Cyclades Islands flights and travel guide

Blue-domed churches and white cubic houses line the cobbled streets forming a labyrinth that leads to the bluest sea you’ll ever feast your eyes on. This is the quintessential postcard of the Cyclades – Greece’s prized group of 220 islands including the infamous party town of Mykonos, the stunning volcanic island of Santorini, and the picturesque fishing village of Paros.

Ever since 7000 BC, long before party-goers and wealthy yachtsmen discovered them, the Cyclades were inhabited by the Minoans, the Romans and even the Turks. Today visitors can still see these influences throughout the islands, from the sacred island of Delos to the Venetian fortress of Exobourgo. 

Choosing just one island to visit can be hard so most people island-hop instead. The easiest way is to take a flight to Mykonos or a flight to Santorini then hop on a boat or ferry to the surrounding islands. To avoid the summer crowds head to the less popular islands of  Naxos or Siros which offer the same Greek isle holiday but with fewer crowds. For an even more authentic experience, do as the Greeks do and head to Tinos, one of the largest Cyclades, lined with long stretches of sandy beach.

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Cyclades Islands Climate

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When to Fly to Cyclades Islands

Peak Season:
Mid-June to the end of August is high season for most of Greece, when the temperatures are hottest. Easter time to mid-June is also very popular as the weather is still very warm, though not unbearably hot. You may be able to pick up some cheaper deals at this time of year though. Late August to mid-October is Greece's shoulder season. The temperatures are still high (substantially higher than the UK and Ireland) and most resorts and attractions still open, but prices are much lower than early or high summer so cheap flights and accommodation are easier to find.

Off Season:
October to April is off season. Though you will find the cheapest deals at this time, much of the tourist parts of Greece close down around this time. Unless you're in Athens you may find that there is little to do and hardly any hotels or restaurants that are open.

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Cyclades Islands Insider Information

Wander through the narrow streets of Mykonos Town and explore its tiny shops and art galleries. Then take a ferry to the fascinating temple ruins of Delos.

Those in search of secluded beaches should head to Apollonia in Milos which has several sandy beaches. Paleohori, also in Milos, has natural hot springs and a nudist beach.

Why not try windsurfing in Paros? Perfect wind conditions make this island an ideal place to learn the sport, especially in July and August when the north wind is blowing.

On Naxos island visit the Portara an impressive giant marble doorway, built in late 500 BC as a temple but never completed.

In Santorini, one experience that can’t be missed is a submarine tour 82 to 98 feet beneath the surface to view the volcanic crater.

Visit the stunning old mansions in the medieval cliff-top town of Kastro in Sifnos.

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Cyclades Islands Airports

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