25 Best Bars in The Cyclades, Greece

A prime spot above idyllic Naousa harbor is where you'll find Sommaripa Consolato, which infuses Paros tradition in its drinks. Instead of a mojito, try their creation—a sumito, which replaces rum with the local homemade island liquor called suma. A cool open space with picture-perfect views of the bay, it's a great place to watch the world strolling past, especially from the coveted balcony seat. During the day, stop by for a coffee accompanied by a homemade Greek cookie or a slice of cake.

This cool, whitewashed Cycladic-style space features a rooftop veranda perfect for sipping eclectic cocktails and admiring the view over to Paros. Siblings Argiro and Manos Fotis named this spot 520 for the barcode automatically marked on any products that are made in Greece.

In a pretty whitewashed building on the tip of the old harbor, Agosta is considered a local favorite for drinks and dancing the night away. Depending where you stand you'll get a stunning view of Naousa harbor or Agios Dimitrios Beach. Past midnight everyone heads for the two dance floors.

Small and perfectly formed, since 1987 ASTRA has kept up its exclusive, somewhat mature elegance. The clientele is upscale, and the drinks are pretty and expensive. Supermodels, rock stars, and royalty swing by when they're in town, while the DJ spins house and funk, which is danceable, and not unbearably loud.

Babylon, next door to Jackie O', is its rival; Stratos and Jose have had bars on Mykonos for years. This one, with its electronic feel, attracts the lively and energetic. Everything from its drag shows to its theme parties will get the crowds roaring and dancing. DJs spin techno, high-energy, and chart toppers. When it gets too crowded the party spills into the street.

This famous megaclub on the rocks above Paradise Beach is classic Mykonos and has been welcoming revelers for over 30 years. The huge dance space is spread over two levels, and in the peak of summer every inch is occupied. Famous international DJs spin and you can even moor your superyacht up to their floating platform for true VIP entry.

A former butcher shop, Hassapiko is an Ia institution. Also known as MaryKay's bar, after the owner, it is open all day for brunch and coffee, but it comes alive at night when its chilled vibe attracts returning sunset seekers---and it is the ideal place for a late nightcap.

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 wallet-bustingly 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.

Jutting up next to a restored 16th-century Cycladic windmill, Kaktos is an open-air terrace bar on the edge of town where locals and visitors alike can sit back and enjoy a cocktail while taking in the view of Tinos Town, Mykonos, and the Aegean Sea—perfect for a predinner drink or a nightcap.

Koursaros, which translates as "Pirate," gets its share of summer party crowds each year. Its location, at the very corner by the harbor, has made it one of the most visible landmark nightlife spots in Tinos since 1987. Café by day in a whitewashed masonry interior with an excellent range of beers on tap and a spot-on brunch menu, a DJ turns up the music at night. 

You can't miss this place; fuschia bougainvillea on the 400-year-old whitewashed building is mirrored by bright pink doors. Inside, Linardo's interior is impeccably maintained and cooly decorated—it has to be, considering that it's one of Naousa's top hot spots, where crowds gather until the early morning to listen to the coolest music on the isle.

Nightlife in Syros revolves around the eastern part of the harbor, along Petrou Ralli, where you may find people dancing in the street; Mammo Wine Bar is at the center of it. Café and restaurant by day—serving bruschettas, gourmet salads, and a variety of international and Mediterranean plates—the energy heightens when the sun sets. Its sleek and modern space gets packed and comes alive once a DJ is called in to play mainstream dance music, and colorful creative cocktails and shots make the rounds.

The Kioulafis family paid attention to every detail when renovating this family treasure, a simple Cycladic dwelling built more than a century ago. Tucked in the walls of Old Town, Meli and Kanela—honey and cinnamon—has a bright turquoise door that beckons you into its bar-lounge and café space that's enhanced by soft lighting, creamy beige-and-white walls, and traditional charm. Outside is a pretty courtyard, perfect for idling the afternoon and evening away.

A lively chunk of Naxos nightlife is set on the south end of the Old Town, where happening bars face the waterfront and gather packed crowds of party people. The evening starts with cocktails at sunset and continues through to sunrise with a soundtrack of funk, disco, and house.

The international, young party people that flock to Mykonos have packed this glamorous open-air club every summer season for 50 years. It has three stages that are designed to feature the world’s best DJs who fill its lineup each year. The club also operates a shuttle bus that runs from the bus terminal at Fabrika.

One of the oldest bars on the island, this cozy hideaway combines whitewashed walls with a stone-and-wood design and soft lighting. Great cocktails made from local ingredients should be taken on one of the handful of tables on the cobbled street outside.

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.

Tinos Town has a nightlife district, but it only comes to life in the heat of the summer. Sivylla, located on one of the area's alleyways, churns out both Greek pop and international mainstream dance hits.

A staple of the Mykonos bar scene since 1978, the renowned Skandinavian encompasses two buildings and an outside seating area. The music in the three bars ranges from classic rock to pop to dance, but it is always rowdy, crowded, and great fun. Dancing on the bar at 3 am is a Mykonos rite of passage.

At the heart of the bar street—Petrou Ralli—Suerte Syros makes good use of its enviable position. Outside, palm trees soar over tables next to the harbor road; inside, smooth concrete-and-stone walls lend a refined air. People-watch with a cocktail in hand, soaking up the friendly vibes, then head inside for a dance to classic house and newer beats.

One of the most popular beach bars in Mykonos is set on Paradise Beach, where the party starts every afternoon in the peak summer season. The young, international, and looking-for-fun crowd heads to the outdoor bar to dance in the sand, on tables, and by the sea. The music is loud, mainstream, and fun, and the watermelon cocktail is famously strong.

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 drink from the mini-market and stand by the courtyard of the church of the Panagia Korfiatissa---the view is just as good.

A balcony overlooking the caldera is a prime spot in Ia for drinks and light snacks, and the pastries are considered the best on the island.