2 weeks in Cyclades: What to do and see?

Are you going to visit the Cyclades in two weeks? Great choice!

In order to facilitate the organization of your stay, I have prepared a 14-days itinerary for you in the Cyclades to discover some of the most beautiful Greek islands.

In this guide, I give you all my advice and tips for organizing your 14 or15 day Cyclades itinerary. You will also find my selection of the best accommodation according to your budget.

You will see, I have planned a very nice program for you with the visit of 5 islands: Santorini, Amorgos, Naxos, Paros and Ios. By devoting 3 days to each of them, you will have a great tour without rushing!

So, what to do and see in the Cyclades in 2 weeks?

Day 1-3: Santorini

To visit the Cyclades in 14-15 days, I recommend landing in Santorini. It is the only island of the Cyclades to have an international airport. This will save you from having to take the ferry from Athens and you will gain a day of vacation.

To visit Santorini in 3 days, the best is to rent a car. There is a bus network, but they are often crowded and do not go everywhere. In order not to bother with schedules and to be independent, the car is the best solution. In addition, the parking lots are all free!

For your first day in Santorini itinerary, I then suggest you visit the 2 emblematic villages of the island, Fira and Oia. You’ve probably seen the photos, with their white and blue houses and the luxury hotels with infinity pools on the edge of the caldera.

During your trip, it is better to start by visiting Fira and finish by Oia at the end of the day. And yes, Oia is the best place in Santorini to admire the sunset, a real must for this two-week stay in the Cyclades.

Spend the night in Santorini.

The next day, I suggest one of Santorini’s most popular activities: a boat trip.

During this cruise, you can climb to the top of the still active volcano of Néa Kaméni and also bathe in the nearby hot springs .

The cruise is by reservation only.

And if you prefer a more romantic version at sunset and on a catamaran, it’s here.

Today, for your last day in Santorini, I suggest you go around the island in road trip mode.

Here’s what you have left to do and see during the day:

• Visit the other villages like Pyrgos, Megalohori and Emporio.
• For those who are attracted by archaeological sites, there are 2 on Santorini: Akrotiri and the site of Ancient Thera.
• If you are a wine lover, I advise you to book a small group tour of Santorini wineries . The tasting of a dozen wines is included. Book here!
• And we end this day with a trip to the beach. Don’t miss a visit to Red Beach, nicknamed for the ocher cliffs that surround it, or the beaches of Kamari and Perissa, with their black volcanic sand. They are very popular. If you want a family atmosphere, it is better to opt for Monolithos beach with its shallow water.

Spend one last night in Santorini.

You will find more details about Santorini in our article: The Complete Guide to Visiting Santorini.

Tips for your Greece itinerary:

For your 3-day car rental in Santorini, choose to return your car at the port  and not at the airport. It will be more convenient to embark for the next destination of this 15 days tour in the Cyclades.

You will need to rent a different car on each island, as you cannot take the ferry by rental car. 

Accommodation in Santorini

As you know, staying in Santorini, especially in the villages on the edge of the caldera like Oia and Fira, requires a fairly high budget.

If you want cheaper accommodation, it is better to choose a hotel outside these 2 cities.

And of course, it is valid for any destination but even more so for Santorini, book your establishments as soon as possible.

In order to help you, I have prepared a selection of the best hotels in Santorini depending on where you want to sleep and your budget.

Top Hotels in Oia

• Aethrio Aparthotel:  Located in Oia, just a few steps from the main square. Double room, studios or apartments with balcony for the most part, from €160, breakfast included. Most: the large swimming pool, the spacious rooms, the roof terrace to admire the sunset. It is one of the cheapest establishments in Oia and its price/performance ratio is excellent!
• Caldera Premium Villas:  Located in the center of Oia. The establishment offers troglodyte suites with sea and caldera views from €290 per night, breakfast included. Most: the pool, the decor, the view, the location.
• Theodora Suites Apartment:  Located in the heart of Oia. Studio with kitchenette, fridge, private terrace and outdoor or indoor jacuzzi from €350, breakfast included. Most: the jacuzzi, the breathtaking view, the friendliness of the staff.
• Andronis Boutique Hotel:  5 star hotel located in Oia. You will be welcomed in suites with a view of the Caldera, private balcony and jacuzzi or private swimming pool, from 800€, breakfast included. Most: the idyllic setting, the calm. This is our recommendation for a romantic week-long trip to Greece!
• Katikies Hotel – The Leading Hotels of the World:  Luxury hotel in Oia, the establishment offers rooms and suites with a view and spa bath from €1,000, breakfast included. The pluses: the swimming pools, the jacuzzis, the splendid view, the catering. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Santorini!

