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. Like Santorini, Milos is another volcanic island, created after a strong eruption many years ago. "name": "How do you travel around the Cyclades? The name Cyclades relates to the shape of the islands they form a circle around the sacred island of Delos. 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). This makes Ios an option for teens and young adults while less loved by families. "@type": "Answer", 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. In a way, it is a perfect destination that you should not miss in your itinerary. Finally, all the islands have lovely hiking paths. 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). In the mountains, it's a place of goats, shepherds, and tiny, solitary, whitewashed churches. On top of this came an endless supply of raki, which I always thought of as Turkish but seemed to be drunk more commonly in Naxos than ouzo. Conclude your Cycladic adventure with a day on Antiparos, a tiny island southwest of Paros. I also went kayaking in Mykonos and saw an entirely different side to the famous party island. Save on money exchange & credit card fees. But now our twofold purpose in coming to Greece is achieved. As there are 24 islands, checking which ones are directly connected can take you some time, especially if you havent been to the Cyclades before. Tip: accommodation in Mykonos can get very expensive, especially in July and August. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Cyclades Island hopping in Greece - Sun Chasing Travelers Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Includes descriptions of the islands, ferry routes and travel tips. You can get there by ferry (from 6 to 10 hours ferry trip) or by plane in less than an hour. Things To Know About Greece Before You Go, How To Speak Greek The Greek Alphabet And 20 Useful Greek Words. In this guide, youll find everything you need to know about how to island hop around the Cyclades in Greece. In peak season, its often better to get an airplane seat for 3-4 extra euros. Who cares when the car comes to pick us up? A clash of the titans, Free things to do in Mykonos: don't make a mezze of your budget, Walking on sunshine: Santorini's best hikes, Island-hopping in Greece: everything you need to know, The lesser-known Greek islands gaining popularity this summer, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. 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. Those ferries behave badly when the strong meltemi winds blow around the Aegean Sea. Im Vanessa from Athens and I love island hopping around the Cyclades in Greece. Greek Culture, Travel Information, Itineraries, Life in Greece. It has fine golden sand and turquoise waters.
How to Do a Cyclades Island Hopping Trip (Greece) - VickyFlipFlopTravels For more info, have a look at this Kimolos guide. BEST MID-RANGE TOURS. Its not a stretch to see the comparison, albeit on a miniature scale: a narrow whitewashed alley constitutes the main drag of the old town, and its lined with restaurants and cafes, even a couple of galleries. Greek cats Beautiful, independent, happy, unique! Theres not much chance of that. Last but not least, have a look at this article on how to visit Santorini on a budget! It is possible to visit on a day trip, but its worth spending a couple of nights to experience its very cool nightlife. { "@type": "Question", I hear that the local fishermen catch lobster and Dimitrios, the bar owner, happily drives over to the village to pick me up a real beauty for tea. Santorini and Mykonos have international airports, whereas Paros, Naxos, Milos and Syros have smaller domestic airports. The underwater panorama is rocky and can be dangerous for small children. We think about making a sculpture out of driftwood. Villas with spacious rooms and a swimming pool might even be out of reach. The people are warm and friendly, and you will find yourself starting conversations in no time. Tinos is a beautiful island with a rich religious tradition. The beaches in Serifos are some of the best in the Cyclades. ", Due to the effort involved in reaching them and the distinct lack of flashy development, the Small Cyclades remain an insider secret. Answer 1 of 7: I have previously posted about island hopping in the Cyclades, but am still a bit unsure about which islands we should choose. The trip is less than an hour, so you can certainly add it to your trip if you love parties and renowned beaches too. Syros is a small but prosperous Cycladic Island, the capital of the Cyclades. For even more information, check out my guide about how to plan your Greek island hopping trip on your own. In order to plan your Greek island hopping trip, you would first need to decide which islands you want to go to. Then it's on to Schinoussa, famed for its beaches, and Iraklia, the most mountainous of the Small Cyclades, for a circumnavigation of the island, looking out for dolphins and monk seals on the way. There are only four inhabited islands in the Small Cyclades. 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. }] The arrival of this small, sturdy boat into each port is a big event, with locals flocking to docks to pick up food deliveries and greet arrivals. The beauty of these tiny islands is that they are so empty outside high season, at least. Maybe its not as cosmopolitan as Mykonos or Santorini, but for many tourists, thats the real beauty of it. Photograph: Giles Fraser, Felix sits down to a lobster supper. Rent a sunbed under the shade and curl up with that book youve been waiting all year to read. Remember that also many Greeks have holidays in August so that ferries can get booked up. Visit the Greek islands of Paros and Santorini (Cyclades) with our 7 Days/ 6 Nights individual Island Hopping tour, starting from Athens. As little as 40 minutes from Naxos, the islands belong to the so-called Small Cyclades. Thirassia is a small island where time seems to have stopped. Not everything you do on Mykonos has to cause sticker shock the island has a range of fun activities that cost nothing. Airports allow you either to begin or end your trip without even setting foot on a ferry from Piraeus.
