7-Day Cycladic Islands Itinerary: Mykonos, Naxos, & Santorini

Get ready for a week-long journey through some of the Cyclades’ most captivating islands. This itinerary takes you from the glamour of Mykonos to the laid-back charm of Naxos and the breathtaking beauty of Santorini.

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The Cyclades are the quintessential Greek islands, combining gorgeous beaches, picturesque towns, fascinating history, and unforgettable views.

If you’ve got a week to explore, here’s an itinerary featuring three of the most diverse and stunning islands in the group: Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini. These islands offer a taste of everything: nightlife, peaceful beaches, and ancient landmarks!

• Check ferry tickets to plan this itinerary here.
• Book your rental car on the islands here.
• Read more about island hopping in Greece.

Day 1: Arrival in Mykonos

Morning
Arrive in Mykonos and get settled into your hotel. One of the most iconic Greek islands, Mykonos is known for its pedestrian Chora (or Mykonos town) but also for its nightlife. However, Mykonos also has plenty of history and culture to offer.

Since you will be staying in Mykonos for just a couple of days, I suggest staying in Chora so you’re a short drive or bus ride away from everywhere.

• Aeolos Resort – Mykonos town
• Tharroe of Mykonos Boutique Hotel – Mykonos town
  

Afternoon
Devote the first afternoon to discovering Mykonos Town (Chora). Explore the narrow streets lined with shops, cafes, and art galleries and don’t miss the iconic windmills close to the sea and the area known as Little Venice.

Pick a table by the water and order a glass of freddo espresso. You will love witnessing the sunset in the area.

Evening
Treat yourself to a seafood dinner at one of many restaurants in town, either by the sea or in Chora. Then, dive into the island’s nightlife with a visit to one of its popular bars or nightclubs.

Overnight: Mykonos

Day 2: Mykonos Beaches and Delos Island

Some of the best beaches in the Cyclades are in Mykonos, so don’t miss the chance to visit at least one of them. You can spend there the whole day or, if you’re also interested in myth and history, check out the ancient site of Delos.

Morning
Begin your day by relaxing on one of Mykonos’ stunning beaches. Psarou Beach is ideal for a more luxurious experience with crystal-clear waters, while Paraga and Agios Stefanos offer a more laid-back vibe.

And if, instead of heading to Delos in the afternoon, you’d rather spend the whole day at the beach, I suggest visiting the fantastic Elia, one of the nicest beaches on the island.

Afternoon
Hop on a boat to Delos, a sacred, uninhabited island just off Mykonos. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to fascinating ruins, such as the Temple of Apollo and the Terrace of the Lions. You will get to learn a lot about ancient Greek history, especially if you decide to book a guided tour.

Evening
After returning to Mykonos, enjoy a sunset dinner with views of the windmills at Kato Mili, then take a leisurely walk around the town and purchase a few souvenirs.

Overnight: Mykonos

Day 3: Mykonos to Naxos

On Day 3, head to Naxos, a peaceful island that’s about an hour away by ferry.

Morning
Once you arrive in Naxos, check into your hotel and head out for a walk along the seaside promenade. Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, and is known for its beautiful beaches and mountain villages, but also for unique ancient ruins.

Stop for lunch at any of the waterfront restaurants. I always recommend Yasouvlaki for affordable yet traditional meals.

Since you’ll stay in Naxos for just a few nights, my suggestion is to book a hotel or a studio in the center of town or near Agia Anna Beach.

• Hotel Anixis – Naxos Chora
• Majestique of Naxos – Naxos Chora

Afternoon
Explore Naxos Town (Chora), where you can explore the old Venetian Castle and the narrow quiet streets. Head closer to the waterfront to visit local shops and then head to the Portara. It’s very easy to get there on foot from the center of town.

The impressive marble gate is what remains of a probably ancient temple dedicated to God Apollo. From here, the sea views are fantastic. it is also the most popular spot on the island to see the sunset.

Evening
Back to the center of town, my suggestion is to head to the waterfront for dinner at a traditional taverna, and savor some fresh seafood or Naxian beef, potatoes, and cheeses, three staples produced on the island.

