Antiparos
First and foremost there is Antiparos; just a kilometre or so off the west coast, Antiparos is easily reached either by the car ferry from Pounda, (about 8km south of Parikia), or in the summer there is a regular passenger ferry from Parikia itself.The former takes about ten minutes, the latter about 40.
Antiparos is a delight – there is a good campsite on the north shore, the town itself has a number of good restaurants and places to stay and a lively nightlife during July and August.
The main sightseeing attraction is the famous cave, about 8km south of the port, easily reached by bus or private transport. Don’t miss lunch at Still Waters restaurant nearby on Apandima beach.
Further south there are good beaches at Soros and Ag. Georgios. On the west coast along a dusty track is the rugged Livadi for the more adventurous.
Naxos
The largest of the Cycladic islands, at 450 square km, Naxos also boasts the highest mountain in the Cyclades, Mount Zas, rising to an altitude of just over 1000m. Naxos is also famous for its marble and has lovely beaches fringing the mountainous interior. Well worth a visit and only an hour or so by ferry from Paros.
Delos
Just off the coast of Mykonos, Delos is historically seen as the spiritual centre of the Cyclades, although strictly speaking it isn’t a Cycladic island, rather the hub around which the Cycladic islands revolve.. The birthplace of Apollo according to legend, Delos is visited as a day trip from Paros, usually combined with a visit to Mykonos and is a treasure trove for archaeologists, amateur and professional alike.
Mykonos
Mykonos is the playground for many of the rich and famous, Greek and foreigner alike, as well as being reknowned for its popularity with the gay community. It offers sophisticated nightlife and cosmopolitan restaurants at sophisticated prices! It’s just a couple of hours away by ferry.
Ios
Ios is a very beautiful island which has in recent years become the party island of the Cyclades. Attracting the younger tourists it’s become infamous for its nightlife. Most never see the daylight, let alone the quiet secluded beaches that made Ios an idyllic place not so many years ago.
Santorini
The “must see” island of the Cyclades, Santorini (or ‘Thira’) has the still active sunken volcano as its main attraction. Black sandy beaches and the steep ascent up the cliff add to the unique appeal of the island and the remains of the Minoan city destroyed by an eruption over 3500 years ago provides an interesting excursion.
