Choose from 29 Fun Things to Do in Cyclades Islands
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Kalafatis Beach
With its long stretch of golden sand and steady coastal winds, Kalafatis Beach is not only one of Mykonos’ most beautiful beaches – it’s also earned a reputation as the island’s water sports hub. The beach is most renowned for its windsurfing, but other popular activities include jet skiing, water skiing, banana boating and wakeboarding.
For less adventurous beach-goers, Kalafatis also offers ample opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, as well as boat cruises around the sea caves of Dragonisi island. The beach itself is well equipped for families, with sunbeds and parasols for hire, beach volleyball nets, and a selection of cafés and restaurants nearby.
Insider’s Tip: Beach bars and sun beds for rent are located at both ends of the beach, but if you don’t want to pay, bring your own beach towel or parasol and head to the central strip.
Practical Info
Kalafatis Beach is located on the southeast coast of Mykonos island, 12km east of Mykonos Town.
Address: Kalafati Beach, Kalafati 846 00, Greece
From $ 63
Little Venice
Situated in Chora Mykonos (aka Mykonos Town), the waterfront quarter of Little Venice is one of the island’s top sunset-viewing spots. Rows of whitewashed old fishermen’s houses—now occupied by bars, shops, and restaurants—back onto the seafront, their brightly painted red and blue balconies jutting out over the water.
The Basics
Named for its Venetian-style housing, Little Venice is one of Chora Mykonos’ most picturesque quarters. Guided walking tours of Mykonos Town often include a visit to Little Venice, as do shore excursions, which typically add other must-see sights on the Greek island, such as Kalafatis Beach on Mykonos’ southeast coast and Panagia Tourliani Monastery in Ano Mera. Cruises departing from Chora Mykonos often sail by Little Venice, offering unobstructed views of its wooden balconies.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Little Venice is a must for sunset-watchers and photographers.
- Browse the shops of Little Venice, which sell everything from clothes to crafts to souvenirs.
- If you plan on having dinner here, book ahead. Terrace tables quickly fill around sunset.
How to Get There
Little Venice is situated in Chora Mykonos on Mykonos, one of Greece’s Cyclades Islands. The easiest way to get there is on foot. From the windmills (Kato Milli), follow the road leading toward the sea.
When to Get There
Little Venice is postcard-perfect at any time of the day, but especially so at sunset. Plan a sunset cocktail or dinner to fully enjoy the seafront view. From the afternoon on, Little Venice tends to be busy—the later it gets, the livelier it becomes. For a quieter experience, come early in the morning instead.
Nearby Sights in Mykonos
After wandering Little Venice, take some time to explore the rest of Chora Mykonos. Take photos of the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, whose gleaming whitewashed exterior contrasts with the blue of the sky and the Aegean Sea. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos to examine ancient artifacts from Delos, and peruse the Aegean Maritime Museum to view nautical memorabilia, including old maps, ship models, and navigation equipment.
Address: Greece
From $ 44
Mykonos Folklore Museum
Housed in the old captain’s house on the seafront of Mykonos Town, the Mykonos Folklore Museum transports visitors back to the 19th-century, offering a unique insight into historic life on the island. Inside, visitors can take a peek at a typical 19th-century bedroom, kitchen and sitting room, decked out in period style, with traditional oil lamps and vintage furniture.
Among the museum’s eclectic collection, highlights include antique tools, utensils and ceramics; musical instruments; rare textiles and embroidered works; and fine paintings. Also on display is a pair of canons used during the 1821 War for Independence, an impressive collection of keys and locks, and a series of sketches depicting Mykonos shipping vessels.
Practical Info
The Mykonos Folklore Museum is located in the Kastro neighborhood of Mykonos Town and is open from April to October, daily between 5:30 and 8:30pm. Admission is free but donations are welcomed.
Address: Kastro, Mykonos Town, Greece
Hours: April-Oct daily 5:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
From $ 587
Aegean Maritime Museum
Those with an interest in Greece’s nautical history will find a trove of fascinating exhibits at the Aegean Maritime Museum, housed in a traditional 19th-century mansion in the heart of Mykonos Town. The nautical theme starts before you even step inside, with the museum courtyard dotted with cannons, anchors and ship helms, while inside the displays are crammed with model ships, maps and navigational instruments, shipping documents, and ancient coins.
