Ferries can sometimes get delayed by 1-2 hours or more. Accommodation in Santorini is plentiful, and ranges from budget rooms to hotel suites with infinity pool and hot tub. Her father, King Minos of Crete had smashed the Athenians in battle and forced them to give up their young men and women as regular sacrifices to the terrifying half man/half bull Minotaur. Island Hopping in the Cyclades - Greece Travel Ideas I had two reasons for coming to Greece if it makes sense to need reasons to take a late spring break in the sunny and little-visited Small Cyclades. 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. Required fields are marked *. Theres also a small museum on the island with objects found in the place during the excavations. Try the ntomatokeftedes (tomato balls . The Greek islands have long been one of Europes favourite holiday destinations, and its not hard to see why. Its central location makes it for an ideal destination to include in a Cyclades island hopping itinerary. You will find some wild beaches, exceptionally dry landscapes, a beautiful main town and an interesting vibe. Ten years old seemed about the perfect age: young enough to wonder at the newness of things, mature enough to translate this wonder into conversation. But it still manages to pack a punch. During high season, there will often be several ferries per day going to the same island. It could have come straight from the pages of the Boy's Book of Adventure. Like Santorini, Milos is another volcanic island, created after a strong eruption many years ago. Budget-conscious travellers will prefer the coastal villages of Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos. Med Experience offers 9 and 11-day island hopping options for 18-35s. Quieter and even less developed, Iraklia, population 170, lies about 10 miles to the south-west. Mylopotas is the most famous beach on Ios Island, it has a unique azure and emerald waters, and its a perfect place for water sports. } Now you have all the information you need to island-hop the Cyclades in Greece we hope that you enjoy your trip to Greece. Be awed by Santorinis breathtaking beauty while lounging under a parasol next to the clear blue Aegean sea. If, like most people, you only have one or two weeks, you will need to select just a few of the islands to visit. 10 Day Greece Itinerary: The Perfect Cyclades Island Hopping Trip Experience Santorinis beauty, hot springs and beaches on, Make the most out of your time in Santorini aboard, Escape the crowds on land and admire Mykonos from the water on, Experience Mykonos wine-making culture on, Discover the best that Mykonos has to offer during. 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. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. If you insist on traveling during August or have no other chance, then the first golden rule to follow is to make sure you book early. 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. The people are warm and friendly, and you will find yourself starting conversations in no time. Island-hopping includes Santorini, Amorgos, Koufonisia and Mykonos. But now our twofold purpose in coming to Greece is achieved. Before you decide to book a sailing tour, make sure you are happy with the conditions of your travel. If you have any questions, just leave a comment below. }, { Most people think of the Cyclades Islands as Santorini and Mykonos, but there is much more to discover on . If you have only heard of one Greek island, chances are that it is Santorini. In the other direction, a walk west from Koufonisias port takes you toLoutro; youve hit the photogenic jackpot here, with a stony cove, small boatyard, windmill and whitewashed church. Instead, pick some islands of which you haven't heard before. Discover the four main islands: Koufonisia, Donoussa, Schinoussa, and Iraklia. Apart from the architectural and cultural interest, it has some fantastic beaches that never seem to get too crowded. These may just be the best Greek islands youve never heard of. No, Greece is not expensive! After two days spent mostly sitting in the cafe/bar on Finikas beach with a pile of books, salt and sun tickling my back, and a Campari and soda by my side, some organic Ritalin-like alchemy (I think it's called nature) has fully altered my emotional time zone. Being a cruise ship destination, the island can sometimes feel overcrowded. But not a bit of it. Not everything you do on Mykonos has to cause sticker shock the island has a range of fun activities that cost nothing. Visiting just one of these gorgeous, iconic places with unique architecture and an astounding richness of heritage and history is an unforgettable experience. Mykonos is exclusive and glamorous; its a place where celebrities choose to spend their summers, so expect very high prices for anything you want to do, from riding a taxi to buying a bottle of mineral water. Island hopping in the Small Cyclades August 3, 2021 The Ferryhopper Team Golden stretches of sand, crystal-clear waters, charming tavernes, and cute bars are only some of the reasons why island hopping in the Small Cyclades should be up next in your vacation wish list! 