10 Day Greece Itinerary: The Perfect Cyclades Island Hopping Trip 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. There are direct flights from several European cities, too, so Mykonos offers an excellent opportunity to travel to Greece without reaching Athens. Enjoy your vacation. In short: Greece. Our Cyclades Island Hopping Route: 12 Mykonos Syros 7.50 Syros Paros 11 Paros Naxos 9.50 Naxos Ios 6 Ios Folegandros 8 Folegandros Milos 54 Euros Total to Visit 7 Greek Islands SIMPLE TRIP ISLAND HOPPING DEPARTURE 10 Jun 2023 RETURN 11 Jun 2023 1 PASSENGER 0 VEHICLES SEARCH Powered by 7 Fun Cyclades Island Hopping Itinerary Ideas Ancient Athens Combined Ticket For The Archaeological Sites Of Athens, Ancient Athens for free A walking route through the historic centre, Street art in Athens Bright colours and political opinions, Tips For Staying Cool In The Summer In Athens, Top 10 Tips For Visiting Greece In Summer 2023, Our favourite beaches in Greece Popular beaches and hidden gems, Religion in Greece Churches, Greek Easter and Christian names, Greek Easter Traditions Greek Orthodox Easter Food and Customs. Overall, they are very diverse you will find long, sandy beaches, rocky coves and small, pebbly bays with crystal clear waters. Chora, the capital, is one of the most impressive main towns in the Cyclades, and you will definitely love the Venetian castle and the relaxed nightlife. The beach is very wide and safe for children. It gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to Mykonos.
Moreover, Ios island has lots of archaeology, hundreds of churches of all shapes and sizes, and some of the best sunsets in the Cyclades. Unbiased adv. In my opinion, Naxos is more authentic and has better beaches, whereas Paros is more developed and has more choices for nightlife. 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. GETTING TO THE CYCLADES. Walk up to the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa for some fantastic views of the Big Blue. Quieter and even less developed, Iraklia, population 170, lies about 10 miles to the south-west. This feels like it might be a degree of isolation too far. But if you prefer to know in advance where you'll be sleeping each night, or are travelling in peak season, specialist tour operator Greek Sun can put together a tailormade island-hopping itinerary which includes flights to Athens, accommodation and ferry crossings, for trips from eight to 21 nights. Suddenly I notice that I have found some temporary release from the urban labyrinth of cares and concerns that squats over my working life. It depends on what you are looking for. One of the most famous beaches in Amorgos and the rest of the Cyclades is known as Mouros Beach. "text": "You can easily travel around the Cyclades on the numerous ferries that connect the islands. And, for a man whose first priority is usually the strength of the Wi-Fi signal, this takes quite some doing. 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. 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. If, like most people, you only have one or two weeks, you will need to select just a few of the islands to visit." If you decide to make a purchase through these links, we receive a commission without any additional cost to you. We appreciate your support helping to keep this site free. First stop was Koufonissi, a one-village island, local population 370. Also, bring along some dramamine or ginger tablets, just in case. 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. 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. Whitewashed landscapes are also part of Mykonos panorama, while the island also has something Santorini doesnt: amazing beaches. I was lucky to experience Mykonos without the crowds, and had a blast as the beaches are truly magnificent. When Swimtrek launched its first swimming holiday a decade ago, it was in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean. 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. If you are going in summer, try to visit Santorini in June, rather than July or August. Naxos island has tons of history. Athens - Paros - Santorini Islands. Explore the island complex of Small Cyclades with a private sailing boat. The fourth island in the medley, Donousa, sits apart from the rest, to Naxos northeast. As an example, Naxos and Ios are two of the best Cyclades for beaches, whereas Iraklia and Sikinos are best for quiet vacations. "@type": "Answer", Kythnos is a rather mountainous destination in the Cyclades, not far from Athens, making ita convenient and nearby destination for a weekend or a short escape from Athens. Go back in the evening, and you will see an entirely different face. Cyclades Island Hopping Itinerary 14 Days, understand the local lifestyle and tune in to the times. Mykonos Island, however, has some pretty beaches, including Elia, Ornos, and Super Paradise. In the town, the quayside was abuzz with hormonal teenagers on scooters staring lovingly into each other's eyes. 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). Three are clustered south of Naxos: Iraklia(the largest of the group at 19 sq km),Schinousa and Koufonisia. 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. In fact, Tinos is one of my favorite islands in the Cyclades. Minor Cyclades islands hopping.Greece/Cyclades best sailing cruise.Private sail trips. Moreover, Milos is a paradise for off-road driving. Amorgos is another option, though it doesnt have an airport.
