If you are looking for quiet islands, Paros might not be your cup of tea. Your budget for an island hopping trip in the Cyclades can vary a lot. My yoga-loving hippie friend Lucy begged me not to write about them, fearing it would encourage more people to discover them and thus disturb their unhurried charm. Airports allow you either to begin or end your trip without even setting foot on a ferry from Piraeus. Those ferries behave badly when the strong meltemi winds blow around the Aegean Sea. labyrinthine streets, and then experience the Greek hospitality and local cuisine at Penelope's Ouzeri, a small traditional eatery, or at Brusco 'wine. But the overly generous hospitality was making me feel more Homer Simpson than Homer. The Small Cyclades ( in Greek) are outposts in the Cyclades island group, which includes such headlining acts as Mykonos, Santorini and Ios. Mykonos has a strip of sand for everyone, from unspoiled family beaches to some of the busiest party spots in the Med. Before you jump on that ferry from Athens to Cyclades Islands, read ahead to discover how many islands are in the Cyclades, the best routes to take for Greek island hopping in the Cyclades, and of course, find out what the best beaches in the Cyclades are. Most people visit Santorini for its iconic volcano, sunset views, excellent wineries, hot springs and overall reputation as a romantic island. Which Mykonos beach is perfect for you? Its understandable as they are so well known, but keep in mind there are other equally beautiful places in the Cyclades Greece! The trip is available between 15 April and 16 June, or 1 September and 16 October. Among the reasons not to choose this island, high prices and huge crowds all year long are probably the most important ones. Named for the Greek god, Hermes, Ermoupoli has a different feel to the other Cycladic towns. You can read our privacy policy here. The coast of Kythnos boasts over 70 different beaches, so theres no shortage of magnificent places to swim and sunbathe on the Aegean, including the lovely strip of Kolona Beach on the northwest of the island that connects Kythnos to thetiny islet of Agios Loukas. Its much more popular among young Greek crowds, making it lively and crowded during summer. Traveling during COVID was quite the experience but I'm very happy I was able to do it especially since the amount of tourists was a fraction of normal times. Cabins are typically small, and you will be sharing all common areas with a few other people. Here is what to do in Tinos Greece. Its a lot of fun, but perhaps not for everyone! The name Cyclades relates to the shape of the islands they form a circle around the sacred island of Delos. Once the haunt of pirates, it is rocky and arid, punctuated with cliffs and caves and little inlets from the Aegean creating natural swimming pools. Having reached a favored status, chosen by young people who cannot afford a holiday in Mykonos, has had the consequence of making prices go up a little, not much but definitely noticeable by Greeces standards. As an example, Naxos and Ios are two of the best Cyclades for beaches, whereas Iraklia and Sikinos are best for quiet vacations." From Naxos a network of local ferries connects the islands of Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissi, Donoussa and Amorgos. Ermoupoli, Syros. Great customers reviews. Here is our pick of the best beaches in Thera. Be awed by Santorinis breathtaking beauty while lounging under a parasol next to the clear blue Aegean sea. You can explore traditional white villages, check archaeological sites, eat delicious food in authentic Greek tavernas, and relax on the islands magnificent beaches. Cyclades island hopping itinery. Accommodation owners will meet you at the port to transfer you and your luggage. Milos is a small, pretty, and quiet Greek Island in the Cyclades, easy to visit in a short time.The island features incredible things to do despite being relatively small. For the island lover, this chain of small, secluded islands is paradise regained. Its one of these islands where French seems to be the most spoken language, other than Greek. } It depends on what you are looking for. Syros Island is famous for its excellent restaurants, its rebetika music, and some delicious sweets such as loukoumi (Turkish Delight), mandolata (nougat), and halvadopita (a softer kind of nougat). Given that Andros is only an hour from Athens on the fast ferry, its a mystery why its not too popular with foreign visitors. There are dozens of different options, usually including stops at some uninhabited islands. Otherwise, scooters can be hired on Iraklia, bicycle rental is popular on Koufonisia, and a minibus usually runs along the main island road in Donousa during the summer. You can easily check ferry connections and book your tickets at Ferryscanner, a search engine for ferries in Greece. But in May, June and September, this place is just perfect. Hi there. Remember that also many Greeks have holidays in August so that ferries can get booked up. Whether this is your first time island hopping in the Cyclades or your twelfth, youll find some useful travel tips to make your vacation go more smoothly! 