Dream beaches or intimate coves: the best places to swim in the Cyclades

Don’t wait any longer to discover the Cyclades, with its dream beaches and secret coves! Follow our guide.

The Cyclades, the Greek archipelago located in the Aegean Sea, is brimming with magnificent beaches and coves. Whether you’re looking for a lively seafront for water sports or a more intimate, secluded spot to relax in peace and quiet, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re hesitating between the dream beaches and secret coves of the Cyclades, our selection will help you make your choice. We’ll give you practical advice on how to find the best places for swimming, bathing and water sports to suit your preferences and travel style.

Dream beaches: fine sand and turquoise waters

Super paradise, Elia and Psarou

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The beaches of Mykonos are famous for their festive and effervescent atmosphere, as well as for their golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re looking for a lively se afront to have fun or a family beach to relax in peace and quiet, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for on this Greek island. Here are three of the best Mykonos beaches not to be missed.

• Super Paradise beach is known for its festive atmosphere and bars. It’s a popular spot for open-air parties and convivial evenings. The coastline is also lined with restaurants and bars for those looking to eat and drink while enjoying the beach.
• Elia beach is one of the longest and most beautiful in Mykonos. It’s ideal for families with children, as the waters are shallow and calm. And if you fancy a refreshing break, don’t worry, there are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.
• Psarou beach is a renowned spot for celebrities and luxury seekers. There are many fine restaurants and high-end swimming facilities available for visitors. It’s an ideal place to let go and recharge your batteries.

Sarakiniko, Firopotamos and Tsigrado

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Milos is a dream destination for lovers of idyllic beaches and unspoilt nature.

• Sarakiniko beach is a must-see destination, with its unique white rock formations and crystal-clear waters. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling and discovering marine life. Hiking trails along the cliffs are another great way to explore the area.
• Firopotamos beach is a sandy and pebbly beach set in a peaceful bay. Are you a fan of water sports? Just the thing, thanks to its clear, shallow waters, this Cycladic beach is ideal. Then head for the nearby traditional tavernas to sample the local cuisine.
• Tsigrado beach is accessible only by boat and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on Milos. This unspoilt Cycladic cove is a peaceful place to relax and recharge your batteries. Its crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Intimate coves to escape the crowds

Mouros, Agia Anna and Levrossos

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Amorgos is one of the most peaceful and unspoilt islands in the Cyclades. It’s perfect for travelers looking to relax and enjoy nature. The island’s coves offer breathtaking scenery and clear, calm waters for swimming and snorkeling.

• Mouros Cove is set in a wild, unspoilt landscape, surrounded by cliffs and rock formations. Enjoy swimming in the clear, calm waters or snorkeling. The cove is sheltered from the hustle and bustle of tourism, giving you the chance to relax and unwind.
• Agia Anna cove is located in a sheltered bay. The shallow, clear waters make this cove an ideal spot for swimming and lounging. If you’re keen to discover Cycladic gastronomy, you’ll also find local tavernas nearby.
• Finally, the Levrossos cove is set in an enchanting natural environment. It is bordered by a turquoise sea that reflects the beauty of the landscape. Its calm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Still very much unspoilt, this small Cycladic beach is sure to be a memorable experience for families and friends alike.

Agali, Livadaki and Ambeli

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The Cyclades are full of breathtaking beaches and coves, and Folegandros is no exception. This island offers a selection of idyllic coves for travelers eager for aquiet getaway in the middle of nature. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day at the beach or want to explore the crystal-clear waters, Folegandros has something for everyone.

• Crique d’Agali is the ideal place to reconnect with nature. Surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation, this cove offers clear, calm waters perfect for swimming and water sports. You’ll be able to recharge your batteries with the feeling of being alone in the world.
• Livadaki Cove is also located in a sheltered bay. Access to the cove is by boat or after an hour’s walk. But you’ll soon be rewarded with a dip in its clear waters. Local tavernas are close by for a bite to eat.
• Finally, Ambeli cove is another hidden gem on Folegandros. Surrounded by cliffs, this cove boasts deep turquoise waters. You won’t be able to resist dipping your feet in for long. A word of advice, though: don’t bring too many people – there’s not enough room for everyone on this tiny, intimate beach.

