GREEK CYCLADES
DREAM HOLIDAY
Best Greece islands to visit - how to choose
Cyclades Islands offer a large range of attractions – what are the key factors to think about when you’re looking to choose where to spend your Cyclades Island holiday. We recognise that everyone is looking for something different from their holiday and we cannot simply say which island is the best for you. What we can do is highlight the different factors that might help you narrow down your choices.
Best time to visit Cyclades islands
If you look through a few sites you’ll see multiple suggestions that May/June or September are the best times to visit. The reasons for these recommendations are:
- The weather is warm but not too hot – bear in mind that the cooling Northerly wind (the Meltemi) plays an important role in tempering the summer heat
- The visitor numbers are not at their peak – July/August is the peak holiday time for Greeks and International visitors
- And hence beaches are not to crowded, you can stroll into restaurants and bars and the general pace is less frenetic (as it gets on the Islands)
How can you choose between May/June and September? Well one factor is that the sea temperature is much warmer in September after being heated through the summer. Against that, there is sometimes a weariness amongst the hospitality teams having worked through that summer period.
So there is no right and wrong answer – and anyway you may not be in a position to choose the ideal time. So what if you can only come in July/August – where should you choose?
Which Cyclades island in the busy times?
If a visit in July/August is your only option, don’t be put off, just tailor your choices.
Cyclades Islands can be busy in peak periods – if you dont mind crowds then there is no need to be concerned – you can go to Santorini, Mykonos or Paros!! But if you’d prefer somewhere quieter look to the islands with plenty of room, accommodation options and the larger beaches. Naxos for example as the largest Cyclades island has plenty of room, lots of different areas of accommodation and large beaches. Sure the Chora of Naxos gets busy in the peak months but there’ll still be room for you to enjoy your break.
Tinos and Syros are other good options to consider. Small islands like Koufonisia have limited facilities and infrastructure – so when all the accommodation is taken , it can seem quite crowded.
Which Greek Island to choose?
If you’re lucky enough to be able to choose your timing , then how do you choose from all the Cyclades Islands?
Here are some factors to consider:
Access – will you be arriving via Athens? If you’re using a ferry, then consider the ferry connection – the length of the trip and the frequency of the service. If you’re planning to take a domestic flight to an island, consider how the timing of your flight into Athens works with the domestic flight. You may have to overnight in Athens both ways (arrival and departure) so take that into account.
Size of the island – do you like a small environment where you can quickly become familiar with your surroundings and get to know people? Or do you prefer a larger environment with lots of variety and different places to see every day? Small islands – Folegandros, Schinoussa, Koufonisia, Kimolos. Larger are Naxos, Paros, Tinos, Milos.
The beaches – if beaches are important to you, make sure you choose an island with good examples. And if sand is your thing (not pebbles/rocks) make sure the island you choose has the golden stuff. Also do you like ‘organised’ beaches i.e. umbrellas, beds, waiter service or the more traditional style?
Sophistication – interesting one this – do you like classy restaurants/bars and shops offering ‘international’ goods? Or are you just as happy with simpler local offerings? Nightlife probably belongs in the same category – do you like bars/nightclubs laid on or are you happy to make your own entertainment?
Food – do you like good food? (Stupid question?) Some islands are known for their gourmet food offerings in a ‘food to table’ style. Tinos for example has a local movement that has developed the quality of the food being offered in recent years (and great wineries like Volacus) but somewhere like Amorgos is perhaps less ‘foodie’ and more rustic in its offerings. Something to consider.
Have a browse through our summaries and let us know if you have any questions.