01/16/18 10:57 AM. When you have more time available, you can fit one or even two more islands into the itinerary, provided that the last two are very close to each other. Each island has a good array of domatia (rooms) for rent these are in demand in July and August but offer excellent low prices in the quieter months (almost all are closed from around October to April). Nestled offshore of mainland Greece, the Cyclades Islands are a cluster in the Aegean Sea. There are only four inhabited islands in the Small Cyclades. The Small Cyclades are a group of six main islands (and dozens of tiny ones) between Naxos and Amorgos to the south-east. Ermoupolis, the capital of Syros, shines with a myriad of neoclassical mansions of exquisite taste and elegance, beautiful churches, and romantic alleys. In the absence of any public transport, the hotelier picks us up from the ferry and is available to run us down to the village or to the beach as required. May 26, 2023 by RealGreekExperiences In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about how to island hop around the Cyclades in Greece. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. 5 Small Ship Cruises in Cyclades, Greece - LiveAboard.com ISLAND HOPPING IN THE CYCLADES - Greece Travel Secrets Youll find crowds in the peak summer season (July and August), but in May, June and September youll rarely share the beaches with more than a dozen other beach bums. Mykonos has more beautiful beaches than Santorini; some of the favorite ones are Super Paradise, Elia, and the exclusive area of Cavo Psarou. Greeces stunningly beautiful and charming Santorini star island is often included in everyones first-time Greek Island hopping itinerary. Youve partied on Mykonos, watched Santorini sunsets, and now youre looking for something unique? You should know that most of the smaller islands are uninhabited. As little as 40 minutes from Naxos, the islands belong to the so-called Small Cyclades. But the appeal is as much to me as to Felix. You might want to bring a jacket or something to cover yourself with. Mykonos has more beautiful beaches than Santorini; some of the favorite ones are Super Paradise, Elia, and the exclusive area of Cavo Psarou, more time available, you can fit one or even two more islands into the itinerary, What To Expect & Do In September In Greece, Things To Do And Eat During Easter In Greece, Koufonisia: Kato Koufonisi & Ano Koufonisi (Cyclades). Thank you! Posted by Maaria. Greek island hopping is the most brilliant way to spend your time visiting Greece. You can only get to Antiparos on a small ferry from Paros island. ", On the west coast of Naxos you will find a series of amazing sandy beaches. "@type": "Question", ", Hidden gems like Karpathos and Tilos may not dominate your Instagram feed like Santorini just yet, Candy sands, disappearing waves, transformed trolls - if life's a beach, these are its strangest days. Paros and Antiparos 5. to make it the first destination if youre traveling by ferry; this way, you can cross your way up from Santorini to get back to Athens, this combination of a walking & driving tour. Check out the website. Accommodation is in family-run hotels on the islands of Schinoussa and Koufonissi, with daily swims of between 1km and 4km to destinations such as Iraklia, the uninhabited island of Fidousa, and Keros, which was once the centre of an ancient Cycladic community. What information you will find on this page. Cyclades Island Hopping. Its remote beaches can be reached either on local boats, or through the islands numerous hiking paths. When Swimtrek launched its first swimming holiday a decade ago, it was in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean. The best months to go island hopping in Greece are May and June before the crowded months of July and August, or the end of September when the weather is still charming, but families with kids are already back home because school is about to begin. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Photograph: Alamy. Both islands appeal to most people. I am a bit confused with the website however. Milos 9. Ios can be considered the party capital of the Cyclades, there are plenty of clubs and bars, and night beach parties are part of the deal too. Never been and I know it will be awesome. Yes, we are sure that you've heard of the Cyclades - they have long been a favorite holiday destination for travelers around the world. Santorini and Mykonos have international airports, whereas Paros, Naxos, Milos and Syros have smaller domestic airports. There are also lovely mountain villages, friendly people and some of the best food in the Cyclades. The powerhouses of this island group, Santorini and Mykonos, draw in millions of tourists every year to party on their pristine shores. . Cyclades Islands cruises and areas to visit Mykonos. Some are perfectly placed right in the main settlement (for example, on Donousa and Koufonisia), while others require a hike or a boat transfer. Among others, you can see the famous giant Kouros statues. This means that you will have your own space to sit for the duration of the journey. The island is very green and has some enchanting mountain villages you can visit. Its impressive port town is dominated by the Venetian castle, which is one of the its most popular attractions. Then Theseus arrived, posing as a victim but on a mission to slay the Minotaur. The two-and-a-half-hour crossing on the Express Skopelitis ferry from Naxos to Koufonissi can hardly be counted as part of the travelling though; it's more a part of the decompression required to reset one's clock to a slower rhythm of life. In preparation, he and I bought some ridiculously expensive father/son matching swimming trunks, thus establishing a theme of boys-on-tour camaraderie. Those traveling on a budget should keep this in mind and plan well ahead to avoid unpleasant surprises. Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades, the island of Naxos is enormous and hard to visit in a short time. Go back in the evening, and you will see an entirely different face. A visit to the site can make an excellent day trip if youre spending your holidays on the island of Mykonos. Also, have a look at this article on the hottest Greek islands in October, when its a lot easier to find budget accommodation. Looking at a map of the Cyclades is a good idea. The closest island to Santorini is Ios, which means several boats and ferries each day connect both islands. Amorgos island became famous after the French movie the Big Blue. You can check routes and prices on Ferryscanner. If you choose to travel in less popular months, such as April and October, remember that ferries dont have a high frequency, so some islands might be harder to reach. That is mainly because of the beautiful Naoussa in the north of the island. Island hopping in the Small Cyclades is just obligatory since Donousa, Koufonisia, Keros, Schinousa and Iraklia are placed one next to the other and are also interconnected with various boat services especially during summer. If you have visited other Greek island groups, like the Ionians or the Sporades, you will feel you are in a different country. Including, Croatia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina,, Montenegro, Slovenia, Turkey, Macedonia, Romania, Kosovo and Serbia. Many of them have archaeological sites and museums you can visit. The beach is very wide and safe for children. Falling in love with him at first sight, Ariadne supplied Theseus with a sword and a ball of wool for finding his way back out of the labyrinth. The golden sands and blue-green waters have long lured those in the know. Mykonos Island, however, has some pretty beaches, including Elia, Ornos, and Super Paradise. These may just be the best Greek islands youve never heard of. It offers a good mix of sightseeing, nightlife and pretty villages. Syros island is kind of in the middle of the Cyclades islands, and its main town, Ermoupoli, is the Capital of the region. Island-hopping. Map from 634.00. On Koufonisia, an easy 2km walk along the flat, sandy coast road east of the port leads to a chain of beaches, then becomes a walking path passing several rocky swimming places. It also soothes island-hoppers who fear getting bored on tiny islands. Andros is the northernmost island of the Cyclades complex and the second largest in size after Naxos 9 Jul. You can easily spend a few months travelling around the Cyclades. Day 7 - Antiparos and Paros. The fourth island in the medley, Donousa, sits apart from the rest, to Naxos northeast. According to Greek mythology, the island was where the god of light, Apollo, and his twin sister Artemis were born. The island is so popular that its challenging to find a time of the year when youll find it quiet. And, for a man whose first priority is usually the strength of the Wi-Fi signal, this takes quite some doing. The islands are receiving a growing number of independent-minded travellers regular visitors prefer limited publicity for the group, lest they become overrun. Here is everything you need to plan your Greek island hopping itinerary in the Cyclades. Visiting just one of these gorgeous, iconic places with unique architecture and an astounding richness of heritage and history is an unforgettable experience. It boasts some picturesque villages, lovely, unspoiled nature and a long history. Judging by the simple evidence of bums on seats, Meze2 was doing something right, so we resisted the temptation to retreat up the hill into the calmer atmosphere of the medieval city, and allowed ourselves to be looked after by the friendly, bodybuilding owner. You can also take a private sailing tour. As we also said before, there are better places to go in Greece when it comes to beach life. Thank you for all this wonderful information. The food is wonderful, balancing incredible landscapes, top archaeological sites, outstanding beaches, and many interesting activities with kids. And second, to see if I could persuade Felix to get excited by Greek mythology even, ambitiously, to see if we could end the week having a conversation about the respective merits of the Iliad over the Odyssey which he would consume in accessible comic-book versions. Island Hopping In The Cyclades - Travel Tips And Local Insights But the whole blood and carcass thing wasn't working for him, and once we had sat down to eat, I began to fear I had made a rod for my own back. Med Experience offers 9 and 11-day island hopping options for 18-35s. Serifos is another hidden gem in the Cyclades. Andros Tip: accommodation in Mykonos can get very expensive, especially in July and August. You can also check out our Andros and Tinos book, which is available on Amazon. Ive been to almost all of them now, some of them several times! Island-hopping in the Cyclades in 2 weeks - Traveling Psychiatrist His black labrador cross runs alongside his van. Island Hopping: Syros-Naxos . All rights reserved. Last, but not least, the uninhabited Delos island is known for its incredible UNESCO