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The siren song of the Cyclades

  • Hill top with white pathway leading up to a Chora on Folegandros at sunset
Mykonos – Paros – Santorini – Folegandros

The siren song of
the Cyclades

From the razzle-dazzle of its famous island names to the understated charm of those lesser-frequented, there’s no resisting the lure of the Cyclades.  

Over 30 inhabited isles blessed with beautiful beaches and a deep-rooted culture could make the most decisive of travellers think about steering off course. There’s a simple remedy though – island hopping. 

The sociable shores of Mykonos first take on a wholesome approach in the form of a village visit uncovering the secrets of Myconian cooking. Then – porting in Paros – heritage and adventures in nature take centre stage. Santorini’s whitewashed façade is the next stop, with its famous sunsets and volcanic soil that nurtures delicious produce. Finally, local life both past and present rounds off the trip on Folegandros.  

Small alley with potted pink and green plants leading up stairs
Rustic windmills of Mykonos against a vast background of pale blue sky
Blue boat moored up under an arch in Naoussa in Paros with buildings of the town behind

Jump to...

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Where you’ll be going

Get to know where you'll be exploring in Greece, from the aesthetic towns of Santorini to the beauty of authenticity in Paros.

  • Chairs and tables next to the sea with buildings in the background

    DAY 1 - 3

    Mykonos

    Living up to its glamorous reputation, Greece’s capital of cosmopolitan is a hedonist’s playground. Going beyond the boutiques and Little Venice’s trendy cafes discovered by day and the jovial bars and restaurants revelled in by night, a little bit of serenity can be found at the more reserved, uninhabited islands like Delos and Rhenia.

    Stay at: Panoptis Escape
  • A boat anchored in shallow clear water next to a rocky coastline

    DAY 4 - 7

    Paros

    The calm among the Cyclades, these lesser-known islands are all about authenticity. A realm of relaxation rising from the Aegean, expect sprawling beaches of soft golden sand. While hiking trails tempt outdoorsy types to bask in the beauty of an untouched land, traditional villages of white gleam in the sunlight.

    Stay at: Cosme
  • Coastal Greek town with white buildings and blue roofs next to the sea

    DAY 8 - 10

    Santorini

    It would seem Santorini was unconsciously designed to cater to the Instagram age. Its rich blue domes and how-do-they-keep-them-white washed walls mean every cobbled street and vista-revealing corner is photographable. In these popular parts, local guides make all the difference where visitors can see a quieter side of the island through their eyes as well as the lens.

    Stay at: Grace Hotel Santorini, Auberge Resorts Collection
  • Hill top with white pathway leading up to a Chora on Folegandros at sunset

    DAY 8 - 10

    Folegandros

    Evocative of Santorini with a little more rugged authenticity, Folegandros is the antidote to Greece’s more glossy side. Efforts are rewarded when porting in this out-of-the-way corner of the Cyclades, materialising in the form of medieval villages, near-deserted coves, and a hillside church with the most incredible views.  

    Stay at: Gundari
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04

A taste of what’s to come The siren song of the Cyclades journal

Day 1
Day 5
Day 9
Day 11
Day 13
Day 1
Day 5
Day 9
Day 11
Day 13
  • Small veranda of a white washed building in Mykonos with blue shutters and a tree with orange flowers below

    4:50pm

    It’s good to be back in this corner of the world, sitting on our terrace overlooking the ocean. Only, Mykonos isn’t our sole stop on this trip. We’re doing a spot of island hopping, with Paros, Santorini and Folegandros to come. But first, we’ve got something lined up for tomorrow – a cooking class in a little inland village. I plan to take note of a recipe of two.

    Explore
  • View across the Naoussa marina of people dining by the water with boats moored up at the side

    6:10pm

    Today was all about the genuine Paros. We were up and out after breakfast to be picked up for our tour of some of the island’s highlights. First up was Paroikia followed by the ancient capital of Lefkes. We had coffee and a pastry there before finishing off in the little fishing village of Naoussa. Tomorrow, we’re out again for a kayak trip around the coast.

