Island hopping in the Cyclades

A journey through Greece's most enchanting archipelago
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If you are exploring the idea of booking your holidays in the Cyclades, there is no doubt; you made the right choice.

Here is how you can make the most out of it, in order to enjoy the finest of what the Aegean islands have to offer.
Island Hopping
will fill your senses with azure horizons, white-washed architecture, traditional villages and warm hospitality.

This is your chance to experience how each Greek island writes its own unique story across the shimmering expanse of the Aegean Sea!

The art of Cyclades island hopping

The true magic of the Cyclades reveals itself to those who embrace the archipelago’s natural rhythm. As an international traveller, you are most likely to enter and return through the cosmopolitan gateways of Mykonos or Santorini. But the journey between islands offers its own special rewards. Why not offer yourself the opportunity to discover each destination’s unique character?

Let’s start with a great, simple tip for Cyclades island hopping:

Focus your journey on three to four islands, not more, an approach that saves you from hurried sightseeing that would bring motion fatigue, and sets you towards meaningful exploration.

You’ll spend less time on ferries and more time “actually” experiencing each place – whether that’s finding your favourite local taverna, stumbling upon a village festival, or simply watching the sunset from a different beach each evening.

Your best choice for crossing the Aegean waters from one island to the other is certainly Seajets’ modern fleet. Its high-speed vessels connect tens of destinations from early April to October.

Remember to book in advance if you plan to come during the sun-soaked summer months when the season is at its peak.

Island hopping in Greece: Where to begin

Paros: Cycladic heart and soul

Recommended stay: at least 3-4 nights

At the heart of the Cyclades, Paros embodies the essence of what we call “summer in Greece”. Marble-paved paths, traditional insular architecture, history-long culture, modern infrastructure and contemporary life shape an amazing destination. Known for balancing family-friendly charm with vibrant nightlife, Paros draws travellers seeking everything from a peaceful coastal retreat to mid-summer fun—without the hustle of its more famous neighbours.

Parikia: capital and port

Stroll through narrow alleys lined with whitewashed houses. Must-sees include the Byzantine-era Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of 100 Doors), one of Greece’s oldest functioning churches, and the Frankish Castle perched near the waterfront. In the evenings, lively cafés and tavernas create a buoyant atmosphere along the seafront.

Naoussa: the cosmopolitan hub

This chic old fishing port combines elegant boutiques, a diverse dining scene, and a picture-perfect Venetian Castle at the harbor entrance. By day, fishermen mend their nets next to bobbing boats; by night, Naoussa’s bars and wine spots buzz with energy, appealing to couples and friends looking for a more upscale island vibe.

Charming Parian villages

Alyki in the south lures seafood lovers with its fresh-caught fare, while Lefkes, higher in the hills, offers panoramic island views, picturesque windmills, and the beautifully adorned Church of Agia Triada. Piso Livadi, with its lovely bay and relaxing cafés, is perfect for families or couples craving a laid-back atmosphere and direct access to tranquil beaches.

Exotic beaches

From the family-friendly sands of Livadia near Parikia and the golden stretch of Santa Maria to the scenic coves of Kolymbithres, Paros lives up to its island-holiday promise. Golden Beach is a mecca for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while the quieter shores of Faragas and Lageri cater to those who prefer more privacy. Expect clear waters, gentle waves, and plenty of sunbeds or open shoreline—depending on your preferences.

Local flavours & experiences

Taste regional specialities like sun-dried fish (gouna), sample craft beers at the 56 Isles microbrewery, and join a Greek cooking lesson to learn time-honoured recipes firsthand. Wine lovers can explore Paros’s winemaking tradition—particularly the Mandilaria and Monemvasia varieties—by visiting local vineyards or the Wine Museum in Naoussa.

Whether you come for relaxed family time or a cosmopolitan getaway, Paros offers the ideal blend of Cycladic charm, modern comforts, and easy connections to the rest of the Aegean. Spend a few days here to bask in its laid-back elegance—then hop on a ferry to discover the next gem in your Cycladic journey.

*Take a look at Paros’ hidden gems, experiences and attractions you can’t miss, all in our dedicated guide.

Antiparos: Authenticity embodied

Recommended stay: 1 full day

A 10-minute ferry from Paros takes you to its smaller neighbour. Antiparos preserves the essence of traditional Cycladic life and you‘ll notice how everything slows down a notch or two here. At its heart, a 15th-century Venetian castle rises above the main town, where casual sophistication meets island authenticity in the alleys below. Celebrities and artists like Tom Hanks have a house here, but that hasn’t altered the island’s laid-back character.

But its crown jewel lies beneath its surface: the Cave of Antiparos descends into the earth, its stalactites and stalagmites forming columns that have witnessed millennia of history. Above ground, Soros Beach offers a refined escape where crystal waters meet golden sand, while Agios Georgios provides a more serene scene where local fishermen still bring their daily catch directly to seaside tavernas.

Mykonos: Where glamour meets tradition

Recommended stay: at least 2-3 nights.

