From Wikitravel

The Cyclades (or Kyklades) are a group of islands within the larger Greek Isles, situated south of Athens and north of Crete. The Cyclades are famous for the islands of Santorini and Mykonos.

[edit] Regions

• Anafi - a small unspoilt island located east of Santorini
• Andros - noble and tranquile island with many beaches and mountain scenery
• Amorgos - the place where the movie "Le Grand Bleu" was shot
• Delos - Holy island central to Greek Mythology
• Folegandros - a beautiful, quiet island to the west of Santorini
• Ios - party island
• Mykonos - famous tourist destination
• Naxos - largest (and greenest) island in the group
• Paros - popular tourist island with good mix of beaches and hills
• Santorini - fantastic volcanic island
• Serifos - small, quiet island with great beaches, traditional town
• Sifnos - quiet island, convenient beaches
• Syros - (also known as Siros and Sira)
• Little Cyclades - a group of small islands east of Naxos, including Ano Koufonisi, Kato Koufonisi, Iraklia, Schinousa and Donousa

[edit] Cities

• Thira - on Santorini island
• Oia - on Santorini island

[edit] Other destinations

• Santorini Volcano - the volcano of Santorini
• Little cyclades - a small group of islands located in the south of Naxos

[edit] Understand

Kyklos is the Greek word for cycle. Because the islands are set up in a circle around Delos the islands are named Cyclades. During summer (which is high season too) it is extremely dry and hot. The best time to visit the Cyclades is May to June (early season, accommodation is much cheaper and it's not that hot), July to September (high season) and September to October (post season). In October the weather changes and rain starts to fall. Be prepared that ferry schedules are reduced especially in post season. The Cyclades are also famous for the constant wind (called meltemi) in July and August that mitigates the heat a bit.

[edit] Get In

[edit] By air

Regular (mostly daily) flights from Athens to Paros, Naxos and Santorini are operated by Olympic Airways and Aegean Airlines. Syros is also served by Olympic Airways from Athens twice weekly. Paros, Santorini and Naxos can also be reached by other European airports or by helicopter.

[edit] By Ferry

Leave from Piraeus via ferry and head for Paros, which is usually the first ferry stop. From Paros onto Naxos and there you can choose from the two main routes; Either up towards Mykonos or down towards Santorini and Crete. Ferrys operate to all the islands in the Cyclades, some of the larger islands also have a Highspeed catamaran service from Piraeus. Check with the operator before making departure plans as the services are subject to delays and cancellations in adverse weather.

Visit Greek Travel Pages OR www.Ferries.gr and search through all ferry schedules to the Greek Islands, Italy and Turkey.

[edit] Hellenic Seaways

"Deck class" is a cheapest way to go around the Cyclades, you can sleep outside, on the deck, in Greece the weather is good, especially in summer or spring.

All the young european "routard" choose the deck, so in August it's possible that you must sleep near somebody never seen... who isn't really clean; during the night you can be sad, but after it will becomes funny thinking about.

[edit] Hellenic Seaways Express Apollon

Really old-fleet boats. Consider flying instead, even if it costs 1.5 times more -- it's worth it.

Distinguished Class: first ~5 cabins are really shaky (and hard-to-sleep in); too intensive conditioner in saloon. Take your tickets if you go to DC-saloon, other-class passengers are not allowed there.

In Piraeus, the boat is ready for boarding 2 hrs before departure time. While in the Piraeus, it's allowed to leave luggage in your cabin for cafe visit etc nearby in the port.

[edit] Hellenic Seaways Highspeed

Bright red Vodaphone-logo boats; most popular and recommended sea transport, at least for going to Santorini.

[edit] Aegean speed lines

High speed ferries operating from Piraeus to most of the Cyclades islands!

[edit] Seajets

Sea Jet departures from Piraeus: Milos, Folegandros, Syros, Santorini, Koufonissi, Amorgos.

Sea Jet 2 departures from Rafina: Tinos, Mykonos, Paros.

[edit] Get around

Travel by ferry. They are safe, regular, cheap and fun. The biggest ferry hub within the Cyclades is in Paros which has links to many islands.

Be prepared that travelling by ferry can be tedious in high season when ferries are really crowded. Usually there are two types of ferries: The ordinary ones and the speedboats (hydrofoils, which are much more expensive).

Also, ferries may be cancelled due to sea and weather conditions so don't leave on the last ferry before your flight, especially if it is windy. Seas are calmer at night, so the late evening and early morning ferries are the most likely to operate.

Tickets for ferries can be usually bought from travel agencies which are located around the local port.

[edit][add listing] See

If you visit the Cyclades for the very first time go for Santorini, Paros and Mykonos. If you want to get rid of the crowds go for the smaller islands such as Folegandros or Amorgos.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Island hopping - this is very popular within the Cyclades. If you have more than one week, this might be be an option for you since ferry schedules are excellent and every island has its own charm.
• Yacht charter in the Cyclades Windward Islands, one of the worlds largest yacht charter companies, can take care of all charter requirements, from bareboat to luxury yacht in Greece and the Cyclades. Operating from 9 offices worldwide (USA, Spain, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Caribbean, Honk Kong and Dubai).

[edit][add listing] Eat

See Greece#Eat for more information on Greek cuisine.

[edit][add listing] Drink

If visiting in winter season, try Ρακόμελο (pronounced rakomelo). The local people drink this hot drink to warm them up on a cold day. Ingredients are raki, honey and hot water. Recommended that you only drink one or at most two. Drink three and you will be ready for bed!

[edit] Stay safe

The Cyclades are very safe. Travelers should exercise usual precautions.

[edit] Get out

Head on down to Crete when you are done with the Cyclades. If you have plenty of time you might want to go to other Greek islands belonging to the Dodecanes, the Ionian Islands or the Sporades as well.

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