Travel to the Cyclades

The best way to get to the Cyclades in Greece will depend on where you are leaving from, and also where you want to go.

For example, Santorini and Mykonos both have international airports with regular connections to the UK and Europe. This means that some people might find it useful to fly into Santorini, and then take an onward ferry to their preferred destination.

My nephew did this recently, when he flew from the UK to Santorini for a vacation in Milos. It was quicker and cheaper for him taking this route than going through Athens.

Santorini and Mykonos airports also have domestic flight connections with Athens. In addition, the Cyclades islands of Naxos, Paros, Milos, and Syros have domestic airports. This opens up more possibilities for international travelers who might want to fly into Athens, and then take a domestic flight out to the Cyclades.

I find Aegean, Olympic Air, and Sky Express to be very good choices for flying in Greece. Just be wary of your baggage allowances! You can get an idea of flight schedules and prices by visiting: Skyscanner

As I mentioned previously, all of the inhabited Cyclades islands have at least one ferry port.

This means that there are numerous connections not only between the islands of the Cyclades chain themselves, but also to the Athens ferry ports of Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio. You can even take ferries between the Cyclades and other islands outside of the chain such as Crete and Ikaria.

You can check the latest ferry timetables and book ferry tickets for travel around the Cyclades using: Ferryscanner

I think you can go to any island in the Cyclades and have a good time, especially if you like beaches, summer sun, great food, and pretty villages. Yes, some islands have a party reputation like Ios, but there’s always something to do if partying is not your thing. While it’s impossible to describe each island in just a sentence, I’ll give it a go anyway!

Amorgos – Perfect for nature lovers and hikers seeking rugged landscapes and remote beauty.

Anafi – Ideal for those who want a quiet, off-the-beaten-path island with pristine beaches.

Andros – Best for adventure enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, waterfalls, and verdant landscapes.

Antiparos – A laid-back island, great for families and beach lovers seeking a tranquil escape.

Donoussa – Suited for travelers looking for a serene, secluded atmosphere with unspoiled nature.

Folegandros – Attractive to couples and romantics in search of charming, quiet villages and dramatic cliffs.

Ios – Popular with young partygoers, but also has stunning beaches and historic sites for explorers.

Iraklia – Appeals to those looking for a peaceful, untouched environment and easy hiking trails.

Kea – Ideal for weekenders from Athens, offering hiking, beaches, and a relaxed ambiance.

Kimolos – Suited for quiet travelers who appreciate authenticity, peaceful beaches, and traditional life.

Koufonisia – Best for beach lovers and those wanting a tiny island with crystal-clear waters.

Kythnos – Appeals to wellness seekers, with its thermal springs, relaxed vibe, and scenic villages.

Milos – Ideal for geology and beach enthusiasts, known for its colorful landscapes and unique rock formations.

Mykonos – Perfect for luxury travelers, partygoers, and beach lovers who enjoy lively nightlife.

Naxos – Appeals to families, history buffs, and beach lovers, with a mix of ancient ruins and sandy beaches.

Paros – Great for windsurfers, beachgoers, and those looking for a blend of activity and relaxation.

Santorini – Best for honeymooners and photographers, famous for its breathtaking sunsets and volcanic landscape.

Schinoussa – Ideal for those who seek seclusion, tranquility, and simple island life.

Serifos – Appeals to nature lovers and hikers, with a rugged charm and beautiful, quiet beaches.

Sifnos – Great for foodies, with a reputation for its culinary delights, pottery, and scenic hikes.

Sikinos – Perfect for solitude seekers looking for peace, simplicity, and traditional Greek life.

Syros – Best for culture enthusiasts, offering a blend of neoclassical architecture, festivals, and history.

Thirasia – Ideal for those who want to experience Santorini’s landscape in a quieter, more authentic setting.

Tinos – Popular with religious pilgrims and art lovers, known for its traditional villages and marble crafts.

With over a decade of experience traveling around the Cyclades, there’s a few essential tips and insights I want to share with you:

Avoid August: If you have the luxury of choosing which month to visit, avoid August as all of the Cyclades are overly busy and overpriced. September is the very best month to visit Greece as the weather is still warm, the sea is the perfect temperature, and the tourist crowds have thinned out.

Spend at least 2 or 3 days in each island: I’ve seen some very ‘ambitious’ Greek island hopping itineraries which include just a few hours on each island. Unless you are on an organized cruise (in which case you have no choice), slow it down a bit. If you have only a week, choose 3 destinations max, and if you have two weeks limit yourself to a max of 5 destinations. You’ll appreciate the experience a whole lot more.

Book ferry tickets with Ferryscanner: Unfortunately there are a lot of websites which sell grossly price-inflated tickets, or suggest that ferries exist between islands that don’t at all! Stick to Ferryscanner when looking for ferry routes and booking tickets, as they have honest prices and good service. It works for me!

Take a night in Athens before flying home: Whatever you do, don’t plan to fly home internationally a couple of hours after your ferry arrives in Athens! What happens if the ferry is delayed, or can’t sail because of bad weather? Factor in an overnight in Athens or other point of exit into your Cyclades island hopping itinerary.

Consider renting a car: While you can’t take rental cars on the Greek ferries (for insurance purposes), you might want to rent one for a day or two on each island. Having your own transport will give you more freedom than relying on local bus or taxi services. Rent cars in the Cyclades at: Discover Cars