Cyclades Islands
Why go?
So-called because of the circle they form around sacred Dilos, the
20 or so Cycladic islands are the original and best place for
island-hopping. With their white-washed villages, blue-domed
churches, sandy beaches and rocky hills, they present the classic
image of Greece. Life is slow and friendly, and still revolves
around the sea. Best of all, the islands are close enough that you
can visit 2 or 3 in a week, using ferries or hydrofoils.
Despite their proximity, each has retained its own character. Some
(Santorini, Mykonos) thrive on tourism, boasting picture-perfect
villages and beaches in summer, but barely a soul in winter. Others
(Naxos, Milos) are more 'authentic', with year-round farming and
fishing villages, and unexplored interiors. The smallest ones (eg
Folegandros) are little more than outsized rocks, just a few miles
long with a handful of tiny hamlets. The largest (Andros, Naxos)
have dozens of towns and villages, and rugged mountains reaching
1000 metres. Many of them have sizeable Catholic communities and
palpable Franko-Venetian influences; predominantly Catholic Syros
stands out for its elegant, Italianate capital with ochre-washed
churches and a grandiose town hall.
What's where?
- Andros: Rugged and unexplored, despite being near to Athens, with an arty main town, eerily quiet villages and lovely beaches all to yourself Read More >>
- Folegandros: A tiny, remote, rocky islet with a charming main village and a growing following among moneyed Athenians Read More >>
- Milos: A spectacular coastline, an ancient theatre and catacombs, weird geology, lovely beaches - and few foreigners Read More >>
- Mykonos: Party island extraordinaire, with a flamboyant gay scene, trendy boutiques, beachfuls of bronzing bodies and the most picture-perfect harbour Read More >>
- Naxos: A walker’s paradise in spring & autumn, a mecca for sun- and sea-worshippers in summer, and a gorgeous Hora (main town) Read More >>
- Santorini: Its historic eruption left a sea-filled crater and lava islets of astonishing beauty, plus Minoan sites and Greece's most photographed villages Read More >>
- Syros: The elegant town of Ermoupolis, easy access and some delightful coves in the north make the Cyclades' capital island worth a visit Read More >>