Top Hotels in Fira

• Galatia Villas:  Located 10 minutes from Fira town center. Fairly basic but pleasant double room from 80€ per night. Most: the jacuzzi on the roof, the warm welcome, the price/performance ratio for Santorini.
• Lilium Santorini Villa:  Located at the edge of the caldera. Elegant and modern room with sea view from €315, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pool, the exceptional location, the warm welcome.
• Cosmopolitan Suites – Small Luxury Hotels of the World:  Located in the heart of Fira. Charming room decorated in the style of the Cyclades with private balcony from 550€, breakfast included. The pluses: the infinity pool overlooking the cliff, the services of a luxury hotel. This is the perfect hotel for a romantic getaway in Santorini.
• Aria Suites:  Located in Fira, this high standard hotel offers only 6 luxury suites and villas fully equipped with CD player, DVD and laptop, from 700€. Most: the beautiful location, the pool, the availability of staff. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in complete privacy in Fira!

The other best accommodations on the island of Santorini

• Memories Beach Hotel:  Located next to Monolithos beach. Comfortable and modern room from €65 per night, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pool, the calm, the lovely staff.
• Rose Suites:  Located in Vourvoulos, 4 km from Fira. Very well equipped and tastefully decorated studios and apartments, furnished with kitchenette and private terrace from €75 per night. Most: the swimming pool, the calm, the equipment, the decor, the fridge filled with everything you need for breakfast. It is our favorite for its performance / price ratio!
• Hippocampus Hotel:  Located in Kamari, 50 meters from the beach. Room with balcony overlooking the pool or garden from €85 per night, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pool, the proximity to the beach, the setting and the friendly staff.
• Meltemi Village Hotel:  Located in Perissa, 5 minutes from the black beach. Rooms and suites with jacuzzi from €100 per night, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pools, the fitness center, the good breakfast. An excellent choice where to sleep by the sea in Santorini.

Day 4-6: Amorgos

For the continuation of your two-week trip to the Cyclades, I suggest you leave Santorini for another island of the Cyclades: Amorgos.

To go from one to the other, you will have to take a ferry. It takes around 1 hour for the journey. 

Arrived in Amorgos, I advise you to rent a car for the next 3 days. You will find rental companies on the port when you arrive. The choice is yours, the prices are equivalent.

To get a first idea of ​​the island and see some of the must-sees, I suggest a short tour of Amorgos by car with several stops:

• Stroll through Katapola, the arrival town for the ferries from Santorini
• Visit the capital or rather the chief town of Amorgos: the charming village of Hora and its mills
• Have lunch in one of the village taverns, typical atmosphere guaranteed
• Drive to the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa and climb the steps leading to the entrance. You can also visit the interior.
• Stop at the small cove of Agia Ana
• End up at Kalotaritissa beach for swimming. Along the way, stop to see the wreck of the Big Blue.

Spend the night in Amorgos.

For the next 2 days of this 14-15 day Cyclades itinerary, I suggest you do some hiking. Amorgos is also known to be one of the best islands in the Cyclades for this activity.

You can consult the details of the hikes and see the marked trails on the official Amorgos website.

And it’s really nice because most of them also allow you to stop a little to enjoy the beaches and coves.

All the information to visit Amorgos is in our article: Itinerary with Top 8 things to do in Amorgos.

Tips for your Greece itinerary:

Be careful when booking ferry tickets to Amorgos and back. There are 2 ports on the island : in Katapola and Aegiali.

You can arrive from one and leave from the other. Make no mistake on the day of departure! And also think about it for your car rental. 

Accommodation in Amorgos

To visit Amorgos, I advise you to sleep in one of the 2 main towns: Katapola or Aegiali. I recommend you choose between the 2 depending on your departure port when you leave Amorgos.

To help you, I have prepared a selection of the best hotels to sleep in Amorgos.