Mykonos needs no introduction. Its iconic windmills stand as a world-class symbol of an island where cosmopolitan sophistication blends with timeless Greek tradition. This legendary Cycladic destination has mastered the art of bringing together jet-setting luxury and authentic charm.

The heart of the island beats strongest in Chora (the main town), where bougainvillaea cascades over whitewashed walls and every twisted alley holds a new discovery. Little Venice, with its medieval houses hanging precariously over the sea, offers some of the most romantic sunset views in all of Greece. As evening approaches, waterfront restaurants fill with the sounds of clinking glasses and conversations, while fishing boats bob gently in the harbour.

Beyond the nightlife and designer boutiques, Mykonos preserves its cultural descent in places like Ano Mera, the location of the 16th-century monastery of Panagia Tourliani. Here, in the island’s interior, local life continues much as it has for generations.

The island’s beaches guarantee to elevate any mood. Super Paradise vibrates at the beats of international DJs, while Ftelia offers a more bohemian atmosphere where windsurfers dance with the famous meltemi winds. At Ornos, families gather at traditional tavernas where the day’s catch becomes the evening’s feast.

Santorini: Made of stone, ash and sun

Recommended stay: at least 3 nights

Nature’s testament to the power of volcanic forces is no other than Santorini, the other world-famous Cycladic destination. This crescent-shaped island embraces its caldera like a precious jewel, with white-washed villages clinging to cliff tops that seem to touch the sky.

Oia, perhaps the most photographed location in all of Greece, unveils its magic as the sun begins its descent into the caldera. People gather to witness a spectacle that has inspired every single visitor for decades. The morning light brings its own surprises, when the village’s light-blue-domed churches and winding pathways reward the early risers and local cats.

In Fira, the island’s bustling capital, life unfolds on multiple levels. The old port below connects to the cliff-top town via a cable car that offers breathtaking views. Market streets buzz with activity as shopkeepers display their wares and restaurant terraces fill with diners eager to sample Santorini’s delicious gastronomy, which includes traditional flavours and haute cuisine.

You may be here for the caldera, but don’t miss the less-visited parts of the island. The ancient site of Akrotiri tells an older story – one of a sophisticated Bronze Age civilization preserved by the very volcanic eruption that shaped today’s landscape. Walking through its excavated streets offers a window into life before the incident that changed the island forever. Everyone talks about the Oia sunset, but you’ll find an equally spectacular one from atop the village of Imerovigli.

Santorini’s beaches are equally unique; unlike the exotic azure colours of other islands, the Red Shore and Perissa (The Black Sand beach) offer a “volcanic” scenery for a swim. Don’t miss taking a boat tour to the volcanic islets of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, where you can plunge into warm, sulfur-rich waters for a truly one-of-a-kind swimming experience.

Wine lovers will discover pleasant surprises in ancient varieties like Assyrtiko, which thrive in volcanic soil. Here, vines are trained into distinctive basket-like shapes close to the ground, protecting them from strong winds while drawing moisture from morning mist. Traditional wineries, many built partially underground in caves, offer tastings allowing visitors to experience the result of centuries of viticultural tradition.

Milos: Nature’s “art” gallery

Recommended stay: 3-4 nights

Also an island with volcanic origins, Milos paints a masterpiece of natural beauty across its coastline. This geological wonderland, where the famous marble sculpture of Aphrodite of Melos (Venus de Milo) was discovered, continues to captivate visitors with its landscapes and beaches.

First-timers in Sarakiniko will be amazed by the lunar-like terrain. There is a reason it’s the island’s most photographed location, where white volcanic rock has been sculpted by wind and salty waves into alabaster formations resembling the moon.

Plaka, the island’s capital, is the go-to destination for lively days and nights. Built amphitheatrically on a hill, this traditional settlement offers panoramic views across the Aegean. Narrow streets lead to all sorts of surprises; a folklore museum housed in a classic Cycladic building, centuries-old churches, and cosy tavernas serving real local food made with quality, local ingredients.

The island’s coastline holds some of the Cyclades’ most astonishing beach scenes:

  1. Tsigrado Beach nestles between towering cliffs, accessible only using ropes and ladders
  2. Fyriplaka stretches beneath multicoloured volcanic cliffs,
  3. Kleftiko, accessible only by boat, promises white rock formations and crystal waters. Its caves were once used as hideouts by pirates.

Naxos: Largesse, abundance, hospitality

Recommended stay: at least 3 nights

Naxos boasts of being the largest and most fertile island of the Cyclades complex, where agricultural abundance meets cultural and natural wealth. Legends say Naxos hosted Zeus as a child, in its diverse landscape of mountain villages, ancient ruins, and endless beaches.

Approaching the harbour, the Portara – Apollo’s ancient gateway – is there to greet visitors with its massive marble frame. You can’t help but stay enough to keep the best your camera can capture. This iconic monument sets the stage for an island rich in historical treasures and natural beauty.

Chora, the main town, rises from the port in a mesmerizing cascade of traditional white buildings, overlooked by the Venetian castle. Within its medieval walls, lives a vibrant community. It is said this area houses descendants of the Venetian nobles who once ruled the island, their family mansions still bearing coats of arms above heavy wooden doors.