Among the many highlights is a gigantic lighthouse lantern, impressively restored to its 19th-century glory, which stands in the museum garden alongside a collection of larger artifacts and sailors’ gravestones recovered from around Mykonos.
Practical Info
The Aegean Maritime Museum is located on Enoplon Dynameon Street in Mykonos Town and is open daily from April to October from 10:30a-1pm and 6:30pm-9pm. Adult admission is €4.
Address: 10 Enoplon Dynameon Street, Mykonos 846 00, Greece
Hours: April-Oct: Daily 10:30am-1pm & 6:30pm-9pm
Admission: Adults: €4
From $ 587
Red Beach
Santorini’s Red Beach is not your average white-sand beauty. Rather, it’s a narrow, pebbly stretch hemmed in by high scarlet cliffs and scattered with large volcanic rocks. Together with the sapphire blue waters of the Aegean Sea, these volcanic features create a striking natural color palette that draws photographers to its shores.
The Basics
While Red Beach is a popular swimming and sunbathing spot, it can also be a dangerous one, with occasional landslides and falling rocks. Because of this, many visitors prefer to admire the beach from afar, either from the parking area overlooking the beach or from the sea itself.
Many catamaran cruises, some of which include meals and drinks on board, and kayaking tours travel by the beach. Some Santorini day tours combine a visit to the beach with a stop at the nearby ancient Akrotiri archaeological site, an excavated Minoan settlement dating back to the Bronze Age.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With its unusual colorful appearance, Red Beach is a must for photographers.
- Bring along sunscreen, water, and a picnic to enjoy while soaking up views of the beach.
- Red Beach can only be accessed via a steep trail, and the beach’s surface is rocky, meaning it is not suitable for wheelchair users. The beach can, however, be clearly seen from the parking lot.
How to Get There
Red Beach is situated on the Akrotiri Peninsula in southwest Santorini. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Fira and offers free though limited parking. A steep access trail leads from the parking lot to the beach. Car-free travelers can take the KTEL bus from Fira to Akrotiri and make the short walk from there.
When to Get There
Despite the dangers of loose, falling rocks, Red Beach still attracts a lot of sunbathers and from June through September is often crowded. The red of the beach’s cliffs and rocks is most vivid at sunset.
Beaches on Santorini
Santorini’s volcanic topography has resulted in a range of visually diverse beaches. Contrasting with the intense color of neighboring Red Beach is remote White Beach, which is backed by light-colored cliffs and can only be accessed by boat. For a family-friendly option with ample facilities including restaurants, water-sports operators, sun loungers, and umbrellas, try Monolithos Beach on the island’s east coast. Black-sand Perivolos Beach, on the southeast coast of the island, is another popular choice, attracting a lively, youthful crowd.
Address: Santorini, Greece
From $ 64
Ornos Beach
The soft, sandy beach at Ornos is found on the southwest coast of Mykonos, draped around a sheltered bay with clear, calm and shallow water that is safe for family swimming and a popular anchorage for yachts. Thanks to its proximity to Mykonos Town, it is busy every day with a mixture of youngsters and families; sun loungers and parasols are available for a small fee and it is backed with a generous supply of seafront restaurants, tavernas and shops as well as cozy apartments, villas and several luxury hotels in what was once a traditional, whitewashed fishing village. Water sports facilities available at Ornos include water-skiing, diving and windsurfing, with equipment for hire and lessons for all skill levels.
Several boat cruises around Mykonos and sailing trips to Delos depart from Ornos Beach; water taxis near Platis Gialos also offer trips to other beaches on the island, including Psarou, Agrari, Elia and Super Paradise.
Practical Info
The beach is two miles (3.5 km) south of Mykonos Town and can be accessed by bus (there are frequent connecting services), car or taxi. It is is also within walking distance of Mykonos Town.
Address: Ornos, Mykonos, Cyclades Islands 846 00, Greece
From $ 101
Oia
Perched on the steep edge of the caldera, looking out over the glittering Mediterranean, Oia (pronounced “ee-yuh”) is famed for its dreamy sunsets. Oia is also one of the most picturesque villages in Santorini, with its striking white buildings, blue-domed churches, and atmospheric cave houses burrowing into the volcanic rock.