The Best Hotels in Katapola

• Amorgion Hotel: Located 1 km from the port of Katapola and 8 minutes walk from the beach. Double room with private balcony and some views of the Aegean Sea from €50 per night, breakfast €8. Most: the swimming pool, the free private car park, the warm welcome. This is the only hotel with a swimming pool in Katapola! 
• Pension Barbara: Located 5 minutes from the beach and right next to the port of Katapola. Studio equipped with sink and fridge and having a balcony from 55€. Most: cleanliness, calm, very nice owner.
• Diasino Studios Apartment:  Located near the port. Modern and recent studio or apartment with terrace or balcony from €60, breakfast €5. Most: the calm, the situation, all the restaurants nearby. It is our favorite for its price/performance ratio.
• Hotel Landeris: Located 3 minutes from the beach and a few meters from the port. Rustic style room, studio or apartment with wooden furniture, from €60, breakfast included. The pluses: the friendly owners who speak perfect French, the delicious breakfast, the good advice.
• Hotel Minoa: Located 100 meters from the beach and next to the port. Bright and spacious room with balcony from €80 per night, breakfast included. Most: the friendliness of the staff, the exceptional breakfast.

Best Hotels in Aegiali

• Pelagos: Located 3 minutes from the beach and 100 meters from the port of Aegiali. Double room with balcony overlooking the sea from €35, breakfast €5. Most: the view, the reception at the boat, the hearty breakfast.
• Aelia Studios Apartment: Located right by the beach. Modern and warm studio with kitchenette with oven and hotplates from €60 per night. Most: the decoration, the charm of the establishment, the location. It is our favorite for its price-performance ratio in Aegiali.
• Vigla Hotel: Located 10 minutes from the beach, in the village above Aegiali, in Tholaria. Modern, bright and spacious room from €110, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pool, the hearty breakfast, the comfort, the calm, the good restaurant. If you are looking for a nice hotel with a swimming pool to sleep in Amorgos, the Vigla is an excellent choice!
• Aegialis Hotel & Spa: Located on the heights of Aegiali. This 5-star hotel (the only one on the island) offers comfortable rooms with balcony from €140 per night. Most: the huge swimming pool, the magnificent view of Aegiali and the sea, the Spa, the tranquility of the place.

Day 7-9: Naxos (3 days)

After 3 days in Santorini and 3 days in Amorgos, it’s time to get back on the ferry to continue this two-week itinerary in the Cyclades.

I take you to discover Naxos, the largest island of the Cyclades, just 1h15 from Amorgos.

Arriving same principle as before, pick up your rental car for 3 days.

Then visit the main town of Naxos: Hora. You will see there in particular the emblem of the island, the Portara, the only vestige of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo. The place allows you to admire a beautiful panorama of the island and the mountains.

Do not miss the Kastro district with its typical alleys and shops. You will also find plenty of restaurants and cafes along the seafront.

For the afternoon, head to one of the beaches on the west coast of the island.

Stay in Naxos.

The next day, continue this two-week road trip in the Cyclades by visiting 3 of the most famous mountain villages of Naxos:

• Halki: located in the center of the island, here you will find several shops as well as the only distillery on the island making a local liquor called Kitron. 10 minutes walk from the center of the village, also go see the church of Agios Giorgios Diasorites.
• Filoti has several taverns and restaurants as well as a beautiful all-marble church. Not far from there, at a place called “the sources of Aria”, you can also take the start of the hike that leads to the summit of Mount Zeus, the highest in the Cyclades. Count 1h30 to reach the summit.
• Apiranthos: the village is really small but you will see that the road that leads to it allows you to admire beautiful panoramas of the sea and the mountains.

To end the day, reach the surroundings of Moutsouna and quietly enjoy one of the beaches on the east coast of Naxos.

Spend a second night in Naxos.

Today, the last day in Naxos, why not give yourself a little boat trip?

The excursion allows bathing in places inaccessible on foot or by car such as the cave of Rina or the bay of Kalados. And the cruise will also take you to discover the small Cyclades and Antiparos from the sea.

Count 80€ per person with drinks and diving equipment included.

If cruising doesn’t appeal to you, you can just as well spend part of the day at the beach, do a bit of a walk or go see the famous Kouros of Naxos. They are large marble statues that were never finished.

They can be found in Apollonas (on the road before arriving at the village) and in Flerio.

Spend one last night in Naxos.

