{"id":51390,"date":"2025-09-11T15:08:39","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T13:08:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/?p=51390"},"modified":"2026-03-28T13:43:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T12:43:30","slug":"cyclades-islands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/cyclades-islands\/","title":{"rendered":"Cyclades Islands at a glance"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cyclades Islands<\/strong> are the epitome of the blue and white paradise. Hardly any other Greek archipelago attracts holidaymakers so magically. Greek visitor magnets such as Oia on Santorini, Naoussa on Paros or Chora on Mykonos with their enchanting Cycladic architecture are definitely among the most beautiful spots in all of Europe!<\/p>\n

\"Inselhuepfen
Welcome to the blue and white paradise<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Anyone who has ever passed through the whitewashed alleys of Mykonos or Naxos<\/strong> can feel the magic of the Cyclades. But the islands offer much more than just picturesque places. Countless dream beaches and bays inspire sun-drenched holidaymakers. Nature lovers enjoy peaks up to 1,000 m high, which plunge into the deep blue sea.<\/p>\n

Then there is the all-surrounding light, nowhere else is it said to be brighter than in the Cyclades. The white churches scattered throughout help many travelers feel close to heaven. It is the places of silence and islands far away from the crowds, such as Syros or Andros, that will remain in your memory forever after a trip to the Cyclades.<\/p>\n

Welcome on a journey of discovery to one of the most dazzling Greek island worlds, from the Greek party island to the hermit island, everything is there. Welcome to the Cyclades! In this article, we will introduce you to the individual islands, including Insider tips for your Cyclades holiday<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

10 facts about the Cyclades Islands<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. 100 large islands, small islets and reefs make up the Cyclades<\/li>\n
  2. 22000 inhabitants live on the Cycladic main island of Syros<\/li>\n
  3. 300 years the Cyclades were occupied by the Ottomans<\/li>\n
  4. 4 inhabited islands belong to the Small Cyclades<\/li>\n
  5. 5 white windmills stand above Mykonos’ Little Venice<\/li>\n
  6. 65 tons weighs the marble temple gate Portara on Naxos<\/li>\n
  7. 7 hours takes the ferry crossing from Piraeus to Santorini<\/li>\n
  8. 8000 Catholic Greeks live on the island of Syros today<\/li>\n
  9. 900 mm of precipitation falls annually in the mountains of Andros<\/li>\n
  10. 1004 meters is the highest Cycladic mountain Zas (Naxos)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"Griechenland<\/p>\n

    #1 The main islands of the Cyclades<\/h2>\n

    Several hundred large and small islands, as well as rocky reefs belong to the Cyclades, of which not even 30 are inhabited. The main islands are Naxos, Milos, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Syros and Tinos. The Cyclades are arranged almost in a circle, which is probably where their current name comes from, because “kyklos” means something like circle in Greek.<\/p>\n

    In ancient times, the mini-islet of Delos, only 3 km from Mykonos, was considered the center of the archipelago. Today the town Ermoupoli on Syros is the capital of the Cyclades<\/strong>. The largest islands in terms of area are Andros and Naxos (380 and 390 km\u00b2 respectively), which are also considered the greenest islands. Mykonos and Santorini, on the other hand, are quite small and barren.<\/p>\n

    \"Paros
    White alley in the village of Lefkes on Paros<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Typical for the Cyclades<\/strong> are the white chapels that look like splashes of color in the arid landscape. There are said to be 365 places of worship on Mykonos, one for each day of the year. The Holy Island of Tinos even has over 1,000 churches! The still active volcanic islands of Milos and Santorini are scenic. Paros and Mykonos are popular islands of the international jet set.<\/p>\n

    The Cyclades archipelago was a separate administrative area (prefecture) until 2010. Like the Dodecanese archipelago, it now belongs to the South Aegean region. More information about the Greek islands and other destinations in Greece can be found here: Greece Regions<\/a><\/p>\n

    1. Andros<\/h3>\n

    \u2937 9,200 inhabitants \u2b54 380 km\u00b2 area \u21c6 Arrival by ferry<\/p>\n

    \"Kykladen
    Chora is the capital of Andros<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Andros is the northernmost Cycladic island<\/strong> and is quite green in relation to other islands. With a 300 km long network of trails, Andros is considered a Greek hiking Eldorado. To this day, international tourism on Andros is limited. In the vernacular, the island is considered an island of seafarers and captains, and many Greek shipowners come from here.<\/p>\n

    \u290d Travel tips for the Cycladic island of Andros:Andros Highlights<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

