The Cyclades, an archipelago of nearly 250 islands and islets in the southern Aegean Sea, is a destination that attracts many tourists each year. How not to be seduced by the white villages, the reliefs, the nature and the creeks with translucent waters? Not to mention the hospitality of the Greeks and the gastronomy! In the Cyclades, only about twenty islands are inhabited. But that's already a lot to choose from when choosing which ones to visit on your first trip. To help you organize your trip, here is a tour that will take you to 5 of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. A 15 days trip to be done with your partner, your family or your friends.
1- Santorini, emblematic island of the Cyclades
Among the Greek islands, Santorini is one of the must-see. The village of Oia, on a cliff side, invites to long walks in steep and colorful streets. History and heritage lovers can visit the ancient sites of Akrotiri and Thera. The nature is magnificent in Santorini, and many hikes allow to enjoy landscapes with volcanic character, with the sea in the distance. Let's mention the route between Fira and Oia. On the hottest days, black sandy beaches await visitors for a few moments of swimming and lounging in the sun.
Among the best hotels on the island, the Volcano View Hotel offers studios, apartments and suites, some of which have sea views. There are also two bars and three swimming pools. See the Cyclades trips here.
2- Folegandros, a peaceful island in the Cyclades
In the Cyclades, some islands offer a more peaceful and intimate atmosphere. After a few days in Santorini, head to Folegandros to see the town of Chora, one of the most beautiful in the archipelago with its white and blue houses. On the heights, its church offers a breathtaking panorama of the island. You can stay at the Polikandia hotel to enjoy a finely decorated room and outside, a garden with bougainvillea and palm trees. Agkali is another must-see place, in fishermen's village mode.
Folegandros is a place where one likes to walk. It is an opportunity to meet donkeys along the road and to end up in dreamy places like Katergo Beach, with its fine sand and turquoise waters. A boat trip is highly recommended on the island, simply to admire the coast, enjoy the blue sky and a Mediterranean setting among the most authentic.
3- Milos, another jewel of the Cyclades
The next part of the trip takes us to Milos, a Greek island still preserved from mass tourism. The fishermen's villages are magnificent, like Klima and its huts with multicolored windows and doors. Mandrakia also has everything of the postcard village. Of course, we think of stopping in a tavern to try emblematic dishes of the Greek gastronomy, like octopus. Milos has many beaches. The translucent waters, the cliffs, the sand, everything is gathered to have a good time. You can go to Tsigrado, Paliochori or Firaplaka.
Besides, nature is king in Milos. A catamaran tour is recommended to have the chance to admire the impressive cliffs of Kleftiko, from the sea. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Cyclades. For a peaceful stay in Milos, you should not hesitate to push the doors of the Portiani Hotel, in Adamas. In a traditional atmosphere, the rooms have terraces with beautiful views of the bay.
4- Paros, another picturesque island in the Cyclades
Paros is the third largest island of the Cyclades. In Naoussa, the white houses, the colored shutters and the paved alleys seduce whoever sets foot there. Taverns, bars with a warm atmosphere, this village is as typical of the archipelago as can be. A few nights at Kanale's Rooms and Suites are perfect for lounging around the pool and enjoying the view of the Aegean Sea.
Many of the communities overlook the beautiful coastline, but you should also not miss the opportunity to explore the interior of Paros. You will cross mountainous and arid landscapes, until you reach charming villages like Lefkès. Back on the coast, a passage by the beach of Kolibithres offers the feeling of being for a moment in the Seychelles, but we are in Greece! To finish, a hike to the lighthouse of Paros is another opportunity to hike in the heart of steep landscapes.
5- Mykonos, the festive Cyclades
The 15-day tour in the Cyclades ends with a few days on an island that everyone has heard of: Mykonos. It is one of the must-see islands of Greece. Famous for its festive evenings, it remains one of the most beautiful destinations of the archipelago. Little Venice and its cubic houses overlooking the sea are a must to enjoy the sunset. The old windmills are a valuable historical heritage, as well as a place for incredible photos.
Mykonos has both party beaches, such as Paradise Beach, and wilder and quieter stretches of sand, such as Agios Sostis. It is also a paradise for gourmets, with many restaurants offering fish, seafood and other flavors enhanced by an excellent olive oil. Culturally, a trip to the neighboring island of Delos allows you to visit an archeological site where there are many temples and ancient ruins. An island where, according to Greek mythology, Artemis and Apollo were born. A stay at the Mykonos Beach Hotel allows you to enjoy bright rooms, views of the beach and a pool, in a family atmosphere.
When to go to the Cyclades?
The tourist season, from the beginning of May to mid-October, is the period when the influx of tourists is the most important. May, June and September allow you to enjoy the Cyclades in a calmer and more serene way than July and August, while benefiting from a mild weather. Notice to the amateurs. Winter has its charm, but you should know that most of the tourist establishments close their doors.
How to get around between the different Greek islands?
By plane. Quite expensive, most trips are from and to Athens but some companies also offer inter-island flights.
By ferry. There are a few major ferry companies throughout the country, allowing you to travel from island to island. Schedules are more or less respected and often you can also take your car on board.
By car. The car is very efficient to visit the islands.
Where to land to go to the Cyclades?
You can find direct flights to Santorini from France. Some include a stopover in Athens. Mykonos is the other international airport with Santorini, again with direct or stopover flights from France. Paros and Milos have a national airport.
