Top 20 Must-See Archaeological Sites on Cyclades in Greece

The Cyclades are a treasure trove of archaeological sites, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the Aegean. The millions of tourists who will visit the Cyclades this summer have the opportunity to marvel at some of the most important sites that shaped the ancient Greek civilization.

The name Cyclades refers to the archipelago forming a circle around the sacred island of Delos. The largest island of the Cyclades is Naxos, however the most populated is Syros.

Top 20 Archaeological Sites on Greece’s Cyclades

1. Akrotiri, Santorini

Often called the “Minoan Pompeii,” Akrotiri is a remarkably well-preserved Bronze Age settlement buried by a volcanic eruption around 1600 BC.

With its elegant three and four-story buildings edged with colored stones, and resplendent public art, including frescoes, which bear witness to a highly-developed, and elegant culture, this begs the question of whether the island of Santorini was Atlantis—the fabled city of great beauty that sank beneath the waves.

Frescoes are depicting daily life, furniture, and pottery, offering a fascinating window into Minoan civilization.

2. Ancient Thera, Santorini

Perched on a cliff overlooking the caldera, Ancient Thera was an important Minoan and later, Dorian settlement. Explore the ruins of houses, temples, a theater, and an agora (marketplace) while taking in the breathtaking views.

You can walk the ancient streets and get a sense of what life was like in this bygone era. The ancient cemetery contains excavated tombs, including some that are quite elaborate.

Artifacts from Ancient Thera, including pottery, jewelry, and sculpture are showcased at the Archaeological Museum of Thera, located in Fira, the capital of Santorini. Some of the most famous finds from Ancient Thera are the larger-than-life statues of youths, known as kouroi, which date from the 7th century BC.

3. Delos

Considered one of the most important sanctuaries in ancient Greece, Delos, which is in its entirety a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a small island with extensive archaeological remains.

Dedicated to Apollo, the birthplace of the god according to mythology, Delos was a sacred pilgrimage site for centuries. Here you’ll find the impressive Terrace of the Lions, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of Dionysus with its stunning mosaics.

Ruins indicate Delos was once a holy sanctuary, dating back to a period even before Greek mythology named it as the birthplace of the Greek gods Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. Amazingly, certain ruins of ancient stone huts on Delos date back to the 3rd millennium BC.

4. Temple of Apollo (Portara), Naxos

The imposing ruins of the Portara, or gate, still stand on the islet of Palatia on Naxos. What remains of a temple dedicated to Apollo, which was built in the 6th to 7th century BC and was never completed, stands behind it today in mute beauty.

The gate was originally constructed of four large pieces of local marble, each weighing approximately twenty tons. The Portara has a height of nearly six meters (sixteen feet) and a width of at least 3.5 meters. After the rise of Christianity, a church was built on the ruins of the temple, but this was later destroyed by the Venetians.

Portara today is connected with the Naxos mainland via a paved footpath. The spot offers one of the most enchanting sunsets in Greece.

5. The Temple of Demeter, Naxos

Dating back to the 6th century BC (around 530-520 BC), it’s one of the earliest temples constructed entirely of marble in Greece.

This makes it a significant forerunner of famous temples like the Parthenon in Athens, which was built nearly a century later.

The use of Naxian marble, known for its high quality and brilliance, showcases the architectural advancements of the period. While the temple itself is mostly in ruins today, some well-preserved sections, including fallen columns and architectural fragments, offer clues about its original grandeur.

6. The Ancient Theatre on Milos

It is a well-preserved open-air marble theater located on the slopes below the picturesque village of Tripiti. Originally built during the Hellenistic period (3rd century BC), the theater was later significantly expanded and renovated during the Roman era following the destruction of the city by the Athenians.

Constructed with white marble and nestled on a slope overlooking the Aegean Sea, it boasts excellent acoustics and a scenic location. The remaining tiers, stage, and orchestra hint at the grandeur of the entertainment complex.

