9 Hotels for Summering in Greece’s Cyclades Islands

When it comes to summer vacation spots, there are few places more iconic than the Greek islands, specifically the Cyclades. This collection of 33 islets, located southeast of mainland Greece in the Aegean Sea, has something for everyone, from party-heavy Ios and food-focused Sifnos to easy-going Milos and family-friendly Naxos. Choosing which to visit depends on your travel style.

The nine hotels below will help you decide by highlighting the essence of each destination. The adults-only Once in Mykonos, for example, leans into the island's legendary nightlife with beach bonfires, while Katikies Santorini boasts a cliffside infinity pool where you can catch one of the isle's famous sunsets. Just keep in mind that most properties are only open from late April to late October, leaving a brief six-month time frame for you to live out your Greek island-hopping dreams. (Photo courtesy of Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort.)

Katikies Santorini (Santorini, Greece)
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Treat yourself to breathtaking views of Santorini's famed sunsets at this honeymoon favorite, perched on a clifftop in Oia. It gets notoriously crowded in town come golden hour, but guests here enjoy plenty of elbow room at the infinity-edge pool and Greek-Italian rooftop restaurant. After the sun goes down, go to the hotel's Champagne bar patio and toast to another day in paradise. Then, return to your pared-down room, where pops of iconic Greek blue stand out against white stone walls.

Canaves Oia Suites (Santorini, Greece)
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Built into mountainside caves used for storing wine as far back as the 17th century, Canaves Oia Suites is a romantic retreat with two dozen suites, many with private plunge pools. Guests here can also expect outdoor dining areas and uninterrupted caldera views. For a honeymoon-worthy stay, reserve the Panorama Balcony dining experience, which takes place at a candlelit table overlooking the Aegean Sea, or charter a private yacht and end up on a secluded beach along the Santorini coast.

Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort (Mykonos, Greece)

If you've ever wanted to spend the night in a Mykonos postcard, stay at Santa Marina. In addition to two infinity pools and the island's only private beach, the Ornos Bay resort boasts unique accommodations like a bi-level suite housed in a windmill and the Mykonian cottage, which occupies a traditional pigeon house. If you're bringing the party to Mykonos, book one of the 13 luxury villas, which feature two to four bedrooms, private pools and full kitchens. When you're ready to head off property, the hotel is only a 15-minute drive from the town center.

Once in Mykonos (Mykonos, Greece)

At this adults-only resort, the concierge can transform a sunset picnic into a booming bonfire celebration for a fun twist on Mykonos nightlife. For something slightly more subdued, visit the hotel's Infinity restaurant and bar at dusk for cocktails, fresh sushi and sweeping views of Ornos Beach, or just stay put in your room, where you can admire the island's natural beauty from your private balcony and plunge pool.

Artemis Seaside Resort (Milos, Greece)

Catch laidback vibes at this dreamy hotel in the south of Milos, where you'll find a white-sand beach outfitted with sunbeds, cabanas, a breezy bar and an open-air Mediterranean restaurant. Indoors, 42 rooms range from intimate doubles to spacious family apartments with furnished balconies and massage tubs. If you can bear to leave the property, know that Artemis also offers a variety of excursions to further explore Milos' unique volcanic terrain.

Calilo (Ios, Greece)

Recover from late nights spent partying in Chora at Calilo, located on a stretch of beach just far enough from the lively city center. The hotel features a brand-new wellness and fitness center with a floating hammock bed and designated rejuvenation area facing the ocean. Take a guided sunrise yoga session on the beach or book a massage next to the pool and you'll feel more than ready for another night on the town.

NÓS Hotel & Villas (Sifnos, Greece)

Get a taste for Sifnos' singular cuisine at NÓS Hotel & Villas, where the unpretentious Greek restaurant serves chickpea stew, Manouri cheese and more. Round out your meal with favorites like sea bass ceviche, spanakopita and roasted lamb thighs, plus a glass or two of local wine. When you need a break from all the food, there's a rooftop pool and three different suite types, all with plunge pools, sun beds and outdoor lounge chairs that create a seamless indoor-outdoor living space.

Summer Senses Luxury Resort (Paros, Greece)

Set on 30 acres of idyllic Paros coast, Summer Senses Luxury Resort is just a two-minute walk from popular Punda Beach, lined with clubs blasting upbeat music. If that's not your vibe, the hotel, which nods to Paros' legendary architecture with white marble buildings, has two large swimming pools and an outdoor bar strictly for guests. There are also a handful of suites with private terraces and pools, but the room to book is the Honeymoon Suite, complete with a Jacuzzi and Aegean Sea views.

Naxian Utopia (Naxos, Greece)

Groups looking to visit family-friendly Naxos will love the Naxian Utopia, where the sea-view villas can sleep up to nine people and come with private pools and full kitchens. Also available are spacious suites for up to four with private pools and terraces, plus excursions for all ages like tours of the nearby Archaeology Museum, visits to a traditional olive press and pottery workshops in a traditional fourth-generation studio.