The Greek islands are a magnet for millions of visitors from all over the world every year. The cobbled streets, the white houses, the picturesque churches and the heavenly beaches star on Instagram. The Cyclades, in particular, stand out with their architecture and island aura.
But which Cycladic places attract camera lens the most?
Little Venice, Mykonos
Mykonos is the most popular island in Greece and one of the most sought – after in the world. Its endless parties, expensive boutiques, picturesque alleys and unique beaches are these features that attract thousands of visitors to the island. There are several places worth photographing in Mykonos, but the landmark is Little Venice. The colorful houses by the sea are the place which every visitor must take a photograph of. If you prefer a more idyllic photo, prefer sunset time when Little Venice becomes even more charming.
Oia, Santorini
We could say that the whole island of Santorini is an instagrammable spot. This island is so special and unique that it is rightfully many visitors´ favorite choice worldwide. Visitors to Oia can find lots of spots to take the perfect shot, against the background of white houses, cobblestone alleys, bell towers and the Aegean Sea. The result is just stunning anytime the photo is taken. However, if you want to take the most representative photo of Santorini, then the most famous sunset in the world is waiting for you for a perfect…click!
Sarakiniko beach, Milos
On an island with exotic waters, such as Milos, the most photographed place could be no other than a beach! This beach is “Sarakiniko”. Its lunar landscape captivates the eyes of the whole world through the camera lens. The transparent waters and the white rocks are the perfect backdrop to pose, on one of the most impressive beaches of the Cyclades and Greece. “Sarakiniko” took its name from the Saracen pirates, who were said to use the caves and tunnels as a hiding place for themselves and their treasures.
Portara, Naxos
The landmark and most photographed spot of Naxos island “Portara”, a huge marble gate, dedicated to Apollo, the god of light, could only stand towards the glow of the sun, creating a unique setting. Impressive and imposing, it is located next to Chora, overlooking the Aegean sea. Wait for the sunset and get ready for unforgettable shots.
Vaporia, Syros
Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, is known for its nobility and beautiful buildings, which stand out for their architecture and history. “Vaporia” is the most picturesque and popular district of Syros, located north of the port, in the eastern part of Ermoupolis. It used to be an aristocratic quarter of the city in the 19th century where rich ship owners and captains of Syros lived.
“Vaporia”, meaning “ships”, is an architectural masterpiece, with majestic mansions constructed in the neoclassical style and arched alleys. Its houses that are next to the sea, with their marble balconies and wooden doors, steal visitors´ impressions. The imposing church of Agios Nikolaos, with its marvellous dome, dominates the area and completes the scene for a perfect photo.
Kastro (Castle), Folegandros
Folegandros is a small island of the Cyclades, which is often likened to Santorini. Its wild beauty and rocky landscape make it special and impressive. Its Chora (the main town on the island) is outstanding! The most picturesque part of Chora, however, is the “Kastro” area, as the locals call it; as its name denotes, this medieval fortress was built on the edge of a steep cliff, around 200 meters above the sea, to protect the small town from pirate attacks. Its traditional Cycladic white houses, built next to each other, are the perfect place for visitors to pose. It is the ultimate island spot that anyone would envy!
Panagia Chrysopigi, Sifnos
Chapels of the Greek islands star in thousands of Instagram posts. One of them is the church of Panagia Chrysopigi on the beautiful island of Sifnos, built in the 16th century. This small, idyllic church overlooking the Aegean sea is a popular place in the Cyclades for those looking for a quiet walk, a romantic photo or even for those who want to get married in a traditional Cycladic landscape by the sea. It is located on the road that leads to Platis Gialos, connected to the rest of Sifnos via a small bridge.
Panagia Gremiotissa ( Virgin Mary of the Steep Cliff), Ios
As in the rest of the Cycladic islands, churches in Ios are also among the most sought-after and photographed attractions of the island. More specifically, Panagia Gremiotissa is a Byzantine church that dominates the top of a hill high above Chora, the Town of Ios. It belongs to the most impressive Virgins of the Aegean. Its characteristic blue dome and bell tower are the ideal backdrop for photos, especially at sunset. The three small chapels located on the same hill are also famous.
Gala beach, Koufonisia
If you find yourself in Koufonissia, in the small eastern Cyclades, you should definitely visit “Gala beach” in order to see one of the most impressive beaches and phenomena in Greece. Gala (milk) beach is a geological phenomenon as the sea passes under an big rock and the waters take a white colour due to the white shingle which is coated with calcium; the water also takes a white hue because of the foam that the waves create when they enter inside the cave.
As with all beaches in Koufonisia, the waters are crystal clear with golden sandy beaches. The peninsula of Gala is at the northeastern end of the island, between the bays of Xylobati and Pori and is, without a doubt, one of the most Instagrammable parts of the Aegean.
Lefkes, Paros
Lefkes is the most mountainous village of Paros, at an altitude of 200 meters, 10km from Parikia. The village is located on a pinewood hill, with traditional whitewashed houses with flowery courtyards and bougainvillea, wonderful quaint churches and whitewashed windmills. Perhaps what makes Lefkes the most authentic village of Paros is its Cycladic architecture, traditional narrow alleys and picturesque cafes.
