Does your dream travel list include Greek Island Hopping in the Cyclades? But how do you start planning your Greek vacation with over 6,000 Greek Islands along its 16,000 km coastline to choose from, lucky for travellers there are only 227 that are habitable. In the Cyclades region, there are 250 islands, islets and reefs.
The Cyclades is a group of stunningly beautiful Greek islands that offer an unforgettable island-hopping experience. Each island in the archipelago has its unique character, history, and attractions, making it a traveller’s paradise. From the white-washed buildings of Santorini to the lively nightlife of Mykonos and the serene way of life in Paros, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the most popular destinations in the Cyclades and provide tips on how to make your Greek island-hopping adventure an unforgettable one. Travelling with kids? A great trip for them is introduce Greece with a 10-day itinerary that includes Athens, Mykonos and Santorini.
If you are first-timers visiting Greece or returning visitors there are so many interesting facts about Greece that you may want to read up on to help you plan your vacation.
The most popular Greek Island hopping is in the Cyclades. With short ferry journey times and more frequent schedules, the islands of Mykonos, Paros and Santorini are the best Greek Islands for island hopping. We have done it and it was a breeze and definitely the best way to see the Cyclades group.
We have put together a guide to Greek Island Hopping in the Cyclades to assist you in planning how to island-hop in Greece. When you plan your adventure in Greece you will also need to consider when is the best time to visit.
The best way to Greek Island hop is by ferry as there are few airports.
Love buying souvenirs when you travel? You will be spoilt for choice when shopping for Greek souvenirs and gifts to take home.
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If you decide to island-hop in the Cyclades you are spoilt for choice for accommodation. There are many places for rent in Greece and nothing beats staying in a villa with views over the Caldera in Santorini or relaxing at sunset by your private pool with a cocktail in hand with the twinkle of lights from Mykonos Town below you.
In Paros, our favourite area to stay is near the capital Parikia, with its seafront restaurants and charismatic cobblestoned streets and whitewashed churches and the iconic windmill by the Port.
Where are the Cyclades
The Cyclades are a group of Islands close to the capital of Athens in the Aegean Sea. There are over 220 islands in the group. The most popular ones are Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Ios and Tinos.
Cyclades Greek Islands Map
Greek Island Hopping Around the Cyclades
There are 6 popular Greek Island ferries:
- Blue Star Ferries (we have experienced Blue Star Ferries when we travelled from Mykonos to Paros and then onto Santorini)
- Golden Star Ferries
- Cyclades Fast Ferries
- Seajets
- Small Cyclades Line
For bookings and more information click here.
We prefer to travel the Greek Islands by ferry that we have organised ourselves. The ferries are very comfortable, all have restaurants, gift shops, ATMs and most offer Wifi on board.
Greek Island Hopping Tips: The Greek Islands are one of the most popular destinations in the European Summer and you will need to book your ferry and accommodation well in advance. With ferry bookings as soon as they release their schedule for the year, we recommend booking.
If you are prone to seasickness it would be advisable to book a larger ferry such as Blue Star Ferries, the faster smaller seajets can have you reaching for that sick bag.
Also, the faster smaller jets may cancel if the weather is bad.
Examples of ferry travel times between Greek islands
Athens to Mykonos
If you are considering travelling from Athens to Mykonos the fastest journey is with Seajet taking 2 hours and 15 minutes or Blue Star Ferries 5 hours 15 minutes.
Mykonos to Paros
Fastest journey with Hellenic Seaways: 45 minutes
Golden Star Ferries: 1 hour 15 minutes
Paros to Thira (Santorini)
Fastest journey with Hellenic Seaways: 1 hour 45 minutes
Blue Star Ferries: 3 hours
Mykonos to Thira (Santorini)
Fastest journey with Seajets: 3 hours
Golden Star Ferries: 5 hours
Greek Island Cruises
If you prefer to have your Greece cruise organised for you there are many options to travel to and enjoy the Cyclades. Greece Tours are popular and we recommend booking in advance during the summer high season.
A 2-day tour from Athens to Santorini and Mykonos
Tour description:
Early morning transportation to the port of Rafina. Embarkation on the ferry to Santorini. After a 6-hours cruise in the Aegean Sea, you will see the imposing scenery of the famous caldera rising in front of you, as the ferry approaches the port.
Upon arrival, you will meet our driver (holding a sign with your name) who will transfer you to your hotel in Santorini. Then you will have free time until the next morning, when the driver will transfer you back to the port of Santorini where you will embark on the ferry to Mykonos.
Upon arrival at Mykonos, you will have free time to explore the picturesque settlement of the city or go shopping to the famous designers’ shops of Matoyanni neighbourhood and enjoy fresh seafood at the local restaurants by the sea!
