8Kythnos, for quiet Cycladic beaches

Who knew the Cyclades aren’t just Mykonos or Santorini? This little jewel is a calmer, certainly cheaper, alternative to its sister isles. Kythnos bursts with beautiful beaches – there are more than 70 to choose from – combined with the Cycladic traits that make this archipelago so special.

Wander around Messaria village to find whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets and picture-perfect cafes, and walk past red-roof houses in Drypodia village to get a taste of understated charm.