Island hopping in the northern Cyclades - Andros, Tinos and Syros

Day 1 - Arrival on Andros

On arrival at Athens Airport, transfer to Ralina port and then onwards to Andros (1-2 hours by ferry).

Overnight at the Chrissi Akti Hotel, Andros. Bed & Breakfast

Chrissi Akti Hotel, Andros

Day 2, 3 & 4 - Explore Andros

Andros is the second largest island of the Cyclades (after Naxos) and, due to the many underground springs, remains green throughout the summer. It is a paradise for walkers and there is a network of marked trails providing access to the island's mountains, valleys, monasteries and villages. Andros' many beaches are mostly superb, ranging from long sandy crescents (such as that at Batsi) to secluded coves. It is at Batsi where most visitors choose to stay. This small resort-village has a friendly relaxed Greek air, fine beaches to either side, a good choice of restaurants and cafes and a handful of bars.

Overnight at the Chrissi Akti Hotel, Andros. Bed & Breakfast

Andros, Cyclades

Day 5 - Transfer to Tinos

Transfer to the island of Tinos, 60-90 mins by ferry.

Overnight at Vincenzo, Tinos. Bed & Breakfast

Vincenzo, Tinos

Day 6 & 7 - Explore Tinos

Unlike its neighbour Mykonos, Tinos remains under the radar to foreign tourists and is as traditional and Greek as they come. Tinos is not, however, unknown to Greeks. In fact it is one of the more visited islands, famous as a religious centre, and thus welcomes considerable numbers of Greek pilgrims who come to visit its imposing church at the top of the bustling town. Ti nos makes its living from domestic tourism; this, for us, is a good thing. But there is far more to Tinos. The island is known for its villages (over 50 and often cited as collectively the most beautiful of any Greek island), its windmills, its dovecotes and marble sculpture. Tinos has some fine beaches, a rural hilly interior good for walking and more to offer than many better-known islands. A day trip to Mykonos (20 minutes by ferry) is possible.

Overnight at Vincenzo, Tinos. Bed & Breakfast

Church of Panagia Evangelistria, Tinos

Day 8 - Transfer to Syros

A 30-50 minute ferry ride will take you from Tinos to Syros, another island blissfully untouched by large scale tourism developments.

Overnight at the Benois Hotel, Syros. Bed & Breakfast

Benois Hotel, Syros

Day 9 & 10 - Explore Syros

Syros' past importance and historical wealth is reflected in its imposing main town of Ermoupolis, the capital of the Cyclades, which boasts many neoclassical mansions , elegant squares, numerous churches and municipal buildings. The museum's exhibits show human settlement dating back 5000 years. The town is divided into two parts, although today they are viewed as one. Ermoupolis and its neighbour Ano Syros are built around two hills, one topped with an Orthodox cathedral, the other with a Catholic cathedral. Away from the town there are villages and good sandy beaches to explore, the most well-known being Galissas which has a small resort behind. All are served by an excellent bus network making independent exploration inexpensive and easy.

Overnight at the Benois Hotel, Syros. Bed & Breakfast

Ermoupolis, Syros

Day 11 - Day of departure

Transfer from Syros to Mykonos (25-45 minutes) for your return flight to the UK.