From Mykonos, you can head straight to other Greek islands in the Cyclades group. They are Andros (taking around 2 and a half hours), Ios (around 2 hours on a high-speed ferry), Naxos (40 minutes on the high speed ferry), Paros (less than one hour on the high speed ferry, and close to 90 minutes on a regular ferry), Santorini (between 2h30m and 3h30m), Syros (just over one hour) and Tinos (15 minutes in high speed, 35 minutes on a regular ferry). For all other islands, you’ll have to connect to another ferry at one of these islands.
Whichever you choose, you’ll always find beautiful landscapes, a relaxed atmosphere, beaches for every taste, and crystal-clear waters. To make your decision easier, here are a few tips:
Top 10 Best Beaches in the Cyclades
If you like to swim or snorkel, you’ll be in heaven. This is a long secluded bay with a series of sandy coves, that remains unspoiled and naturally beautiful, away from the crowds.
See the IOS GUIDE.
Very few people, except for locals, seem to know about this beautiful beach in the north of Ios. It has a very relaxing atmosphere, with calm azure waters that make it ideal for swimming.
See the IOS GUIDE.
It’s not the beach for those who prefer to be away from the crowds, but it’s perfect if you like shallow crystal-clear water and if you want to wake up by the sea (it has several hotels literally on the beach).
See the PLATYS GIALOS GUIDE.
There’s practically no sand here. Instead, you’ll be lying on a spectacular moon-like landscape. It’s white volcanic rock shaped by the winds, and for the unusual look alone, this unforgettable beach should be on your list.
See the MILOS GUIDE.
It’s one of the largest beaches in the Cyclades, with seemingly endless soft sand. Because of its size, you always have space for your towel, and you’re free to take it all off -- many do.
See the NAXOS GUIDE.
We probably shouldn’t be giving this secret away, but this hidden beach is one of the undiscovered paradises left in Greece, although its popularity grows every year. It’s a somewhat wild semi-circular bay with calm waters, and a mostly-nude beach.
See the PAROS GUIDE.
It’s filled with (expensive) sunbeds and it’s quite popular, but there’s a reason everyone wants to come here -- it’s beautiful, and the water is perfect for swimming.
See the PSAROU GUIDE.
The largest beach in Mykonos is now loud (it’s usually crowded and with party sounds coming from the bars) and filled with sunbeds, but it has some of the best waters in the Greek islands. It’s also a clothing-optional and gay-friendly beach, attracting young, cosmopolitan and open-minded individuals.
See the ELIA GUIDE.
This is an official nude beach, so if you’re not willing to take it all off, don’t go. But then you’ll be missing out on a Caribbean-looking beach, with some of the best waters for swimming in all of Greece.
See the ANTIPAROS GUIDE.
It’s a beach for everyone -- split in half, with sunbeds and a bar playing loud music in the afternoon on one side, and wild and nude on the other. Despite the music, which would indicate a party beach, the organized side also attracts families with kids, as the water is usually calm and shallow.
See the PANORMOS GUIDE.