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. Here is some more information on Milos Greece, and how to get around Milos. Eating options are best in Koufonisia, though the gourmet offerings of Deli Restaurant & Cafe-Bar on Schinousa deserve special mention. If you visit on a windy day, you will feel that you can easily get swept away! Im Vanessa from Athens and I love island hopping around the Cyclades in Greece. Kolymbithres is a bizarre shore with a lunar landscape and soft rocks eroded by the wind and the sea. It stands out for its particularly dry landscapes and mining tradition. The highlight is discovering the glorious rockpool nicknamed Piscina (Italian for swimming pool), and the paths final destination is a gem: the exquisite sandy bay at Pori (which can also be reached by an inland road and is a good cycling destination). The Ultimate Guide To Island Hopping The Cyclades In Greece Travel Talk has a range of competitively priced island hopping options, including short breaks. Small Cyclades | Greek Islands | Greece Travel Secrets Syros - The Smartest Island. Small Cyclades travel - Lonely Planet | Greece, Europe The closest island to Santorini is Ios, which means several boats and ferries each day connect both islands. So, remember this if you plan to include it in your Cyclades itinerary. Nevertheless, this guided tour lets you explore all the popular sights in Santorini. Cyclades island hopping | Three quiet Greek islands Iraklias most interesting walking destination is the Cave of the Sacred Icon of Agios Giannis an initial scramble through the entrance leads to a sequence of caves full of stalactites and stalagmites. we got a good deal on flights and so far i have gone for the following option: 1) Arrive Santorini - 4 mights in either Makris beach . "name": "Is Paros or Naxos better? Note that theres nothing like this on the other Small Cyclades (and that may, in fact, be a large part of their appeal). Information For 2023, Piraeus Paros Naxos Iraklia Schinoussa Koufonisia Amorgos, Piraeus Sifnos Milos Kimolos Folegandros Santorini Amorgos, Piraeus Serifos Sifnos imolos Folegandros Sikinos Ios Santorini, Piraeus Paros Naxos Ios Santorini Anafi, Piraeus Kythnos Serifos Sifnos Kimolos Milos, Piraeus Syros Mykonos Naxos Ios Santorini, Rafina Andros Tinos Mykonos Naxos, Rafina Tinos Mykonos Naxos Paros Ios Santorini. Also, have a look at this article on the hottest Greek islands in October, when its a lot easier to find budget accommodation. Rent a sunbed under the shade and curl up with that book youve been waiting all year to read. In order to plan your Greek island hopping trip, you would first need to decide which islands you want to go to. "text": "Island hopping in Greece doesn't need to be expensive. If you like weird landscapes, also visit White Beach and Perissa, the black beach. The Queen of the Cyclades, Syros boasts some stunning neoclassical architecture and a vibrant main town. Greece: Island Hopping 101 - Everything You Need to Know Days: 7 Nights: 6. Those ferries behave badly when the strong meltemi winds blow around the Aegean Sea. "@type": "Question", Your budget for an island hopping trip in the Cyclades can vary a lot. 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. A flight to Mykonos, then a ferry or hydrofoil to Naxos, then a slow boat that drops in at several islands, like a number 55 bus. Santorini, Folegandros and Syros: Island-hopping in the Cyclades Alternatively, you can take a sailing tour." Photograph: Christos Drazos, Greek island holiday guide: the Ionian islands, Greek island holiday guide: the Sporades and Evia, Greece's best beach cafes and tavernas: readers' travel tips. GETTING TO THE CYCLADES. "@type": "Question", Our total costs came to 40 euro per person per day. I have booked for us (family - two kids aged 17 and 15) to go island hopping in Greece this summer. Mykonos is connected via ferry only with Naxos, Ios, and Santorini. Alternatively, you can take a sailing tour. The beaches in Serifos are some of the best in the Cyclades. The Small Cyclades ( in Greek) are outposts in the Cyclades island group, which includes such headlining acts as Mykonos, Santorini and Ios. Heady with glamour, the sun-soaked island of Mykonos is famous worldwide as a high-class party destination with long stretches of beautiful beach to recover from the night before. Amorgos is another option, though it doesnt have an airport. Check out the website. My suggestion is to avoid booking your flight back home on the same day with your ferry trip back to Piraeus. In short: Greece. We suggest spending time at Karavostasi Beach; with its fine pebbles, you will need beach shoes, but itll be worth it. You can fly direct to Santorini, or fly to Athens and take a ferry from Piraeus port to the Cyclades. Greece's Small Cyclades islands: four ways to explore Indeed, the inhabited Ano (Upper) Koufonisi is the smallest in circumference of all the Cyclades isles. They go by various monikers that riff on their size and relative significance: you may see them referred to as the Small, Little, Minor or Lesser Cyclades. All these three options can end with a flight or ferry to Athens or a direct flight within Europe. If, like most people, you only have one or two weeks, you will need to select just a few of the islands to visit." In the mountains, it's a place of goats, shepherds, and tiny, solitary, whitewashed churches. Mykonos is known for its amazing beaches and wild nightlife. Three are clustered south of Naxos: Iraklia(the largest of the group at 19 sq km),Schinousa and Koufonisia. Thank you! Last tip: Some ferries have very strong air-condition. The ferry time depends on the vessel and the route, but generally, it varies from 4 to 5 hours. 