The Call of The Cyclades

When we dream of Greece, we actually think of the Cyclades – a Greek group of islands located south of Athens and north of Crete. It features cubic, white-and-blue houses that dot its rugged hills and bordered by the Aegean sea’s crystal clear waters. Although the stunning Santorini is its most famous island, it is home to several other breath-taking islands that are worth discovering:

Mykonos

The Cycladic town of Mykonos is the party capital of the Cyclades and is often described as the “Ibiza of Greece.” The island is home to numerous bars and beach clubs that come alive as early as 4pm, one of them being the famous Paradise Beach Club, one of Greece’s best clubs. If you still have the energy to explore the island the morning after, there are numerous sights to experience around the island such as the charming 16th-century windmills, a picturesque town called Little Venice or the island’s most photographed church Panagia Paraportiani.

Paros

Paros may be less popular than Mykonos and Santorini, but this second largest Cycladic island possesses many charms. In fact, there are many things to see and do in Paros. One of the popular draws of the island is its outdoor activities, with water ski zones and sports centres (offering snorkeling and wind/kite surfing) populating the island. But what we love most about Paros is that after a full day of activities, one can still unwind in a café by the sea, with a cocktail in hand and amidst the Mediterranean’s famous sunsets.

Folegandros

Away from the bustling nightlife of Mykonos and the activities of Paros is the island of Folegandros, which is located west of Santorini. Since the island is not as famous as nearby Santorini, Mykonos and Paros, the crowds are seemingly smaller and the island is still able to keep its old-world charms. Visit the medieval Castle of Hora or archaeological sites that date from the Middle Ages and the Byzantine era for some history or simply relax in its stunning and unsullied beaches.