Best of the Cyclades in 3 to 8 Days

Best of the Cyclades in 3 to 8 Days

There is no bad itinerary for the Cyclades. The islands differ remarkably, and are all beautiful. It is possible to "see" any island in a day, for they are small and the "must-see" sights are few—Delos, Santorini's caldera, the Minoan site at Akrotiri, and Paros's Hundred Doors Church. So planning a trip depends on your sense of inclusiveness, your restlessness, your energy, and your ability to accommodate changing boat schedules.

If You Have 3 Days

In summer, when high-speed ferries and fast interisland boats run frequently, you can easily visit both Mykonos and Santorini in three days. On Mykonos-you can spend the first day and evening enjoying appealing Mykonos town, where a maze of beautiful streets are lined with shops, bars, restaurants, and discos; spend time on one of the splendid beaches; and, if you want to indulge in some hedonism, partake of the wild nightlife.

The next morning take the local boat to nearby Delos-for one of the great classical sites in the Aegean; you'll be back in time to board a fast boat to Santorini -. Once you've settled in, have a sunset drink on a terrace overlooking the caldera, one of the world's great sights; you'll find many view-providing watering holes in Fira, the capital, or Ia, Greece's most-photographed village. The next day, visit the extensive prehistoric site at Akrotiri and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera; then have a swim one of the black-sand beaches at Kamari or Perissa.

Alternatively, say if off-season boat schedules make it too difficult to visit both Santorini and Mykonos in so short a time, after a day and a morning on Mkyonos and Delos go to nearby Tinos. Here, you can visit Greece's most popular pilgrimage site and also drive through beautiful villages, such as Kardiani.

If You Have 5 Days

Follow the three-day itinerary for Mykonos-(and Delos -) and Santorini-above, but between Mykonos and Santorini pull into Naxos -. Plan on arriving from Mykonos in the late afternoon or evening, and begin with a predinner stroll around Naxos town, visiting the Portara (an ancient landmark), the castle, and other sights in the old quarter. The next morning, visit the Archaeological Museum; then drive through the island's mountainous center for spectacular views. Along the way, visit such sights as the Panayia Drosiani, a church near Moni noted for 7th-century frescoes; the marble-paved village of Apeiranthos; and the Temple of Demeter. If you have time, stop for a swim at one of the beaches facing Paros, say Mikri Vigla; then board a fast boat for the sail down to Santorini, arriving in time to see the sun set over the caldera.

If You Have 8 Days

If you want a good overview of the Cyclades, with time out for some hiking, visits to Byzantine churches, and relaxation, begin with a day and a night in elegant, nontouristy Andros,where you might want to settle into Andros town for the night or, if you want to be on the beach, Batsi. Spend the morning and early afternoon of the next day driving around the island to explore its small villages and lush mountainsides. The next stop is Tinos, for an overnight in Tinos town and, the next morning, a visit to Panayia Evangelistria (Church of the Annunciate Virgin), Greece's most popular pilgrimage site, and a few of the island's many beautiful villages, including Pirgos.

Then it's on to Mykonos-for two days and nights, with a visit to Delos -, some downtime on one of the island's splendid beaches, and visits to such sights as the Archaeological Museum and the Monastery of the Panayia Tourliani in Ano Mera. Continue south for an overnight on Naxos -, where you'll want to see Naxos town and to make at least a short drive into the mountainous center. Then head to Paros, where you should enjoy a meal in the little fishing harbor of Naousa and, on a morning drive around the island, visit the lovely mountain village of Lefkes.

Finally, it's time to head to beautiful Santorini-for the final two days of the itinerary. Should you have time and energy, you may well decide to continue exploring the other Cycladic islands, especially Siphnos and Melos—all have their own beauties.