Favorite Cyclade Islands? And why?

Mykonos is all about expensive nightlife, shopping and sunbathing. Are you sure you want to take the time to go there? How many days total will you have for the islands? In the same group and on the same ferry route as Santorini are Naxos and Paros, both of which offer a good mix with Santorini and/or Mykonos. Daytrips from Paros are possible to Antiparos and Delos. Antiparos is a lovely small island that has not been ruined by tourism. It will be nice and quiet in September. You can also get to Delos from Naxos but it takes longer, meaning more time at sea since it's the same excursion that stops at Paros on the way. This excursion also includes a stop in Mykonos Town for a couple of hours so you can have a look around.

I know, I've kind of thought/heard the same thing about Mykonos, but we've been told you just kind of have to go there. I guess a good idea is to do a day trip there. Will have to discuss with our travel buddies. We've got 10 days for the islands, including all ferry travel time. I have read a lot of good things about Naxos, I think that is high on our list. I've also heard a lot about Sifnos, but not sure the ferries will work in our favor. Thanks for your input, it's very helpful!

Jennifer, Both Santorini and Mykonos are really great. I went there (along with Athens) for my honeymoon 10 years ago. My wife and I always talk about going back. Some tips: If nightlife is not your thing do not stay in the heart of Mykonos Town. Mykonos Town is a party place, but there are a lot of great places that you can stay in Mykonos away from the Mykonos town on the beach. We took a bus to Mykonos Town from our hotel on some days/nights and others we just stayed in the beach area. Santorini is really incredible. We also stayed at a beach hotel in Santorini and took a bus into town, but we always say how we wish we could have stayed at a hotel in Thira (the main town in Santorini) on the caldera over looking the water. Some of the hotels on the caldera are really, really nice. But they are very expensive. Oia (also in Santorini) also has some really nice hotels with incredible views. As to your question about other islands, when my wife and I think (dream) about going back to Greece we think about Folegrandros or Milos---they look really nice. Check out tripavisor.com and other places for pictures. Folegrandros, like Santorini, has some impressive cliffs. One other recommendation is that you may want to keep the travel time between the islands to a minimum. So check out a map of the Cyclades and get research the time it takes to travel between each. The travel time may play a factor in your decision. Also, you probably know, but you should try to book your hotel soon as hotels can fill up quick in the islands for September. One last thing, if you are going to be moving around a lot, I would recommend staying at each place at least 4 days at each place. So if you only have 10 days for the islands I would probably recommend that you stay put in Mykonos and Santorini. You would have fun at both. If you have to go only to one I would say Santorini. Have a great trip. Greg

Hi Jennifer, I have to say I agree with Lee. Mykonos was our least favorite island. We are not party people and dinner is also our night time event. We loved Naxos. Less tourists and prices are better than Mykonos. We stayed at Hotel Grotta. The owners are so friendly and helpful. Look at tripadvisor.com for testimonials. Of course Santorini is stunning. A must see. Four nights is about right. We stayed in Fira at a place call Aroma suites. Very helpful owners and good location. We rented some ATVs and went from one end of the island to the other. Visit Thirassia a small island off Santorini. The other island we really liked was Rhodes in the Dodecanese islands. Lots to see. Patmos is nearby and much smaller and less touristy but very nice.

I think Mykonos is well worth the stop. The old town is great to wander, the beaches are great fun, even if you are not into a party, Paradise Beach is certainly worth a visit. Delos can be reached easily from Mykonos. As for other islands, if you really want to get off the beaten path, Kouffonisia fits that bill. You have to take a ferry from Naxos, so you could spend some time there, but on Kouffonisia there is little but a small harbor town, a few restaurants, and lots of some of the best beaches around. Lots of hiking, and when we were there in September (some years ago) we had some beaches nearly to ourselves.

Jennifer, I haven't been to Mykonos, as I'm also not too interested in the nightlife" and partying. However, I really enjoyed visiting Naxos and Santorini last year, so would certainly recommend them. One reason I chose those particular islands was the fact that they're both on the same Ferry route. I made Santorini the last stop, as it has an airport with good connections back to Athens. You might get some good information to help with your decision, by having a look at This Website. Happy travels!