10 Greek Island Hopping Routes and Itineraries by a Local "text": "Both islands appeal to most people. Cyclades Island Hopping. 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. In the evenings, check out the numerous cultural events that take place on the island. According to many travelers, Plaka is the most beautiful beach in Naxos one of the top beaches in Greece. Ive looked at lots of websites to plan our trip and this one is so much more useful than the others Ive looked at. You can read our privacy policy here. 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. While flying between the islands might be more time effective, taking the ferry might be simpler and will most likely be cheaper. Tour operator Walking Plus offers an eight-day guided itinerary, which combines a couple of days exploring the fertile valleys and sandy bays of Naxos with a trip to the Erimonisia the deserted islands. } For the island lover, this chain of small, secluded islands is paradise regained. The city is also close to some of the most amazing Syros beaches, most of them concentrated on the southern and western coasts. Milos is a small, pretty, and quiet Greek Island, one of the many magnificent Greek Islands, Catamaran Half Day Morning Cruise In Milos, and elegance, beautiful churches, and romantic alleys, know that the quintessential part of island hopping. Its best to spend one or two days in Athens, rather than miss your flight! 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.
5 Small Ship Cruises in Cyclades, Greece - LiveAboard.com It is ideal if you want to hike, relax at the hot springs, or visit its 99 beautiful beaches. Andros is best known for its lovely beaches, maritime tradition and excellent museums. Everything costs more in Mykonos! "@type": "Question", Some of them, like Anafi or Donoussa, dont even have a pharmacy! Prices are affordable compared to other Greek islands, and there are not many reasons you should exclude Naxos. Mykonos is connected via ferry only with Naxos, Ios, and Santorini. }, { If you have any questions, just leave a comment below. Option 2: Santorini Paros Naxos Athens 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. Nestled offshore of mainland Greece, the Cyclades Islands are a cluster in the Aegean Sea. 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. Ive seen a ferry take over an hour and a half to dock on an exceptionally windy summer day, so no, Im not exaggerating! 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. 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. Both are easy to reach from Ios island, so they are the ones that should come next. Learn how your comment data is processed. Greece's lesser-known islands are growing in popularity. Another common feature among all these islands is the quaint Cycladic architecture. However, its beautiful villages, marble crafts and authentic culture will definitely amaze you. ", 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. Visitors are often pushed for time, and prefer to take the faster ferries between the islands. These tips and suggestions are here to help you decide which places to visit according to your travel style and the things you like to experience when on vacation. The food is wonderful, balancing incredible landscapes, top archaeological sites, outstanding beaches, and many interesting activities with kids.
Greek Islands | Cyclades | Small Cyclades | Island Hopping You will also find a few excellent folk museums. Sometimes called the 'Lesser Cyclades' the only thing you will find less of here is crowds and prices! There are simple old-school lodgings that speak of an earlier island-hopping era, plus some enticing boutique guesthouses our favourites include Makares on Donousa, Speires Hotel on Iraklia, Mersini Taverna on Schinousa, and Anna Villas on Koufonisia. Its best known attraction is its iconic church, our Lady of Tinos. The flash boutiques, pumping nightclubs and selfie-stick-wielding crowds of Mykonos and Santorini are a million miles away.
