Must-see nightlife in Cyclades

  • @54

    Hora (Mykonos)

    With mirror balls cascading from the ceiling and an artsy jungle theme to the decor, this large upstairs space is a stylish spot for an early evening…

  • Two Brothers Bar

    Fira

    Originally started by brothers Dimitris and Giannis in 1983, this cosy cave bar is now run by their sons, Jack and Leuteris. Expect a party vibe and, when…

  • Murphy's Bar

    Fira

    Aaaah, Irish bars! You either love them or hate them. But if you're into your Guinness and sports on the big screen during the day, plus loud music and a…

  • To Takimi

    Paros

    Just south of the main square, this is where locals come to drink beer or ouzo and listen to live music, often played on the traditional string…

  • Yacht Club Serifos

    Serifos

    Livadi's original waterfront cafe-bar (dating back to 1938) maintains a cheerful buzz, delivering good music, light meals, coffee and cocktails under the…

  • Cavo Paradiso

    Mykonos

    The only Mykonos venue to currently appear in DJ Mag's prestigious international Top 100 Clubs list, this open-air clifftop megaclub (capacity 3000)…

  • Crystal Cocktail Bar

    Fira

    Relax at Crystal, and its views to die for, with coffee in the morning and cocktails as your day evolves. This is one of those spots that you won't want…

  • Paradise Beach Club

    Mykonos

    By day it's a place to sip cocktails around a saltwater pool but afternoon parties kick off at 4pm, with the second shift starting from 10pm. Big-name…

  • Galleraki

    Hora (Mykonos)

    Choose plum waterfront seating or the upstairs balcony at this friendly cafe-bar, and order one of its fresh-fruit cocktails (like the signature …

  • 520

    Hora (Naxos)

    With a deck overlooking the harbour, this stylish bar whips up classic and original cocktails and it's a favourite place for sunset-watchers. The rest of…

  • Ios Club

    Ios

    A deliciously sophisticated cocktail bar that’s perfect for sunset cocktails with sweeping views on the chic terrace. It’s along the pathway by Sweet…

  • Rakentia

    Folegandros

    Head west and look for a signed laneway beside the Anemousa Hotel to find this gem, a cafe-bar with cool music and cooler views. Watch birds soar at dusk…

  • Zeus Faber

    Cyclades

    Kea's hippest bar by far sits up above the waterfront tavernas, with a deck gazing over the water and a dimly lit interior furnished with wooden benches,…

  • Coo Bar

    Ios

    Minimalist, cave-like Coo is the only R&B bar on the island, the mellow beats going well with the original cocktails on offer – many made using homemade…

  • Slammer Bar

    Ios

    The dance floor shakes to hip-hop, rock and house beats while punters knock back shots at the bar. Put on the helmet provided and get hit over the head by…

  • Akri

    Milos

    Tucked up above the port, this classy little bar serves cocktails and coffee on a beautiful terrace with views over the water. In summer, themed party…

  • Pirate Bar

    Paros

    Intimate and cave-like, Pirate has been a favourite with locals since 1983. Find it in the tiny, bougainvillea-fringed street behind the kastro and stop…

  • Monkey's Bar

    Paros

    Expertly mixed drinks (including tailor-made cocktails if you don't fancy anything off the menu) and DJ sets until the wee hours distinguish this friendly…

  • Enigma Club

    Fira

    A Fira hotspot with three bars and a big dance space, this is the catwalk clientele’s favourite spot amid cool decor and full-on sounds from house to…

  • Porta

    Hora (Mykonos)

    The black sheep of the gay herd, Porta’s cruisey ambience fills small-scale rooms bedecked in Tom of Finland imagery. Things get crowded and close towards…

  • Cosi

    Hora (Mykonos)

    This, erm, cosy nook is a stylish cafe by day, with a few al fresco tables. By night it morphs into a lively little bar with occasional DJ sets.

  • Astra

    Ios

    All Scandi-cool, Astra specialises in fresh fruit-based cocktails and all manner of parties, including Norwegian-themed. It's near the park.

  • Kouchico

    Syros

    A cool spot to sip a coffee by day, Kouchico turns into a buzzy cocktail bar at night, with a hip young crowd spilling out of its doors.

  • Semeli

    Hora (Mykonos)

    This slick cocktail bar in the heart of Little Venice draws the bold and the beautiful with its signature cocktails and DJ sets.

  • Koo Club

    Fira

    Hang out with your new best friends on the sofa-strewn, multitiered outdoor balconies while sipping cocktails to live DJs.

  • Babylon

    Hora (Mykonos)

    When JackieO' next door looks set to burst at the seams, the overflow heads here. In summer there are regular drag shows.

  • Anemos Café

    Serifos

    Above a supermarket by the ferry dock, Anemos’ broad terrace offers top views of the marina and distant Hora.

  • Skandinavian Bar

    Hora (Mykonos)

    Supplies mainstream mayhem with multiple ground-floor bars and an upstairs space for close-quarters jiggling to retro dance hits. Inexpensive standard…

  • Remezzo

    Hora (Mykonos)

    This restaurant-bar has an attractive deck overlooking Agia Anna beach and the old town. As the night progresses a clubby vibe descends, with plenty of…

  • Kalua

    Mykonos

    Famous for its beach parties that carry on until sunrise, this bar pretty much takes over Paraga Beach after sundown. During the day, it's a chilled-out…

  • Scarpa

    Hora (Mykonos)

    With a narrow terrace squeezed up against the sea in Little Venice, this little cocktail bar's cosy cushions are prime sunset-watching perches.

  • Queen of Mykonos

    Hora (Mykonos)

    This swanky (and perilously expensive) champagne and cocktail bar is where locals and visitors glam it up in the evenings, dahling.

  • Kafeneio To Kyma

    Small Cyclades

    Right by the quay, this old-school, all-purpose general store and cafe-bar draws a few local guys drinking, smoking and playing backgammon, as well as the…