Forget Mykonos and Santorini and even Paros and Naxos. For a real taste of what the Cyclades offer the visitor then you must head for the lesser known islands - often harder to get to but much more rewarding for the effort.
We offer 16 Cycladic islands, some which even the Greeks have not heard of or visited. All can be booked for standard one or two weeks stays and all can be combined to form multi centre island hopping itineraries, combining well known islands like Santorini and Mykonos with unknown, lesser visited jewels still radiating the very essence of Greece, which their popular brethren have long since lost.
For this itinerary we have selected three Cycladic island gems, Sifnos, Folegandros and Milos which, with a first night in Athens, can easily be combined in a 7 night itinerary, although we would always recommend extending your stay on each island to give more time to appreciate what each has to offer.
Itinerary includes:
- Return flights to Athens Airport
- 1 Night in Athens (Bed and Breakfast)
- 2 Nights on Sifnos (Bed and Breakfast)
- 2 Nights on Folegandros (Bed and Breakfast)
- 2 Nights on Milos (Bed and Breakfast)
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1 - Day of arrival
Direct flight from the UK to Athens.
You have a choice as to how to get to Athens but, if possible, we can book as early a flight as possible from the airport of your choice so that you can spend the afternoon in Athens. On arrival you will be transferred (45 minutes) to The Royal Olympic Hotel. We do, of course, offer a selection of centrally located hotels of various grades and can therefore offer a choice..If you have never been to Athens before, just book a bus tour which you can pick up from nearby the hotel. This is by far the best, cheapest and fastest way to appreciate what Athens has to offer. If you want to spend an extra night or two in Athens, we can easily extend your stay so please ask us for a quote. An individual, private tour is even more enjoyable.
Overnight at the Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens
Athens, Greece
Day 2 - Sifnos
It will be an early start as the ferries leave Piraeus port at around 07.00. You will be transferred to the port by private taxi (20 minutes). Our local agent will provide your ferry tickets and it will take approximately 5 hours and thirty minutes to reach the island. The transfer to the Niriedes Suites at the eastern end of Plati Yialos will take 20 minutes. This boutique hotel is one of our favourites and is just 2-3 minutes from the beach via steps.
Sifnos is a sophisticated island which has managed to avoid the crowds that are drawn to better known islands. The island has a highly rated cuisine and a gastronomy festival held annually in the first week of September. The villages here are classically Cycladic - whitewashed houses amidst narrow streets. This is an island of fertile valleys and lofty mountains.
Overnight at the Niriedes Suites
Sifnos, Greece
Day 3 - Explore Sifnos
You can either spend the day on the excellent beach at Plati Yialos or why not hire a car for the day, which is easily arranged by the hotel? This will cost in the region of £60 depending on the season. There is much to see and villages to explore like Kastro, the former capital, the port of Kamares, many other small villages and the lovely, beautiful hilltop church of Epta Martires
Overnight at the Niriedes Suites, Sifnos
Kamares, Sifnos, Greece
Day 4 - Folegandros
It will, once more, be an early start for your transfer to the port of Kamares to catch the ferry to Folegandros (2 hours and 30 minutes). From the port of Folegandros you will be transferred (approximately 10 minutes) to the cliff-top location of the Fata Morgana studios which are built around an 85 sqm pool. It is a 5-minute walk from the studios to the centre of Chora, the perfect Cycladic capital.
Folegandros remains true to the austere beauty of its rugged mountains and sun-bleached plains. There are many hiking trails to be explored. Make the most of your first day exploring Chora with its dramatic vertical cliff top location and its many tavernas.
Overnight at the Fata Morgana
Folegandros, Greece
Day 5 - Explore Folegandros
Folegandros has a full time population of 650 and some excellent beaches where you can while away your time on this second day on the island. A bus runs from Chora to Agli Beach about 10 times daily and then on to the port from where you have a choice of another 7 beaches. Boat excursions also run to the nearby island of Sikinos.
Overnight at the Fata Morgana, Folegandros
Folegandros, Greece
Day 6 - Milos
You will have become used to early morning starts by now. You will be transferred to the port and then join the ferry for Milos (3 hours). Here you will be transferred from the port of Adamantas in 15 minutes to another of our favourite Cycladic hotels - the Apollon Hotel in Pollonia run by Mrs Stavroula and her family.
Milos is a large volcanic island with a collapsed caldera in its centre, creating the largest natural harbour in the Cyclades. Pollonia has a sweep of beaches shaded by tamarisk trees. It is a charming fishing village with many excellent restaurants for which it is renowned. Use the rest of the day to explore the village and visit the beaches.
Overnight at the Apollon Rooms, Milos
Milos, Greece
Day 7 - Explore Milos
There are over 70 beaches on Milos and, being a volcanic island, there are some dramatic moonscape areas. Plaka, the old capital, is particularly atmospheric in the evenings, especially from the Venetian castle at the summit. It is well worth hiring a car to explore the many facets of Milos and explore the villages and Roman remains, especially the Greco/Roman amphitheatre at Tripiti. In fact, it is well worth adding an extra night on Milos! If you do not fancy hiring a car, then take a ‘around the island’ boat trip which reveals the many landscape forms which make Milos so unique.
Overnight at the Apollon Rooms, Milos
Milos, Greece
Day 8 - Day of departure
You will be transferred back to the port and then board the ferry back to Piraeus (approximately 6 hours). On arrival in Piraeus, you will be transferred to Athens airport for your flight home. In some cases, when we are unable to connect with your preferred return flight, a further night in Athens may be necessary. However, more often than not we execute the transfer on a domestic flight (45 minutes).