Moving to the inner island takes us to villages that seem untouched by time, like Halki and Apiranthos. Here, locals still practice traditional crafts – weaving, distilling kitron, the famous liqueur made of citron, and producing the island’s renowned cheeses, such as graviera. Do remember to try the local potato variety, famous throughout the country. Olive groves, flower fields and small orthodox churches complete a serene landscape.

Thanks to the island’s size and geological versatility, visitors have an extensive list of options for a swim. Agia Anna, Plaka and Agios Prokopios are the major cosmopolitan beaches of Naxos, including organized bars, family-friendly shallows and water sports. For those who prefer unspoiled shores, Mikri Vigla will do the magic, while farther south Kastraki and Aliko promise exploration in coves and secluded spots.

Sifnos: The culinary soul of the Cyclades

Recommended stay: at least 2 nights

If the Cyclades had a kitchen, Sifnos would be its heart. This island of rolling hills and whitewashed villages has long been renowned as a cradle of original Greek gastronomy, where traditional recipes are treated as family heirlooms and passed down through generations.

Apollonia, the island’s capital, proudly winds its way along a mountain ridge. As evening falls, the famous “Sifnos Walk” begins along Steno, the main street where visitors and locals alike take on their evening stroll, leading to impromptu gatherings at traditional tavernas and rakadika.

The island’s culinary heritage presents itself to visitors in so many ways. Ancient clay chimneys rise from traditional houses, marking the locations of wood-fired ovens where the famous Sifniot potters once crafted the cookware that made the island famous. Today, the same ovens produce revythada, the island’s signature dish with chickpeas, a stew-like recipe, slowly cooked overnight in clay pots and served with spices and fresh bread.

In Kastro, medieval walls embrace a settlement that has remained continuously inhabited for millennia. Here, narrow paths lead past houses built right in the defensive walls, with windows offering views across the endless blue. The Church of the Seven Martyrs, perched precariously on a rocky shelf, stands as one of the most photographed churches in Greece. But the religious jewel of Sifnos is arguably the Monastery of Chrisopigi – a must-see.

Although Sifnos is more known for its culinary tradition, its shores are no less dazzling than those of its neighbours.

  • Platys Gialos, one of the largest of Sifnos offers golden sands, as well as beach bars and restaurants.
  • Kamares, near the island’s main port, is also a practical option for families.
  • For those who prefer more privacy and tranquillity, Vathy makes for a nice welcoming sheltered bay.

Ios: Young and restless

Recommended stay: at least 2 nights.

If rhythm is a dancer, Ios is its partner. This is where vibrant youth culture meets timeless Cycladic charm. While famous for its legendary nightlife, the island holds secrets that reward those who venture beyond the party scene.

Chora, the island’s main town, transforms throughout the day. Mornings reveal a peaceful traditional village, its streets remain charmingly quiet except for the sound of church bells and the distant bleating of goats. As sunset comes, the town awakens, its alleys filling with energy as bars and restaurants prepare for another night under the stars.

Yet Ios offers more than its reputation suggests. Homer’s tomb is located in the island’s northern part, a simple stone marker overlooking the Aegean where it is said the great Greek poet took his final rest. Moreover, on the site of Skarkos lies a prehistoric settlement, one of the most well-preserved early Cycladic sites, giving a glimpse of how life was in the archipelago three to four millennia ago.

The island’s beaches are most inviting as well:

  • Mylopotas with golden sand and clear waters; perfect for swimming and water sports,
  • Manganari is the island’s hidden paradise, its five consecutive beaches offering options for every mood,
  • Agia Theodoti makes for a peaceful escape, where a traditional taverna serves fresh seafood to visitors who venture off the beaten path.

Making the most of your adventure in the Cyclades

You are right to be thrilled to begin your island hopping adventure, but in order to fully enjoy it without hassle, you need the right balance of planning and spontaneity. Here are a few tips for the ideal island hopping in Greece:

  1. Timing your visit: The Greek islands take on different faces throughout the year. While high summer (July-August) brings great energy and vibes, consider alternative periods such as May-June, offering warm days, spring flowers, and fewer crowds. September-October also brings gentle warmth and wine harvests.
  2. Practical considerations: Travel between islands requires proper planning. Seajets and other ferry operators increase their services during peak season, but booking in advance remains essential. Also, remember to save some room in your luggage for local treasures and gifts!
  3. Choose your base wisely: Paros is an ideal hub for your island-hopping adventure. Its central location in the Cyclades, combined with a wide range of accommodation options and frequent ferry connections, makes it perfect for exploring the Aegean.

Plan your journey, book your stay today

Whether you’re drawn to the serene caldera views of Santorini, the cosmopolitan energy of Mykonos, or the culinary heritage of Sifnos, the Cyclades await with endless possibilities.

Choose Paros as your gateway to begin your Cycladic adventure.
Consider making Paros your first stop and base for the discoveries awaiting you in the Greek blue.

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