    2. Amorgos<\/h3>\n

    \u2937 1,970 inhabitants \u2b54 126.3 km\u00b2 area \u21c6 Arrival by ferry<\/p>\n

    \"Kykladen
    Chora of Amorgos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Too Amorgos<\/strong> has so far been spared from mass tourism. The mountainous island is still largely original and some places are literally in a deep sleep. Even the mainland Greeks rave about Amorgos in the highest tones. Greece connoisseurs have long since discovered the island for themselves.<\/p>\n

    \u290d Travel tips for the Cycladic island of Amorgos: Amorgos Highlights<\/a>
    \n<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n

    \ud83d\udca1 Cyclades Island Hopping<\/strong>: Get on the ferry and off to the Aegean Sea! Our guide Island Hopping Cyclades takes you to 8 islands, shows you the best highlights, beautiful beaches, cozy tavernas, great accommodations and explains how you can organize an island hopping on your own. More information and excerpt here: Cyclades Guide<\/a><\/p>\n

    \"Kykladen<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    3. Ios (Nio)<\/h3>\n

    \u2937 2,000 inhabitants \u2b54 108.6 km\u00b2 area \u21c6 Arrival by ferry<\/p>\n

    \"Kykladen
    View of the village of Gialos on Ios<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Ios<\/strong> (also called Nio) is one of the central Cyclades and is located between Naxos and Santorini. Like many other Cyclades islands, Ios can only be reached by ferry. Over the decades, the island has become a party island. In summer, numerous young people (especially Scandinavians) flock to the small island and party until the early hours of the morning.<\/p>\n

    \u290d Travel tips for the Cycladic island of Ios: We haven’t visited Ios yet!<\/p>\n

    4. Kea (Tzia)<\/h3>\n

    \u2937 2,450 inhabitants \u2b54 148.8 km\u00b2 area \u21c6 Arrival by ferry<\/p>\n

    \"Kykladen
    Evening atmosphere on the island of Kea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Kea, usually referred to as Tzia by the Greeks, is located in the extreme Northwest of the Cyclades<\/strong>. The island is only 20 km from the mainland. The main town of Ioulida with its fortress hill and colourful houses knows how to inspire. The main attraction of the island remains the “Lion of Kea”, a marble sculpture from the 6th century BC.<\/p>\n

    \u290d Travel tips for the Cycladic island of Kea: We haven’t visited Kea yet!<\/p>\n

    5. Mykonos<\/h3>\n

    \u2937 10,100 inhabitants \u2b54 105.8 km\u00b2 area \u21c6 Arrival via international airport JMK<\/p>\n

    \"Kykladen
    Coastal district of Little Venice in Mykonos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    As early as 1961, Jackie Kennedy, wife of former President JFK, visited the island. Since then, Mykonos has been on the road to success! While in the beginning it was hippies who camped on the island’s dream beaches, today people from all over the world are drawn to Mykonos. Night owls in particular get their money’s worth – Mykonos is THE Party Island of Greece<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

    \u290d Travel tips for the Cycladic island of Mykonos: Mykonos Highlights<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

    \"Tours<\/a>
    *Advertisement<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    6. Milos<\/h3>\n

    \u2937 4,970 inhabitants \u2b54 167.6 km\u00b2 area \u21c6 Arrival via national airport MLO or ferry<\/p>\n

    \"Kykladen
    Mandrakia Boathouses in Milos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Milos<\/strong> is one of the most fascinating islands in Greece. Through commercials and music videos (including on Sarakiniko Beach), the island has become world-famous in recent years. Since then, numerous travel enthusiasts and influencers from all over the world have been making a pilgrimage to the volcanic island in the summer. If you like it quieter, it is better to visit the Island of Colors in the low season.<\/p>\n

    \u290d Travel tips for the Cycladic island of Milos: Milos Highlights<\/a><\/p>\n

    7. Naxos<\/h3>\n

    \u2937 17,900 inhabitants \u2b54 389.4 km\u00b2 area \u21c6 Arrival via national airport JNX or ferry<\/p>\n

    \"Kykladen
    Above Naxos Chora towers the fortress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Naxos, the largest Cycladic island, is located in the heart of the archipelago and convinces with a varied landscape and the picturesque main town of Chora with its Venetian fortress. In addition, the island has the probably the most beautiful beaches of the Cyclades<\/strong> (More on this here: Naxos Beaches<\/a>).\u00a0The only downer: In addition to Tinos, the summer wind Meltemi blows one of the strongest here.<\/p>\n

    \u290d Travel tips for the Cycladic island of Naxos: Naxos Highlights<\/a><\/p>\n

