Greece is the Word
With their postcard-perfect views and white washed architecture, Mykonos and Santorini have been mainstays of summer in Europe for generations (like, many, many generations - Mykonos is said to have been the battleground between Zeus and the Giants during the Gigantomachy, a mythical war between the Olympian gods and the Giants, and legend has it that the large rocks scattered across Mykonos are the petrified remains of the defeated Giants.) But vacationing in the Greek Isles doesn’t need to be defined by crowds clamoring for a sunset photo – we’ve rounded up four of our favorite Cycladic islands, where you can enjoy classic views, secret beaches, and excellent local cuisine without fear of being smacked in the head during sunset with an errant selfie stick.
Antiparos
The refrain about Paros is that it’s what Mykonos used to be; its adjacent little sibling Antiparos is what Mykonos wants to be. Sure, you may run into Americans here – and they’ll be the likes of Tom Hanks and Jeff Bezos, enjoying the day’s local catch on blue wooden chairs in a local taverna. Wander through the narrow streets of Antiparos Town, the island's main settlement, and you’ll find your white-washed alleyways and riots of bougainvillea.
Where to Stay: The move here is to rent a villa (or charter a yacht); the community spirit of the island is best enjoyed slowly and from a home base. For those who only have a few days (villas in Greece reliably require 7 night minimum stays), the Rooster is a cool-kids wellness hangout, with subdued boho décor and access to reiki and Qi gong treatments.
Folegandros
Hilly, red Folegandros sits between Santorini and Paros, but somehow has remained proudly and stubbornly local as international tourists have descended on its neighbors. Time stands still here; perched atop rugged cliffs, Chora welcomes travelers with its labyrinthine alleys and panoramic vistas. Explore the timeless beauty of Kastro, an ancient settlement steeped in history, or hop into a skiff to discover hidden coves and pristine beaches, where there are not only no beach chairs, there’s not another soul.
Where to stay: The Cyclades are one of those destinations that attract a dedicated crew of return visitors, and they’re abuzz about Gundari, a boutique retreat set to open this summer on 80 acres of cliffs. The design is Dionysus goes to Joshua Tree, and the promise of seclusion is the main attraction.
Tinos
Mykonos’s neighbor to the northwest, Tinos feels like an exhale. The island has historically been an important religious site; these days, it caters to low-key travelers keen to swerve the crowds and party scene of its better-known sibling (but don’t worry, there are picturesque windmills here too). There are over 60 villages on the island, which is the fourth-largest in the Cycladic chain, and intrepid visitors will be well-served renting a car in order to explore freely. Don’t miss Kolympithra beach, a rare Greek surf spot that also offers a bar built into an old VW bus.
Where to Stay: Surrounded by 7 acres of olive trees, low-key Aelios tumbles down the hillside between Triantaros and Berdemiaros Village. While this may not be your spot if you’re looking for hand-holding service, travelers who want a breezy break will love the rustic indoor-outdoor architecture and feeling of isolation.
Sifnos
If the food is not already the reason you’re traveling to Greece, it should be, and once it is, Sifnos is the island to hit. Known as the culinary capital of the Cyclades, Sifnos is home to several restaurants that draw food obsessives in their private sailboats from surrounding islands just for a lunch, but base yourself here and more charm reveals itself. Legend says there are 365 churches – one for each day of the year – and an observant visitor can confirm there are ten taxis on the island, each one numbered. Between plates of local fava (a Sifnian specialty of yellow split peas, capers, and red onion), the hiking along the island’s cliffs and crests is hard to beat.
Where to Stay: There are a few charming boutique hotels on the island, but chic 2022 opening NOS anchors the scene. Athenians and in-the-know international travelers flock to the understated stone suites in the summer to spend time taking in the 180-degree view from the property’s infinity pool. Superstar chef Athinagoras Kostakos is behind the culinary design, obviously a major highlight here.