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. Exploring the Small Cyclades - Lonely Planet } Its impressive port town is dominated by the Venetian castle, which is one of the its most popular attractions. Never leave home without travel insurance. The food is wonderful, balancing incredible landscapes, top archaeological sites, outstanding beaches, and many interesting activities with kids. Moreover, Ios island has lots of archaeology, hundreds of churches of all shapes and sizes, and some of the best sunsets in the Cyclades. The islands are receiving a growing number of independent-minded travellers regular visitors prefer limited publicity for the group, lest they become overrun. I personally love those islands, and suggest spending at least a couple of nights on each. I am a bit confused with the website however. Folegandros is by far one of the less-visited islands in Greece. In my opinion, Naxos is more authentic and has better beaches, whereas Paros is more developed and has more choices for nightlife. If you prefer to take a fast ferry, make sure its a bigger one that can carry vehicles. Mykonos Island Hopping: The ultimate guide - Blog FerriesinGreece }] People love its incredible landscapes and diverse beaches like Sarakiniko and Kleftiko. The magical combination of walks, swims, siestas, a good book and generous taverna meals will make you forget what day of the week it is. The Cyclades are not an obvious destination for walkers, but in spring and autumn the smaller islands offer a peaceful alternative to the more popular hiking trails of Crete and the Peloponnese. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Greeces stunningly beautiful and charming Santorini star island is often included in everyones first-time Greek Island hopping itinerary. There are no shops or taxis, no fancy restaurants, no X-box. Those traveling on a budget should keep this in mind and plan well ahead to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here are our top picks for both pros and newbies. If you have only been to Santorini and thought the beaches were great, wait until you see Ios, Naxos or Donoussa! The Cyclades Islands actually consist of 220 islands, big and small. It is possible to visit on a day trip, but its worth spending a couple of nights to experience its very cool nightlife. Even Ariadne wouldn't mind being stranded here. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, we receive a commission without any additional cost to you. The beaches in Santorini are certainly not the best ones in Greece. Explore world-class ancient ruins, bathe in island sunsets and enjoy incredible food here are the best things to do in Greece. Visit the Greek islands of Paros and Santorini (Cyclades) with our 7 Days/ 6 Nights individual Island Hopping tour, starting from Athens. "acceptedAnswer": { Check out the website. 9 reviews 7 helpful votes Cyclades Island hopping 17 days Mar 10, 2023, 11:29 PM Save Just booked flights to Athens - arriving 27 August and departing 15 September from Athens. But what if youve ticked off the heavy-hitters? Based on two people travelling together, our average budget for most of our trips has been 40-50 euro per person per day. Adding more islands to a week can result in stressful experiences. Villas with spacious rooms and a swimming pool might even be out of reach. Jump to bottom. 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. 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. It offers a good mix of sightseeing, nightlife and pretty villages. One of the most famous beaches in Amorgos and the rest of the Cyclades is known as Mouros Beach. I am entirely comfortable in the moment, without much thought to past or future. Based on two people travelling together, our average budget for most of our trips has been 40-50 euro per person per day." Tip: accommodation in Mykonos can get very expensive, especially in July and August. 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. In the Small Cyclades, its all about switching off and reverting to island time. From Naxos a network of local ferries connects the islands of Iraklia . Also, Milos has ferry connections to Santorini, so this is another option to move forward on your route if you intend to skip Ios. ", Intrepid has a classic Athens - Syros - Mykonos - Santorini route. The golden sands and blue-green waters have long lured those in the know. Some of them, like Anafi or Donoussa, dont even have a pharmacy! Including, Croatia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina,, Montenegro, Slovenia, Turkey, Macedonia, Romania, Kosovo and Serbia. 