Beaches in the Cyclades

Best Beaches

The Cyclades archipelago offers a diverse range of coastal environments, from the white volcanic rock formations of Sarakiniko on Milos to the iconic black and red sands of Santorini. Mykonos provides sheltered bays like Panormos and wind-swept shores such as Kalafati, favored for windsurfing. Naxos features the cedar-lined dunes of Aliko, while Sifnos offers the calm, shallow waters of Vathy. These beaches showcase the unique geological history and varying wind conditions characteristic of the Aegean Sea.

Best Beaches — Map

Arkoudes / CC BY 3.0

A

Sarakiniko

Famous for its bone-white volcanic rock formations and lack of vegetation, creating a lunar-like landscape. The smooth, wind-sculpted cliffs overlook deep turquoise waters and include several accessible sea caves.

SANTORINI2017 / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Perissa Beach

A great beach covered in black sand, it is said to be among the best beaches of Santorini. Real fun for the whole family here.

Hartmut Inerle / CC-BY-SA-3.0

C

Kamari Beach

This long beach with dark sand is a very popular place for a holiday. All the facilities you need are around.

Lance Cpl. Vanessa M. American H / Public domain

D

Paradise Beach

This is the party beach no.1 - golden sand, clean water and countless beach bars blasting music all night long.

Gene Hiew / CC-BY-SA

E

Red Beach

The most famous and probably most beautiful beach on the island enclosed by a marvelous red stone cliff.

PD

F

Psarou

Psarrou is a beach and village on the island of Mykonos in Greece. The beach is located 4 km from Mykonos town and it is close to Platys…

Μυρμηγκάκι / Attribution

G

White Beach

This spectacular beach is not easily accessible - you can get there only by a boat. That's why it is very tranquil.

Olaf Tausch / CC BY 3.0

H

Vlychada Beach

A tranquil gravel beach blocked off by a wall of rock. You probably won't find any crowds here, so if you're looking for something more…

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

I

Elia Beach

Fine golden sand, crystal clear water, and an array of beach facilities - there's nothing missing on this beach!

Andreas Routsias / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Agios Ioannis

A tranquil beach lined with taverns. The rather coarse sand is balanced with clean sea and many facilities available.

Klearchos Kapoutsis / CC BY 2.0

K

Perivolos Beach

A long and beautiful black-sand beach; popular, but not so crowded. Come here to spend a great afternoon in the sun.

Olaf Tausch / CC BY 3.0

L

Paranga

Popular, laid-back beach with shallow entry to the water. You can camp just behind the beach, there are many facilities and a beach bar here.

Bgabel / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Ornos

Lined with bars and taverns, this beach has any service or facility you may wish for. Always lively, always full of fun.

Olaf Tausch / CC BY 3.0

N

Panormos

A dream-like beach with turquoise water and golden sand. It is protected by the bay - there are no strong winds.

Olaf Tausch / CC BY 3.0

O

Platys Gialos

A popular urban beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, a fine sandy shore, and very clean water. Stay here for a fun day at the sea.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

P

Palaiochori Beach

A volcanic beach on Milos known for its multi-colored pebbles and geothermal activity. Underwater hot springs heat the sea in specific spots, and local tavernas use the high sand temperature for slow-cooking traditional dishes.

Zde / CC BY-SA 4.0

Q

Vathy

A horseshoe-shaped bay on Sifnos protected from strong Meltemi winds. The shallow, calm waters are lined with traditional pottery workshops and seaside tavernas built directly on the sandy shore.

R

Aliko (Alyko) Beach

Located within a protected cedar forest and sand dune system on Naxos. The area features several secluded coves and the ruins of an abandoned hotel complex decorated with large-scale street art.

ΔΗΜΑΔΗΣ / Public domain

S

Kalafati

The most popular beach for water sport lovers - the offshore winds are just perfect for the windsurfers.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

T

Plathiena

A secluded sandy beach on the northern coast of Milos. It features shallow turquoise waters and views of the Akraties islets, though it remains exposed to northern winds.

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