📍 Greece

ATHENS TO CYCLADES: MUSEUMS, BEACHES AND SUNSETS

Athenian museum treasures, island beaches buzzing with life, sunsets setting the Cyclades ablaze. Athens to the Cyclades, an epic journey.

≈ 8
Days
113
Km
4
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Begin in Athens, then head to Mykonos for cosmopolitan energy, glide to Paros and its fishing village charm, and let Santorini conclude in amber light, mythic sunsets and volcanic cliffs.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Athenes

acropolis crowns marble museum legacy

Athenes - Photo 1Athenes - Photo 2Athenes - Photo 3Athenes - Photo 4Athenes - Photo 5Athenes - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Acropolis of Athens: Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechtheion, panorama over the city
2
Plaka district: neoclassical streets and local shops
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset from Filopappou Hill
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 12 km
Travel time: 30min
2
Day

Mykonos

cosmopolitan island where nightlife meets beach

Mykonos - Photo 1Mykonos - Photo 2Mykonos - Photo 3Mykonos - Photo 4Mykonos - Photo 5Mykonos - Photo 6Mykonos - Photo 7Mykonos - Photo 8Mykonos - Photo 9Mykonos - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Ferry crossing Piraeus → Mykonos (approx. 4 h)
2
Mykonos Chora: windmills and white alleys
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming and relaxation at Paraga Beach
→
Sunset stroll in Little Venice
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 3 km
Travel time: 10min
3
Day

Mykonos

cosmopolitan island where nightlife meets beach

Mykonos - Photo 1Mykonos - Photo 2Mykonos - Photo 3Mykonos - Photo 4Mykonos - Photo 5Mykonos - Photo 6Mykonos - Photo 7Mykonos - Photo 8Mykonos - Photo 9Mykonos - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Mykonos beaches: Psarou and Paradise Beach
🎯

Activities

→
Coastal boat trip around the coves of Mykonos
→
Evening in the waterfront bars of Chora
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 56.2 km
Travel time: 56min
4
Day

Paros

marble heritage island fishing tradition

Paros - Photo 1Paros - Photo 2Paros - Photo 3Paros - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Ferry Mykonos → Paros (approx. 1 h)
2
Parikia: walk at the port and Panagia Ekatontapiliani
🎯

Activities

→
Beach tour by van: Kolymbithres and Golden Beach
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 13 km
Travel time: 30min
5
Day

Paros

marble heritage island fishing tradition

Paros - Photo 1Paros - Photo 2Paros - Photo 3Paros - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Paros by quad: exploring secondary roads
2
Crossing Paros (Pounta) → Antiparos (approx. 10 min) with vehicle
🎯

Activities

→
Antiparos: secluded beaches and coastal viewpoints
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 8 km
Travel time: 20min
6
Day

Santorin

volcanic caldera where sunsets ignite sky

Santorin - Photo 1Santorin - Photo 2Santorin - Photo 3Santorin - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Ferry Paros → Santorini (approx. 3 h)
2
Fira: white alleys and caldera viewpoints
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset walk in Oia (panoramic stroll)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 11 km
Travel time: 25min
7
Day

Santorin

volcanic caldera where sunsets ignite sky

Santorin - Photo 1Santorin - Photo 2Santorin - Photo 3Santorin - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Hike Fira → Oia on the ridge trail
🎯

Activities

→
Panoramic break on the caldera and return to Fira
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 10 km
Travel time: 20min
8
Day

Santorin

volcanic caldera where sunsets ignite sky

Santorin - Photo 1Santorin - Photo 2Santorin - Photo 3Santorin - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Catamaran cruise: hot springs, Nea Kameni, red beach of Akrotiri
🎯

Activities

→
Evening in the lively bars of Fira

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

CYCLADES SAILING — CAPES, COVES AND PERCHED VILLAGES

📅 21 days 🛣️ 830 Km

MYTHS, BLUE DOMES AND BEACHES OF THE CYCLADES

📅 11 days 🛣️ 808.7 Km

POSTCARD CYCLADES: SANTORINI, MYKONOS AND WHITE VILLAGES

📅 5 days 🛣️ 92.5 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - Greece

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, ideal temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, optimal conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for islands, vibrant nightlife, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Warm seas, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent weather, good value, harvest season, ideal photography.

Winter (November-March): Mild weather, lowest prices, minimal crowds, rainy season, ski season mountains, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Greece?

Ancient civilization birthplace with stunning islands, incredible history, and Mediterranean lifestyle. Experience mythology sites, beautiful beaches, and authentic Greek culture. The country offers cultural depth with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Greece provides historical significance with island paradise and cultural authenticity in Mediterranean setting.