In the evening, you will embark on the ferry that will bring you back to Rafina and from there our driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Athens.
What To Do In Mykonos
Map of Mykonos Island Greece
A visit to the island of Mykonos must include a day out in Mykonos Town. Those iconic shots of whitewashed buildings with colourful bougainvillaea draped over wooden balconies, busy restaurants full of locals and travellers alike enjoying a meal under grapevine courtyards and cobblestoned streets are what will greet you when you wander the back streets.
The 16th-century windmills of Mykonos are a photographer’s delight and a major tourist attraction of Mykonos Town.
For waterfront dining or just a coffee or a cocktail at sunset head to Little Venice in Mykonos Town. Little Venice is also popular for shopping and souvenir shopping. If you enjoy walking tours and learning more about Mykonos a walking tour with a local guide is highly recommended.
If Greek food is one of your favourite cuisines you can now enjoy a cooking class where you can learn the cooking methods and secrets of Mykonian food.
A perfect end to a day of dining and shopping in Mykonos is a sunset cruise, where you can enjoy a relaxing sail with a glass of wine or ouzo with some savoury snacks.
There is so much to see and do in and around Mykonos, you will be spoilt for choice, don’t forget to make time to visit many of the local beaches.
Our favourite area on the island of Mykonos is Ornos Bay, a short bus ride from Mykonos Town. There are several restaurants to choose from and our favourite is Aperanto Galazio.
Top things to do in Mykonos Greece
For the top ten restaurants rated by travellers for Tripadvisor click the link below.
What To Do in Santorini
Map of Santorini
Santorini is our favourite Greek Island. On our trips to Greece, we have spent over two months staying in Oia. When planning a trip to Greece it is worth doing some research on where you want to stay, you could consider Imerovigli, Firostefani or Fira which are located overlooking the Caldera (a cauldron-like volcanic depression) with stunning sunset views.
One of the fun things we did in Santorini was the Sunset Cruise with a meal. Included in the cruise was time to swim and snorkel. A BBQ dinner was included, a perfect end to the day sailing the Aegean Sea with the stunning orange sunsets that Santorini is famous for.
We would recommend Oia and Fira for shopping. There are the usual souvenir shops but also some local craft and jewellery shops which are worth visiting, not to mention the olive oil and wine shops.
Top things to do in Santorini Greece
Our favourite restaurant in Ammoudi Bay is the Sunset Ammoudi Taverna (reservations are required if you intend to dine at sunset).
Our favourite restaurant in Oia is Roka which is hidden down a back lane well from the tourist path with an excellent menu and great service. Reservations are required in the evening during the high season.
If you enjoy hiking we can recommend hiking from Fira to Oia or the reverse. The best time to start is just before sunrise before the heat of the day. You will visit the villages of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia along the way. It can take anywhere between 2 and 5 hours and we highly recommend that you take lots of water with you. The return journey can be made by local taxi or local bus.
If you are in Oia spend some time wandering around the back streets of the village. The scenic cobblestoned back streets offer many photographic opportunities. If you love taking photos of doors, geranium-filled window boxes and colourful bougainvillaea clinging to the sides of whitewashed cottages you will need to allow a couple of hours.
For the top ten restaurants in Santorini rated by Tripadvisor, reviewers click below.
What to Do in Paros
Map of Paros
Parikia (the capital of Paros) and the village of Naoussa are the main villages on the island of Paros. Most of the activities on Paros can be found here. The two best beaches on Paros are Golden Beach and New Golden Beach.
Parikia has traditional Cycladic architecture. If you wander through the back streets you will come across strikingly whitewashed cottages with bright pink bougainvillaea and blue-domed churches. On our afternoon wander we came across small groups of local men playing dominoes in the shade with their glasses filled with the local Ouzo.
Seafood restaurants line the waterfront. We spent quite a few lazy lunchtimes enjoying freshly grilled fish and our favourite dish – Greek Salad served with a chilled bottle of the local white wine.
There is a small castle that dates back to the 13th century in the town – it is known as the Kastro. Today all that is left is a wall and a tower. There is also a small archaeological museum that is worth a visit.
The village of Naoussa, 10km away from Parikia, is a picturesque fishing village that has kept to its traditional way of life. It is popular with beach-goers as well as party-goers as some of the bars are open until dawn.
Top tours to do in Paros Greece
For the top ten restaurants in Paros rated by Tripadvisor click below:
Flights to the Greek Islands
There are airports on Mykonos and Santorini.
Flight Deals to the Greek Islands
Find the cheapest flights with Skyscanner our go-to when researching and booking flights throughout the world.
