Cylades Island Hopping
 

Hi Everyone,

First of all this is an amazing community and a must Stop for someone like me who is travelling to Greece for the first time. I have already had most of my questions answered just be reading around in this forum so keep up the good work folks :)

I am trying to create an Itinerary to go around the Cyclades group of Islands. Since this is my first visit, Santorini is already on the list. However, since there aren't any great beaches and it seems quite touristy I am not sure if I would like to stay more then one day. Maybe two is enough?

From what I have read I seem to like Sifnos as another stop. Much calmer, less expensive, good beaches. I won't mind spending two days here.

Folegandros seems like another picturesque place to stop over.

Are there any other must visit islands or hidden gems or rare beaches around? I am also a little bound by timings on ferries since I am flying from Athens to Santorini and then trying to get back to Athens via ferry. So Only islands in same route which are not out of way would fit in. I have 6 days in hand and dont mind taking a 3-4 hr ferry to a new island every day if its worth it.

Your suggestions are welcome.

All depends on your dates of travel. The daily Santorini - Piraeus (port of Athens) ferry stops at Naxos and Paros. Both Islands are fine.
Milos, Sifnos and Serifos can easily be reached by catamaran from Santorini in high season whereas it can get difficult to do so in the other months.
Many timetables for next summer are not yet published. Actual timetables: http://www.gtp.gr/
Short description of all somewhat touristic Cycladic Islands:
http://www.greeka.com/cyclades/
There are also daily catamarans (May until October) from Santorini to Heraklion (Crete).

Thank you for all the links. They would be quite helpful in helping me plan the logistics of moving around. As of now by digging around some of the forums I am planning to Fly in to Athens on May 12 and take a flight directly to Santornini with a few hours gap to save on time. Then spend 2 days in Santorini, take a ferry to Sifnos, spend a couple of days there and take a ferry back to any convenient port of Athens. Go around Athens for a day and maybe make a small day trip to Hydra. Then fly out on May 18th.

Sounds like you have enough on your plate for the time alloted.
Greece will becon you back. My husband & I are going for our 3rd trip next September.
Matt Barretts web site mentions Sifnos as one of his favorite places. We have not been there. Just going to Naxos for a week this time & 5 nights in The Plaka.
We loved Santorini-would love to go back . The water is adictive

Hi

Don't stay in Fira. It's the main town and it's quite busy particularly if the cruise ships are in. I stayed in Firostefani which is a pleasant walk to Fira should you feel the need. Alternatively the town of Oia gets alot of praise in this forum. Whatever you choose make sure your accommodation has caldera views. You don't want to miss the sunsets!

Santorini does have beaches, away from the port's cliffs. For novelty's sake you can go to a black-sand beach. Here's a sample http://www.santorini-web.com/Santorini-Beaches.htm
With the exception of Crete, every island that has reasonable access will also depend on tourism for its commerce.