Small Cyclades travel - Lonely Planet | Greece, Europe The Best Cyclades Island Hopping Itinerary (2023) - She's abroad again 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! However, there is so much more to it. However, dont expect too much nightlife on the quieter / smaller islands. The most remote of the Cyclades, Anafi is a wild, secluded island, with a long free-camping tradition. 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. To the smaller Cyclades Islands like Donousa, you can get around by Caiques , a sort of water taxi that can be hired from the small ports on the islands. Where are the Cyclades Islands? The Greek islands have long been one of Europes favourite holiday destinations, and its not hard to see why. Check out the website. deli'. Based on two people travelling together, our average budget for most of our trips has been 40-50 euro per person per day. The Cyclades are a large group of popular islands in Greece, and its common to visit a few of them on the same trip. You can also take a sailing trip to explore its lovely coastline and the nearby Polyegos island.
Island hopping in small cyclades - Cyclades Forum - Tripadvisor Each one of the Greek Cyclades islands is unique in their own way. labyrinthine streets, and then experience the Greek hospitality and local cuisine at Penelope's Ouzeri, a small traditional eatery, or at Brusco 'wine.
Island-hopping in the Cyclades in 2 weeks - Traveling Psychiatrist The reason for that is its close distance to Athens airport (15 min by taxi and 30 min by bus). Getting there is a big part of the adventure, and island hopping is a breeze. But the appeal is as much to me as to Felix. But when even Felix started to echo back the word yamas "cheers" in Greek I knew it was time to catch the ferry to a simpler existence, away from the blurry influence of Dionysus. Named for the Greek god, Hermes, Ermoupoli has a different feel to the other Cycladic towns. There are dozens of different ferries connecting the Cyclades. You will see the famous white-washed houses and blue domed churches everywhere.
Island Hopping in the Small Cyclades | Ferryhopper Close to Naxos, you will find four small islands, called Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Donoussa and Iraklia.
Cyclades island hopping | Three quiet Greek islands If you never get seasick, just take any ferry that suits you. Kythnos has two main villages, Chora and Dryopida.
Greece: Island Hopping 101 - Everything You Need to Know Ferry schedules change in the off season, and there may only be a few routes per week. After having travelled to most of the Cyclades Greece, here are my impressions: Best sandy beaches: Naxos, Ios, Mykonos, Andros, Serifos, Sifnos, Kythnos, Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Donoussa, Nicest wild beaches: Naxos, Donoussa, Amorgos, Sikinos, Folegandros, Milos, Iraklia, Prettiest quaint towns and villages: Tinos, Naxos, Paros, Syros, Amorgos, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Most beautiful landscapes: Santorini, Milos, Kimolos, Amorgos, Naxos (but beauty is subjective! But in May, June and September, this place is just perfect. Paros is many peoples favorite island. "text":"It depends on what you are looking for. As we also said before, there are better places to go in Greece when it comes to beach life.
Island Hopping Around Naxos | Naxos and the Small Cyclades It is famous for the imposing Kalamos rock with the fantastic views to the Aegean, its lovely sunrises, and the relaxed nightlife. Milos 9. You can easily spend a few months travelling around the Cyclades. But not a bit of it. I have booked for us (family - two kids aged 17 and 15) to go island hopping in Greece this summer. Greek island hopping is the most brilliant way to spend your time visiting Greece. The cave is about a two-hour walk (one way) from the port areaon a signed path. Not having an airport of any international significance nor a port capable of receiving those towering multi-storey cruise ships, it sits gently in its own cultural micro-climate. Instead, pick some islands of which you haven't heard before. 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. Never been and I know it will be awesome. A visit here calls to mind the Greek island experience of 20 years ago, when things moved slower and pleasures were simpler. Youre not tired and full of energy at the beginning of your trip, so the long journey will not look so long. The golden sands and blue-green waters have long lured those in the know. Great customers reviews. But its the walking trails that woo, and often their destinations are exquisite coves and stunning vistas of an island-dappled Aegean. Its remote beaches can be reached either on local boats, or through the islands numerous hiking paths. 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. }, {
Small Cyclades Islands Travel Guide, Travel Tips | Cycladia Guides All these three options can end with a flight or ferry to Athens or a direct flight within Europe. Both islands appeal to most people. }, { Its stylish, but it lacks Mykonos pretensions and celebrity hype. As we have mentioned, a one-week itinerary of the Cyclades can offer you the possibility to see two or three Cyclades islands without stressing and running around. Jump to bottom. 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. 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.
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