Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos)
The classic Greek island-hopping group, from Santorini's caldera cliffs and Mykonos's beach clubs to the long sandy beaches and mountain villages of Naxos and Paros. Non-stop summer flights reach Santorini and Mykonos in about four hours from London; ferries do the rest. June and September give the best balance of warm sea, wind and prices.
Overview
A Cyclades trip usually links two or three islands by ferry, flying into Santorini or Mykonos and adding Naxos or Paros, which are larger, cheaper and better for sandy beaches. Santorini suits couples paying for a caldera view; Mykonos suits beach clubs, nightlife and a big budget; Naxos suits families, food lovers and walkers; Paros sits between them, with a pretty harbour at Naousa and good ferry links. July and August bring the meltemi, a strong north wind that tempers the heat but can make crossings rough, along with peak crowds and prices. Most hotels and many ferry routes scale back sharply from November to April.
Map of Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos)
Highlights
- 1Nature
Oia and the caldera path
Whitewashed villages cling to the rim of a flooded volcanic crater. Walk the path of roughly 10 km from Fira through Imerovigli to Oia in the morning, and watch sunset somewhere other than Oia's packed castle viewpoint.
- 2History
Akrotiri
A Bronze Age town buried by Santorini's eruption around 3,600 years ago, preserved under ash with multi-storey houses, paved streets and drains. A modern roof covers the site; its finest frescoes are in Athens and Fira's prehistoric museum.
- 3History
Delos
An uninhabited island that was a sanctuary of Apollo and a great trading port, with the Terrace of the Lions, mosaic-floored houses and a theatre. Boats leave from Mykonos Town's old port in the morning; shade is scarce, so bring water.
- 4Architecture
Naxos Chora and the Portara
The huge marble doorway of an unfinished temple frames sunsets beside Naxos harbour, below a Venetian kastro of lanes and mansions. Nearby Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka are among the best sandy beaches in the Cyclades.
- 5City
Little Venice and the windmills, Mykonos
Balconied houses hang over the water in Little Venice, below a ridge of thatched windmills. The whitewashed lanes of Mykonos Town are best explored early, before cruise passengers arrive, then revisited for sunset drinks.
Where to stay
Imerovigli, Santorini
The highest village on the caldera rim, quieter than Oia and Fira, with views of Skaros Rock; suits couples with a honeymoon budget.
Mykonos Town
A walkable old town of bars, boutiques and restaurants, with buses to the south-coast beaches and water taxis along them; suits groups and big spenders.
Naxos Town
A lively harbour town with a beach on its doorstep and buses to the sandy west coast; suits families, food lovers and anyone watching costs.
Naousa, Paros
A fishing harbour turned stylish resort, with good beaches nearby and an easy hop to Parikia's ferry port; suits couples and island-hoppers.
When to go to Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos)
Best time: Jun, Sep.
Average climate in Santorini (Fira)
How much does Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos) cost?
Per person per day excluding flights. Return flights from London typically cost £170 off-peak and £520 in school holidays.
Visas & entry for Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos)
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Greece, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in Greece are different. If you are a touring creative, see details about the Uniform (Schengen) visa.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Bat Lyssavirus
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Greece
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Wed 28 Oct 2026 | Ohi Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Glorifying Mother of God |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Wed 6 Jan 2027 | Epiphany |
| Mon 15 Mar 2027 | Green Monday |
| Thu 25 Mar 2027 | Independence Day |
| Fri 30 Apr 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Mon 3 May 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Tue 4 May 2027 | Labour Day (observed) |
| Mon 21 Jun 2027 | Pentecost Monday |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Dormition of the Mother of God |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- Book ferries on the operators' sites or Ferryhopper, and pick the large conventional Blue Star boats on windy days: slower than the catamarans, but far steadier when the meltemi blows.
- Santorini and Mykonos are among Greece's priciest places. Base yourself on Naxos or Paros, an hour or two away by fast ferry, and give the famous pair a night or two.
Plugs, money, phrases, emergency numbers and more: see our Greece guide.
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