Overnight: Naxos

Day 4: Naxos Villages and Beaches

Morning:
Rent a scooter or car to visit some of Naxos’ quaint inland villages. Apiranthos, with its marble alleys and houses offers a quiet escape, while Halki, is one of the most traditional settlements on the island, perfect for a walk and a traditional lunch in a local taverna. Over here, you can also visit the Vallindras Distillery to try Naxos’ famous spirit, kitron.

Afternoon
Spend the afternoon relaxing on one of Naxos’ beautiful beaches like Agios Prokopios or Agia Anna, which are famous for their golden sands and crystal-clear waters. These spots are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or water sports.

If you’re more of a beach person and are not interested in exploring the villages in the morning, then head to Plaka Beach and spend a wonderful day by the sea in one of Naxos’ best beaches.

Evening
It’s a great idea to head to Agios Prokopios beach and enjoy dinner at one of the seafront tavernas or restaurants in the area. Order a bottle of wine and enjoy local dishes, including Naxian sausages with eggs (Kavourmas saganaki. Don’t forget to taste local cheeses such as Naxian Graviera, Arseniko, or Kefalotyri.

Overnight: Naxos

Day 5: Naxos to Santorini

On this day, it’s time to head to the last destination in this one-week island-hopping itinerary. You will take a ferry to Santorini, one of the most breathtaking islands in the world!

Morning
Arrive in Santorini (about a 2-hour ferry ride) and check into your hotel. The best thing to do for a short stay is to prefer a hotel in Fira. If you’re on a budget, avoid hotels facing the Caldera, which are more expensive and look for a hotel near the center.

• Hotel Thirasia – Fira
• Aroma Suites – Fira

Afternoon
In the afternoon ride a car, a taxi, or the local bus and reach the northernmost tip on the island, Oia. Spend the afternoon exploring this picturesque village perched on the caldera’s edge. Wander through the streets, visit gorgeous churches, but also boutiques and art galleries, and don’t miss the world-famous sunset view.

The most popular spot to get a priviledged sunset view in Oia is the ancient castle of Oia. Get there at least two hours before sunset hour to secure a spot because it’s often very crowded.

Evening
Enjoy dinner in either Oia or Fira with a view of the caldera. Don’t forget to try a glass of Assyrtiko, Santorini’s famous local white wine. And if you’re wondering what to eat, prefer local dishes, including fava puree, tomato fritters, and local white eggplants.

Overnight: Santorini

Day 6: Santorini’s Beaches and Ruins

Santorini also offers plenty of history and wonderful landscapes, often with dramatic views due to the volcanic nature of the island.

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a Minoan settlement preserved by a volcanic eruption. Similar to Pompeii, this archaeological site will introduce you to important details of ancient life on the Greek Islands.

If you’re following this itinerary in summer, I strongly suggest to visit in the morning to avoid the hottest hours, despite being a covered archaeological site, temperatures can soar.

Afternoon
Not far from the ruins, you can explore one of the most beautiful beaches in Santorini, Red Beach. Over here, after a short hike next to the walls of the caldera, you will find a shore surrounded by striking red cliffs and a perfect spot to go snorkeling.

If you enjoy hikes, also check out the fantastic Santorini Lighthouse not far from the Red Beach, it’s a short walk but the views are spectacular.

If you prefer something different, check out Kamari Beach or Perissa Beach, with their black sand and lively beachside cafes. Perissa is easier to reach and not as crowded as Kamari, which is closer to Fira.

Evening
For your last night in Santorini, enjoy a delicious dinner at a cliffside restaurant overlooking the caldera. And if you can, also book a wine tasting experience to go with the dinner and enjoy your last sunset over the Aegean.

Overnight: Santorini

Day 7: Santorini and Departure

On your last day in Santorini, take in the island’s beauty one last time before heading to your next destination.

Morning
If you have time before your flight, stroll through Fira, Santorini’s capital, to explore its shops and cafes. Alternatively, take a short boat trip in the caldera or treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience at a luxury resort.

Afternoon
Head to the airport or port for your departure, whether you’re returning to Athens or continuing your Greek adventure.

This 7-day journey through Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini will take you from the streets of Mykonos to the quiet Naxos’ villages, and the world-renowned sunsets in Santorini.

I hope this route manages to captures the essence of the Cyclades and the laid-back lifestyle on the Greek islands!

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Classic 7-Day Itinerary in Greece: Mykonos, Naxos & Santorini