In the middle of the Aegean Sea, the islands of the Cyclades have just about everything you could possibly desire from a holiday destination. Famed for their breathtaking beaches, lively nightlife, beautiful scenery and warm waters, they are some of the best loved Grecian Aegean islands. There are thirty-nine of them-only twenty-four inhabited-so which should you choose for your holiday getaway? The answer depends on what you are after from your break. There are islands for people who want non-stop fun and others for those who prefer a quiet life. There are islands for sightseers, sun worshipers, romantics and those who want to escape from the modern world. With a network of inexpensive ferry routes connecting them, you can visit as many or a few of the islands as you like.
Santorini
Santorini is the dream of a Greek island made real. Whitewashed houses, blue domed churches, lonely windmills and narrow streets dominate this, the southernmost island of the Cyclades. Santorini is one of the most popular holiday islands and it has smart eateries, upscale bars and chic boutiques. What draws most visitors to the island is its romantic appeal. The sunsets here are said to be among the finest in the world. There is a sunken volcano that is believed to have been the lost island of Atlantis. The volcano blew its top over 3500 years ago and collapsed, taking half of Santorini with it. In its place is a stunning crescent shaped bay with towering cliffs emerging from the sea along the island's west coast.
The sheer rock face, with a multitude of villages clinging to its edge, is a spectacular sight. Despite the designer stores, Santorini maintains a traditional atmosphere, with donkeys still carrying goods up and down its steep streets. Don't miss the main town of Fira for dramatic views. Discover the ancient ruins in Akrotiri. Take a boat trip to the unspoiled islet of Thirasia. Relax at a tavern in Oia and watch the sun set over the Aegean. Santorini is an unforgettable experience.
Mykonos and Ios
Amazing as Santorini is, its black volcanic beaches are not the best for sunbathing. If you are planning a vacation of lazing in the sun, you are better off going to Mykonos or Ios. Both islands have some amazing beaches, including Manganari on the coast of Ios and the famous Paradise and Super Paradise beaches in Mykonos. You can look forward to perfect weather. Temperatures in the Cyclades average between 77 and 89 F (25 to 32C) from April to October. In high summer it is very hot with temperatures in July and August hitting 104 F (40C). Be prepared with sunscreen and rent a beach umbrella. Great beaches and warm weather attract big crowds, so don't expect to have the sands to yourself.
Go diving, browse in the designer boutiques of Mykonos Town, or save your energy until after dark when both islands come to life. Bars, restaurants and clubs fill to capacity with fun lovers looking for a good time, and the fun does not stop until the sun comes up.
Paros
Not everyone wants to party until dawn. There are quieter, more traditional islands in the Cyclades. Right in the heart of the islands is Paros. It's one of the main hubs for ferries to the other islands, which makes it an ideal place for island hopping. Around Paros are some fine beaches with bustling waterfronts and some pretty towns and villages. There are plenty of activities for children, too. The sea around Paros is good for water sports .
On the northern coast, sunny Naoussa has grown from a sleepy fishing village into a popular resort while still preserving its historical charm. It has good beaches, safe waters and excellent cafes serving up the freshest seafood. You can have shrimp, squid and a Greek salad for reasonable prices.
Delos and Naxos
As well as having wonderful beaches and superb scenery, the Cyclades are packed with history. The best islands for sightseeing are Delos and Naxos. Delos is the symbolic center of that gives the Cyclades their name. It is said to be the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis, and the island is packed with shrines and temples in their honor, as well as houses and theatres dating back over two thousand years. One of the best ways to see the ancient sites is to walk up Mount Kythnos. It is a steep climb but you will be rewarded with fantastic views of the surrounding islands.
The natural beauty of the Cyclades is best seen on Naxos, the largest of the islands. It has olive groves, lemon trees and vines carpeting the hills. It's a good place to go horse riding or walking, discovering the hillside villages where life goes on untroubled by tourism. You can stop and listen to musicians in the village square and enjoy a glass of the local lemon liqueur. Naxos also has good beaches and waterfront restaurants with terrific views.
Amorgos
For a taste of the more traditional Greece, catch the ferry from Naxos to nearby Amorgos, one of the most beautiful of the Greek islands. In the charming medieval walled town of Hora, there are classy boutiques and bars. In the main port, Katapola, there are waterside tavernas serving fresh seafood. In Aegiali there is a beautiful beach with fine sand and a beautiful turquoise sea. There is an 11th century monastery that clings to the cliff face above the east coast of the island. Surely Amorgos's best feature is the distinct lack of crowds, even during the busiest times of the year. This is largely because it's a little harder to reach, but the ferries make the three hour trip from Paros, Mykonos or Naxos several times a week.
The Other Islands of the Cyclades
Lying almost unnoticed between Naxos and Amorgos is a cluster of smaller islands known as the Little Cyclades. Only four are inhabited and they offer solitude for those looking for the perfect escape. The pace of life is slow here (forget sightseeing and partying) because there is little to do except to relax on the perfect beaches. Koufonisia has some of the best beaches, but even less busy are the beaches of Schinousa and Iraklia. These are the Greek islands you seldom hear about. They are hidden gems tucked out of sight and visited mainly by the Greeks themselves. Whatever island in the Cyclades you choose (or visit them all) you will be greeted by beautiful beaches, blue seas, good food, charming people and dazzling scenery.
