Paros
Several tiny blocks south of the waterfront, in the shade of a huge eucalyptus tree, Santé is a good spot for coffee during the day, but things only…
Must-see nightlife in Cyclades
Hora (Mykonos)
The mainstay of Mykonos' gay party scene since Apollo was a lad, this waterside bar is wall-to-wall writhing bodies after 11.30pm, with the waitstaff…
Ios
This local institution has been thumping since 1979 and is still one of the hottest spots on the island. The manager has a penchant for Swedish, rock and…
Hora (Naxos)
The only true wine bar in Naxos is hidden in a tiny alley just behind Plateia Mandilara. It’s run by two congenial French ladies who'll tell you a thing…
Folegandros
Overlooking a vineyard, this convivial spot is a must for wine lovers: there are over 40 Greek vintages by the glass. Get talking to the owner about…
Amorgos
Facing the tiny quayside windmill, this skull-emblazoned bar is arguably Amorgos' best cocktail bar, with a hefty menu of original tipples. Sip a cucumber…
Ios
Combining a terrific rock and alternative music playlist with homemade shots (including chocolate- and caramel-flavoured ones). Orange has frequently been…
Hora (Naxos)
Perched upstairs above Hora's busy waterfront, this sleek place has lovely sunset views looking out over the yacht harbour. Open year-round, Rum Bar plays…
Paros
Climb the steps up to this waterfront spot beneath the kastro with no shortage of outdoor areas, including a sunset-primed rooftop terrace. Go for one of…
Small Cyclades
A favourite gathering spot at sunset, this chilled-out outdoor bar overlooking Livadi Beach has great appeal for cocktail lovers: its original concoctions…
Amorgos
Its cosy terrace overlooking the valley, Seladi is a just a few minutes' walk from the ruins of the ancient settlement. It's a mellow place for a coffee…
Paros
The owner opened this elevated cafe-bar in the former home of his grandparents – how fortunate that it’s right in the hub of Naoussa’s small port (above…
Paros
On the main pedestrian street in Old Town, this bustling cafe and brunch spot by day transforms into a popular cocktail bar by night, with the sultry…
Small Cyclades
This rooftop bar right on top of Perigiali Supermarket is lovingly run by local couple Nikos and Anna. There are brunch menus plus cocktails, drinks and…
Small Cyclades
Up the stone steps at the port, this cafe-bar serves the younger crowd year-round. Out of season, it opens at 5pm, has Monday night movies and various…
Hora (Mykonos)
Screen divas line the walls, tasselled lampshades shimmy along to torch songs, and a dragged up mannequin stares endlessly into a mirror at Mykonos' best…
Fira
The oldest bar in Fira and one of the best. Dark wood and vaulted ceilings give it an intimate, cave-like atmosphere, with smooth cocktails and smoother…
Fira
It might take a minute to get your head around this, but MoMix is short for Molecular Mixology. This popular party spot offers innovative cocktails (to…
Hora (Naxos)
If you want to drink but don’t fancy the club scene, here’s your answer. This atmospheric, traditional bar is small and candlelit and spills into the…
Hora (Mykonos)
Attached to the 'straight-friendly' Hotel Elysium, this poolside bar has long been the first port of call for the gay party crowd. Handsome barstaff flirt…
Ios
Offering dozens of colourful, super-appealing ways to lounge and recline, this beach bar sits in the middle of Mylopotas Beach and sends a siren call via…
Fira
Nicely perched just before the caldera edge, Tropical draws a vibrant traveller crowd with a long list of classic (and some original) cocktails,…
Santorini
Round-the-clock fun in season on the black-sand beach on the Perissa waterfront. The Beach Bar does it all, from breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings,…
Hora (Mykonos)
Katerina's makes no effort to be glamorous or, heaven forbid, cool – INXS is likely to be played at some point in the night – but it consequently manages…
Mykonos
Occupying the western headland of Super Paradise Beach, this slick puppy is wall-to-wall buffed bodies in itsy-bitsy swimsuits, posing and prancing around…
Mykonos
Dominating its namesake beach, this beach bar and club is synonymous with hedonism. Celebrity sightings, a crush of scantily clad young bodies heaving to…
Hora (Naxos)
You can begin your day here, with coffee and a harbour view, and end it with one of the wonderful cocktails featuring kitron (liqueur made from the leaves…
Ios
If you can’t find your tribe on Hora’s main square, they might be here – at the Irish-owned Fun Pub, on the main road through the town. It does what it…
Fira
Not to be outdone by the Irish a few doors up, the Scots are here with this raucous party bar that goes off late at night. During the day you might catch…
Fira
This is edge-of-the-caldera stuff, with stupendous views, delicious cocktails – its champagne cocktails are a speciality – a fashionable crowd and…
Small Cyclades
A cosy little cavern of a bar and a hip late-night hangout, Scholio serves you from a long list of cocktails (both original and classic) to a soundtrack…
Small Cyclades
Just when you thought that tiny Donousa is about as far from hipsterdom as you can get, this stylish espresso/craft beer bar opens above the quay. The…
Syros
Down a set of stairs behind St Nicholas' Church, this perfectly positioned all-day cafe/restaurant offers postcard panoramas and a menu of coffee,…
Paros
The sign inside this thimble-sized bar implores you to 'Get Naked', the bartender mixes classic cocktails (including a Bloody Mary so mean, it could be…
Ios
It’s easy to settle into this laidback little bar, with its friendly owners, stacks of magazines and craft beer from Crete and elsewhere in Greece. Tucked…
Paros
On the inland back corner of the main square, this traditional hangout is a gem. Small and lively, with walls covered in posters and wooden benches filled…
Fira
Open year-round and into its fifth decade of business, PK Cocktail Bar offers three tiered outdoor terraces on which to nurse your cocktail while admiring…
Hora (Naxos)
Right behind the port police, this sleek club brings well-known guest DJs from Athens to play house and trance music into the wee hours. All white and…
Cyclades
Large windows and a small terrace showcase extraordinary valley views at this bright and cheery little cafe. Thankfully, the coffee's good, too – and…
Folegandros
Right next to Maraki Sq, this cave-like, thimble-sized bar is a great place to meet locals, slurp down a mean caipirinha or a local Katsika pilsner or…