    Explore
  • Four hands clinking rose wine glasses in cheers over a table set with cheese and ornate glasses of water

    9:35pm

    Taking a departure from touring the towns and chasing sunsets (although we did have a picnic at dusk yesterday), we spent the majority of the day discovering Santorini’s viticulture. Delving deep into the wine-making process, we visited an 80-year-old vineyard to learn about the benefits of the island’s volcanic soil and the vine training technique called ‘ambelia’. We then went onto three family-run and award-winning wineries to taste the varieties – including from the island’s ‘king grape’, Assyrtiko.

    Explore
  • Cobbled square half shaded and dotted with trees and wooden dining tables

    2:15pm

    Just unpacked on Folegandros and making the most of some downtime before tomorrow’s tour. It’s reminiscent of Santorini here but a little more rugged and authentic, so we want to dig into the heritage. The tour will take in some must-see spots including the Church of Panagia and the Kastro of Chora. There’s also a stop-off at a folklore museum before we have a local lunch in Ano Meria.

    Explore
  • Cobbled street stretching down hill between whitewashed buildings on Sifnos with rugged hills in the background

    10:10am

    Leaving Folegandros for the day, we’re heading north via speedboat to the shores of Sifnos. A short tour is involved but the main reason for visiting is the Cantina restaurant. Sustainable and zero-waste, the ingredients used are locally sourced, so the menu varies – which will make the experience all the more special.

    Explore
0:00


Where to stay

  • Europe, Greece, Mykonos, Panoptis Escape, Exterior
    Panoptis Escape
    As close as earthly beings could ever get to Mount Olympus, expect treatment worthy of the gods at Myconian Collection’s cloud-grazing refuge above Elia’s beach. The family-owned brand is somewhat of a household name when it comes to the mention of Mykonos.
    Panoptis Escape


Where to stay

  • Cosme
    Nestled along Paros’ dynamic northern coastline, Cosme Hotel offers a luxurious escape designed for an intimate experience — this beachfront haven is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a vibrant and stylish getaway. Cosme: from the Greek word for ‘cosmopolitan’. And that’s certainly reflected in this hotel’s setting.
    Cosme


Where to stay

  • Europe, Greece, Grace Santorini, Cliff Top Overview
    Grace Hotel Santorini, Auberge Resorts Collection
    Modishly minimalist across its seven tiers, this ultra-chic Cycladic boutique has the powder white colour scheme you’d expect in the world-famous caldera and sweet touches like keepsake Polaroids on arrival. With front row seats to the daily sunset spectacle, you’d be forgiven for assuming Grace Hotel Santorini,
    Grace Hotel Santorini, Auberge Resorts Collection


Where to stay

  • An infinity pool at sunset flanked by sun loungers reaching out towards the Agean sea
    Gundari
    There’s a heart-to-earth connection that drives Folegandros’ first luxury boutique resort, manifested in its cliff-dwelling design and the island-sourced ingredients that form the cornerstone of Michelin-crafted menus.


Where to stay

  • An infinity pool at sunset flanked by sun loungers reaching out towards the Agean sea
    Gundari
    There’s a heart-to-earth connection that drives Folegandros’ first luxury boutique resort, manifested in its cliff-dwelling design and the island-sourced ingredients that form the cornerstone of Michelin-crafted menus.

Explore all the
places to stay

  • Europe, Greece, Santa Marina, A Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos, Marina
    Mykonos
    Santa Marina, Mykonos, a Luxury Collection Resort

    Overlooking the Bay of Ornos, sophisticated seclusion finds its place on Santa Marina’s private peninsula; soak up the sun from sandy shores just five minutes from Mykonos town.

    Explore this place
    • Europe, Greece, Mykonos, Cali Mykonos, Exterior
      Mykonos
      Cali Mykonos

      With Greek-chic style, tempting homegrown fare and even a couple of the archetypal wind-traps, the only Mykonos trademark sacrificed here is the wild party-sphere. 

      Explore this place
    • Europe, Greece, Santorini, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Terrace with sea views
      Santorini
      Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel

      Names such as Aura Bar and the Secret Wine Cave hint at the ambience here at this enigmatic offering.

