69 Best Sights in The Cyclades, Greece

This is one of the most popular beaches on the island due to its close proximity to Naxos Town and its long stretch of pure, fine white sand. It features a small leeward harbor with a unique view of small lagoons where herons find refuge. Its position protects it from island winds, so swimming is a calm experience that you don't always find on neighboring beaches. The small village surrounding it is lined with tavernas and cafés. Nudity is allowed in designated areas. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: nudists; swimming; walking.

The reason that many people visit Milos, Sarakiniko is the eerily sculpted inlet whose bone-white rocks lie in the sea like vast Henry Moore abstract forms. The limestone and diatomite moonscape was on the seabed 2 million years ago and fish and shell fossils can often be seen in the rocks. Try to get there before 7 am as the sunrise is spectacular and you will be largely alone. Explore the right-hand side before settling down on the left for sunbathing, swimming, and cliff diving—past the cliffs on the right is a shipwreck half-submerged in the sea, and there are abandoned mine tunnels to explore. Beware though, there is no shade and the light reflecting from the white rocks is mesmerizing and intense. There is parking at the top that also serves as the bus stop. Amenities: parking. Best For: sunrise; sunset.

Considered one of Syros's most beautiful beaches, Agathopes gets packed in peak season due to its shallow waters and fine sand. If you're there at the right time, you'll find a unique small islet where white sea lilies blossom. The sea view is also dotted with the uninhabited islands called Schinonissi and Stroggilo. Beachgoers can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, and there's a local taverna within walking distance. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming.

Agrari is a low-key beach with yellow pebble sand flanked by a low hill of small whitewashed buildings to the left and a rocky island hill to the right. Umbrellas and sun beds are available for rent. You can grab a snack, drinks, or a full meal at the beach’s own bar and restaurant, but there are more options just a walk away. Boats leave from Platis Gialos and Ornos Bay. It’s also walkable via a footpath from neighboring Elia Beach, attracting nudists who stay in certain areas. Driving east from Mykonos Town, watch out for a stunning view of the turquoise blue as you make that final turn to the beach.Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming.

South of Naxos Town, Ayia Anna is a sandy-smooth extension of Ayios Prokopios Beach. A small port, with connections to Paros, it often has picturesque little boats docked here. At one point considered a main commercial harbor of the island, today it's a popular beach for water sports and those who want to enjoy the simplicity of its turquoise waters. The small village behind it is filled with restaurants, cafés, and beach bars. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are abundant. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.

Somewhat hidden in the shadow of Kalafatis Beach, Ayia Anna is a low-key beach, named after a little whitewashed chapel nearby. It’s a place where you can observe windsurfers in the distance as fishing boats bob calmly in the wind-protected waters. Two hills protect the bay—the locals lovingly call them divounia, or Aphrodite’s breasts. Summer beach chair and umbrella rentals are available and there is a handful of tavernas and cafés. There are also two easy hiking paths to neighboring Platis Gialos and Paraga beaches. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming.

This long sandy beach is the closest organized beach to Tinos Town, and it's also the island's largest beach overall. The coastline is marked with natural shade from tamarisk trees, but beach chairs and umbrellas are readily available for rent during the summer. The main road behind the beach has a gathering of beach hotels, rooms, and tavernas. There are also a few beach bars and cafés along its 1½-km (1-mile) stretch. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; walking.

Essentially an extension of Naxos Town, the easily accessible Ayios Georgios Beach is a popular, developed destination that sees its throng of crowds during the peak summer months. Protected from summer winds, the sandy coastline edges up against shallow waters that make it ideal for kids. The bustle of the main town extends here; restaurants, tavernas, and café bars are all within easy walking distance with views of the sea. It's also an ideal beach scene to take in the sunset. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.

Head 11 km (7 miles) south of Antiparos Town to the calm, southeastern beaches of Ayios Georgios. This series of small, fine-sand coves has a view of the uninhabited island of Despotiko. Here, three small fish tavernas sit on the edge of the tiny village road, overlooking the sea. Otherwise, what you see is what you get—a serene untouched landscape. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.