The Basics
Oia is a popular inclusion on Santorini sightseeing tours, shore excursions, and boat tours, and most excursions time their visit to catch the sunset. Combine a tour of Oia with nearby attractions like the archaeological site of ancient Akrotiri or the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, a visit to traditional villages like Pyrgos or Fira, or a Santorini wine tasting. Alternatively, set sail around Thirassia island, enjoy snorkeling at Red Beach, or take a soak in the hot springs on Nea Kameni island. Then, sail past Oia on a sunset cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and restaurants in Oia.
- The hilly streets of Oia can be challenging for wheelchair users; it’s best to organize accessible transport and accommodation in advance.
- Summertime temperatures can soar in Oia so wear sunglasses and sunscreen, and bring along plenty of water.
How to Get There
Oia is located at the northwestern tip of Santorini island, about 6.5 miles (11 kilometers) north of Fira. Without your own transport, the easiest way to visit Oia is with a guided tour. However, it’s also possible to arrive by taxi or take the local bus from Fira. Hikers can also walk the coastal trail between Fira and Oia, a scenic 3- to 4-hour walk along the top of the caldera.
When to Get There
There’s no doubt that the most atmospheric time to visit Oia is at sunset and the small village can be suddenly overrun by crowds at dusk. To experience the quieter side of the village, plan to spend a night at one of Oia’s boutique hotels or visit during the winter months, when you’ll have the sunset to yourself.
A Walking Tour of Oia Village
Oia’s beautiful architecture and vast ocean views are best enjoyed on a walking tour, and the maze of narrow streets are full of shops, art galleries, and cafés. Stop to visit the tiny Naval Maritime Museum, admire the historic captains’ houses, and explore the ruins of Oia’s Venetian Fortress, then follow the 300 steps from the top of the caldera down to the fishing port of Ammoudi.
Address: Greece
From $ 58
Manto Mavrogenous Square
Looking out over the Old Port and marking the entrance to historic Mykonos Town is Manto Mavrogenous Square—the lively epicenter of the quintessential Greek Island destination. A popular starting point for walking tours, the square boasts handicraft shops, restaurants, and cafes along its seafront promenade, while its white-painted, blue-shuttered buildings make for a pretty photo opportunity against the ocean backdrop.
At the heart of the square stands its namesake monument, an unassuming statue of Manto Mavrogenous, the Greek war heroine famous for her role in the Greek War of Independence.
Practical Info
Manto Mavrogenous Square is located by the Old Port in Mykonos Town.
Address: Serakonta, Mykonos Town 846 00, Greece
From $ 44
Archaeological Museum of Delos
In Ancient Greek mythology, the tiny Cycladean island of Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis; in thanks for the safe delivery their mother vowed to make the island the richest community in Greece. And so it came to pass.
Delos was first colonized in around 1100 BC as a sanctuary to Apollo. By 456 BC the island was under Macedonian control and many of the surviving monuments of this vast, open-air museum date from that era, as its community of 25,000 people became a powerful trading port in the eastern Mediterranean. However, Delos lost its strategic importance in the first century BC and was gradually abandoned.
Excavations began there in 1873 and one of the wonders of the ancient world was unearthed from the UNESCO-listed site covering 235 acres (95 hectares) — only 62 acres (25 hectares) have been uncovered so far — of temples, sanctuaries, villas, palaces, amphitheaters and baths. The most famous of the Delos ruins is the Terrace of Lions, a row of marble lions that guarded Apollo’s sanctuary. Today nine replicas stand in their place, while five originals are found in Delos Archaeological Museum, which has nine galleries displaying finds from the archaeological excavations including mosaics, fragments of marble and stone torsos and heads as well as ivory and bronze reliefs, all dating from the seventh to the first century BC. As well as the marble lions, highlights of the collection include a bronze mask of Dionysos, wall paintings depicting boxing matches and great feasts, and a giant marble statue of Apollo. Considering this is one of the most important classical sites in the world, there is little interpretive information among the Delos ruins, so visit the museum first for an understanding of the history and importance of the island.
