The Cyclades

The Cyclades are magic. They include all from the most well-known and loved like Santorini and Mykonos, to sacred gems like Delos, Despotiko and Keros, crowded only by hordes of archaeological treasure. Their shared signature – cubic whitewashed villages with pops of brilliant blue on a door, window frame, or church dome. Alike in architecture, they still exhibit so much variance in character. It’s easy to spend week-on-week discovering the region without feeling like anything is getting too familiar. There’s also something for everyone  – couples, party-goers, families, or lone travellers in search of solitude.

THE ISLANDS

Listed below are the main islands organised by distance and ferry travel time from Athens Piraeus port.

Islands 2 hours and under by high-speed ferry from Piraeus:

• Kea (Tzia) – Athenian weekend escape just an hour by ferry from the mainland, low-key Kea has a smattering of beach coves for family swims and some ancient sites to explore.
• Kythnos – Another city-break getaway with the well photographed double-sided beach of Kolona, authentic villages and just enough nightlife.
• SYROS – CAPITAL of the Cyclades with colourful Italianate architecture, self-sufficient Syros can be visited year-round. With a vibrant main town and cultural scene, the home of Rebetiko (“Greek blues”) is less impressive on the beach front.
• Andros – The greenest of the Cycladic islands, and unlike any of its bare rock neighbours, an impressive network of restored hiking paths take you through woods, waterfalls, streams, springs and down to secluded beaches. With streets paved in marble and lined by mansions and museums, its elegant and cosmopolitan town center was built by a rich maritime history.

Islands under 3 hours by high-speed ferry from Piraeus:

• Serifos – Under-the-radar but up-and-coming island exuding easygoing charm, small Serifos with its picturesque hilltop Chora has a diverse selection of breathtaking beaches.
• Sifnos – Arguably home of the best food in Greece, Sifnos is often compared with Serifos and described as the more dramatic of the two.
• Mykonos – Blessed with pristine beaches and traditional villages touched with cosmopolitan-chic, the legendary party island is striking in more ways than one. Yet unfortunately overcrowded and over-priced, this is where celebrities flock to make merry.
• Delos – Uninhabited archaeological treasure and outdoor museum frequently visited as a daytrip from Mykonos.

Islands under 4 hours by high-speed ferry from Piraeus:

• Milos – Discreet jewel of the Aegean where the Louvre’s Aphrodite of Milos was uncovered, Milos is a showstopper of rock landscapes sculpted by the forces of nature
• Kimolos (and Polyaigos) – A stone’s throw from Milos, the one village on this tiny island leads to an array of adventures in wild volcanic beauty, exotic beaches, and possibly some sightings of rare marine (the Mediterranean monk seal in particular) and bird life.
• Paros – (and Antiparos) – A frequent entry in “Best Islands” lists, pretty Paros is an all-rounder with just enough development to please the jet set. Teal waters and golden shores welcome toddlers to teens with a notable watersports scene.
• Naxos – Our top family-friendly pick with dazzling and easy-to-reach beaches on the most coveted coastlines in the country. Explore mountain villages and ancient ruins as you drive through fertile lands that make it the only Cycladic island able to grow what it needs to feed itself.

Islands 4 hours and more by high-speed ferry from Piraeus:

• Ios – Along with Mykonos, Ios has a reputation for being the island where party seekers descend. It also boasts some of the finest beaches the Aegean has to offer.
• Tinos – Spiritual heart of Greece where the church of Panagia Evangelistria is located, Tinos also impresses with beautiful villages, beaches, and formidable tradition in marble arts.
• Folegandros – With fantastic cliffs and panoramas to match, Folegandros is for sensational sunsets and romantic walks to remember.
• Sikinos – Barely touched Sikinos has three villages, a handful of hard-to-reach beaches (either on foot or by boat), and the successful Manalis winery that calls back to its winemaking tradition and ancient namesake of Oenoe (“winemaker”).
• Santorini (or Thira) – The quintessential Cycladic Greek beauty, picture perfect Santorini needs no introduction. Still crowded even off season, look past the staged wedding photoshoots and you can still catch a vision of the glorious volcanic landscapes that brought it untamed fame.
• Amorgos – A good six hour journey by the high-speed ferry from Athens, rocky and rugged Amorgos is where Luc Besson shot “The Big Blue”. Dive, hike, visit the astonishing Monastery of Hozoviotissa, or just be a beach bum, there is also vibrant night life scene to entertain after sunset.
• Anafi – In the shadow of Santorini but infinitely more serene, little Anafi is for exploring by foot. More of a hiker’s than a beach lover’s dream, slow walks through arid and undulating terrain set against the bright blues of the sea and sky is therapy for any a tired mind.

Smaller inhabited islands: Koufonisia, Donoussa, Schinoussa, and Iraklia.

Islands with international airports / Islands with domestic airports

GETTING THERE

The Cycladic islands are well connected and easy to get to. Those with airports you can fly into from Athens include Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini and Paros. The more well-established islands like Santorini and Mykonos also offer direct connections from major cities in Europe (e.g. Rome, London, Paris) in summer. Otherwise, all of its inhabited islands are served by ferries that predominantly depart from Piraeus port.

Spend at least four to seven days on each island before venturing off to the next. In general, we find that a trip of two islands a comfortable number when travelling with baby for a more relaxing journey.