Served by the Kolymbithres boat, Ayios Ioannis's golden, sandy beach is peaceful, clean, and quiet. Also known by locals as Monastiri Beach, it is protected by a rocky cove and has a snack bar and numerous amenities. Nice, gently shelving waters are perfect for kids.The blue-domed, whitewashed Ayios Ioannis Monastery sits to the right side of the beach, a short walk away. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming.

One of the best places on Mykonos to catch the sunset is the pebble-and-sand beach of Ayios Ioannis. Divided into two sections by large rocks, the waters usually remain calm but the summer winds can take their hold. The shallow bay is popular with families, and dining and lodging options are plenty thanks to the whitewashed beach town that grew around it. The beach is also referred to as Shirley Valentine Beach, because the 1989 British movie of the same name was filmed here.Amenities: food and drink. Best for: sunset; swimming.

Since it's secluded from the summer's temperamental gusty island winds, the sands that fill up the pretty curved beach of Ayios Ioannis Porto Beach stay put. Here you can spend the day under tamarisk trees for natural shade or rent beach chairs and umbrellas during peak season. Its shallow waters and calm nature make it a choice beach for families. Several beach hotels are in close proximity. A few tavernas are nearby for a beach break. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming.

Known for its shallow turquoise waters and excellent, clear view of Mykonos, the yellow sand-filled Ayios Sostis Beach is said to be a continuation of Ayios Kyriaki Beach. In the summer, beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. A few tavernas and cafés are within walking distance for a meal break or refreshments. There are several ways to get to the beach, including a few small roads lined with bougainvillea and tall reeds. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming.

All you’ll find at Ayios Sostis is turquoise waters lapping against the sand and a small-pebble coast. Without natural shade, or any touristic development whatsoever, beachgoers who need shade should come prepared. This is a beach with hidden elements though, so be sure to go in search of the small unnamed beach tucked in between it and neighboring Panormos, which is accessible by footpath. Off another path that leads to the main road, you'll find the small church that this beach is named after. Next to the church, a crowd may gather outside a nearby garden tavern you might otherwise miss if it wasn’t the peak summer season in July and August. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: solitude; swimming.

Like many beaches in Greece, Ayios Stefanos takes its name from the little chapel built on it. Just north of Mykonos Town and next to the new harbor, this sandy stretch attracts its share of families for its shallow waters and array of eating, lodging, and café options within reach. Protected from northern winds, it’s always been an ideal beach to view the sunsets of Mykonos. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking, water sports Best for: sunset; swimming.

As one of the closest organized beaches to Ermoupoli, Azolimnos attracts its share of crowds in the height of summer. The coast is a mixture of small rocks and sand with a picturesque little dock that juts out into the bay. Tamarisk trees offer natural shade, and lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. The small road set in the background is lined with various options for food, coffee, drinks, and supplies. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming.

The closest sand beach to Ia is handy when you don't feel like making the trip to more famous beaches on the south end of the island. It's not that there's anything second-rate about this beautiful spot: the cliff-backed strip of sand is rarely crowded; the sea floor is sandy, too, providing nice wading for kids and a pleasant experience when splashing around in the surf; and the cliffs provide welcome shade. A downside is the summertime meltemi winds, which churn up the surf and sand. Islanders used to grow fruits and vegetables down here, and the name comes from the Turkish word for garden, baxes. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free). Best for: surfing (at times); swimming.

This long, quiet sandy stretch of beach is located off a small path leading from the Antiparos Camping campground and just north of Antiparos Town. The view is peaceful: just the neighboring inlet of Diplos and a turquoise sea. On one section of the beach, umbrellas and lounge chairs can be rented and another area is frequented by nudists—it's one of Greece's recognized naturist beaches. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: nudists; solitude; walking.

This small beach is known for its pretty water and relaxed atmosphere. It’s also known around the island for Magaya, a colorful beach bar set right in front of the beach. In the summer, beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, so grab one and settle in to enjoy the view of Paroikía Bay. There’s a small rocky islet with an underwater cave in the near distance, popular for swimmers to head to, but it’s often full of sea urchins. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming.

