearded ports are less crowded.
Scorpius in the Cyclades
At anchor in the Cyclades
Routes
For the Cyclades, it is best to limit the number of islands on your itinerary in order to reduce the time spent traveling. A popular route is Kea, Syros, Mykonos, Kythnos. The more experienced can head to the Western Cyclades (Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos and Milos).