In its prime, it likely hosted theatrical performances, musical events, and possibly even religious ceremonies. It served as a focal point for entertainment and social gatherings for the people of Milos.

7. Skarkos on Ios

This is the most important prehistoric archaeological site on Ios, and it’s about 1,000 years older than the famous Akrotiri on Santorini.

Skarkos is an Early Cycladic II settlement dating back to the mid-3rd millennium BC.

Excavations have revealed the remains of circular houses with surprisingly well-preserved walls that provide valuable insights into Cycladic architecture and building techniques during this period. The settlement also had a complex water management system, indicating a well-organized and advanced society.

8. Mycenaean Acropolis of Agios Andreas on Sifnos

This is the crown jewel of Sifnos’ archaeological offerings and the first organized open-air site on the island.

Dating back to the 13th century BC, the acropolis reveals remnants of a Mycenaean settlement with fortified walls, houses, and storage areas.

Excavations have unearthed pottery, tools, and other artifacts providing a glimpse into daily life during this period.

The site offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding villages and the Aegean Sea, making it a visually captivating location as well.

9. Ancient Towers on Sifnos

Sifnos is unique for its high concentration of ancient towers, with over 70 documented scattered across the island.

These towers, dating from the 6th to 3rd centuries BC, served as watchtowers and defensive structures during tumultuous periods.

Several of these towers, including the White Tower (Aspros Pyrgos), Black Tower (Mavros Pyrgos), and the Tower at Kade, are still partially standing and easily accessible for exploration, offering a glimpse into Sifnos’ ancient defense systems.

10. Vryokastro on Kythnos

Excavations revealed evidence of continuous habitation on the site from the 10th century BC all the way up to the 7th century AD. This means you can see remnants from various historical periods, including geometric, archaic, classical, Hellenistic, and Roman eras.

Surface surveys and excavations have provided archaeologists with a good understanding of Vryokastro’s urban layout, including public buildings, houses, streets, and necropolis areas (cemeteries).

Atop the acropolis, a significant sanctuary dedicated to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, has been unearthed. This sanctuary likely played a central role in the lives of Kythnos’ inhabitants for centuries.

11. Ancient Karthea on Kea

Karthea was one of Kea’s four ancient city-states, flourishing from the Geometric Period (around 900 BC) until the Early Christian era.

It was a well-defended city with extensive fortification walls that stretched for over 2 kilometers (1.2 miles).  Excavations have revealed the foundations of public buildings, laboratories, and even mines. These remnants offer clues about the daily life and economic activities of Karthea’s inhabitants.

Several temples have been discovered within the city limits, including the Doric Temple of Athena dating from the late 6th century BC, and the archaic Temple of Pythian Apollo from 530 BC.

12. Kastri on Syros

This fortified settlement on a hilltop near Ermoupolis, the main town of Syros, is considered the most important archaeological site on the island and one of the most significant in the Cyclades.

Dating back to the Early Cycladic period (around 3rd millennium BC), Kastri was a proto-Cycladic citadel with walls, ramparts, towers, and gates.

Excavations have revealed a complex urban layout, including houses, workshops, and storage areas, offering a window into the lives of the Early Cycladic people.

13. Sanctuary of Poseidon on Tinos

This is the most significant archaeological site on Tinos, located near the village of Kionia.

Dating back to the 4th century BC, it’s the only known sanctuary in the Cyclades exclusively dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea.

Excavations have revealed temple foundations, drinking fountains, statues, mosaics, and even a sun-dial known as the Andronicus sundial.

A scale model of the sanctuary is on display at the Tinos Archaeological Museum, helping visitors visualize the site in its former glory.

14. Monument of Episkopi on Sikinos

The Monument of Episkopi, a Roman mausoleum converted to a Byzantine church on the island of Sikinos was among the winners of the 2022 European Heritage Awards.

Episkopi’s monument was built in the 3rd century AD and later converted to a Byzantine church and used continuously.

