Cyclades, Greece Island Hopping Itinerary A 7-Day and 10-Day Aegean Adventure
A Greece island hopping itinerary is usually all about the wonderful Cyclades islands complex The Cyclades, a stunning group of islands in the Aegean Sea, are known for their white-washed buildings, crystal-clear waters, and rich history. If you are daydreaming of the perfect island-hopping adventure in the Mediterranean Sea and you love sun-drenched alleys, white houses, blue domes and virgin beaches of unique beauty, then Cyclades should be on your bucket list.
When to Visit Cyclades
If you prefer mild temperatures and tranquility, then you should opt for either Mid-March till the end of May or September till Mid-November. With mild temperatures ranging from 15 to 25/27 Celsius, these time periods are marvelous for the Cyclades. To begin with, springtime is an amazing period, the air is so fresh and full of scents from the orchids that blossom, and you can enjoy crowd-free attractions away from the heat of the summer.
Similarly, during autumn the weather is mild, and the masses have departed leaving room for effortless explorations. If you are a summer enthusiast that doesn’t mind the crowds, you can visit from June till the end of August. The warmest months in Cyclades are July and August with an average maximum temperature of 32°C but the winds coming from the Aegean Sea manage to cool down even the hottest of days. The crowds sometimes can be a little bit overwhelming but there are always hidden places to relax and unwind.
How to Get to the Cyclades
Access to the Cyclades has been quite simple the last few years and you can find solutions that meet the needs of all budgets. In the itinerary below, the first stop in the Cyclades is Mykonos, which features an International Airport.
You can access Mykonos in one of the following ways:
- Fly to Athens & El. Venizelos Airport and then get a ferry from Piraeus Port to Mykonos Island
- Fly directly to Mykonos Island – if you find a direct one from the airport you are planning to departure
- Fly to Athens & El. Venizelos Airport and then fly to Mykonos with a local flight
Now that we have sorted out logistics regarding your arrival at Greece and Cyclades, let’s delve into the actual itinerary. Depending on your availability you can do either the short version of 7 days or the longer one of 10 days. In terms of duration both options are good but the second one-the 10 days-will leave you with a sense of fulfillment as you will get to visit more precious Cycladic gem islands.
7-Day Cyclades, Greece Island Hopping Itinerary
Day 1: Athens to Mykonos
Start your unique Greece island hopping itinerary by flying into Athens and then taking a ferry or flight to Mykonos. Known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and picturesque old town, Mykonos is a great place to kick off your trip. The island boasts exceptional beaches, award-winning restaurants, famous parties, pricey yachts, lovely villas, luxurious hotels, and 5-star service, making visitors feel like celebrities.
– Morning: Arrive in Mykonos and check into your hotel.
– Afternoon: Explore Mykonos Town (Chora), visit the iconic windmills, and stroll through the narrow streets of Little Venice.
– Evening: Enjoy dinner at a seaside taverna and experience Mykonos’ famous nightlife.
Day 2: Mykonos
Spend the day soaking up the sun on Mykonos’ famous beaches and exploring more of the island.
– Morning: Relax on Psarou Beach or Paradise Beach.
– Afternoon: Visit the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos.
– Evening: Dinner and sunset at a beach club.
Day 3: Mykonos to Paros
Take a morning ferry to Paros, known for its charming villages and beautiful beaches.
Paros is located in the heart of the Cyclades Island group. It combines modern and traditional aspects in a unique way, with classic Cycladic architecture, vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, enchanting rural villages, and historical sites.
– Morning: Ferry to Paros.
– Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Naoussa, explore the town, and visit Kolymbithres Beach.
– Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a local taverna.
Day 4: Paros to Naxos
Depart Paros in the morning and head to Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades.
Long beaches, historic towers, verdant valleys, quaint mountain communities, and delectable local products. All of this and more awaits you on your visit to Naxos, the Cycladic island that has it all
– Morning: Ferry to Naxos.
– Afternoon: Explore Naxos Town, visit the Portara, and relax on Agios Georgios Beach.
– Evening: Dinner in Naxos Town.
Day 5: Naxos
Enjoy a full day exploring Naxos, with its blend of history and natural beauty.
– Morning: Visit the Temple of Demeter and the village of Halki.
– Afternoon: Head to Plaka Beach for some relaxation.
– Evening: Dinner in the old town.
Day 6: Naxos to Santorini
Take a ferry to Santorini, known for its dramatic views, stunning sunsets, and unique volcanic beaches.
Santorini is one of the most popular and iconic islands in the world, with over 16,000 permanent residents and approximately 2 million tourists per year. It’s the only island in the globe that lies in a partly submerged volcano and has been forged to its current state by a large volcanic explosion.
– Morning: Ferry to Santorini.
– Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Oia, explore the town, and enjoy the famous sunset.
– Evening: Dinner overlooking the caldera.
Day 7: Santorini
Spend your last day in Santorini exploring its unique attractions.
– Morning: Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri.
– Afternoon: Relax on Red Beach or Perissa Beach.
– Evening: Farewell dinner in Fira.
10-Day Island Hopping Itinerary
Days 1-6: Follow the 7-Day Itinerary
Day 7: Santorini
Add an extra day in Santorini to fully appreciate its beauty and unique experiences.
– Morning: Take a boat tour of the caldera and visit the hot springs.
– Afternoon: Wine tasting at a local vineyard.
– Evening: Explore more of Fira or Oia and enjoy a leisurely dinner.
Day 8: Santorini to Milos
Travel to Milos, known for its stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches. it is the only one in the globe that lies in a partly submerged volcano and has been forged to its current state by a large volcanic explosion.
– Morning: Ferry to Milos.
– Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Adamas, visit Sarakiniko Beach.
– Evening: Dinner in Adamas.
Day 9: Milos
Spend a full day exploring the diverse beauty of Milos.
– Morning: Explore the catacombs and the ancient theater.
– Afternoon: Relax on Firiplaka Beach or Tsigrado Beach.
– Evening: Enjoy dinner in Plaka, the island’s capital.
Day 10: Milos to Athens
Return to Athens and spend your final day exploring the capital city.
– Morning: Ferry or flight back to Athens.
– Afternoon: Visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.
– Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in the Plaka district.
Tips for Your Cyclades Adventure
1. Ferry Schedules: Check ferry schedules in advance as they can vary based on the season.
2. Accommodation: Book your accommodations early, especially during the high season (June to August).
3. Packing: Bring light clothing, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection.
4. Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local specialties like moussaka, fresh seafood, and baklava.
5. Transportation: Renting a scooter or a car can be a convenient way to explore the islands.
A Greece island hopping itinerary like that is a lifetime experience. With this itinerary, you’re set to experience the best of the Cyclades, from the lively atmosphere of Mykonos to the serene beauty of Milos. Enjoy your island-hopping adventure!
Read Also: 10 Best Underrated Cultural Travel Destinations You Must Visit
