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36.90° N · 25.40° E · Greece
Greek Islands
Couples who want whitewashed villages, caldera views, island hopping and a warm sea in summer.
Local time
The Cyclades are a ring of dry, rocky islands in the Aegean, scattered around the small sacred island of Delos. Whitewashed villages tumble down hillsides to little harbours, blue-domed chapels catch the light, and the sea is strikingly clear. Santorini and Mykonos are the famous names, but Paros, Naxos, Milos, Sifnos and Folegandros offer a quieter version of the same blend of sun, stone and sea.
These islands suit couples above all, with cave suites and infinity pools cut into the cliffs of Santorini, chic beach hotels on Mykonos and adults-only retreats on the smaller islands. The food is simple and very good: grilled fish, ripe tomatoes, capers and island cheeses on a terrace above the water. Island hopping by ferry is part of the pleasure.
When to go
The year in the Greek Islands
May to September is the season, with dry, sunny weather and a sea that warms from about 19 °C in May to 25 °C in August. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, when the meltemi wind often blows strongly from the north. April and October are pleasant, though the sea is cooler. March is still very quiet, and from November to February most resorts close.
Typical long term values, indicative. Weather in any single year can differ.
Where to stay
Resort styles here
On Santorini, most luxury hotels line the caldera rim in Oia, Imerovigli and Firostefani, with cave suites and plunge pools facing the sunset, while beach resorts sit on the dark volcanic sand of the east coast. On Mykonos, many of the smartest hotels overlook the south coast beaches and the bays near the town. Paros, Naxos and Milos have smaller boutique hotels close to sandy beaches and fishing villages.
Getting there
Santorini and Mykonos have seasonal nonstop flights from many European cities, around three hours, or you can fly to Athens and continue by a short flight or ferry. On the islands, transfers by car take 10 to 30 minutes.
Guides that mention the Greek Islands
Read before you go
Photo: Four Seasons
Sunrise or Sunset Side: How Orientation Shapes a Resort Stay
East or west facing changes the light, the heat on your terrace and the water in front of it. How to choose a side and ask for it.
Adults-Only Resorts: Quiet by Design or Just a Label
Whole resort or one pool, sixteen or eighteen, lively or tranquil: how to tell a truly adults-only resort from a marketing label.
Nearby and alike
