5 Best Nightlife in The Cyclades, Greece

For more than 30 years, Galleraki has attracted happy, stylish, summer crowds. A compelling reason is its prime location, so close to the water in picturesque Little Venice that you may get sprayed when a boat passes, but it also serves some of the best cocktails on the island.

This sleek and chic sunken garden setting in the heart of town is shaded by large trees and greenery, adding some color to the monochromatic design. A restaurant in the early evening hours, after 11 pm it fills with glamorous drinkers who appreciate the cool surroundings. A dream for social media gadflies, it is eye-wateringly expensive and always extremely busy, but somehow it works.

A small empire has grown out of this bar just below Paraportiani church. Nicely decorated, it is a great spot to watch the sunset and drinkers remain to catch the nightly drag shows. Less LGBT than it used to be, it is still a fun place to be. If you have not had enough, visit their beach club on Super Paradise with a super restaurant, stay in their hotel, even take a ride on their private boat.

Rhapsody is a cozy bar on Little Venice that never seems to get as packed as its neighbors, but still benefits from the same windmill views. Popular with locals, Greek music is often mixed in with the international hits.

The most famous spot on the island for cocktails and sunset views sits at the top of Plaka and looks out on a horizon peppered with isles. Front-row tables get claimed early but you can stand and enjoy the views as the sun fades into the sea.

If it's too busy inside, buy a can of beer from the mini-market and stand by the courtyard of the church of the Panagia Korfiatissa---the view is just as good.