ancient site. The Small Cyclades Travel Guide - Eskapas And now, here is a quick introduction to all the Cycladic islands, one by one. We recommend you book your ferries with Ferryhopper in advance here. Includes descriptions of the islands, ferry routes and travel tips. How To Order Food In Greece A Locals Guide, Food in Greece Everything you should know about Greek Food, Greek Drinks To Try During Your Vacation In Greece, island hopping in the Cyclades for a month, how to plan your Greek island hopping trip, 12 Famous Greek Philosophers Who Changed The World, 26 Unique Greek Souvenirs To Buy When Visiting Greece, The Abandoned Askitario Monastery In Corfu, Greece, Euphoria Spa Retreat In Greece A Unique Wellness Experience, Greek Island Hopping: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners And Not Only, Things To Do In Skopelos For A Fantastic Vacation, Is The Acropolis Free To Visit? In July and August a local captain on each island offers boat transfers to idyllic beaches for a small charge, and may offer a cruise around the island to take in the sights. Here are a few examples of popular ferry routes: Apart from these routes, there are dozens more. If you visit outside peak season, you might even have your own private beach for a day. Im Vanessa from Athens and I love island hopping around the Cyclades in Greece. Greece's Small Cyclades islands: four ways to explore She is an expert in Greek travel and writes guides for the everyday traveler. Photograph: Giles Fraser, Felix sits down to a lobster supper. Paros is the ideal fusion between Mykonos with its trendy beach clubs and eateries and Naxos, thanks to all the fantastic beaches and authentic inland villages. Santorini 2. Some of them, like Paros island and Naxos island, are greener than the others. Once you have visited the whitewashed island, the famous Caldera villages, and the black beaches, you should move on to Ios if this island is also included in your itinerary. }] To put it clearly, more islands are not always better. Note that theres nothing like this on the other Small Cyclades (and that may, in fact, be a large part of their appeal). It will depend on the type of accommodation you choose, type of ferries you travel on, where you eat, any tours you take, and how long you will be travelling for. However, dont expect too much nightlife on the quieter / smaller islands. Situated south of Naxos in the Cyclades Islands in Greece the Small Cyclades are a group of 32 islands and islets that are considered true hidden gems amongst Greeks. Using Koufonissi as a base, there are daily excursions by caique and ferry to nearby islands, including Iraklia, where walkers can follow a pilgrims' trail across the high lands to spectacular St John's Cave, carved into a limestone cliff. Adding more islands to a week can result in stressful experiences. Paros is many peoples favorite island. Here are our top picks for both pros and newbies. For authentic Greek island hopping in the Cyclades I have one major tip for you: Skip the well-known islands such as Santorini and Mykonos. Cyclades Island Hopping - Routes, Itineraries & Beaches Due to the effort involved in reaching them and the distinct lack of flashy development, the Small Cyclades remain an insider secret. Greece. This makes it a great choice for a Small Cyclades sampler, as theres more of a resort feel here and visitor access is easier. You should know that most of the smaller islands are uninhabited. GETTING TO THE CYCLADES. I begin to miss having control over my own movements, but eventually give in to the joyous and unselfconscious drifting of the life of a child. Moreover, Ios island has lots of archaeology, hundreds of churches of all shapes and sizes, and some of the best sunsets in the Cyclades. coffee. Remember that you should also devote at least two days to Athens since this is the port of departure, so take it easy and enjoy the best of Greece. Ios (and not Los, as Googlemaps suggests) is known as a party island, and rightly so. However, its beautiful villages, marble crafts and authentic culture will definitely amaze you. For more info, have a look at this Kimolos guide. "@type": "Question", Both are easy to reach from Ios island, so they are the ones that should come next. If you visit Antiparos, you can also catch a boat tour to the remote ancient site on Despotiko island. }, { One thing you should keep in mind is that Greece isnt necessarily expensive. If, like most people, you only have one or two weeks, you will need to select just a few of the islands to visit." We used the website and app of ferryhopper and found it very convenient. The beaches in Santorini are certainly not the best ones in Greece. If you visit on a windy day, you will feel that you can easily get swept away! The vibrant atmosphere of Paros and the romantic sense of Santorini will offer you the best vacations. "@type": "Question", Cyclades Island Hopping Itinerary 14 Days, understand the local lifestyle and tune in to the times. Its probably best to visit them on a sunset sailing tour. Here is a Santorini itinerary for 4 days, and what to avoid doing while in Santorini. However, it is worth much more than a day trip from Milos. . Days: 7 Nights: 6. Dont miss Manalis winery with the fantastic sunset views, and a drive up the mountain on a moonless night, to see a billion stars. "name": "How long do you need for Greek island hopping? From our