Visiting the Cyclades in a week: 7-8 day itinerary

Have you decided to go on a trip to the Cyclades for your next vacation in Greece?

In order to help you prepare for your stay, I have organized a one-week itinerary for you in the Cyclades, to see some of the must-see islands. In this circuit I suggest you start with Santorini, then depending on your interests to continue by Amorgos, Naxos or Paros.

In this article, you will also find all my advice for visiting the Cyclades in 7 or 8 days as well as my selection of the best accommodation to sleep on each island.

So, what to do and see in the Cyclades in 1 week?

Day1-3: Santorini

To visit the Cyclades in 1 week, it is impossible to miss the mythical island of Santorini.

Santorini has an international airport, so I suggest you reach the island directly by plane. Which can be very useful for a week-long itinerary in the Cyclades so as not to waste time taking the ferry from Athens.

To visit Santorini in 3 days, I recommend that you rent a car. It is certainly possible to go to different places by bus but they are often crowded and you will have to wait for the next one. Result over 3 days, you will waste a lot of time.

For this week-long Cyclades itinerary, we start with the discovery of Santorini, the best known and most touristic of the Greek islands.

On the program for the first day, direction Fira, one of the two most visited villages on the island thanks to its position on the edge of the caldera. Here you will have the chance to contemplate a real postcard setting, typical of the Cyclades, with the famous white and blue houses and churches. Not to mention the chic boutiques and luxury hotels with infinity pools.

Just take a stroll on the promenade that goes from Fira and leads to Firostefani and Imerovigli  to contemplate splendid viewpoints.

If you wish, you can push the promenade from Fira to Oia. This part of the island is an opportunity to take a magnificent hike and especially photo breaks every 2 minutes! This is the most beautiful hike to do in Santorini during your 7 day Cyclades tour.

If you don’t feel like walking, you can also take your car back to Oia.

Oia is the second must-see village on the island. This is the place to be to admire the sunset in Santorini. If you have found a good spot, sit down and stick to it! Every evening, thousands of people flock to admire the spectacle.

Spend the night in Santorini.

For the second day of this week-long Cyclades itinerary, I suggest a boat trip around Santorini. The most popular allows you to go to the island of Néa Kaméni, where there is a still active volcano. You can climb to the top of the crater. 

During the day, you will then make a second stop to bathe in the hot springs, then you will pass by the island of Thirassia, located just in front of Santorini.

The package of €37 per person includes pick-up in front of your hotel, the cruise with audio commentary and the 3 stops.

Due to the high demand (especially in high season), these tours must be booked in advance. I therefore recommend that you book this excursion directly here.

And if you want to treat yourself, the luxury version of the excursion is done by catamaran and allows you to contemplate the sunset from the sea.

Spend a second night in Santorini.

Today, continuation of your 7-8 day stay in the Cyclades, with a last day in Santorini in road trip mode.

On the program for this tour of Santorini:

• Visit of the picturesque villages of the island:  Pyrgos, Megalohori and Emporio.
• Discover the archaeological sites of Akrotiri (often compared to Pompeii, Italy ) and Ancient Thera.
• Book a wine tour of Santorini in a small group (max 8 people) to taste the best wines. Book here!
• End the day with a relaxing break and swimming on one of the beaches. The Red Beach and its ocher cliffs or that of Kamari / Perissa, with black volcanic sand are the most famous. For a more family beach, I recommend that of Monolithos, with shallow water.

Spend one last night in Santorini.

For more details on all the things to do and see in Santorini, read our dedicated article: The Complete Guide to Visiting Santorini.

Accommodation in Santorini

As you know, sleeping 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: The Other Islands of the Cyclades

For the second stage of this 7-day itinerary in the Cyclades, I suggest you leave Santorini to reach another island in the Cyclades.

As there are several possible alternatives, I have selected 3 islands easily accessible by ferry from Santorini.

Choose one of them for the rest of your tour in Greece, depending on your interests:

• Amorgos for hiking
• Naxos to go to the beach
• Paros for a mix between walking, beaches and typical villages

Option 1: Amorgos (3 days)

Amorgos is just 1 hour by ferry from Santorini.

To book your ferry crossing  and check the schedules, I suggest you click on the button below. Be careful when booking, as Amorgos has 2 ports : one in Katapola and one in Aegiali. So you may arrive at one and leave at another.

We mainly come to Amorgos for hiking, but on the first day you can opt for a tour of the island by car to start discovering it.

You will find car rental companies on the port when you arrive.

I recommend that you organize your day like this:

• Walk to  Katapola,  the island’s main port
• Visit of the capital,  Hora and its mills.
  
• Lunch break in one of the village taverns
• Ascent to the  Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa
• Photo stop at  the cove of Agia Ana,  close to the monastery
• Follow the road south to  Kalotaritissa  where you can swim. Before arriving or on the way back, be sure to see  the wreck of the Big Blue.

Spend the night in Amorgos.

The  second and third day, it’s up to you to hike on the island’s many marked trails. There are 7 main trails which are referenced on the official Amorgos website. You will find the details of the routes with the level of difficulty.

