The Cyclades are the Greece of whitewashed cubes and blue sea, and each island has its own temper: Santorini's caldera and its cave suites, the ease of Paros, the energy of Mykonos, the stillness of Folegandros. Island-hopping is part of the pleasure, but the ferries set the rhythm — two islands per week is plenty.
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The euro. Cards are accepted in hotels and most restaurants; carry cash for tavernas and taxis on the smaller islands.
Meze to share, fish grilled whole, island cheeses and capers. Dinner starts late, around 9 pm.
Ferries link the islands — book ahead in summer, when the meltemi wind can delay crossings in July and August. Athens has domestic flights to the bigger islands.
5–10% in restaurants is appreciated; round up for taxis.
Late May–June and September–early October. Most island hotels open around April or May and close in late October.
Santorini for the caldera views and cave suites, Paros for an easier, more relaxed island with good beaches, Folegandros for quiet. Mykonos if you want the nightlife.
Mostly not: the majority of island hotels close from late October to April. For a winter trip to Greece, Athens stays open all year.
Compare Paros hotels by area — Naoussa, Kolympithres and the quieter east coast — with honest notes on beaches, car needs and how much town you actually want.
4 September 2026 · 10 min read
Two islands, two very different hotel markets. Compare design, price, beaches, nightlife and how much the island itself will shape your days.
4 September 2026 · 8 min read
A precise comparison of privacy, sunsets, restaurants, steps and hotel style in Santorini's two most desirable caldera villages.
31 August 2026 · 11 min read
An editors' guide to where to stay in the Cyclades — how Santorini, Mykonos and Folegandros differ, and the small, design-led hotels our editors rate on each.
25 July 2026 · 11 min read
