Island of Santorini
Perched above a volcanic caldera, the island draws visitors with its white villages and famous sunsets.
The Cyclades
Scattered across the heart of the Aegean Sea, the Cyclades archipelago brings together dozens of islands with whitewashed and blue villages, wild beaches and sun-soaked, arid landscapes. Each island reveals its own character, blending Cycladic tradition with easygoing Mediterranean living.
Why visit the Cyclades?
The Cyclades form an archipelago of around 220 islands and islets, about thirty of them inhabited, known for their characteristic white and blue architecture. The archipelago charms visitors with its diversity, from lively hubs like Santorini and Mykonos to quieter destinations like Paros or Naxos.
What to discover in the Cyclades?
The Cyclades archipelago takes its name from the Greek word for circle, referring to the islands' arrangement around Delos, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Apollo and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each island has its own identity: Santorini with its volcanic caldera, Mykonos with its windmills, Naxos with its fertile landscapes, or Paros with its marble villages.
Beyond the best-known sites, the Cyclades offer a wide diversity of landscapes, from arid hills to secluded coves and preserved fishing villages. Island-hopping, made easy by a network of ferries connecting the main ports, allows travelers to build a trip spanning several destinations, combining Cycladic heritage, beaches and local cuisine.
Cities to visit in Cyclades
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Cyclades in pictures
The Cyclades' must-see experiences
A few experiences that shape a discovery of the archipelago.
Island of Mykonos
Known for its windmills and Little Venice, the island blends Cycladic heritage with a lively nightlife.
Island of Naxos
The archipelago's largest island charms with fertile landscapes, mountain villages and the ancient Portara.
Island of Paros
Known for its historic marble, Paros offers traditional villages and a lively harbor in Parikia.
Ancient site of Delos
This UNESCO World Heritage sanctuary can be visited on a day trip from Mykonos or other nearby islands.
Ferry connections
A dense network of ferries links the islands, making it possible to combine several destinations in one trip.
Practical information
- Inhabited islands
- About thirty
- Total area
- About 2,570 km²
- Population
- About 120,000 residents
- Language
- Greek
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone
- UTC+2 (UTC+3 in summer)
- Climate
- Mediterranean, hot and windy summers
- Best season
- May to October
Frequently asked questions about the Cyclades
When is the best time to visit the Cyclades?
May through October offers dry, sunny weather, with higher visitor numbers in July and August on the most popular islands.
How do you travel between the islands?
Regular ferries connect the main islands to each other and to the port of Piraeus, making it easy to plan a multi-island itinerary.
Which island should I visit first?
Santorini and Mykonos are the best known, while Naxos and Paros offer a more authentic, less crowded atmosphere.
Are the Cyclades family-friendly?
Some islands such as Naxos or Paros have calm beaches suited to families, alongside livelier islands nearby.
How much time should I plan for the archipelago?
One to two weeks allow for exploring several islands, accounting for ferry travel time between each stop.
Should ferry tickets be booked in advance?
During peak season, booking ferry tickets and accommodation several weeks ahead is recommended.
Plan your trip to Cyclades
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