guesthouse, high on a hill, the numerous tiny islands spread out over the Aegean are almost unreal in their beauty. The Best Cyclades Island Hopping Itinerary (2023) - She's abroad again Instead, pick some islands of which you haven't heard before. According to many travelers, Plaka is the most beautiful beach in Naxos one of the top beaches in Greece. Discover the four main islands: Koufonisia, Donoussa, Schinoussa, and Iraklia. On Donousa, the sandy and secluded beach of Kendros lies 1.25km southeast of Stavros (the main settlement, where the ferry docks); itsreached by a stepped track. Quieter and even less developed, Iraklia, population 170, lies about 10 miles to the south-west. The Small Cyclades : Golden stretches of sand, crystal clear waters, and charming taverns & bars are only a few reasons why island-hopping in the Small Cyclades should be up next in your vacation wish list. The trip is less than an hour, so you can certainly add it to your trip if you love parties and renowned beaches too. Some of the islands have small airports, while others don't. The best and most affordable way to Cyclades Island hopping is by local ferry. Sharing the exact volcanic origin as Santorini, Milos is one of the many magnificent Greek Islands at the southernmost part of the Cyclades Island cluster. Santorini is also a good option since there are direct flights from almost any European country; this makes your itinerary easier and might even help you skip a stop in Athens. Mykonos is connected via ferry only with Naxos, Ios, and Santorini. You can get there by ferry (from 6 to 10 hours ferry trip) or by plane in less than an hour. The Ultimate Guide To Island Hopping The Cyclades In Greece The Cycladic islands have a very rich and long history. Long undisturbed beaches, not a soul in sight, perfect sand that slopes gently into the sea without that annoying barrier of sharp pebbles on which to stub your toe, improbably clear turquoise water and not a postcard shop for miles. Its best to spend one or two days in Athens, rather than miss your flight! Nevertheless, this guided tour lets you explore all the popular sights in Santorini. The Small Cyclades ( in Greek) are outposts in the Cyclades island group, which includes such headlining acts as Mykonos, Santorini and Ios. These 10 beaches from Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate, The greatest seaside escapes are usually the ones that nobody else knows about: the ones down the mile-long sandy trail, the ones at the bottom of the. In the Odyssey, Ariadne's journey to Naxos was rather different. "acceptedAnswer": { Quiet, secluded, almost cut off from the rest of the world. All rights reserved. Click on the magnifying glass to see another view of the island, View of islands from Iraklia. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Everything costs more in Mykonos! The 715 cost includes four nights' accommodation in the tour operator's villa on Naxos and three nights in simple taverna rooms on Koufonissi, breakfast and lunches but not flights. Kimolos is a fantastic option if all you want is to hike, swim and relax. The trip costs from 840 a week, including accommodation, breakfast, lunches and guiding, but not flights, and there are regular departures between May and October. If, like most people, you only have one or two weeks, you will need to select just a few of the islands to visit. It gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to Mykonos. Another wild island, Folegandros is barren and remote, with the exception of its main town up on the mountain. Island Hopping in the Cyclades - Greece Travel Ideas Also, Milos has ferry connections to Santorini, so this is another option to move forward on your route if you intend to skip Ios. In the Odyssey, Ariadne's journey to Naxos was rather different. Kythnos has two main villages, Chora and Dryopida. We travel the Balkans seeking out food, accommodation and the best things to do in the Balkans so youll save time travel planning & travel like a local. Apart from the architectural and cultural interest, it has some fantastic beaches that never seem to get too crowded. Cyclades Island hopping 17 days - Cyclades Forum - Tripadvisor Santorini, Folegandros and Syros: Island-hopping in the Cyclades }, { The sacred island of Delos is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites you can choose to visit in Greece. Half a mile across the sea is the legendary island of Keros, once thought to be the doorway to Hades, and now uninhabited except for teams of visiting archeologists from Cambridge University picking through the rich remains of Bronze Age Cycladic history. You can easily visit the Small Cyclades on a sailing trip from Naxos island. deli'. Not everything you do on Mykonos has to cause sticker shock the island has a range of fun activities that cost nothing. "@type": "Answer", One of the joys of Small Cyclades travel is riding the Express Skopelitis, the small ferry that connects the islands with Naxos and Amorgos Monday to Saturdayyear-round, except in extremely rough weather. It stands out for its particularly dry landscapes and mining tradition. Ios is one of the most beautiful Aegean islands you can visit, yet it has earned the fame of being an island for young people and party animals Not so much so, but indeed, theres some truth beneath this common belief.
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