Practical Info
Delos, Mykonos. Open Apr–¬Oct 8am–8pm; Nov–Mar 8am–3pm. Admission adults €5, seniors, students & children younger than 19 €3. Delos is accessible by twice daily boats from Mykonos. Additional services run from Tinos and Naxos in summer.
Address: Delos, Cyclades, Greece 846 00, Greece
Hours: Open daily Apr–Oct 8am–8pm; Nov–Mar 8am–3pm
Admission: Adults: €5; Seniors, Students & Children younger than 19: €3
From $ 42
Ancient Thira
The archaeological site at Akrotiri may be closed, but fortunately you can get your fill of excavations at the site of Ancient Thira. There’s a mix of ruins to explore, including Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine remnants, excavated in the 1890s. Take a tour to identify the different structures – temples, houses, the market (agora), theater and gymnasium.
At its height, this was a thriving center, with dramatic sanctuaries hewn into rock, temples, an impressive theater and porticoed administrative buildings. The central area is the Agora, the old commercial hub, encircled by temple sanctuaries ringing the city. There are also ancient cemeteries here, unearthed since the 1960s.
Don’t miss the views over the coast while you’re here.
At its height, this was a thriving center, with dramatic sanctuaries hewn into rock, temples, an impressive theater and porticoed administrative buildings. The central area is the Agora, the old commercial hub, encircled by temple sanctuaries ringing the city. There are also ancient cemeteries here, unearthed since the 1960s.
Don’t miss the views over the coast while you’re here.
Practical Info
Ancient Thira is on the island’s west coast, on the hilly promontory just south of Kamari Beach.
Address: Greece
Hours: Open Nov 1 - Mar 31, 8:30am - 3:00pm
Admission: Adults: € 5
From $ 319
Nea Kameni
Centered around a ruggedly beautiful volcanic crater, the small island of Nea Kameni offers a dramatic photo opportunity, with its dark cliffs sculpted from lava rock and natural thermal waters tinted orange by the mineral-rich seabed. Floating off the coast of Santorini Island, Nea (New) Kameni and neighboring Palea (Old) Kameni lie at the heart of the mostly-submerged Santorini caldera, and are Greece’s newest volcanic islands - Nea Kameni dates back just 425 years.
Reachable only by boat, Nea Kameni makes a popular choice for cruises from Santorini Island, with visitors free to explore the unique volcanic landscape and bathe in the natural hot springs, legendary for their healing and rejuvenating minerals.
Practical Info
Nea Kameni is located off the west coast of Santorini Island in the Greek Cyclades islands, and is only reachable by boat.
Address: Nea Kameni, Greece
From $ 40
Perivolos Beach
Imagine a stretch of slate grey sands fringed by startling turquoise waters and hemmed in by sea cliffs, and you’ll understand why Perivolos is one of Santorini’s most popular beaches.
The island’s longest black sand beach is not only undeniably photogenic, but it’s a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, with cool calm waters, and thatched parasols and sunbeds lining the waterfront. Perivolos Beach is also notable for its lively atmosphere, with beach bars dotted along the seafront, volleyball nets set up along the sand and ample opportunities for water sports, including jet skiing and windsurfing.
Many tours of Santorini Island include a stop at Perivolos beach and visits are often combined with nearby Perissa beach. Active travelers can even hike or cycle the beach road between Perivolos and Perissa, a scenic 5km promenade that affords dazzling views along the coast.
Practical Info
Perivolos Beach is located on the southeast coast of Santorini island, around 2km south of Perissa.
Address: Santorini, Greece
From $ 40
Mykonos Windmills (Kato Mili)
The four windmills lined up on a hill overlooking Mykonos Town are a signature island sight. All up there are around two dozen windmills on the island, but these four are the most famous. Capped with wood and straw, the three-story conical windmills were built by the Venetians in the 16th century to mill flour. They remained in use until the early 20th century.
The Bonis Windmill overlooking Little Venice houses a folklore museum, while others around the island now serve as very unusual homes. The views from the windmills over Little Venice and the harbor are stunning, especially at sunset. Sailing into harbor, the windmills are one of the first sights of Mykonos.
