small cyclades island hopping

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. Naxos island has tons of history. In the Small Cyclades, its all about switching off and reverting to island time. For a little more peace and quiet, head . But the whole blood and carcass thing wasn't working for him, and once we had sat down to eat, I began to fear I had made a rod for my own back. For the first time in ages, I am released from any anxiety about purpose or achievement. 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. In the Odyssey, Ariadne's journey to Naxos was rather different. Posted by Ethan (New York, NY) . Nevertheless, this guided tour lets you explore all the popular sights in Santorini. If you have only been to Santorini and thought the beaches were great, wait until you see Ios, Naxos or Donoussa! The fourth island in the medley, Donousa, sits apart from the rest, to Naxos northeast. Romantic whitewashed villages over the edge of the Caldera and blue-domed churches are part of the traditional landscape we all expect to discover on the island. Being a cruise ship destination, the island can sometimes feel overcrowded. Here is a breakdown of our costs for island hopping in the Cyclades for a month. No, Greece is not expensive! { Getting there is a big part of the adventure, and island hopping is a breeze. So many Cycladic islands offer picturesque white-washed villages with tiny alleys and colorful splashes of flowers. } Its central location makes it for an ideal destination to include in a Cyclades island hopping itinerary. Ios is one of the most beautiful Aegean islands you can visit, yet it has earned the fame of being an island for young people and party animals Not so much so, but indeed, theres some truth beneath this common belief. You cant stay on the island, so its best to add this stop while you are in Mykonos to take a boat there and back in a day. Here is some more information: Direct flights between the Greek islands. "@type": "Question", These are the best beaches in the Cyclades Islands mentioned in this article: The most scenic beach on the island is the Red Beach, which is more interesting for the landscape than for the actual beach facilities. The beaches in Santorini are certainly not the best ones in Greece. Whether this is your first time island hopping in the Cyclades or your twelfth, youll find some useful travel tips to make your vacation go more smoothly! My suggestion is to avoid booking your flight back home on the same day with your ferry trip back to Piraeus. Home > CycladesIslandHopping Routes, Itineraries & Beaches. Ferries depart from Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio ports near Athens. The archipelago consists of 24 inhabited islands, and dozens of uninhabited ones. Looking at a map of the Cyclades is a good idea. Its best known attraction is its iconic church, our Lady of Tinos. Andros is best known for its lovely beaches, maritime tradition and excellent museums. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to go hiking, as most people will find it too warm to hike in summer. And, for a man whose first priority is usually the strength of the Wi-Fi signal, this takes quite some doing. However, dont expect too much nightlife on the quieter / smaller islands. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Some of them, like Anafi or Donoussa, dont even have a pharmacy! Yes, we are sure that you've heard of the Cyclades - they have long been a favorite holiday destination for travelers around the world. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Syros is a small but prosperous Cycladic Island, the capital of the Cyclades. You can explore traditional white villages, check archaeological sites, eat delicious food in authentic Greek tavernas, and relax on the islands magnificent beaches. "@type": "Question", It has fine golden sand and turquoise waters. Santorini's dramatic volcanic landscape and navigable size make it the ideal spot for hikers. The Ultimate Guide To Island Hopping The Cyclades In Greece By Johnny Last Updated On: June 11, 2023 I spent just shy of two months travel around Greece in the summer of Coronavirus. Greek Islands | Cyclades | Small Cyclades | Island Hopping It boasts some picturesque villages, lovely, unspoiled nature and a long history. labyrinthine streets, and then experience the Greek hospitality and local cuisine at Penelope's Ouzeri, a small traditional eatery, or at Brusco 'wine. ), and now adopted by the bar, the dog goes everywhere his master goes. But Theseus, once his mission was accomplished, dumped Ariadne and left her stranded on Naxos. I personally love those islands, and suggest spending at least a couple of nights on each. Roamthe pedestrian-only center and take time to admire the picturesque view from the dramatic cliffs. However, there are plenty of smaller islands in the Cyclades. "text": "You can easily travel around the Cyclades on the numerous ferries that connect the islands. } Your email address will not be published. Cyclades