Fly to Santorini and home from Athens
Travelling through the magical island world of the Cyclades is to follow the rhythm of the sea, from one island to another, where every stop offers new colours, flavours and scents. The journey begins with a flight to Santorini, one of Greece’s most iconic islands, where white houses balance on the edge of the volcano and the sunsets make the world stand still. Here you enjoy the black volcanic beaches, the charming villages and the island’s famous wines before the ferry takes you further across the deep blue Aegean Sea.
After stops on Ios and Mykonos, with their soft beaches and labyrinthine alleys, the journey ends in Athens, where the wings of history meet modern Greece. A final evening among the ruins of the Parthenon and the alleys of Plaka provides a worthy conclusion before the flight home departs from the Greek capital.
Travel itinerary
- Flight to Santorini
- Ferry to Ios
- Ferry to Mykonos
- Ferry to Athens
- Flight home from Athens
Santorini – drama and beauty at the end of the world
The most iconic island of the Aegean Sea appears as a white jewel against volcano-black cliffs. Santorini is drama and elegance in a single view. Here, in Oia, where the whitewashed houses climb along the edge of the caldera and blue domes are reflected in the endless sea, every alley is a painting and every sunset a spectacle.
The days here are filled with stillness and discoveries. Wandering through Oia’s winding streets, where bougainvillea climbs along the walls and art galleries tempt with local masterpieces, is an experience in itself. Further down by the coast, Amoudi Bay invites you to enjoy fresh seafood by the water, while the vineyards in the island’s interior offer a taste of Santorini’s volcanic terroir.
On the island’s east coast, Kamari Beach stretches out, where Cavo Bianco Boutique Hotel & Spa offers a haven of peace and relaxation. Here the water is crystal clear, the beach black and the sun scorching – a perfect contrast to the rocky drama of the caldera.
But the sea is calling. And when the ferry glides out from Athinios port, Santorini’s steep silhouette is left behind you – an image that etches itself into your memory as you head towards your next destination.
Ios – white villages, soft beaches and salt-sprayed winds
After a short journey across the waves you reach Ios, an island where tranquillity sweeps in like a warm breeze. Here you are greeted by soft sandy beaches, azure waters and a relaxed atmosphere that tempts visitors to stay longer than planned.
Just above Mylopotas beach, where the water shifts in deep shades of blue and green, lies your accommodation – a perfect base for long days of sun and sea. Waking up to the sound of the waves and feeling the warm breeze from the sea is an experience in itself.
Up in Chora, the charming main village, narrow alleys wind between whitewashed houses and flower-decked balconies. Here, in the shade of blue-painted doors and stone-paved squares, freshly caught fish and traditional Greek flavours are served in small tavernas where time seems to stand still.
For those seeking hidden paradises, Magganari Beach is a distant treasure – a beach where the sea is so clear that the horizon seems to extend beneath the surface.
But the island-hopping continues, and Ios becomes a beautiful memory as the ferry heads further north towards Mykonos.
Mykonos – a dance between elegance and bohemian beauty
On arrival in Mykonos you are met by the bustling charm of Chora. The narrow alleys, lined with whitewashed houses and blue shutters, form a labyrinth where every corner hides a new surprise – an art shop, a café, a hidden church where candles burn around the clock.
Here you stay close to Elia Beach, one of the island’s most beautiful sandy beaches, where the days are a symphony of sun, salt and silky waves. Mykonos is known for its vibrant beach life, but here, at Elia, there is also a peaceful side – a place where the sun slowly sinks behind the sea and leaves the sky in shades of gold and purple.
In the harbour of Little Venice, the waves crash against the old houses, where bars and restaurants offer the best spot for a cocktail at sunset. And for those who want to travel further back in time, an excursion to Delos awaits, the mythical island where Apollo is said to have been born. The ruins, which remain as monuments to another era, lie just a short boat ride away.
But eventually the mainland calls. The final ferry ride takes you to Athens, where the wings of history can be felt in every cobbled street.
Athens – an epic finale
There is something special about ending a journey in Athens. Here, among the majestic ruins of the Acropolis, you find a final reminder of Greece’s eternal beauty. In Plaka, the oldest quarter of the city, the scent of freshly baked bread mingles with the sound of street musicians. At the square in Monastiraki, antiques and handicrafts crowd together in shops that carry stories from a bygone time.
And when evening descends over the rooftops of the city, with the Parthenon illuminated against the night sky, there is no better ending than dinner on a rooftop terrace. Greek salad, freshly grilled fish and a glass of Cycladic wine – a taste of the country that has just offered you its very best.
When the plane leaves Athens and you see the islands of the Cyclades disappear into the distance, the journey is over. But the memories of the sea, the sunsets and the white villages will linger – like a promise to one day return.
Best time to travel
May to October is the best period for travelling in Greece. Spring and early summer offer pleasant temperatures, green landscapes and a somewhat calmer pace, while high summer brings the classic Greek summer feeling with lively beaches and cities. Late summer and September are particularly appreciated for their warm sea, milder climate and relaxed atmosphere.
Transfer
For a smooth start and end to your trip, you can easily add transfers between the airport and the hotels. Transfers are booked when you complete your booking and make the journey even more comfortable – without having to think about transport 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.
