The '''Cyclades''' (or ''Kyklades'') are a group of islands within the larger Greek Islands, situated south of Athens and north of Crete. The Cyclades are best known for the islands of Santorini and Mykonos.

Regions

  • Amorgos - the place where the movie "Le Grand Bleu" was shot, famous monastery
  • Anafi - a small unspoiled island located east of Santorini
  • Andros - traditional and tranquil island with many beaches and mountain scenery
  • Delos - Holy island central to Greek Mythology
  • Folegandros - a beautiful, quiet island to the west of Santorini
  • Ios - famous as a young people's party island
  • Kea - quiet island popular mostly with vacationing Greeks
  • Kimolos - small satellite island of Milos
  • Little Cyclades - a group of small islands east of Naxos, including Ano Koufonisi, Kato Koufonisi, Iraklia, Schinousa and Donousa
  • Milos - least touristed of the larger Cyclades, unusual landscape
  • Mykonos - sophisticated tourist destination
  • Naxos - largest and greenest island in the group, excellent beaches
  • Paros - popular tourist island with attractive landscape, good beaches
  • Santorini - much-visited by honeymooners, amazing landscape, unusual beaches
  • Serifos - small, quiet island with great beaches, traditional town
  • Sifnos - quiet traditional island, good beaches, walks and food
  • Syros - traditional island with Italianate architecture, large main town, good beaches
  • Tinos - traditional island, cathedral is major pilgrimage site
  • Cities

    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:

  • Thira - on Santorini island
  • Oia - on Santorini island
  • Hermoupolis - large port city on Syros
  • Kamares - port of Sifnos]
  • Apollonia and Artemona - adjacent main towns of Sifnos
  • Kastro - medieval town of Sifnos
  • Other destinations

  • Santorini Volcano - the volcano of Santorini
  • Little cyclades - a small group of islands located in the south of Naxos
  • Understand

    The Cyclades are the '''Greece of the travel posters:''' bare rocky islands adorned with brilliantly white cubistic villages soaring on hills above the wine-dark sea, and fringed with terrific beaches. Since all the world has discovered this, they tend to be very crowded with visitors, especially in high summer. But most visitors feel the islands' attractions are worth putting up with the crowds.

    ''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.

    Get In

    By air

    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].

    By Ferry

    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.

    Hellenic Seaways

    "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.

    Hellenic Seaways Express Apollon

    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.

    Hellenic Seaways Highspeed

    Bright red Vodaphone-logo boats; most popular and recommended sea transport, at least for going to Santorini.

    Aegean speed lines
    [http://www.greekislands.gr/aegean-speed-lines/index.htm High speed ferries] operating from Piraeus to most of the Cyclades islands!

    Seajets
    [http://www.greekislands.gr/sea-jets/index.htm Sea Jet] departures from Piraeus: Milos, Folegandros, Syros, Santorini, Koufonissi, Amorgos.

    Sea Jet 2 departures from Rafina: Tinos, Mykonos, Paros.

    Get around

    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.

    See

    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.

    Do

  • '''Island hopping''' - this is very popular within the Cyclades. If you have more than one week, this might be be an option for you since ferry schedules are excellent and every island has its own charm.
  • Eat

    See Greece#Eat for more information on Greek cuisine.

    Drink

    If visiting in winter season, try ______?________ (pronounced rakomelo). The local people drink this hot drink to warm them up on a cold day. Ingredients are raki, honey and hot water. Recommended that you only drink one or at most two. Drink three and you will be ready for bed!

    Stay safe

    The Cyclades are ''very'' safe. Travelers should exercise usual precautions.

    Get out

    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.