Most of the Cyclades have one main town which has the same name as the island. Some larger towns which have names of their own include:
''Kyklos'' is the Greek word for ''circle''. Because the islands are set up in a circle around Delos the islands are named Cyclades. The '''best times''' to visit the Cyclades is '''May through June''' (early season, accommodation is much cheaper and it's not that hot), or '''September through mid-October''' (post season). In '''high summer''' (July and August), though it's the most popular season, these islands for that reason get extremely crowded and hotel prices are at their highest; furthermore, the weather then can be very hot, and some islands may suffer water shortages. In the whole period mid-May through mid-October it's ''usually'' warm enough to enjoy the beaches, but in some years you risk unseasonably chilly weather at the beginning or end of this period. In October the weather changes and rain starts to fall. Ferry schedules are reduced out of season. The Cyclades are also famous for the constant wind (called ''meltemi'') in July and August that mitigates the heat a bit.
Regular (mostly daily) flights from Athens to Paros, Naxos and Santorini are operated by [http://www.olympic-airways.com Olympic Airways] and [http://www.aegean.gr Aegean Airlines]. Syros is also served by [http://www.olympic-airways.com Olympic Airways] from Athens twice weekly. Paros, Santorini and Naxos can also be reached by other European airports or by [http://www.abi.gr/helicopters.htm helicopter].
Leave from Piraeus via ferry and head for Paros, which is usually the first ferry stop. From Paros onto Naxos and there you can choose from the two main routes; Either up towards Mykonos or down towards Santorini and Crete. Ferrys operate to all the islands in the Cyclades, some of the larger islands also have a Highspeed catamaran service from Piraeus. Check with the operator before making departure plans as the services are subject to delays and cancellations in adverse weather.
"Deck class" is a cheapest way to go around the [http://www.greekislands.gr/hfd/ Cyclades], you can sleep outside, on the deck, in Greece the weather is good, especially in summer or spring.
All the young european "routard" choose the deck, so in August it's possible that you must sleep near somebody never seen... who isn't really clean; during the night you can be sad, but after it will becomes funny thinking about.
Really old-fleet boats. Consider flying instead, even if it costs 1.5 times more -- it's worth it.
Distinguished Class: first ~5 cabins are really shaky (and hard-to-sleep in); too intensive conditioner in saloon. Take your tickets if you go to DC-saloon, other-class passengers are not allowed there.
In Piraeus, the boat is ready for boarding 2 hrs before departure time. While in the Piraeus, it's allowed to leave luggage in your cabin for cafe visit etc nearby in the port.
Bright red Vodaphone-logo boats; most popular and recommended sea transport, at least for going to Santorini.
Sea Jet 2 departures from Rafina: Tinos, Mykonos, Paros.
Travel by ferry. They are safe, regular, cheap and fun. The biggest ferry hub within the Cyclades is in Paros which has links to many islands.
Be prepared that travelling by ferry can be tedious in high season when ferries are really crowded. Usually there are two types of ferries: The ordinary ones and the speedboats (hydrofoils, which are much more expensive).
Also, ferries may be cancelled due to sea and weather conditions so don't leave on the last ferry before your flight, especially if it is windy. Seas are calmer at night, so the late evening and early morning ferries are the most likely to operate.
Tickets for ferries can be usually bought from travel agencies which are located around the local port.
If you visit the Cyclades for the very first time go for Santorini, Paros and Mykonos. If you want to get rid of the crowds go for the smaller islands such as Folegandros or Amorgos.
See Greece#Eat for more information on Greek cuisine.
The Cyclades are ''very'' safe. Travelers should exercise usual precautions.
Head on down to Crete when you are done with the Cyclades. If you have plenty of time you might want to go to other Greek islands belonging to the Dodecanese, the Ionian Islands or the Sporades as well.