Must-see nightlife in Cyclades

  • Santé

    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…

  • JackieO’

    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…

  • Blue Note Club

    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…

  • La Vigne

    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…

  • Embassa Bar

    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…

  • Orange Bar

    Ios

    Combining a terrific rock and alternative music playlist with homemade shots (including chocolate- and caramel-flavoured ones). Orange has frequently been…

  • Rum Bar

    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…

  • Bebop

    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…

  • Surfin Bird

    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…

  • Seladi Cafe-Bar

    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…

  • Sommaripa Consolato

    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…

  • Sativa Music Bar

    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…

  • En Lefko

    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…

  • Skantzoxiros

    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…

  • Lola Bar

    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…

  • Kira Thira

    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…

  • MoMix Bar Santorini

    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…

  • Naxos Cafe

    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…

  • Elysium Sunset Bar

    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…

  • Free Beach Bar

    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…

  • Tropical

    Fira

    Nicely perched just before the caldera edge, Tropical draws a vibrant traveller crowd with a long list of classic (and some original) cocktails,…

  • Beach Bar

    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,…

  • Katerina’s Bar

    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…

  • JackieO' Beach Club

    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…

  • Kitrón

    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…

  • Super Paradise Beach Club

    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…

  • Fun Pub

    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…

  • Highlander

    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…

  • Tango

    Fira

    This is edge-of-the-caldera stuff, with stupendous views, delicious cocktails – its champagne cocktails are a speciality – a fashionable crowd and…

  • Scholio

    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…

  • Kaloumpa

    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…

  • I Tria

    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…

  • Foiniki Art Cafe

    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…

  • Koukoutsi

    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…

  • PK Cocktail Bar

    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…

  • DaCosta

    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…

  • To Panorama

    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…

  • @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…