You will find all the practical details for visiting Naxos in our article: What to do and see in Naxos?

Tips for your Greece itinerary:
In Naxos, ice cream lovers will not fail to stop at the “Waffle House”. You tell me the news!

Accommodation in Naxos

The most practical way to visit Naxos is to sleep in Hora or in the surrounding area.

• Anatoli Hotel: Located 10 minutes walk from the center of Naxos and the beach. Modern double room with balcony and view of the garden or swimming pool from €45, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pool, the sauna, the jacuzzi, free transfer from or to the port and the airport.
• The Saint Vlassis: Located 700 meters from the town center and 500 meters from the beach of Agios Georgios. Comfortable and spacious double room with for some an outdoor jacuzzi from 60€ per night, breakfast included. Most: the warm welcome, the good breakfast, the free parking. It is our favorite for its performance / price ratio in Naxos.
• Xenia Hotel: Located in the center of Naxos. Modern and well-equipped double room from €70, breakfast at €8. Most: the location in the heart of the city, convenient for taking the ferry, the friendliness of the staff, the comfortable bed.
• Hotel Grotta: Located just 700 meters from the Portara and 15 minutes from the beach. Pleasant and bright double room with balcony from €90, breakfast included. The pluses: the swimming pool, the view of the city, the comfort, the breakfast with local and homemade products, the Spa area. An excellent choice where to sleep in Naxos as a couple.
• Nissaki Beach Hotel: Located on the edge of Agios Georgios beach, the closest to Naxos. Warm and tastefully decorated double room with balcony, from €220 per night, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pool, the geographical location next to the beach, the excellent breakfast, the professional person. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Naxos.

Day 10-12: Paros

For the rest of this 2-week trip to the Cyclades, head for the fourth island of your Greece itinerary.

Allow barely 40 minutes by ferry to reach Paros.

Here too, you will need to rent a car to visit the island.

Dedicate your first day in Naxos to the northern part of the island.

You can stroll through Parikia, the capital, discover its old town and its main monument, the Basilica of Panagia Ekatontapyliani. For history buffs, there are also 2 museums to visit: the Byzantine Museum and the Archaeological Museum.

Then drive to the north of the island and Paros Park. 3 marked trails allow you to go around it in about 2 hours. You can also swim on the beach located in the park.

Get back in your car to go to Naoussa, a fairly chic and trendy seaside resort. There you will find many shops and restaurants.

End the day with some relaxation on one of the nearby beaches:  Siparos Beach, Stefano Beach, Lageri Beach, Santa Maria Beach or Kolymbithres. There is no shortage of options!

Spend the night in Paros.

Second day in Paros, explore the south of the island.

By car, or by hiking on the Byzantine path that connects them, I advise you to visit 3 charming villages: Lefkes, Prodromos and Marpissa. 

Then get back in the car to go to the port of Pisso Livadi where you can have lunch in one of the restaurants offering grilled fresh fish or seafood.

Spend the rest of the day sunbathing on Golden Beach, Logaras Beach or Faragas Beach.

Stay a second night in Paros.

The next day, for your last day on the island, you can take a cruise around Paros and Antiparos. Swimming stops are planned throughout the day.

If you don’t want to do the excursion, you can also drive to Antiparos from the village of Pounda. You can visit the main village and discover the beaches.

All the information to visit Paros in 3 days can be found in our article: What to do and see in Paros?

Accommodation in Paros

In Paros, accommodation is mainly concentrated around Parikia (practical because this is where the ferries arrive and depart) or Naoussa, the island’s main seaside resort.

I have therefore prepared a selection of the best accommodation for you to sleep in Paros according to these 2 cities.

The best hotels in Parikia

• Margarita: Located 300 meters from the Basilica of Parikia and 400 meters from the beach. Double room with balcony from €37. Most: the kindness and the advice of the managers, the warm atmosphere.
• Nostos Studios Apartment: Located 1 minute walk from the beach and 1 km from the port. Studio that can accommodate up to people and with a view of the sea from 70€. Most: the roof terrace to admire the sunset, the family hotel, the warm welcome.
• Sunset View Hotel : Located less than 10 minutes walk from the port. Comfortable room with balcony overlooking the sea from €80, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pool, the free shuttle from or to the port, the free private car park. It is our favorite for its performance / price ratio in Paros!
• Akrotiri Hotel: Located 2 km from the port of Parikia. Clean and comfortable double room with sea view from €100 per night, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pool, the view, the good breakfast, the caring staff.

