The best places to stay in Cyclades?
The Cyclades islands include around 220 islands, most of them uninhabited. The name translates as ‘circular islands’ because they form a circular chain around the sacred island of Delos. Tourists usually travel to Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros (and Antiparos), Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Tinos and Santorini.
The islands are submerged peaks of mountainous terrain, except for two volcanic islands, Milos and Santorini. They offer beautiful soft sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, and their landscape is generally arid and mountainous and contrasts with the blue sky and sea. The climate is sunny, dry and mild for much of the year. The soil is not very fertile, and the main agricultural crops include wine, fruit, wheat, olive oil and tobacco.
The charming traditional villages, with whitewashed houses, narrow streets and bougainvilleas, are distinctive features of the Cyclades. Some islands such as Naxos, Milos and Koufonisia are particularly famous for their beaches.
For nightlife lovers, Mykonos and Ios are popular party destinations. In addition, the islands are well connected to each other, making island-hopping easy.
Although Santorini and Mykonos attract more luxury tourism, there are other more affordable destinations with cheaper accommodation, such as Paros, Naxos, Milos and Amorgos. Almost all of the islands have a rich history, with ancient remains to explore, having been inhabited by various civilisations over time, leaving a significant cultural and archaeological footprint.
We have rounded up a number of the best boutique hotels and holiday homes in the Cyclades Islands, ranging from traditional villas with views, boutique hotels in the Cyclades in villages with narrow winding streets, country hotels with terraces with magnificent sea views. There is plenty to choose from and they are the best. If in doubt, you can always ask our advice.