Travel Insurance
We recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your flights and pay deposits on any cruises, tours or hotels.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Greek Island hopping holidays is a truly magical experience that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. With its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and rich cultural heritage, the Cyclades offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to party all night or relax on a secluded beach with crystal-clear waters, there are plenty of options to choose from. So why not set sail and explore this beautiful corner of Greece? You won’t regret it!
How gorgeous. Perfect for Blogging From Paradise too. Island hopping all over Greece is on my travel list. Now I know the Cyclades is the spot for island hopping.
Hey Ryan
Yes, defintely perfect for Blogging from Paradise. Hope to run into you one day on your Greek Island Hopping Adventure.
Great, these destination of Greece are looking so awesome and these are full of natural things which increase its beauty, Stunning photos you have also.
Thank you for your comments.
Greece looks beautiful! I would love to visit there someday too!
Love your pictures. I visited Santorini for the first time last year. Also went to Mykonos on another trip. I think Santorini is my favorite too.
Hi Judy
Both hold a special place in our hearts. We loved the walk from Fira to Oia – such a special time at sunrise.
Cheers
Wonderful post, as you are writing about Santorini, one of my favourite places. I’ve also been briefly on Paros. But not yet Mykonos!
Hi Doreen
Mykonos is a must if you are back in the area. We can highly recommend staying in Ornos Bay, just a short distance away and not a party place.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Pinned! Now I’m really getting excited for my return to Greece this fall. Thanks for the thorough recap of Cyclades Islands. (Paros is the only one I’ve visited, and I really enjoyed that little museum.)
Thanks Kristin. You will enjoy the rest of the Greek Islands. Def one of our favourite destinations.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Island hopping in the Greek Islands has been on my travel list for so long, so this is a particularly useful piece. I’d love to do a sailing tour, but I think it will have to be via the ferries. Either way, I’m hoping it will be some day soon!
Positive thinking Cindy and you will be there!
Thanks for your comments.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Greece has wonderful islands.I love Santorini but I’m wondering about Paros.
Thank you for your comments. Paros is definitely worth a visit. Much smaller than Santorini and Mykonos but enjoyable.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Santorini is my favorite Greek Island as well! I’m hoping to be able to go back soon, maybe in the shoulder season when it’s not so crowded. The hike from Oia to Fira sounds like it could be fun in the off-season as well. I smiled when you mentioned that you should allow several hours if you like taking pictures of doors, flower boxes, and bougainvillea. The last time we were there, my daughter spent several hours doing just that!
Hi Carrie Ann
Thank you for your comments. Santorini is a favourite, such beauty.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
I’ve done a fair share of island hopping in Greece and I must say, this was a brilliant article. I think everyone that’s planning to visit multiple islands in Greece should read this. The Cyclades are indeed a great starting spot for island hopping at some of the most beautiful islands in Greece.
Hi Daniel
Thank you for your comments. The Greek Islands are such a dream destination to travel to.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Such an extensive guide with lots of helpful tips. I haven’t been to any Greek island yet. I hope get to see one of these islands soon!
Hi Jen
Thank you for your comments. We hope you can visit one day.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
We have been thinking of visiting the cyclades for quite a while, but haven’t had the time. We didn’t know that there was a two day tour from Athens to Santorini which sounds like it would be suitable for us. Thanks for the excellent information, this post has make us much wiser before our trip.
Hi Katie
Thank you for your comments. Hope you can visit one day.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Wow this is definitely going to be in the bucket list. I wanted to visit Mykonos and Santorini but I am surely going to add the other islands in the list. I like the idea of basing at Paros and visiting the islands from there as day trips.
Hi Shreya
Thanks for your comments. I adore the cyclades. Hope you can visit.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
I visited Athens, Santorini and Mykonos on my first trip to Greece but I want to go back for sure to visit some more islands on my next trip. Paros and Naxos sound (and look) like great islands. Maybe I will even consider taking a 2-3 day cruise of the islands. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Medha
Thank you for your comments. Hope one day that you can visit.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Your post took me to my Greek visit and I agree with you that the Cyclades islands are truly worth visiting. Islands hopping from Santorini to Mykonos and in between stopping over many other islands is a beautiful thing to do here. I cannot select my favorite between Santorini and Mykonos as both are very unique and have lots of beautiful sights. Thanks for sharing all detailed information.
Hi Yukti
Thanks for your comments. I too cant choose which island I love best.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
We are literally planning this for next summer! This is SO helpful thank you!! I’m even more excited for our trip now!!
Hi Chloe
Thank you for your comments. Glad our article will assist.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
I’ve been wanting to do more traveling in the Greek Isles and this post was super helpful. Many of these tours and cruises sounded so interesting, will be weighing my possible options for exploring the area! Thank you for this post!
Hi Constance
Thank you for your comments. The Greek Islands are magic and so easy to travel to by ferry.
Hope you can make it there.
Cheers Jane and Duncan