Long, tranquil, and beautiful, Elia is a popular option for those who seek beach relaxation. Attracting a predominantly LGBT crowd, this southern beach is also popular with those who want to relax on a soft sand beach that’s protected from the north winds that sweep through the island from time to time. Umbrellas and sun beds are for rent and water-sports facilities pop up during the peak summer months. Dining options are plentiful with several cafés and tavernas close by. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: nudists; swimming.

Sheltered by the summer island winds, Finikas Beach is the perfect spot for those seeking a calm beach day southwest of Ermoupoli. Boasting the island's second largest port, yachts often dock here and there's typically a picturesque scene of fishing boats bobbing on the calm waters. Tamarisk trees dot the beach providing natural shade, although beach umbrella and chair rentals are available during peak season. There are plenty of eateries to choose from as well. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming.

Ftelia is famous for its winds, which attract windsurfers who love to test out the turquoise waters. The beach's smooth sand is mostly free of sun beds or umbrellas, so when you approach it, all you’ll see is a wide-open stretch of yellow sand—if the wind isn’t blowing it all about. There is a good beach club built into the rocks at the far left-hand side. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: windsurfing.

Competing with Kini for the most magical sunset, the long curve of sand and clear coastline of water at Galissas is a local favorite. It's also won the coveted EU Blue Flag award for being one of the cleanest in Europe. As one of the island's largest beaches, it's well organized with beach umbrella and chair rentals available in peak season. When the island winds roar, windsurfers show up. There's a separate area for nudists. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: nudists; swimming; windsurfing.

Golden Beach (or Chrysi Akti in Greek) is a series of tree-fringed sandy beaches that are well organized and in close proximity to an array of taverns, restaurants, and cafés. The area is famous for its water-sports activities and several centers are based here offering diving excursions and kitesurfing and windsurfing lessons. The Windsurfing World Cup has held events here. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; water sports; windsurfing.

The beach, located right at the foot of the little fishing village of Isternia Bay, is actually two beaches—one a pebbled area and one a sandy cove—but both are known for their peaceful seclusion, although two tavernas and a café are nearby. You can also take some time out to visit the inland village of Isternia about 5 km (3 miles) away. Whether you're lying on the beach or having a meal by the sea, you can look forward to enjoying one of the nicest sunset views in Tinos. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: solitude; swimming.

This long stretch of picturesque beach with a line of shady trees is known for the water-sports and windsurfing crowds it attracts. The back road has an array of hotels, rooms-for-rent, tavernas, and beach bars, as well as a well-known windsurfing school and water-sports rental shop. A small dock to the left side of the beach houses a tavern, beach bar, and a diving center office that leads excursions out to nearby uninhabited islands. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking; windsurfing.

Mykonos’s characteristic rocky hills surround Kalo Livadi’s long sandy beach, at the edge of the island valley from which it got its name, meaning "good valley.” Families head here to spend the day playing with their kids in the shallow waters and take a break at one of the many restaurants surrounding the beach. In summer the beach is divided into several areas that feature various styles of sun beds and umbrellas for rent. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming.

Santorini's most popular beach, one of several excellent stretches of sand on the southern end of the island, manages to maintain its beauty despite an onslaught of sunseekers. The black sands are backed by dramatic cliffs, including the one topped by Ancient Thira. A steep path from one end of the beach leads up to the ruins, past a refreshing and very welcome natural spring, but most beachgoers don't venture beyond their umbrella-shaded loungers or the long line of beach bars and tavernas. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

Sandy, long, and unorganized, Kaminia sits to the north of Paroikía Bay. Beachgoers seeking more solitude can head here, even though it’s right next to the popular Krios Beach. See if you can find the cave of Archilochos, which is a small opening on the rock along the coast. The famous Ancient Greek poet was said to visit the cave for inspiration and wrote poetry there. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; swimming.