Top Things to do in Cyclades
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10 Free Things to do in Cyclades That You Shouldn't Miss
The Cyclades is a group of Greek islands with beautiful, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains and lush valleys. Glamorous Santorini and Mykonos attract the jetset, while lesser-known isles, such as Milos and Naxos, are the perfect places for beach lovers. Ruins, including the 11th-century Dorian settlement and volcanic ash-preserved Ancient Akrotiri in Santorini, amaze those with a bent for ancient history. Sifnos' cuisine wins it admirers. Hydrofoils, ferries and catamarans connect the islands.
Restaurants in Cyclades
1. Hiking Trail Fira - Oia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,221 reviews
This is the most obvious hike you can make on the island of Santorini and it will lead you - if you have not discovered them by now - through the sister villages of Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli, going higher up all the time above the caldera. It then continues through the expanding housing in northern direction and it finally goes to Oia via a really magnificent path. This hike offers many changing views on the volcano, the sea and the caldera. This hike takes two hours and a half (actual walking time), but the total time can reach 4 or 5 hours. It is ideal to leave Firà at about 10am and in this way you will arrive in Oia already between 1 and 2pm. You can then eat in Oia in one of the many bars. In the afternoon you can descend to the little harbour of Ammoudi in Oia. From the bus square in Fira (when you get to Fira by bus) you have to continue to the very busy square of Theotokopoulou. This is the modern centre of Fira with a lot of travel agencies, banks and bars. In the corner, in between the George's Snack Corner and the Pelican travel agency you go left, in the direction of the caldera. You can then take one of the three streets off the right, they all lead towards the higher part of Fira. Once at the Archaeological Museum higher up (this museum is open till 3pm, but not on Mondays), take a left, past the upper station of the cable car. You then go right above the caldera, until the red-brown building higher up that dominates this neighbourhood of Firostefani: it is the P.M. Nomikos Conference Centre, where a lot of exhibitions take place – on the extending corner in front of this building many people take pictures of the marvellous panoramic view. On the left of the Centre you follow the tiled road and stairs, while you enjoy the view – in front of you you can see the even higher situated village of Imerovigli.
Reviewed By SharonR227 - Wayzata, United States
We took the bus from Oia towards Fira and asked the bus driver to let us off in Imerovigli. The nearby tourist office told us where to find the cliff walk trail. It was great to begin in Imerovigli, because then you are walking downhill to Fira. The views are fabulous, and there was a nice cooling breeze. We had good walking shoes and enjoyed seeing Skaros rock in the distance, the Mylos windmill, and the gorgeous blue domed church and 3 bell tower just beyond the Mama Thira Taverna. There are so many picturesque white washed dwellings, wildflowers, and stunning caldera views that it is a photographer's dream. We took the bus from Fira back to Oia. It was a great morning walk!
2. Eduart Gjopalaj Workshop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By Lizziegib567 - Silver Spring, United States
I happened to stroll by Eduart Gjopalaj's exquisite woodsculpting studio in 2017 while in Santorini. The extraordinary craftsmanship of his work was so memorable that 3 years later I contacted him through Instagram and commissioned a piece from him (the piece I saw and loved in 2017 had been sold). Eduart was delighted to help and my piece arrived this week. It will be displayed in a place of honor in my home. I hope to someday go back to his studio and meet him personally. A rare talent and terrific human being.
3. Mykonos Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 71 reviews
In April 2017, just before Easter, Mykonos Brewing Company started fermenting its first batches of beer at their new, state of the art brewhouse on the island of Mykonos in Greece. With a combination of Greek malt and Belgian caramel wheat, hard to find hops and with the mythological story of the Giants on their backs, the Mikonu beer was born!
Reviewed By 60John1952 - England, United Kingdom
Heard about the brewery from our Villa Concierge (Apollo, great guy) so knew we had to go - we were not disappointed. Lovely brewing team who made us welcome and are clearly very proud of what they do (and rightly so) - excellent beer is being produced. Yoshi was more than happy to show us around although we arrived unexpectedly and he enthusiastically explained their brewing techniques and recipes. The bottled beer is great but we also discovered draft Mykonu Pale Ale at Captain's Bar on the watefront in Mykonus Old Town - a fabulous brew and for a couple of Brits way better than the usual Greek Alpha and Mythos beers Highly recommended - best wishes for growing success of your brewery - Yamas!
4. Plaka Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,269 reviews
A sunny stretch of sand by the sea, littered with nude and semi-nude sunbathers from all over the world.
Reviewed By bikerbabe22 - Milton, Canada
This is a great beach. The sand is super fine, there is plenty of space available, and it’s surrounded by shops and restaurants
5. Naos Tou Apollona - Portara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,286 reviews
Reviewed By _N5854HS - Athens, Greece
best sunset i ever saw on cyclades.An ancient temple where you can see the sun goes down,in the sea.beautiful romantic place for couples
6. Panayia Evanyelistria Cathedral and Museums
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 733 reviews
Drawing thousands of pilgrims during festivals of the Virgin, this place of worship features an icon attributed with healing powers.
Reviewed By blackrose04 - Milos, Greece
A beautiful church with beautiful architecture,that causes you awe.The church is decorated with the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. It also houses many museum worth seeing.
7. Little Venice
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,964 reviews
Reviewed By NicolasC973 - Limassol City, Cyprus
A must do while in Mykonos! Sunset time is the best time to visit Little Venice, preferably latest by 7.30pm to have an hour to watch the full sunset while enjoying a refreshing cocktail at one of the cafes situated on the shore of this location. Best enjoyed in a romantic mood with your loved one, or a flirt, easily found in Mykonos ;))
8. Lefkes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,171 reviews
Reviewed By francinal - Stanford, United States
Topical Cycladic village. Extremely clean and friendly. I highly recommend a visit in the early morning if you are in Páros. Don’t forget to visit the cafe by the big church and meet Konstantinos the owner.. he serves the best lemonade in town. Truly a gem.
9. Parikia Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,896 reviews
Reviewed By duhoz - Beroun, Czech Republic
A friendly city which was more convenient for me to stay than picturesque and laid-back Nauousa The ancient city has everything, historical buildings, narrow charming streets, lovely taverns with great traditional Greek fare or fresh sea catches and sandy beaches around. The port just in the city center as well as main bus station to take you around the island, the airport not far away. The time does fly so quickly, its relax here, especially after the sunset. And I felt very safe at night while strolling the Frankish Castle area.
10. Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,126 reviews
Reviewed By MrandMrsRo - Chester, United Kingdom
Lovely scenic alleyways. Lots of shops but didn't feel tacky touristy. We found an excellent traditional wood fired bakery in the Old Market area - best bread we had on the island and freshly baked all day long so piping hot when bought - open all day and till 9pm at night too. Worth going right up to the castle area and onto the terrace (through a cafe) to get a wonderful panoramic view of the island.