    8. Paros<\/h3>\n

    \u2937 13,700 inhabitants \u2b54 198.4 km\u00b2 area \u21c6 Arrival via national airport PAS or ferry<\/p>\n

    \"Kykladen
    Arrival at the port of Parikia in Paros<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Paros<\/strong> has developed in recent years from an island insider tip to a Cycladic shooting star. The manageable island offers everything a holidaymaker’s heart desires. Whether a walk through Parikia and Naoussa by the sea or through the mountain village of Lefkes, the picturesque villages enchant right away. In addition, there are dozens of wonderful Paros Beaches<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    \u290d Travel tips for the Cycladic island of Paros: Paros Highlights<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

    9. Santorini<\/h3>\n

    \u2937 15,500 inhabitants \u2b54 92.5 km\u00b2 area \u21c6 Arrival via international airport JTR<\/p>\n

    \"Kykladen
    Oia on Santorini: A dream in white<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    For many holidaymakers, Santorini is the most beautiful island of the Cyclades<\/strong>. Hardly any other island decorates so many travel catalogues with photo motifs. On the edge of the volcanic crater, which is flooded by the sea, are the villages of Oia and Fira with their white sugar cube houses. The Mecca for Greece fans is in great demand, in summer several cruise ships are anchored and at sunset the alleys of Greece burst with water. Oia in Santorini<\/a> at the seams.<\/p>\n

    \u290d Travel tips for the Cycladic island of Santorini: Santorini Highlights<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

    \"Tours<\/a>
    *Advertisement<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    10. Serifos<\/h3>\n

    \u2937 1,400 inhabitants \u2b54 76.2 km\u00b2 area \u21c6 Arrival by ferry<\/p>\n

    \"Kykladen
    Chora is enthroned on top of the mountain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Serifos is one of the Western Cyclades Islands<\/strong> and is hardly known to international tourists, although the gleaming white capital Chora is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Here you will still find the original Cycladic flair without much hustle and bustle. In summer, some mainland Greeks seeking peace and quiet are drawn to the island.<\/p>\n

    \u290d Travel tips for the Cycladic island of Serifos: Serifos Highlights<\/a><\/p>\n

    11. Sifnos<\/h3>\n

    \u2937 2,600 inhabitants \u2b54 78.3 km\u00b2 area \u21c6 Arrival by ferry<\/p>\n

    \"Kykladen
    Postcard motif of Sifnos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Sifnos is located below Serifos and is one of the quiet Cyclades Islands<\/strong>. The island is known for its millennia-old pottery craft. Even today, you can buy original pottery in the ceramic workshops. Mountainous Sifnos offers a handful of charming villages, but hardly any beaches, so the island remains an insider tip so far!<\/p>\n

    \u290d Travel tips for the Cycladic island of Sifnos: Sifnos Highlights<\/a><\/p>\n

    12. Syros<\/h3>\n

    \u2937 22,000 inhabitants \u2b54 84.0 km\u00b2 area \u21c6 Arrival via national airport JSY or ferry<\/p>\n

    \"Kykladen
    The medieval town of Ano Syros<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Syros is the most populous island in the Cyclades and the administrative centre of the South Aegean region. The so-called Queen of the Cyclades<\/strong> knows how to inspire, although it is hardly known internationally so far. Ermoupoli, the island’s capital, is a bustling mini-metropolis with a cosmopolitan flair. In contrast, the tranquil Ano Syros, the medieval capital of the island, is enthroned behind it.<\/p>\n

    \u290d Travel tips for the Cycladic island of Syros: Syros Highlights<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

    13. Tinos<\/h3>\n

    \u2937 8,600 inhabitants \u2b54 196.9 km\u00b2 area \u21c6 Arrival by ferry<\/p>\n

    \"Kykladen
    Tinos villages below the Exomvourgo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Almost every Greek has already set foot on the barren island, because here is the country’s most important Marian pilgrimage site (Panagia Evangelistria Megalochari). To this end, the Sacred Island of Tinos<\/strong> probably the most beautiful Cycladic villages! There are said to be 50 gleaming white places, many of which are located around the striking island mountain Exomvourgo.<\/p>\n

    \u290d Travel tips for the Cycladic island of Tinos: Tino’s Highlights<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

    Are there any more Cyclades islands?<\/h4>\n

    In addition to the islands already mentioned, there are a good dozen other inhabited islands, as well as many uninhabited islands and rocky reefs. Particular attention is paid to the so-called Small Cyclades, an idyllic mini-archipelago between Naxos and Amorgos. Here, the clocks tick differently, rest and deceleration are the order of the day.<\/p>\n

    Small Cyclades Archipelago:<\/strong><\/p>\n