The Bonis Windmill overlooking Little Venice houses a folklore museum, while others around the island now serve as very unusual homes. The views from the windmills over Little Venice and the harbor are stunning, especially at sunset. Sailing into harbor, the windmills are one of the first sights of Mykonos.
Practical Info
The four most famous windmills overlook Little Venice and the waterfront’s southern stretch in Mykonos Town (Chora).
Address: Greece
From $ 80
Ancient Akrotiri
Akrotiri came to an abrupt end in approximately 1613 BC with a catastrophic volcanic eruption that buried the Bronze Age settlement in a carpet of ash. Beginning in 1967, excavations of the Minoan town revealed buildings, drainage systems, and pottery, but no human remains or gold valuables, indicating locals had time to flee before disaster hit.
The Basics
The historic highlight of Santorini, Ancient Akrotiri is often visited on islandwide sightseeing tours by bus, minivan, or private vehicle. While the settlement can be explored independently, it’s more rewarding to go with a guide who can provide some context to the ruins.
Some Santorini tours combine a guided visit to Akrotiri with trips to picturesque Greek towns and villages such as Oia, Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Emporio; free time for swimming and sunbathing at stretches such as Perissa Beach or Red Beach; and wine tastings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Nicknamed the Pompeii of the Aegean, Akrotiri is a must for ancient history buffs.
- The excavations are covered by a protective ceiling structure, which provides shelter from the hot Santorini sun.
- With level, wooden boardwalks overlooking the excavated site, Akrotiri is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Ancient Akrotiri is situated on the southern tip of Santorini, about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) south of Fira. During the summer, local KTEL buses run several times daily from Fira to Akrotiri Beach.
When to Get There
Ancient Akrotiri is busiest during the summer months (June through August). Get here early in the day to experience it at its quietest. Between November and March, take advantage of free entry to the site on the first Sunday of every month.
Delve into Ancient Santorini
Visitors with an interest in the ancient history of the island will want to prioritize Ancient Thera, which showcases ruins dating from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Several museums, including the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archaeological Museum (both in Fira), display objects unearthed from Akrotiri and beyond, while the Santozeum Museum (also in Fira) features frescos from the Bronze Age site.
Address: Greece
From $ 40
Monastery of Profitis Ilias
The monastery of Mount Profitis Ilias is perched on the mountain of the same name, the highest point on Santorini at 1,853 ft (565 m) above the Aegean Sea in the south of the island. Built in the early 18th century out of sizeable stone and resembling a fortress, the monastery was dedicated to the prophet Elijah and initially enjoyed great wealth. It once also functioned as a secret school of Greek culture during the dark days of Turkish occupation of the country, but its power began to decline in 1860 and it was badly damaged by the earthquake in 1956. Today Profitis Ilias is successful once more; its three domed church has become a museum hosting an exceptional and significant collection of Greek Orthodox icons, early, hand printed books and bibles, wrought-iron artwork, wooden carvings and elaborately embroidered clerics’ robes. The resident monks put on displays of traditional carpentry, shoemaking, local cooking and wine making as well.
The monastery courtyard and gardens are a popular spot to watch Santorini’s fabled sunsets and it is possible to see right to the hilltop village of Oia from the top of Profitis Ilias. Panoramas also take in the patchwork of plains and vineyards sit in the mountain’s lee, sheltering the young vines from hot winds blowing in from North Africa.
Practical Info
Pyrgos, Santorini. Open Apr–Oct daily 10am–4pm. Admission €3. A long hike up hill or best accessed by car or guided tour from Fira up an extremely winding road. Dress appropriately, covering legs and shoulders.
Address: Pyrgos, Santorini, Cyclades, Greece 847 00, Greece
Hours: Open daily 10am–4pm Apr–Oct
Admission: €3
From $ 40
Mykonos Cruise Port
Known world-over for its cosmopolitan lifestyle and booming nightlife, Mykonos is a favorite amongst visitors on the Greece leg of their Mediterranean tour. With a load of wonderful beaches to park at, Mykonos is also filled with museums and other tokens of cultural life. The town itself is a wonderful maze of charming little streets and traditional buildings full of shops, cafes and restaurants. Feel free to get lost when exploring Mykonos.
