Exploring elegance and essence: A journey across the Cyclades archipelago
Exploring the Lesser-Known Gems of the Cyclades: A Journey Through Serifos, Folegandros, Milos, Paros, Antiparos, and Sifnos
The Cyclades, a group of Greek islands famed for their sugar-cube houses, domed chapels, and impossibly blue waters, offer more than just the popular hotspots of Mykonos and Santorini. Among these islands, Serifos, Folegandros, Milos, Paros, Antiparos, and Sifnos provide wonderful options for authentic, lesser-trodden travel experiences.
Serifos is a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. With rugged landscapes, unspoiled beaches like Psili Ammos and Ganema, traditional Greek village life in Chora, and excellent hiking trails, the island maintains authentic Cycladic charm, ideal for slow travel and cultural immersion.
Folegandros is renowned for its serene atmosphere and rocky cliffs. The main town, Chora, is perched dramatically on a cliff with traditional tavernas and an authentic Greek lifestyle. It offers excellent hiking and secluded beaches accessible by scooter, and sites like the Church of the Virgin Mary provide scenic experiences.
Milos is famous for its volcanic geology and stunning beaches, yet it remains less crowded than Santorini or Mykonos. It offers unique rock formations and traditional villages for an authentic island experience. The island is characterized by dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, including the lunar-white cliffs at Sarakiniko and the surreal, rose-tinted rock formations at Kleftiko.
Paros has a blend of lively towns and peaceful villages, with authentic tavernas and local markets. Its smaller neighbor, Antiparos, is quieter and more relaxed, perfect for visitors wanting low-key charm and fewer tourists.
Sifnos is celebrated for its culinary traditions, beautiful hiking paths, quiet beaches, and well-preserved Cycladic architecture. This makes it an ideal island for cultural authenticity.
Each of these islands provides an experience rich in traditional Greek culture, scenic landscapes, and fewer tourists compared to typical hotspots. For transport, ferries connect these islands, with some requiring connections via Athens or larger nearby islands like Santorini or Mykonos.
In Serifos, Thalami in Livadi is a popular taverna for its chargrilled octopus, lemony calamari, and tomato pappardelle. Coco-Mat Eco Residences on Vagia Beach is a peaceful hotel converted from miners' houses with natural materials and shaded terraces. Hora, the beguiling hilltop town in Serifos, is widely considered one of the most picturesque in Greece.
Folegandros is a quiet island with no airport, cruise ships, or thumping beach bars, offering a sense of stillness and raw beauty. The Rooster, a boutique hotel in Antiparos, is a great base for exploring the island's pristine beaches and hidden coves.
In Milos, the Archaeological Museum in Plaka houses the famous Venus de Milo and other artifacts. Gundari, a new eco-luxury retreat on Folegandros, offers minimalist suites with private pools and floor-to-ceiling sea views.
Paros is a Cycladic island that strikes a balance between lively charm and timeless tradition, making it a favorite for travelers. Parikia, the capital of Paros, has a bustling harbor and cafes serving rich Greek coffee. Andronis Minois is a newly refurbished property in Paros with a sublime spa and bountiful breakfast buffet.
Sifnos is a popular spot for sundowners with an unbeatable view. Barbarossa in Naoussa offers this, along with simple but exquisite dishes, including sea bass, vine-ripened tomatoes, and fava beans. Artemonas, a graceful sprawl in Sifnos, is known for its neoclassical mansions, citrus groves, and old-fashioned pastry shops.
Botzi in Sifnos serves modern takes on Cycladic classics, while To Tsikali, a taverna on Cheronissos beach, serves clay pot dishes like mastelo and revithada. Cantina in Kastro pairs delicious seafood with knockout sunsets. Apollonia, the capital of Sifnos, is a cluster of narrow lanes with rickety tables and mezze at Drakakis.
Antiparos is a smaller, quieter island near Paros, still relatively undiscovered. Strou Stratou in Hora serves strong Greek coffee, while Halida Bakery offers iced watermelon juice and portokalopita. Soso, a restaurant in Naoussa, offers a similar experience.
Sifnos is beloved for its long and proud culinary heritage. Nikolaos Tselementes, a notable Greek chef, hails from Sifnos and is credited with elevating traditional dishes like moussaka and pastitsio. Verina Astra, a design-forward hideaway in Sifnos, offers sleek stone suites, yoga at sunrise, a saltwater pool, and terraces with infinite sea views.
Beyond popular destinations like Mykonos and Santorini, the Cyclades offer a quieter, slower-paced version of island life. Faros and Vathi on Sifnos offer quiet dips at dawn with a scent of wild thyme in the air. Levantis in Parikia serves inventive Mediterranean dishes in a pretty garden setting. Cosme near Naoussa offers smart nautical design touches and direct beach access.
These lesser-known gems of the Cyclades provide a unique and authentic Greek island experience, away from the crowds. Whether you're seeking tranquility, adventure, or culinary delights, these islands offer something for every traveler.
In the beautiful Cycladic islands of Serifos, Paros, and Sifnos, visitors can savor Greek culinary delights at Thalami in Livadi, Botzi, Barbarossa, and Verina Astra. Each of these exceptional restaurants offers unique dishes like chargrilled octopus, sea bass, and modern takes on traditional dishes, all while serving breathtaking views.
For those looking to unwind in more secluded settings, a home-and-garden retreat awaits on the islands of Folegandros and Milos. The Rooster in Antiparos and Gundari on Folegandros offer minimalist suites with private pools and stunning sea views, perfect for travelers seeking a tranquil escape or a lifestyle of luxury amidst nature's wonders.
