Secrets of the Cyclades: Island Hopping from Sifnos to Milos

Today you will be collected and privately transferred to the port of Piraeus, where you will hop aboard the hydrofoil to the pretty island of Sifnos (around three hours). Pick up your hire car and drive to your hotel where you will settle in for four quiet nights, just a short walk from a postcard-perfect beach. Think crystalline gently lapping waters, fringed by caster-sugar sand and quintessentially Greek olive trees. Head out for an exploratory amble or simply settle down for the day by the water, refreshing drink in hand, as you take in the stunning scene that surrounds you.

After a good night’s sleep to the soundtrack of cicadas, spend the next few days taking in Sifnos, enjoying pretty hikes along mule trails, visiting monasteries or pottery workshops, and discovering the medieval villages. On one of your days spent on Sifnos, you will hop on a Zodiac boat and head to the wildly beautiful, uninhabited island of Polyaigos – a Mediterranean dream. Although no humans live on the island, it is called home by a collection of goats and a handful of endangered Mediterranean monk seals. Explore the rugged coastline by boat, keeping your eyes peeled for its inhabitants, while enjoying its gorgeously rugged coastline and many sheltered coves. The other days on Sifnos can be spent aboard a speed boat whizzing around the island with the wind in your hair; venturing up to Artemonas, one of the few neoclassical villages in the Cyclades, surrounded by olive trees against a backdrop of scalloped cliffs; or hiking along the winding trail that leads you to the island’s oldest monastery, of prophet Elias, where you can take in the panoramic views over the other islands from the ‘roof of Sifnos’. Of course, if you’d rather experience the island at a more leisurely pace, lounge on one of the beautiful sandy beaches lapped by the emerald sea.

The island hopping starts now, with a ferry ride to Milos (approximately one hour) where you will collect your second rental car and settle into another pretty hotel with blissful sea views. Think rugged white cliffs, postcard perfect beaches and impossibly blue waters. Spend the afternoon with your feet in the sand, or venture into the nearby village for a taste of some deliciously fresh olive oil or perfectly ripe tomatoes.

Milos, although not visited much by tourists, is well known to the Greeks. This is not only due to the slow-paced island life and the beauty of its waters, but also because of its volcanic origins, which have given it its almost moon-like landscapes. It also owes its nickname, the 'island of colours', to the contrast between its lime-washed houses, crystal-clear sea and the diversity of its sands. Over the next few days, you can watch the sunset from the old town of Plaka, dine in some of the postage-stamp sized taverns on the small harbour of Pollonia and splash around in the almost milky waters of Papafragas cave; all while enjoying delicious food, sumptuous wine and wonderful Greek company. Spend a day at sea on a speed boat, exploring every nook and cranny of Milos’ coast, or venture beneath the surface on a diving adventure in the north-east of the island to discover underwater caves and stunning coastal scenery.

Unfortunately, the island-hopping aspect of your adventure comes to an end today, with the return crossing to Piraeus (four hours). Upon arrival, your private transfer will take you to your hotel in Athens where you will be spending the night before flying home. With one Greek afternoon left of your trip, take some time to delve into the city’s history with a private tour of the Acropolis and the New Museum, as well as entry to the Archaeological Museum of Athens for a deep dive into this ancient city. Enjoy your final evening spent tucking into some of the city’s tastiest treats – our Concierge will provide you will tips, tricks and recommendations if you’re feeling stuck.