The name Cyclades comes from Greek kyklos, "circle": the ancients pictured the islands in a ring around sacred Delos, Apollo's island. They are dry, luminous islands with bare hills, white chapels, terraces and villages of whitewashed cube houses. Here the Bronze Age Cycladic civilisation flourished.
The islands
| Island | Character | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|
| Santorini | Volcanic caldera, sunsets, luxury | Oia, Fira, Akrotiri |
| Mykonos | Glamour and nightlife | Little Venice, windmills, beaches, Delos |
| Naxos | The largest and greenest, great for families | Portara, mountain villages, sandy beaches |
| Paros | Balance of fun and tradition, excellent connections | Naoussa, Lefkes, Antiparos |
| Milos | The strangest, most colourful beaches | Sarakiniko, Kleftiko, Plaka |
| Ios | Parties and young crowds, but quiet bays too | Chora, Mylopotas, Homer's tomb |
| Syros | Elegant, authentic town | Ermoupoli, Ano Syros |
| Tinos | Pilgrimage, marble, dovecotes | Panagia Evangelistria, Pyrgos |
| Andros | Green, trails and museums | Chora, Andros Routes |
| Sifnos | Food and pottery | Apollonia, Kastro, Chrysopigi |
| Serifos | Spectacular Chora, wild beaches | Chora, Livadi |
| Folegandros | Clifftop Chora, refined atmosphere | Chora, Katergo |
| Amorgos | Cliff monastery, hiking | Chozoviotissa, Aegiali |
| Kea and Kythnos | Close to Athens, popular with Greeks | Lion of Kea, Kythnos hot springs |
| Sikinos and Anafi | Tiny, silent islands | Chora, deserted beaches |
Between Naxos and Amorgos lie the Small Cyclades (Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Iraklia, Donoussa), with Caribbean-like beaches and very few cars.
Getting there and around
Ships leave Piraeus for almost every island; from Rafina Andros, Tinos and Mykonos are closer; from Lavrio Kea and Kythnos. Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Milos also have airports. Hub islands such as Paros, Naxos and Syros make it easy to reach the others. See island ferries.
The meltemi
In July and August the meltemi blows, a northerly wind that cools the air but can whip up the sea and cancel fast ferries. South-facing beaches are the most sheltered.
When to go
May, June and September are best: warm sea, moderate wind, fewer crowds. July and August are busy and expensive, especially on Santorini and Mykonos. In winter many places close.
See also all the Greek islands and itineraries.