How to Get to Mykonos
Now with two ports, one of which is the relatively new, but smaller marina, all sorts of cruise liners, yachts and other boats swarm the island of Mykonos, making it a common ferry destination from places like Rafina or Piraeua, where you can catch a ride daily. Mykonos also has an international airport only a few miles away from the town itself, offering flights from a number of major European destinations.
One Day in Mykonos
Though there may not be much to do along the port itself, you are less than five minutes away from the village of Mykonos, where you can find plenty to do, day or night. During the day, there are a handful of sandy beaches, either in Mykonos town, or nearby Platys Gialos or Paranga. Also check out the famous 16th-century windmills or its famous folklore or archaeological museums, both unforgettable treasures of the island.
Port Information
Mykonos is capable of hosting some very large cruise ships that can also hold vehicles or higher-speed catamarans, and finding such ships is quite easy. On the ferry side, Mykonos works on a four-season schedule, each have different connections and routes depending on the company, so be on the lookout a few weeks prior to each season.
How to Get to Mykonos
Now with two ports, one of which is the relatively new, but smaller marina, all sorts of cruise liners, yachts and other boats swarm the island of Mykonos, making it a common ferry destination from places like Rafina or Piraeua, where you can catch a ride daily. Mykonos also has an international airport only a few miles away from the town itself, offering flights from a number of major European destinations.
One Day in Mykonos
Though there may not be much to do along the port itself, you are less than five minutes away from the village of Mykonos, where you can find plenty to do, day or night. During the day, there are a handful of sandy beaches, either in Mykonos town, or nearby Platys Gialos or Paranga. Also check out the famous 16th-century windmills or its famous folklore or archaeological museums, both unforgettable treasures of the island.
Port Information
Mykonos is capable of hosting some very large cruise ships that can also hold vehicles or higher-speed catamarans, and finding such ships is quite easy. On the ferry side, Mykonos works on a four-season schedule, each have different connections and routes depending on the company, so be on the lookout a few weeks prior to each season.
Address: Pros Palaio Limani, Mykonos, Mykonos Island GR-846 00, Greece
From $ 17
Fira to Oia Hiking Trail
The most spectacular walking trail on one of Greece’s most spectacular islands, the Fira to Oia hiking trail winds northwards past ancient churches, hilly vineyards and through cute, timeless white villages as well as passing along the rim of Santorini’s massive volcanic caldera.
Leaving Fira close to the cable-car station, the trail leads first to the cliff-side village of Firostefani and then on to the 17th-century Byzantine Monastery of St Nicholas, which holds a priceless collection of Orthodox icons. Next stop is the gorgeous, whitewashed Imerovigli, which has many blue-domed chapels and churches as well as plenty of tavernas and cafés with panoramas stretching across the Aegean Sea to the western side of the caldera, which forms the island of Thirassia.
Shortly after Imerovigli, there’s a truly breathtaking view out over the caldera and the azure waters of the Aegean at Skaros Rock. Heading onwards past two more white churches, the settlement of Oia hoves into view, with its sophisticated cafés, bars and restaurants string out along the clifftop.
The 6.75-mile (11-km) hike takes up to four hours and much longer with photo stops — expert photographers lead guided tours to all the best viewing points — and the well-marked route is easy to follow. The path is reasonably maintained but can be uneven and although it is not too taxing, it is steep in parts. Hiking in the middle of the day is manageable in spring and fall, but from June to early September it’s best to set off early in the morning or late afternoon, aiming to arrive in Oia for what is probably the most romantic sunset in the world.
Practical Info
It takes four hours to cover the 6.75-mile (11-km) walking route between the two villages. Wear sturdy shoes. Buses depart Oia for Fira regularly throughout the day.
Address: Fira to Oia Trail, Santorini, Cyclades, Greece
From $ 81
Pyrgos
Pyrgos is a picturesque hillside village set on a volcanic crater at the highest point of the Greece’s Santorini, offering panoramic views of the rest of the island. At the top of the village sit the ruins of Kasteli Castle, remnants of the former capitol of the island before it was moved to Fira (where it remains today.)
Pyrgos is as beautiful as the rest of the island, but also has a special historic charm — with traditional white houses, Byzantine churches, Cycladic architecture, and small winding cobblestone lanes and paths. Some of the churches has beautiful old frescoes visible on the walls. The area sees far fewer tourists than the rest of the island, so it keeps a peaceful atmosphere. Though the town has merely 700 inhabitants, there are tavernas and local restaurants. Visiting the village is a way to experience the traditionally preserved culture of the Greek islands.
