Cyclades Islands: A Guide to Island Hopping by Small Ship
Destination guide · Cyclades
White villages, blue domes, sacred ruins, and quiet coves: the Cyclades islands are the Greece most people picture. With around 220 islands to choose from, the hard part is deciding where to go. Here’s what the Cyclades are, which islands to visit, and how to see ten of them in a week.
In short
The Cyclades islands are a group of around 220 islands in the Aegean Sea, named for the circle they form around sacred Delos. The best way to see several is Cyclades island hopping by small ship. Our Jewels of the Cyclades cruise visits Folegandros, Santorini, Antiparos, Paros, Delos, Mykonos, Syros, and Kythnos on M/S Galileo, from April to October, from £3,140 per person with flights, or £2,396 cruise only.
220
islands in the Cyclades, most of them uninhabited
49
guests on M/S Galileo
7
nights island hopping, plus two in Athens
£3,140
from, per person, with flights
On this page
The basics
What are the Cyclades islands?
The Cyclades are a group of Greek islands in the southern Aegean, between Athens and Crete. Their name means “encircling islands”, because they form a rough circle around the sacred island of Delos.
There are about 220 islands, though most of the smaller ones are uninhabited. Syros is the most populated, and its town, Ermoupoli, is the main town of the region. Santorini and Milos are the only volcanic islands in the group.
Source: Cyclades, Wikipedia.
Island hopping
Cyclades island hopping by small ship
Ferries link the Cyclades, but timetables shape your days and every move means packing up again. On a small ship, you unpack once and the islands come to you.
No ferries to book
Ten islands in seven nights, without timetables, transfers, or new hotels.
Swim stops
Swim from the ship at Poliegos, Antiparos, and Kythnos, with snorkelling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards free to use, subject to availability.
Evenings in port
Overnight in Santorini and evenings in Paros, Mykonos, and Syros, when the day visitors have gone.
Just 49 guests
M/S Galileo carries 49 guests, looked after by 16 to 18 crew, with an English-speaking cruise director.
Days 1–2
Athens
Fly from London or Manchester and spend two nights at the Royal Olympic Hotel, with time to explore Athens.
Day 3
Poros and Poliegos
Welcome drinks on board, then sail via Poros, an island in the Saronic Gulf, towards the Cyclades.
Day 4
Poliegos and Folegandros
A morning swim stop and a barbecue at Poliegos, then on to Folegandros.
Day 5
Santorini
An early morning sail to Santorini, where the yacht stays overnight.
Day 6
Antiparos and Paros
A swim stop at Antiparos, then arrive in Paros.
Day 7
Delos and Mykonos
A morning at Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, then on to Mykonos.
Day 8
Syros
A swim stop on the way, then arrive in Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades.
Day 9
Kythnos
A last swim at Kolones Bay on Kythnos, then sail back towards Athens.
Day 10
Athens
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport.
Full details on the Jewels of the Cyclades cruise page. The Captain may vary the route in poor weather.
The islands
The Cyclades islands on our route
Each island has its own character, from busy, famous Santorini to quiet Folegandros and Kythnos.
Folegandros
A small, rugged island with a whitewashed Chora above the sea. You arrive after a morning swim stop at uninhabited Poliegos.
Santorini
One of only two volcanic islands in the Cyclades, with cliff-top villages above the caldera. The cruise stays overnight, so you see it after the day visitors leave.
Paros and Antiparos
A swim stop at Antiparos, then an evening in Paros, with its harbour, whitewashed lanes, and fishing boats.
Delos
The legendary birthplace of Apollo and the sacred island at the centre of the Cyclades. Its ruins, including the famous lions, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Syros
The most populated island in the Cyclades. Its town, Ermoupoli, is the capital of the region.
Kythnos
Your last swim of the week, at Kolones Bay, before the sail back towards Athens.
On board
Life on board M/S Galileo
M/S Galileo is a motor-sailer with 24 cabins for 49 guests, and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere. Take a look on board in our video.
Jewels of the Cyclades Sailing Odyssey, by Seafarer Cruises.
49
guests
24
cabins
16–18
crew
- Flights from London or Manchester, and all transfers
- Two nights at the Royal Olympic Hotel, with breakfast
- Seven nights on board, half board, with a welcome cocktail, a barbecue, and the Captain’s Dinner
- Snorkelling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards
- An English-speaking cruise director and port charges
At extra cost: drinks other than filter coffee, tea, and water, shore excursions, optional crew gratuities (€15 to €18 a day recommended), and Wi-Fi.
Mykonos
Mykonos: more than its nightlife
Mykonos is famous for its nightlife, but a morning in Mykonos Town shows another side. Wander the maze of whitewashed lanes from the harbour, past small churches and the shops of the old town.
Visit Panagia Paraportiani, a whitewashed church of four chapels, then walk to Little Venice and the windmills on the western edge of town, two of the best places on the island to watch the sun go down. The Folklore Museum, in an 18th-century sea captain’s house, and the Aegean Maritime Museum tell the island’s story.
Choosing
Which Cyclades islands should you visit?
There’s no single best island in the Cyclades. It depends on what you enjoy, which is why island hopping suits them so well.
Choose by what you love
History
Delos for its ancient ruins, and Syros for the town of Ermoupoli.
Swimming and coves
Poliegos, Antiparos, and Kolones Bay on Kythnos.
Villages and views
Folegandros and Santorini, with their cliff-top Choras.
A lively evening
Mykonos Town, Little Venice, and the windmills at sunset.
Read a first-hand account
Follow a real Jewels of the Cyclades voyage in our three-part diary: packing and setting sail, Santorini, castles, and caves, and the finale.
Common questions
Cyclades islands: your questions answered
How many islands are in the Cyclades?
About 220, though most of the smaller ones are uninhabited. Our Jewels of the Cyclades cruise visits eight of the best known, plus Poros on the way.
What does Cyclades mean?
The name means “encircling islands”. The islands form a rough circle around Delos, the sacred birthplace of Apollo in Greek myth.
Which Cyclades island is best?
It depends on what you enjoy. Santorini and Folegandros are best for views, Delos and Syros for history, Antiparos and Kythnos for swimming, and Mykonos for a lively evening. A small ship cruise lets you see them all in a week.
Can you island hop the Cyclades without ferries?
Yes. On a small ship cruise, the ship takes you between islands, so there are no ferry timetables to follow and no packing between stops.
When does the Jewels of the Cyclades cruise sail?
Departures run from April to October, with two nights in Athens before seven nights on board M/S Galileo.
Ready to island hop?
Talk to us about the Cyclades
Ask for a personalised quote for your dates and cabin, or call our team with any questions about the islands.
Call or email us
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 19:00 · Saturday 09:30 to 17:00
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