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. Yes, we are sure that you've heard of the Cyclades - they have long been a favorite holiday destination for travelers around the world. Unbiased adv. There are also lovely mountain villages, friendly people and some of the best food in the Cyclades. You can read our privacy policy here. The weather was more pleasant, and I found it a lot nicer to walk around without the crowds. If you can avoid August, youll be able to find more convenient fees for almost everything, the weather will still be warm and pleasant, and youll see fewer crowds everywhere. All rights reserved. Paros is many peoples favorite island. The tranquil waters of the Aegean are perfect sea kayaking territory, offering an intriguing twist on the usual island-hopping trips by ferry. Dont miss Manalis winery with the fantastic sunset views, and a drive up the mountain on a moonless night, to see a billion stars. Blue Star Ferries: 1 hr 10 (3x per week, year-round) Express Skopelitis: 3 hrs 55 min: (3x per week, year-round) Island hopping to Other Cyladic Islands from Naxos: Popular destinations of the Cyclades close by and accessible from Naxos i nclude Amorgos, Ios, Paros, Mykonos and Santorini. The six tiny islands that lie between Naxos and Amorgos have gone through millennia of civilisation and upheaval, from being densely populated trading centres in the days of antiquity and then fortified Venetian outposts to pirate havens and impoverished fishing backwaters during WWII before recently remerging in the spotlight as increasingly fa. In fact, Tinos is one of my favorite islands in the Cyclades. Small Cyclades Islands Travel Guide, Travel Tips | Cycladia Guides Cyclades; Small Cyclades; Island Hopping; Timetables; Become Islander; Contact. Suddenly I notice that I have found some temporary release from the urban labyrinth of cares and concerns that squats over my working life. If I ever have to do a Lord Lucan and flee the country, this is where I'll head. The next departure is on 8 September; the trip costs 1,550pp, including six nights' in four-star family-run accommodation, all meals, but not flights. Youre not tired and full of energy at the beginning of your trip, so the long journey will not look so long. Here most beaches are windy, or theres no golden sand anywhere to be found. Its a lot of fun, but perhaps not for everyone! But its the walking trails that woo, and often their destinations are exquisite coves and stunning vistas of an island-dappled Aegean. These are the best beaches in the Cyclades Islands mentioned in this article: The most scenic beach on the island is the Red Beach, which is more interesting for the landscape than for the actual beach facilities. According to many travelers, Plaka is the most beautiful beach in Naxos one of the top beaches in Greece. The sacred island of Delos is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites you can choose to visit in Greece. And now, here is a quick introduction to all the Cycladic islands, one by one. Ferry schedules change in the off season, and there may only be a few routes per week. It boasts some picturesque villages, lovely, unspoiled nature and a long history. "acceptedAnswer": { They stop at several islands, so its easy to island hop. EasyJet (0905 821 0905; www.easyjet.com) flies to Santorini. . Among Greeks, Sifnos is best known for its incredible local cuisine and pottery tradition. May 9, 2021 by Chrissy Island hopping around Greece during the Spring/Summer is one of those travel dreams that make it onto most people's bucket lists. More ferries to Mykonos depart from the port of Rafina, on the northeastern side of Athens. Cyclades Island Hopping Itinerary 14 Days, understand the local lifestyle and tune in to the times. Here is what to do in Tinos Greece. Chora, its pretty main town, was once a fishing village. It has the same small seaside town charm but without the crowds. The beauty of these tiny islands is that they are so empty outside high season, at least. labyrinthine streets, and then experience the Greek hospitality and local cuisine at Penelope's Ouzeri, a small traditional eatery, or at Brusco 'wine. The name "Cyclades" relates to the shape of the islands - they form a circle around the sacred island of Delos. This makes Ios an option for teens and young adults while less loved by families. deli'. They go by various monikers that riff on their size and relative significance: you may see them referred to as the Small, Little, Minor or Lesser Cyclades. 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. Thirassia is a small island where time seems to have stopped. From Naxos a network of local ferries connects the islands of Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissi, Donoussa and Amorgos. Mistakenly, I started a conversation with Felix about this being the reality of food I wanted to encourage him to think past the packaging of most of what he consumes. Photograph: Alamy, Mary Beard's Greece: a walk on the wise side, Greece: top 10 budget beach hotels in the Peloponnese, Greek island holiday guide: the Ionian islands, Greek island holiday guide: the Sporades and Evia, Greece's Small Cyclades islands: four ways to explore, Greece's best beach cafes and tavernas: readers' travel tips.
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