Things to do in  Cyclades Islands

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.

From the sea, the sun sparkles off the jumble of whitewashed houses and churches lining a maze of narrow, winding streets in Mykonos Town (Chora Mykonos). This picturesque Cycladic town, perched on a harbor in the middle of a wide bay, serves as the island’s commercial hub—its traditional buildings now occupied by shops, cafés, galleries, and Greek restaurants.

Perched on the steep edge of a caldera, looking out over the glittering Mediterranean, Oia is famed for its dreamy sunsets. It’s also one of the most picturesque villages in Santorini, with its striking white buildings, blue-domed churches, and atmospheric cave houses that burrow into the volcanic rock. Two historic harbors nestle below the village, which is the end point of the popular Fira–Oia Hike.

Built around the ruins of the Roman Agora, Plaka is one of the oldest residential areas in Athens—and its cobbled streets are essentially an open-air archaeological site. Here you’ll find Cycladic-style white-washed homes, characteristic architecture dating back to Byzantine and Ottoman times, and narrow alleyways with views of the Acropolis perched on the hill above. Once you’ve visited Plaka’s monuments and museums, sit at a sidewalk taverna to see its charm on full display.

The Santorini volcano exploded around 1600 BC, blowing away more than half the island of Thera and creating a submerged caldera. That caldera is now surrounded by the Santorini archipelago in the Cyclades island group, which includes the famous bow-shaped island of Santorini, plus the volcanic islets Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni—where travelers visit to see rocky, volcanic craters that continue to puff steam.

Discover archaeological ruins and ancient Greek history during a trip to Delos, an island in the Cyclades, near Mykonos. Known as the mythological birthplace of Apollo, Delos was an important religious and cultural center in Ancient Greece. Visit to see the ruins, including a theater, temples, monuments, private homes, and markets.

This picturesque hillside village is set on a volcanic crater at the highest point on Santorini, offering panoramic views over the island. With whitewashed Cycladic architecture, Byzantine churches, and small winding cobblestone lanes, Pyrgos (Pyrgos Kallistis offers the historic charm of the Greek islands without the tourist crowds.

The flower-bedecked Church of Panagia Paraportiani is a highlight of your walk through Mykonos’ picture-perfect Little Venice. Built between the 14th and 17th centuries, the island’s most photographed church is comprised of five whitewashed chapels across two floors that once guarded the entrance to the town’s castle.

Tucked away on the south coast of Santorini, White Beach (Aspri Paralia) is sheltered by chalk-grey cliffs. This minuscule strand is actually composed of coarse black—not white—sand, and liberally peppered with grey and white pebbles as well as massive white volcanic boulders.

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.

With its stark white tower perched atop the Cape Armenistis cliffs and views stretching out over the sea, the Armenistis Lighthouse (Faros Armenistis) feels a world away from the lively streets of nearby Mykonos town. Though the lighthouse is no longer in use, it remains an impressive landmark and a popular spot to admire the sunset.

The Monastery of Profitis Ilias (Moni Profitou Iliou is perched on the mountain of the same name, the highest point on the southern half of Santorini. Built in the early 18th century, the complex is now home to a fine collection of Greek Orthodox icons and religious items, and the resident monks hold demonstrations of artisan crafts.

Santorini’s hot springs are on the tiny, uninhabited islet of Palea Kameni. Continuous volcanic activity underground maintains the springs’ temperature between 86ºF and 95ºF (30°C and 35°C). The sulfuric, orange-tinged spring waters that bubble up into a shallow cove off the islet’s coast are said to be curative for the skin and joints.

Centered around a rugged volcanic crater, the small island of Nea Kameni offers a dramatic landscape, with dark cliffs sculpted from lava rock and orange-tinged natural thermal waters. The island’s striking landscape and natural hot springs make it a popular destination for day cruises from Santorini.

A deep expanse of black lava sand, Perivolos Beach (Paralia Perivolos runs along Santorini’s southeastern coast, merging into lively Perissa Beach to the north and quieter Agios Georgios Beach to the south. Buzzing beach bars, often with DJs, and coupled with sun loungers and a range of water sports, make the strip popular with a younger crowd.