Pyrgos is as beautiful as the rest of the island, but also has a special historic charm — with traditional white houses, Byzantine churches, Cycladic architecture, and small winding cobblestone lanes and paths. Some of the churches has beautiful old frescoes visible on the walls. The area sees far fewer tourists than the rest of the island, so it keeps a peaceful atmosphere. Though the town has merely 700 inhabitants, there are tavernas and local restaurants. Visiting the village is a way to experience the traditionally preserved culture of the Greek islands.
Practical Info
Pyrgos is only few kilometers south of Fira, though it is best approached by car due to the steep location.
Address: Santorini, Greece, Greece
From $ 58
Church of Panagia Paraportiani
Surrounded by the boutiques and bars that have made Mykonos the Aegean’s most stylish and sophisticated Greek island, the flower-bedecked Church of Panagia Paraportiani is a highlight of a wander through the town’s picture-perfect Little Venice. The island’s most famous and most photographed church is made up of four whitewashed chapels, topped by a further bright white chapel on the upper storey, reached by an external staircase. Built between the 14th and 17th centuries, the church once guarded the entrance to the town’s castle, long since destroyed.
The multi-layered nature of the church gives it a unique shape, rising from the squared-off white chapels on the ground level to the domed church of the Virgin Mary on the top. Don’t miss the chance snap a photo of the church, standing out in brilliant white against the deep blue sky of the Aegean.
The multi-layered nature of the church gives it a unique shape, rising from the squared-off white chapels on the ground level to the domed church of the Virgin Mary on the top. Don’t miss the chance snap a photo of the church, standing out in brilliant white against the deep blue sky of the Aegean.
Practical Info
The Church of Panagia Paraportiani is in Chora (Mykonos Town), the island’s main hub. The church is in the historic Little Venice quarter, on the southern side of the port overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Only one of the ground-floor chapels is open to the public.
Only one of the ground-floor chapels is open to the public.
Address: Greece
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset
From $ 113
Delos
Archaeological buffs and lovers of legends can't miss a trip to the sacred island of Delos, the archaeological jewel of the Cyclades. Travelers can see firsthand where the ancients lived and clamber over the ruins they left behind. Held sacred as the mythological birthplace of Apollo, Delos was at the heart of the ancient world as an important religious and commercial center, reaching its zenith in the Hellenic period around the 5th century BC.
The huge site sprawls along the island’s west coast, from the stadium in the north to the old trading warehouses to the south. Standouts include the Sanctuary of Apollo temples and the Terrace of the Lions. The remains of private houses surround the semicircular theater, and the site includes several agoras, monuments, sanctuaries and temples. You can see finds from the excavations at the site museum, including the original lions from the much-photographed Terrace of the Lions. Another must-do is the climb up nearby Mt Kythnos for views over the island, sea and site.
The huge site sprawls along the island’s west coast, from the stadium in the north to the old trading warehouses to the south. Standouts include the Sanctuary of Apollo temples and the Terrace of the Lions. The remains of private houses surround the semicircular theater, and the site includes several agoras, monuments, sanctuaries and temples. You can see finds from the excavations at the site museum, including the original lions from the much-photographed Terrace of the Lions. Another must-do is the climb up nearby Mt Kythnos for views over the island, sea and site.
Practical Info
Delos lies a 30-minute sail southwest of Mykonos, only 5km (less than 1 mile) away. You can take an organized tour to Delos, or catch a boat from Chora Mykonos. Factoring in the return boat trips, stays on Delos are a maximum of six or seven hours.
You can’t stay overnight on Delos, which has been uninhabited since 478 BC. Facilities are limited, so pack a picnic and bring all the essentials, including a sunhat and walking shoes.
You can’t stay overnight on Delos, which has been uninhabited since 478 BC. Facilities are limited, so pack a picnic and bring all the essentials, including a sunhat and walking shoes.
Address: Greece
Hours: Open Tue – Sun: 8:30am-3pm
Admission: Adults: € 5
From $ 42