Labyrinthine whitewashed alleys, courtyards with colorful flowers, vaulted arches, windmills, small squares with traditional cafés. Six of the Cyclades' most picturesque and authentic villages are waiting for you to explore.
The beauty of the Cyclades doesn't end with the beaches and the islands' capitals. Picturesque and tranquil villages, gems of the hinterland, await visitors who want to discover each island's authentic side. We selected and recommend six villages of the Cyclades that stand out for their unique architecture and distinctive atmosphere. A stroll through the alleys of these captivating settlements, where time has stopped and tradition prevails, is an experience you shouldn't miss.
Dryopida, Kythnos
If you're vacationing on Kythnos, the village of Dryopida is undoubtedly worth a visit. It belongs to the Cyclades, but it doesn't resemble a typical Cycladic village. Hidden from the sea, Dryopida lies in the island's southern part, 8 km from Chora, and is built between two hills at an elevation of 190 meters. Here, buildings have tiled roofs, as the village has a long tradition in the art of ceramics. The village's labyrinthine alleys are a real maze. Wander among traditional tile-roofed houses, old churches, and pretty little squares. At the village's southern end you'll find the Katafiki Cave, one of Kythnos's best-known sights, which features a rich decoration of stalactites and stalactites. Visiting it will offer you an unexpected breath of coolness.
Artemonas, Sifnos
One of the largest settlements of Sifnos is the picturesque Artemonas. It lies north of Apollonia and is built amphitheatrically. You'll recognize it by the two restored windmills at the top of its hill, a spot where you can admire the whole Aegean. With a stroll through Artemonas, you'll come across Panagia tis Kochis, which is said to have been built on the ruins of an ancient worship center of Ekmbatiria Artemis. In the village you'll also see some of Sifnos's finest mansions with large gardens, as well as lanes filled with restaurants serving traditional food and small pastry workshops.
Kardiani, Tinos
Clinging to the brow of a steep slope, unexpectedly green, with distinctive traditional architecture and panoramic views of the Aegean, Kardiani is a surprising village you shouldn't miss when you find yourself on Tinos. Kardiani is on the island's southwestern side, on the road to Pyrgos and Ysternia and lies about 15 km from Tinos's Chora. Thanks to the abundant springs, the village is lush. At the village entrance you'll leave the car and continue your wanderings on foot. Kardiani is an architectural gem. The houses and churches, the narrow lanes, the vaulted arcades, the marble fountains, the flower-filled courtyards, and the central square with its fountain give a unique character to this village built with the area's stones and marbles. Below the village, you'll enjoy the clear sea in the bay of Kardiani (Giannaki), while nearby you'll also find the beaches of Kalyvia and Agios Petros.
Halki, Naxos
Halki, the island's former commercial capital, is a jewel of Naxos's hinterland. Just 17 km from the Chora of Naxos, this well-preserved village hides along its cobbled lanes marvelous neoclassical mansions with paved courtyards, imposing towers, and Byzantine churches filled with frescoes. Don't miss visiting the historic «Vallindras» distillery and tasting its famous kitron. The liqueur made from citron leaves, Naxos kitron, comes in three versions based on its alcohol and sugar content (yellow, white and green).
Lefkes, Paros
Built amphitheatrically at an elevation of 250 m in the island's center, Lefkes is by many considered the most beautiful village of Paros. The typical Aegean houses form many narrow alleys where cars don't enter - that's why they're ideal for walking. Enjoy your stroll along Ramnós, the central cobbled street, to reach the Church of the Holy Trinity, the village's jewel. We also suggest following the Byzantine path with marble slabs that connects Lefkes with the neighboring village of Prodromos, a delightful 7 km route among small vineyards, olive groves, and fragrant shrubs.
Pyrgos, Santorini
Fira and Oia may monopolize visitors' attention, yet medieval Pyrgos - the island's former capital - is a gem of a village that will reveal a Santorini that's different and utterly captivating. It's in the island's interior, at Santorini's highest point, on the slope of Prophet Elias hill. At the center of Pyrgos stands the kastelli (one of the five fortified settlements founded by the Venetians in the 15th century), with houses built amphitheatrically around it. Inside the kastelli, you'll see Theotokaki, one of the oldest churches on Santorini. For the best view, climb up to the monastery of Prophet Elias on the mountainside, from where you'll have the whole island at your feet.