Fikiada, Vathy and Kamares

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The Cyclades are full of secret, picturesque beaches and coves, and theisland of Sifnos is a perfect example. Fikiada cove, Vathy cove and Kamares cove are ideal places to swim, relax and enjoy nature.

• Fikiada cove is the perfect spot to recharge your batteries, surrounded by nature and the gentle sound of the waves. The clear, calm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• Vathy cove lies in a sheltered bay. Surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation, this beach is a true haven of peace. The clear, shallow waters are ideal for swimming and water sports.
• Kamares cove is renowned for its understated charm and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for those seeking to escape the crowds. It, too, is set in enchanting surroundings, surrounded by cliffs. Bathing in the clear waters, relaxing and cavorting in the water will be your main activities – top notch!

Family beaches: safety and accessibility

Agios Prokopios, Plaka and Mikri Vigla

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• If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach in Naxos, then Agios Prokopios beach is an ideal choice. With its fine sand and crystal-clear waters, this beach is popular with families. It’s also lined with numerous restaurants and bars for your meals and drinks breaks. Beach facilities, such as umbrellas and sun loungers, are well equipped to allow you to relax in comfort.
• If you’re looking for a beach close to a village, Plaka beach is an option to consider. Located close to the village of Plaka, this beach offers soft sand and shallow water, ideal for children. There are also tavernas and bars where you can enjoy a meal.
• For water sports enthusiasts, Mikri Vigla beach is a must. This beach is appreciated for its panoramic views over the Aegean Sea and its ideal wind conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. It’s also family-friendly, with shallow waters and well-equipped beach facilities.

Pori, Finikas and Ammos

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• Are you looking for the perfect place to spend some family-friendly time in the Cyclades? Then Pori beach in Koufonisia is the place for you. Surrounded by magnificent rock formations and lush vegetation, this beach offers calm bathing conditions for children with its shallow waters. It’s the ideal place to explore the seabed by snorkeling.
• Finikas beach is also very popular with families for its clear, shallow waters. It also offers beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and is surrounded by pines, tamarisk and shrubs.
• If you’re looking for an even more unforgettable experience, don’t miss Ammos beach, consideredone of Koufonisia’smost beautiful beaches. With its shallow waters and calm bathing conditions, your children will be able to enjoy swimming in complete safety. It also offers a number of restaurants and bars for meals and drinks, as well as sun loungers and parasols to perfect your tan. In moderation, of course!

Unique and unusual beaches

Red Beach, Perissa and Vlychada

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Santorini is full of beautiful Cycladic beaches and coves to explore. Red Beach is famous for its striking red color, due to the presence of iron oxide in the surrounding rocks. Travelers can also enjoy superb views of the Aegean cliffs and Santorini’s volcano, as well as great swimming conditions.

• One of Santorini’s most popular beaches, Perissa is distinguished by its black volcanic sand and crystal-clear waters. Travelers will find plenty of bars and restaurants for dining, as well as sun loungers and parasols for basking in the Greek sun.
• Vlychada beach is also a must-see destination for fans of colorful beaches and unique rock formations. Here, travelers can enjoy panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and surrounding islands, as well as cool off in the beautiful swimming conditions.

Psaraliki, Livadia and the Antiparos cave

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During your trip to the Cyclades, Antiparos is an ideal destination for those seeking hidden, peaceful beaches.

• Psaraliki beach offers an intimate atmosphere in which to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. You’ll find local restaurants in the vicinity to refresh you between dives.
• Livadia beach is another calm and peaceful option, with its turquoise waters and relaxing facilities. Sun loungers and parasols await you.
• For a unique experience, don’t forget to visit the Antiparos cave and surrounding area. This sea cave is famous for its rock formations and crystal-clear waters, offering a unique opportunity to explore underwater nature. The surrounding area also offers beautiful beaches for relaxing and swimming.

As you explore the beaches and coves of the Cyclades, you’re sure to find the perfect place to relax and swim. All you have to do is choose the one that suits you best. So, are you ready to go?