3 Best Sights in North Coast, The Cyclades

All you’ll find at Ayios Sostis is turquoise waters lapping against the sand and a small-pebble coast. Without natural shade, or any touristic development whatsoever, beachgoers who need shade should come prepared. This is a beach with hidden elements though, so be sure to go in search of the small unnamed beach tucked in between it and neighboring Panormos, which is accessible by footpath. Off another path that leads to the main road, you'll find the small church that this beach is named after. Next to the church, a crowd may gather outside a nearby garden tavern you might otherwise miss if it wasn’t the peak summer season in July and August. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: solitude; swimming.

Ftelia is famous for its winds, which attract windsurfers who love to test out the turquoise waters. The beach's smooth sand is mostly free of sun beds or umbrellas, so when you approach it, all you’ll see is a wide-open stretch of yellow sand—if the wind isn’t blowing it all about. There is a good beach club built into the rocks at the far left-hand side. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: windsurfing.

A fine golden-sand beach with turquoise waters, Panormos caters to all kinds of beachgoers. Nudists head to the far right for peace and quiet, but there's an all-day beach bar and restaurant that offers music, food, and drinks to the left; it's popular with families, couples, and singles. This is a great spot when the southern winds attack; otherwise it's positioned to get the full brunt of the northern island winds. Water-sports equipment, umbrellas, and chairs are available for rent. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: nudists; swimming.