      Explore this place
  • Europe, Greece, Santorini, Santo Pure Oia, Cyclades Neighborhood
    Santorini
    Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas

    A five minute wander from the blue-domed village, this expansive hillside hamlet warmly welcomes with all of Santorini’s successes, leaving Oia’s crammed-in clusters at the door.

    Explore this place
    • Paros & Antiparos
      Parocks

      Nestled within a secluded cliffside, Parocks invites discerning travellers to experience the harmonious blend of understated luxury and traditional Cycladic architecture.

      Explore this place
    • Europe, Greece, Antiparos, The Rooster, private pool and sunloungers
      Paros & Antiparos
      The Rooster, Antiparos

      Set above Livadia beach, self-care calms the senses at this laid-back wellness retreat; settled seamlessly into the rural landscape of pocket-sized Antiparos, simplicity is the essence of The Rooster’s rustic charm.

      Explore this place

Extraordinary
experiences

    • Hand coating meatballs in flour in a blue oblong dish atop a table
      Learn the secrets of Myconian cooking from the locals

      Heading inland to a traditional cottage in the pretty village of Ano Mera, its residents welcome inquisitive guests and would-be chefs into their home. After a tour of the farmstead and gathering ingredients, come together to cook a regional dish in the fresh air of the countryside before sitting down to enjoy your meal with a glass of wine.

    • Cobbled marina on Paros set with blue dining tables and boats moored up in front of whitewashed buildings
      Spend the day exploring the authentic highlights of Paros

      An early start proves fruitful when arriving in the island’s capital, Paroikia, to explore its cobbled streets, coming across the 13th-century Venetian castle and the ancient Panayia Ekatontapiliani Church along the way. It’s then onto former capital, Lefkes village, to enjoy a traditional coffee and the panoramic views. Finish the day in the bougainvillea-lined streets of Naoussa.

    • Man paddling a blue sea kayak on calm waters with a rugged and hilly coastline behind
      See Paros’ coastline from a different perspective on the water

      In the northern reaches of the island lies the ruggedly beautiful bay of Naoussa. Here, board a kayak to paddle the glimmering waters below the peninsula of Paros Park – known for its conservation. The first stop is a remote beach to take in the natural beauty of the area before paddling south to Kolymbithres beach and its ancient acropolis ruins. Round off the adventure with swimming and snorkelling in the crystal-clear sea. 

    • Two seater table and chairs on terrace in Santorini
      Savour the flavours of Santorini at sunset

      In a secret and peaceful spot on the Caldera, settle down for a Mediterranean picnic with a twist. Carefully created by an award-winning chef and served by personal butler, local ingredients meet far-flung influences in the form of spring rolls, falafel tacos and zingy lemon tarts (to name just a few dishes). Enjoyed with a glass of something chilled as the sun goes down.

    • Whitewashed buildings of a town on Folegandros at sunset with a white pathway weaving up the hill behind
      Discover the best sights of Folegandros

      It’s Chora may be perched atop a cliff like that of Santorini’s, but Folegandros’ allure is uniquely its own. Guided expertly by a local in-the-know, the first stop is the Church of Panagia with its panoramic views, followed by the Kastro of Chora. A taste of local life is then seen in the Folklore Museum and on a visit to a traditional grocery shop in Ano Meria for a specially prepared lunch. 

    • Red bistro set on a white stone terrace overlooking the Aegean sea
      Taste some of Greece’s finest flavours in Sifnos

      With a reputation for being one of (some say ‘the’) best places in Greece for food, Sifnos’ shores welcome eager tastebuds with open arms. After a tour of the medieval village of Kastro, dinner is served in Cantina – a sustainable, zero-waste restaurant on Seralia’s beach. With all ingredients locally and ethically sourced, no two menus are the same, adding a sense of exclusivity to every bite.

Itinerary essentials
  • 13
    NIGHTS
IDEAL TIME
  • May - Jun
    Mild and sunny
  • Sep - Oct
    Less crowded
WHEN TO GO
  • 3hrs 50min
    LHR - JMK
FLIGHT TIME
  • 2hrs 35min
    BY ROAD
  • Varied
    BY SEA
ALL TRANSFERS
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.
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