Island Hopping - Rick Steves Travel Forum The jumping off point for the Small Cyclades is Naxos, reached by taking a flight to Mykonos then a ferry or hydrofoil. In peak season, its often better to get an airplane seat for 3-4 extra euros. Why Island Hopping in the Small Cyclades Should Make your Bucket List A flight to Mykonos, then a ferry or hydrofoil to Naxos, then a slow boat that drops in at several islands, like a number 55 bus. The tranquil waters of the Aegean are perfect sea kayaking territory, offering an intriguing twist on the usual island-hopping trips by ferry. Nowadays, it has partly kept its traditional colour, but is full of shops, cafes and bars. Three are clustered south of Naxos: Iraklia(the largest of the group at 19 sq km),Schinousa and Koufonisia. The names may appear dismissive, but these are among Greeces smallest inhabited islands theirpermanent populations number only a couple of hundred. These little islands are all great if all you want to do is swim, hike, eat and relax. Photograph: Giles Fraser, Fresh fish lunch at Panagia on Iraklia. Intrepid has a classic Athens - Syros - Mykonos - Santorini route. Both islands appeal to most people. Naxos 6. In July and August a local captain on each island offers boat transfers to idyllic beaches for a small charge, and may offer a cruise around the island to take in the sights. There are different and varied ways to go island hopping in Greece; however, the idea behind this guide is not to see the highest number of islands in a short time but to see the best of them, taking a more relaxed experience. 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. Ermoupolis, the capital of Syros, shines with a myriad of neoclassical mansions of exquisite taste and elegance, beautiful churches, and romantic alleys. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How Many Days In Santorini Do You Really Need? Antiparos is a relaxed island with a quaint port town, a few shallow, sandy beaches and an amazing cave. 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! The most famous is Mylopotas beach, but you should rent a car or quad and explore all the others. A relatively recent touristic development makes it entirely off the beaten track and relatively free from mass tourism. "text":"It depends on what you are looking for. In short: Greece. Close to Naxos, you will find four small islands, called Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Donoussa and Iraklia. The six tiny islands that lie between Naxos and Amorgos have gone through millennia of civilisation and upheaval, from being densely populated trading centres in the days of antiquity and then fortified Venetian outposts to pirate havens and impoverished fishing backwaters during WWII before recently remerging in the spotlight as increasingly fa. 01/16/18 10:57 AM. While flying between the islands might be more time effective, taking the ferry might be simpler and will most likely be cheaper. ", Including, Croatia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina,, Montenegro, Slovenia, Turkey, Macedonia, Romania, Kosovo and Serbia. Where are the Cyclades Islands? Villas with spacious rooms and a swimming pool might even be out of reach. Like Santorini, Milos is another volcanic island, created after a strong eruption many years ago. However, its beautiful villages, marble crafts and authentic culture will definitely amaze you. If I ever have to do a Lord Lucan and flee the country, this is where I'll head. 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. Once the haunt of pirates, it is rocky and arid, punctuated with cliffs and caves and little inlets from the Aegean creating natural swimming pools. Some are perfectly placed right in the main settlement (for example, on Donousa and Koufonisia), while others require a hike or a boat transfer. "@type": "Answer", The beaches in Serifos are some of the best in the Cyclades. Here are a few examples of popular ferry routes: Apart from these routes, there are dozens more. Overall, the Cyclades are known for their dry, rocky landscapes. Suddenly I notice that I have found some temporary release from the urban labyrinth of cares and concerns that squats over my working life. . Youve partied on Mykonos, watched Santorini sunsets, and now youre looking for something unique? As of October 2022, it is possible to fly directly between these islands, as well as Rhodes and Crete. Abandoned on the island two seasons ago (is being stranded here becoming a theme? "acceptedAnswer": { I begin to miss having control over my own movements, but eventually give in to the joyous and unselfconscious drifting of the life of a child. The tour starts with a gentle exploration of the Naxos coastline before you make the first crossing, to Koufonissi, which actually consists of three islands Kato (Lower), Pano (Upper) Koufonissi, and the uninhabited isle of Keros, where there will be time for snorkelling, swimming and kayaking among the many sea caves.
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