Athens to Athens: Island Hopping — Cyclades Sun
This is the classic Greek island itinerary for a reason — a week that takes you from the ancient capital to the two most beautiful islands in the Cyclades by high-speed ferry. Athens for ancient wonders, Mykonos for the whitewashed labyrinth and wild beaches, Santorini for the caldera sunset and volcanic landscapes. The ferry journeys themselves are part of the experience — watching the Aegean islands rise from the blue sea, the wind in your hair on the deck, the white cube villages coming into focus on the horizon.
7-Day Itinerary Overview
Route: Athens (2) → High-speed ferry → Mykonos (2) → High-speed ferry → Santorini (2) → Ferry or flight → Athens (1) — one-way by ferry
Best for: Island lovers, first-time visitors wanting the iconic Greek experience
Budget: €700–1,050 per person (excluding international flights)
Direction: One-way loop — Athens to islands, return to Athens for departure
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1–2: Athens — Ancient & Modern
Day 1: Arrive, settle. Acropolis Museum (€10), Acropolis & Parthenon (€20). Ancient Agora (included in €30 combined ticket). Evening: rooftop bar at A for Athens.
Day 2: Explore Anafiotika (free), Plaka streets, Monastiraki Flea Market. Afternoon: National Archaeological Museum (€12) or free time. Evening: prepare for ferry — pack light, one bag only for island hopping.
Accommodation: Athens — hostel dorm €18–30, budget double €45–70
Ferry booking: Book Athens→Mykonos ferry online (Seajets or Hellenic Seaways) — €45–65, 3.5 hours high-speed
Days 3–4: Mykonos — Windmills & Whitewashed
Ferry from Piraeus to Mykonos (7:30 AM departure recommended).
Day 3: Arrive by 11:00. Drop bags, explore Chora (Mykonos Town). Walk the whitewashed alleys, see Paraportiani Church, climb to the windmills for sunset. Dinner at a harbourfront taverna.
Day 4: Take the early bus to Agios Sostis beach (€2.50, 30 min) — undeveloped, no sunbeds, pure swimming. Return in the afternoon for a Delos trip (€20–25 ferry, €12 site, departs 9:00 AM — better to do this instead if you prefer archaeology to beaches).
Accommodation: Mykonos — hostel dorm €30–50, budget double €80–160
Ferry booking: Mykonos→Santorini ferry — €40–55, 2.5 hours high-speed
Days 5–6: Santorini — Caldera & Volcano
Ferry from Mykonos to Santorini (morning departure). Arrive at the old port of Fira by cable car (€6) or walk the 580 steps.
Day 5: Settle in Fira or Oia. Visit Fira’s Prehistoric Museum (€7) — the Akrotiri frescoes. Explore Fira town, the caldera walkway, and the sunset from the Byzantine Castle ruins in Oia.
Day 6: Hike the 10-km Fira-to-Oia coastal trail (3–4 hours, start 7:00 AM). Afternoon: boat tour to the volcano and hot springs (€35–60, departs 11:00). Evening: wine tasting at Venetsanos Winery (€15 for 6 wines, sunset slot).
Accommodation: Santorini Fira or Oia — hostel dorm €30–50, budget double €80–150
Return to Athens: Flight from Santorini to Athens €35–80 (45 min, book ahead)
Day 7: Santorini → Athens → Departure
Morning: visit Akrotiri archaeological site (€12, open 8:00 AM) — the Minoan Pompeii. The covered excavation is astonishing and takes 90 minutes. Fly from Santorini to Athens (45 minutes). Connect to your international flight. If you have a long layover in Athens, leave your luggage at the airport (€5 per 24h at the luggage storage near the metro station) and take the metro to central Athens for one last gyros.
Akrotiri site: €12, daily 8:00–20:00 (summer)
Athens Airport storage: €5 per 24 hours, near the metro station on the arrivals level
Budget Summary: 7-Day Island Hopping
Estimated Total: €700–1,050 per person (excluding international flights)
- Accommodation (6 nights): €200–400
- Ferries: Athens→Mykonos €45–65, Mykonos→Santorini €40–55
- Flight Santorini→Athens: €35–80
- Site entries: €60–80
- Food (7 days): €90–150
- Miscellaneous (cable car, bus, tips): €30–50
- Volcano boat tour: €35–60
Best Season: May–June and September (avoid July–August crowds and prices)
Recommended For: First-time island visitors, couples
Disclaimer: Ferry schedules are weather-dependent and can be cancelled in high winds. Always book flexible tickets in summer. The Santorini cable car queue can reach 1+ hours in peak season — consider walking the 580 steps down. Island accommodation is significantly more expensive in July–August. Delos island is closed on Mondays.