You can break up the walking times by spending a little time at the beach.

Spend 2 more nights in Amorgos.

The next day will unfortunately be the end of this 1 week trip to the Cyclades. Take the ferry in the opposite direction to reach Santorini for your return flight.

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

Tips for your Greece itinerary:
If your flight to Santorini is early in the morning, prefer to take the ferry the evening before. As the ferries are sometimes late, it is better to spend the last night in Santorini and be sure not to miss your plane.

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.

Option 2: Naxos (3 days)

If you prefer to continue your week-long tour of the Cyclades in relaxation mode, then the island of Naxos is for you!

It is about 1h30 by ferry from Santorini.

To visit Naxos in 3 days, car rental is essential. It is the largest island in the Cyclades and you will need it to access the mountain villages.

For your first day in Naxos, you will disembark directly in the capital, Hora. There you will find a long seafront with plenty of cafes and restaurants.

This is also where the Portara is located , the most photographed spot in Hora. Ancient temple dedicated to Apollo and never finished, it has become the symbol of the island. The place also offers a nice panorama of Naxos.

Then continue with a walk in the Kastro district, the historic district with its typical Cycladic alleys. 

In the afternoon, enjoy one or more beaches on the west coast of the island. 

Spend the night in Naxos.

The next day, continuation of this week-long road trip in the Cyclades with a tour of the mountain villages of Naxos.

I suggest you go through:

• Halki: the village is located in the center of the island, on the heights, 20 minutes from Hora. You will find shops selling local products as well as a distillery producing the local liqueur: kitron. Also worth seeing is the church of Agios Giorgios Diasorites, reachable in 10 minutes on foot.
• Filoti is the largest village in the region of Tragéa. It has several taverns and restaurants, and a pretty white marble church.
• Apiranthos: a small village with narrow streets paved with marble. The visit itself is quick but getting to the village is worth it for the road which offers plenty of beautiful views of the mountains and the sea.

Before going to Apiranthos, from Filoti, you can do the most famous hike in Naxos, the one that allows you to climb Mount Zeus, the highest peak in the Cyclades. Count about 1h30 of walk from the place called “the sources of Aria” to climb to the top.

For the rest of the day, I advise you to go down to Moutsouna and land quietly on one of the beaches on the east coast.

Spend a second night in Naxos.

For the last day in Naxos, why not opt ​​for a boat trip around the island?

You will enjoy many swimming stops in  the cave of Rina, the bay of Kalados, or on the islands of Iraklia, Schinoussa or Koufonissi in the small Cyclades. A passage to Paros and Antiparos is also on the program. It really is the best thing to do there!

Diving equipment and soft drinks are included in the price of 80€ per person.

In the evening or the next day, depending on the time of your return flight, take the ferry back to Santorini and reach the airport. This is the end of this 1 week itinerary in the Cyclades.

If you want more information about Naxos, read our article: Top 10 things to see in Naxos.

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.

Option 3: Paros (3 days)

Third and last option of this 7-8 day trip to the Cyclades, after Santorini, go visit Paros for 3 days.

The ferry crossing takes between 2 to 3 hours depending on the company.

To go around the island, I also advise you to rent a car.

The first day in Paros, I suggest you focus on the northern part of the island.

With the ferry, you will arrive in Parikia, the capital and can therefore start with a walk through the old town, the Kastro and pass by the  Basilica of Panagia Ekatontapyliani, the Byzantine Museum and the Archaeological Museum.

Then take your car to go up towards the North and join the park of Paros. 3 marked trails allow you to walk there by the sea. Allow about 2 hours to do all three.

There is also a nice beach right next to it where you can cool off after walking.

Take the road again to Naoussa, the chic seaside resort of Paros with its shops and restaurants.

Spend the rest of the day at one of the beaches after Naoussa:  Siparos Beach, Stefano Beach, Lageri Beach, Santa Maria Beach or Kolymbithres.

Stay a first night on Paros.

The next day, it’s off to visit the south of the island.

For this morning, I recommend that you take a walk in 3 villages:

• Lefkes which is one of the most beautiful villages on the island
• Prodromos, a charming village with typical Cycladic streets and houses
• Marpissa, similar to Prodromos

You can take your car between each village or walk on the Byzantine path that connects the 3, if you don’t mind a bit of hiking.

For the lunch break, drive down to the port of Pisso Livadi to enjoy the fresh grilled fish and seafood restaurants.

In the afternoon, choose between one of the beaches such as  Golden Beach, Logaras or Faragas Beach  and relax!

Spend a second night in Paros.

For the last day in Paros, and of this one week Cyclades tour, I recommend you to take a boat trip around Paros and Antiparos.

These cruises are half-day or full-day and you will have the choice between several types of boats. In any case, several swimming stops are planned during the cruise.

Price from €40 and up to €100 for a semi-private cruise.

Spend one last night in Paros or take the boat back to Santorini at the end of the day, if your plane departs early the next morning.

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 price / performance 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. 

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

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