Best Beaches in the Cyclades
13 hand-picked beaches in the Cyclades, ranked by our editors. Top pick: Sarakiniko (4.7 / 5).
Sarakiniko
Milos, Greece · Rocky Cove · 4.7 / 5
Plaka Beach
Naxos, Cyclades, Greece · Long Sand Beach on Naxos · 4.5 / 5
Agios Prokopios Beach
Agios Prokopios, Naxos, Greece · Naxos Sand with a View of Paros · 4.5 / 5
Mikro Alyko Beach
Naxos · Sandy Cove below a Rocky Headland · 4.5 / 5
Red Beach Santorini
Akrotiri, Santorini · Dark pebbles below striking red volcanic cliffs · 4.5 / 5
Golden Beach Paros
Paros · Long sandy beach on the east coast of Paros · 4.5 / 5
Santa Maria Beach
Naoussa, Paros · Sandy bay on the north coast of Paros · 4.5 / 5
Elia Beach
Elia, Mykonos, Greece · Long Sandy Bay on Mykonos · 4.4 / 5
Tsigrado Beach
Milos · Hidden Cove on Milos · 4.4 / 5
Kalo Livadi Beach
Mykonos · Long Sandy Bay on Mykonos · 4.4 / 5
Firiplaka Beach
Milos · Colourful Cliffs and Clear Water on Milos · 4.4 / 5
Paleochori Beach
Milos · Sandy Bay on the South Coast of Milos · 4.4 / 5
Platis Gialos Beach
Mykonos · Sheltered sandy bay on the south coast of Mykonos · 4.4 / 5About beaches in the Cyclades
The Cyclades are the Greek island group in the Aegean Sea, known for white villages, clear water and dramatic volcanic or white-rock coastlines. Beaches range from organised sandy bays to wild coves.
When to go
Late May to early October is the best time. The meltemi wind blows most in July and August, so the choice of a sheltered beach matters.
Getting around
Ferries link the islands, and on each island a car, scooter or local bus helps. Book ferries and accommodation early for summer.
Easiest beaches to reach
Sarakiniko, Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios Beach, Golden Beach Paros.
Quieter hidden gems
All beaches at a glance
- Sarakiniko: best May–October, water about 24 degrees C, access easy.
- Plaka Beach: best June–September, water about 23 degrees C, access easy.
- Agios Prokopios Beach: best June–September, water about 24 degrees C, access easy.
- Mikro Alyko Beach: best June–September, water about 24 degrees C, access moderate.
- Red Beach Santorini: best May–October, water about 23 degrees C, access moderate.
- Golden Beach Paros: best June–September, water about 24 degrees C, access easy.
- Santa Maria Beach: best June–September, water about 24 degrees C, access easy.
- Elia Beach: best June–September, water about 24 degrees C, access easy.
- Tsigrado Beach: best June–September, water about 24 degrees C, access challenging.
- Kalo Livadi Beach: best June–September, water about 24 degrees C, access easy.
- Firiplaka Beach: best June–September, water about 24 degrees C, access easy.
- Paleochori Beach: best June–September, water about 24 degrees C, access easy.
- Platis Gialos Beach: best June–September, water about 24 degrees C, access easy.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the beaches in the Cyclades?
Late May to early October is the best time. The meltemi wind blows most in July and August, so the choice of a sheltered beach matters.
Which beaches in the Cyclades are easiest to reach?
The easiest access is at Sarakiniko, Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios Beach, Golden Beach Paros. Check each beach page for parking and facilities.
Do I need a car for the beaches in the Cyclades?
Ferries link the islands, and on each island a car, scooter or local bus helps. Book ferries and accommodation early for summer.