The ancient monument survived through the Middle Ages and in modern times, with all the additions preserved nearly intact.

In 2018, during restoration efforts, the hermetically sealed and intact grave of a higher-status woman named “Neiko” was unearthed.

Archaeologists found “golden wristbands, rings, a necklace, a buckle with embossed chamomile, along with glass and metal vases, as well as fragments of the costume of the dead.”

15. Ancient Marble Quarries of Marathi on Paros

These historical quarries, located west of Parikia (Paros Town), are a unique and fascinating landmark.

For centuries, Parian marble, renowned for its purity and brilliance, was extracted from here. This very marble was used to create masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture including the Venus de Milo, Hermes of Praxiteles, and parts of the Parthenon.

Exploring the quarries offers a glimpse into the island’s significant role in the artistic achievements of the ancient world.

16. Delion Sanctuary of Apollo and Artemis on Paros

Located on a hilltop north of Parikia, this panoramic sanctuary was dedicated to the deities Apollo, god of music, light, and healing, and Artemis, goddess of the hunt and wilderness.

Dating back to the 8th century BC, the site features temple ruins, altars, and architectural fragments that hint at its former grandeur.

The first Apollo temple was constructed in the 9th-8th century BC with the most recent rebuilding in the early 5th century BC. And, the Artemis temple was constructed to the east of the Apollo temple.

The Delion was situated so that the island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, could be seen from the top. If you look out into the ocean in the northern direction, you too can see Delos on a clear day.

17. Paleopolis on Andros

Considered the ancient capital of Andros, Paleopolis was a flourishing city from the Classical era until Roman times.

Explore the remains of fortification walls, a marketplace, a theatre, and temples that offer a glimpse into the city’s layout and significance. The modern village of Paleopolis is built near the archaeological site.

18. Strofilas on Andros

This remarkable settlement located near Gavrio is believed to be the largest and best-preserved organized settlement from the Late Neolithic Age (around 4,500 – 3,300 BC) ever found in the Aegean.

Strofilas was found almost intact in excavations conducted by a team of Greek archeologists, headed by Christina Televantou in 1997.

Located in the middle of the Aegean, on the edge of the Cyclades islands, the excavation on Andros sheds light on the area’s prehistory.

Excavations have revealed early urban structures and even the oldest documented example of defensive architecture with a gate and bastions

19. Ancient Minoa on Amorgos

Minoa is a captivating site located on Moundoulia Hill, overlooking the port of Katapola on Amorgos. Excavations reveal evidence of a flourishing settlement from the 11th century BC all the way to the 4th century AD.

This means you’ll see remnants from various historical periods, including Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman eras.

A well-preserved defensive wall from the Geometric period with extensions and bastions guarded the acropolis, showcasing the strategic importance of the location.

The impressive 4th-century BC gymnasium building stands out as one of the site’s most significant structures.

20. Keros

Keros, while uninhabited today, boasts a particularly fascinating archaeological site. The Daskalio and Keros Sanctuary holds the distinction of being the world’s earliest maritime sanctuary, dating back to the Early Bronze Age (around 2750 BC to 2300 BC).

Evidence suggests this location served as a dedicated place for offerings and rituals focused on the sea. People brought fragmented Cycladic figurines and other objects, depositing them at the sanctuary. The exact reasons behind these practices remain a topic of discussion and ongoing research, but it sheds light on the maritime culture and belief systems of the Early Cycladic people.

Recent excavations on the islet of Daskalio, once connected to Keros but now separate due to rising sea levels, revealed impressive and well-built structures on the headland. These include massive stone walls, a complex drainage system, and even traces of metalworking workshops. The scale and sophistication of these constructions suggest a significant and influential center during the Early Bronze Age.

Due to ongoing archaeological investigations and the island’s uninhabited status, public access to the site is currently restricted. However, Keros remains a significant location for understanding Aegean prehistory and the development of complex societies in the Cyclades.

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