From Athens’ bustle to the blue horizon of the Aegean sea
To travel through the island world of the Cyclades is to journey through a dream of sun-bleached beaches, whitewashed villages and crystal-clear water. The trip begins in Athens, where the mighty legacy of history meets the city’s modern pulse. After a few days in the Greek capital, the ferry awaits to take you out onto the Aegean Sea – first to the charming island of Ios and then on to stylish Mykonos. After enjoying the island’s beautiful beaches and labyrinthine alleys, the journey ends with a flight home from Mykonos, filled with memories of the sea’s endless blue shades and sunsets you will not soon forget.
Itinerary
- Flight to Athens
- Ferry to Ios
- Ferry to Mykonos
- Flight home from Mykonos
The greatness of antiquity and the pulse of the present in Athens
Athens lies sun-warmed and vibrant by the Aegean Sea. The city, where the wings of history echo between the narrow alleys of Plaka and the mighty ruins of the Acropolis, is a natural starting point for the journey. Here, the grandeur of antiquity merges with today’s lively café culture. From a rooftop terrace in Monastiraki, the Parthenon can be seen bathing in golden evening light, while the city’s pulse continues below – a bustle of voices, the scent of grilled souvlaki and the murmur of a city that never truly sleeps.
By ferry towards the shimmering paradise of the cyclades
When morning breaks, it is time to leave the mainland and head out to sea. The ferry departs from Piraeus, and the mythical Aegean Sea unfolds in front of the bow. The silhouettes of the islands appear on the horizon – small white dots resting on cobalt-blue water. After a few hours, Ios comes into view, one of the Cyclades’ more unspoiled gems, where white houses climb up the cliffs and the sun is reflected in the turquoise-blue water.
Ios – White villages, golden beaches and crystal-clear sea
Ios is an island where tranquility meets the sea in soft, sand-colored bays. The beach Mylopotas lies nestled between mountain slopes, where parasols sway in the mild breeze. Here, the days are long and filled with sun, swimming and the scent of salty winds. For those who want to discover more hidden coves, Magganari Beach is a shimmering gem, where the water is so clear that the seabed is visible as if through glass.
Up in Chora, the island’s charming town, the alleys are narrow and whitewashed with blue shutters, and along the cobblestone streets there are small shops and tavernas where seafood and local cheeses are served on shady terraces. When the sun sinks behind the mountains, the sky is colored in shades of pink and gold, and the island feels timeless, like a place where sea and sky merge into one.
Mykonos – Artistic beauty and elegance by the sea
The journey continues over the waves towards Mykonos. The island, known for its winding alleys, small luxury hotels and a coastline lined with sun-drenched beaches, welcomes you with its typically Cycladic architecture – dazzling white houses with blue details that mirror the colors of the sea.
Upon arrival in Chora, the capital, it is like stepping into a labyrinth of small alleys where bougainvillea climbs over the façades, creating color contrasts against the whitewashed walls. Here you are met by charming cafés, elegant boutiques and a view of the iconic windmills that guard the city’s highest point.
Sun, beaches and ancient treasures
The beaches of Mykonos entice with their crystal-clear water. From the lively Psarou Beach, where luxury yachts anchor close together, to the quieter bays at Agios Sostis, where sand dunes meet the open sea. For those seeking something out of the ordinary, a boat trip to the archaeological island of Delos is a journey back in time – a place where Apollo is said to have been born, and where the remains of ancient temples and theatres still stand as an echo of a bygone era.
A sunset to remember
As the journey draws to a close and the colors of the Greek sunset are slowly reflected in the old harbor of Mykonos, it is hard to tear yourself away from the beauty of the islands. The Cyclades have a magnetic pull – a blend of the sea’s infinity, the presence of history and the relaxing rhythm that only island life can offer. With sand in your bag and salt in your hair, the farewell becomes more of a promise to return than a goodbye.
Best time to travel
May to October is the best period to travel in Greece. Spring and early summer offer pleasant temperatures, green landscapes and a slightly calmer pace, while high summer brings classic Greek summer vibes with lively beaches and cities. Late summer and September are especially popular thanks to warm seas, milder climate and a relaxed atmosphere.
Transfer
For a smooth start and end to your trip, you can easily add transfers between the airport and your hotels. Transfers are booked when you complete your booking and make your journey even more comfortable – without having to worry about transportation on arrival and departure.
A package tour and a linked arrangement offer travellers different booking processes but provide the same protection under the Package Travel Act, ensuring customer rights and peace of mind during the trip.
