Destinations > Greece > Cyclades

Cyclades

When people come to Greece, they come for the islands. Here is a quick run-down on the main islands. Ios is the main party island for backpackers, Mykonos is one of the most beautiful islands, it is also very gay and very expensive, Naxos is full of people trying to get away from the tourists on the other islands, Paros is a little more low-key than the rest, and Santorini is also very touristy and is popular for its black and red volcanic sand beaches.

Ferries are the best way to get around the Cyclades and many backpackers buy a ticket that allows you to travel from Pireaus to Paros, Naxos and Ios.

Ios

For many backpackers, Ios is the main party island. It's easy to get to by ferry, there are several party-oriented backpackers hostels and loads of bars where you can party through the night.

Accommodation

Far Out Beach Club

Mylopotas Beach, Ios 840 01

Tel (2860) 91468

Francesco's

Chora, Ios, Cyclades 84001

Tel (22860) 91223

Purple Pig Stars Camping

Mylopotas Beach, Ios 840 01

Tel (2860) 91302

Naxos

The largest island in the Cyclades offers a little more culture than most of the other nearby islands and it is popular with many travellers who want an island holiday but without quite the same party atmosphere as Ios. There are more than 500 churches on the island plus several beautiful little villages.

Coming & Going

There are frequent ferries to Pireaus and even more frequent ones (including the faster catamaran and hydrofoils) to nearby islands including Paros, Ios, Santorini and Mykonos.

It is also possible to fly into Naxos. The airport has a daily flight to Athens and is located close to Hora (the island's main town).

Paros

This pleasant island receives a lot of visitors, although most people come here to make ferry connections to other islands.

Coming & Going

There are frequent ferries to Pireaus and most other islands in the Cyclades including Paros, Ios, Santorini and Mykonos. There are also ferries to other Greek Islands including Crete and Samos. Ferries arrive at Parikia on the island's northern coast.

It is also possible to fly into Paros. The airport is located at the southwestern side of Paros and it has a several flights a day to Athens.

Accommodation

Young Inn Aliki

Aliki, Paros

Tel 694 283 49 11

Young Inn Naoussa

Naoussa, Paros

Tel 6976415232

Santorini (Thira)

Santorini is a popular island with package tourists and is one of the most touristy places in Greece. Although it is overrun by tourists, Santorini remains a spectacular island.

Coming & Going

There are frequent ferries from Santorini to other islands in the Cyclades as well as Crete, Pireaus and Thessaloniki.

The ferry port is located at Athinos, south of Fira the island's main town. Buses to Fira meet all ferries.

Santorini's airport is relatively busy with several daily flights to Athens as well as flights to Iraklion, Mykonos, Rhodes and Thessaloniki. There are frequent buses between the airport and Fira. There are sometimes charter flights from the UK and elsewhere in Europe.

Accommodation

Santorini (Fira) Hostel

Fira, Kontochori, Santorini 84700

Tel (22860) 22387

Villa Holiday Beach

Limnes, Perissa, Santorini 84703

Youth Hostel Anna

Perisa Beach, Santorini

Tel (22860) 82182

Youth Hotel Oia

Santorini 84702

Tel (22860) 71465

Mykonos

The most visited and most expensive of the Greek islands is a hugely popular tourist destination, particularly with gay travellers. However the high prices deter most backpackers from visiting.

Coming & Going

Ferries to Mykonos depart daily from both Rafina and Pireaus. There are also frequent ferries from Mykonos to other islands in the Cyclades including Naxos, Paros, Ios and Santorini.

The airport is located 3km inland from Mykonos town and has several daily flights to Athens as well as frequent flights to Rhodes, Santorini and Thessaloniki.