The best hotels in Naoussa

• Surfing Beach Village Paros: Located directly on the beach of Santa Maria, 5 minutes drive from Naoussa. Very nice bungalow in the Cycladic style from 30€ per night, breakfast included. The pluses: the swimming pool, the free transfer to the port, the setting, the free deckchairs on the beach.
• Hotel Senia: Located 200 meters from the center of Naoussa, by the sea. Room and suite with private balcony and stunning views from €105, breakfast included. The pluses: the 2 swimming pools, the free parking, the very good breakfast. It is our favorite for its performance / price ratio!
• Paliomylos Spa Hotel: Located 800 meters from Naoussa. Spacious and bright double room from €110 per night, breakfast included. The pluses: the swimming pool, the Spa and the massages, the decor, the full and varied breakfast.
• Villa Bellonia: 12 minutes from the beach and 1 km from Naoussa. Tastefully decorated room with balcony or private terrace from €120, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pool, the comfort, the excellent breakfast. The best choice for a romantic getaway on Paros Island!
• Saint Andrea Resort Hotel: 1.5 km from Naoussa, the hotel offers luxurious accommodation with private covered terrace and garden or sea view from 200€ per night. Most: the location facing the sea, the pleasant staff, the large swimming pool. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Paros!

Day 13-14: Los

For the next stage of this two-week Cyclades itinerary, I’m taking you to Ios.

From Paros, it takes about 1h05 by ferry to reach Ios.

On Ios, the program is simple for its 2 days: enjoy the beaches of Mylopotas,  Kalamos  and  Manganari  during the day.

The island is also famous for its nocturnal atmosphere but it is especially during the months of June, July and August that it is the busiest.

From September, the island regains its calm and the beaches are almost deserted, which can be really nice if you appreciate tranquility!

It all depends on what you are looking for on vacation.

Accommodation in Los

• Avra Pension: Located near the port and 10 minutes walk from the beach. Bright double room with balcony from €40, breakfast €5. Most: the delicious homemade breakfast, the location, the very warm welcome.
• Hotel Petradi: Located next to Mylopotas Beach. Double room with sea view from €80, breakfast €9. Most: the swimming pool, the free transfer from and to the port, the location, the view, the friendly staff. It is our favorite for its performance / price ratio in Ios. 
• Dionysos Seaside Resort Ios: Located on Mylopotas Beach. Modern and spacious double room from €150, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pools, the free access to the private beach, the location facing the beach, the extreme friendliness of the staff. This is our choice for a romantic stay in Ios!
• Liostasi Hotel & Suites: This 5-star hotel welcomes you 2 km from the port. It offers elegant and comfortable suites with private terrace and sea view from €320, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pool, the wellness center, the free shuttle, the excellent restaurant, the magnificent view. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Ios. 

Day 15: Return to Santorini

You have arrived at the end of your 2-week Greece itinerary, you will have to think about returning.

From Los, take the ferry (only 35 to 50 minutes) to reach Santorini for your return flight.

Tips for your Greece itinerary:

If your vacation in the Cyclades lasts 14 days, remove a day on one of the islands. Personally, I advise you to spend one less day on Paros. If you have already done a sea excursion on the other islands, it is not too serious to delete this day.

For a 15-day Cyclades itinerary, it’s also quite simple, add a day on one of the islands according to your interests.

Do not hesitate to give us your opinions and suggestions on our two-week itinerary in the Cyclades!

Are you going to Greece? Read also

Discover all our articles on Greece: all articles on Greece are listed here.

• Itinerary: 6, 7 or 8 days in Greece – The guide to visiting Athens and the Peloponnese in one week
• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Crete – Itinerary to prepare a short stay in East or West Crete
• Itinerary: A week in Crete – The perfect itinerary to visit West Crete
• Itinerary: 7 days in Crete – The itinerary to visit East Crete in 1 week
• 3 Days in Athens: Itinerary with Top 18 Things to Do
• 3 Days in Santorini  – The best 72h itinerary on the island!
• Paros: Top 10 things to do and see
• Amorgos: Itinerary with Top 8 things to do in Amorgos.
• Naxos: Itinerary with Top 10 things to do.