Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Secrets of the Cyclades Island Hopping from Sifnos to Milos
Greece – Cyclades – Sifnos – Milos
Here, every scene looks straight out of a travel brochure – think white villages baking under the Aegean sun, small ports where caique fishing boats sway and beaches hugged by crystal-clear waters.
First up is Sifnos, which boasts idyllic hiking trails, ancient monasteries and sublime sandy beaches. Then head to Milos to marvel at rugged moonscapes, postcard-perfect harbours and cave diving adventures. Round off the holiday with one more night in Athens, where you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the highlights of this ancient city.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Greece is calling, so pack your bags and head to the airport for your four-hour flight to Athens. On arrival, collect your bags and take a private transfer to your city centre hotel for the night. Freshen up and head out to enjoy your first evening of delicious Greek food – consult our detailed Dossier for local restaurant recommendations.
Today is the start of your island adventure. You’ll be collected and privately transferred to the port of Piraeus, where you’ll hop aboard a hydrofoil to the pretty island of Sifnos. Arriving around three hours later, pick up your hire car and drive to your hotel – home for the next four nights.
On the islands, beaches are never far away. Think gently lapping waters fringed by warm sand and quintessential 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 your stunning surroundings.
After a good night’s sleep soundtracked by cicadas, spend the next few days taking in Sifnos.
One day, hop on a Zodiac boat and head to the uninhabited island idyll of Polyaigos. Although no humans live here, it’s home to a collection of goats and a handful of endangered Mediterranean monk seals. Explore the wild coastline by boat, keeping your eyes peeled for its inhabitants while enjoying its rugged shores and sheltered coves.
Spend the rest of your time on Sifnos whizzing around the island aboard a speed boat; venturing up to the Neoclassical village of Artemonas, surrounded by olive trees and a backdrop of scalloped cliffs; or hiking along the winding trail to the island’s oldest monastery, where you can take in the panoramic views from the ‘roof of Sifnos’.
If you’d rather experience the island at a more leisurely pace, there are plenty of postcard-perfect beaches to lounge on next to the sparkling cerulean sea.
Today, swap Sifnos for Milos via a short one-hour ferry ride. Upon arrival in Milos, collect your second rental car and settle into your next hotel with blissful sea views. Think rugged white cliffs, pristine beaches and impossibly blue waters.
Spend the afternoon with your feet in the sand or venture into the nearby village for a taste of deliciously fresh olive oil and perfectly ripe tomatoes.
Milos might receive fewer tourists, but it’s well known by the Greeks thanks to its slow pace of life, beautiful waters and volcanic origins that provide its 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, watch the sunset from the old town of Plaka, dine in the cosy local tavernas on the small harbour of Pollonia and splash around in the aquamarine waters of Papafragas Cave – all while enjoying delicious food, sumptuous wine and wonderful Greek hospitality.
Spend a day at sea on a speed boat, exploring the hidden nooks of Milos’ marvellous coast, or venture beneath the surface on a diving adventure to discover underwater caves and stunning coastal scenery.
Today, it’s time to wave goodbye to island life and return to the captivating capital. Your return crossing from Milos to Athens takes four hours, arriving at the port of Piraeus. Alternatively, you have the option to fly to Athens, which takes just 40 minutes. Upon arrival, your private transfer will take you to your hotel for the final night of your trip.
With one afternoon left in Greece, 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.
Spend your final evening tucking into some of the city’s tastiest treats – our Concierge can provide you with insider tips, tricks and recommendations.
Today, your secret Cycladic adventure comes to an end as you wave goodbye to Greece and head home.
Enjoy one final wander around the city before hopping on the train to the airport to catch your four-hour flight back to the UK. Let’s hope you bring the Greek sunshine home with you...
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
ENJOY A COOKING CLASS ON MILOS
Dive into Greek gastronomy to cook traditional recipes with fresh ingredients, under the guidance of a professional chef. Whether you’re an experienced cook or simply a fan of amazing food, collect produce from the restaurant’s vegetable patch, then prepare a meal in a relaxed atmosphere. Learn the secrets of Greek cuisine on this three-and-a-half-hour activity, which includes all the ingredients and equipment, as well as the tasting of the elaborate lunch, wines, and local cheeses.AN ALTERNATIVE ATHENS
Discover the diversity of Athenian architecture, accompanied by a private guide. See an alternative side of Athens with Ottoman, Neoclassical, industrial, and contemporary influences: antiquity alone is not the essence of the Greek capital. Its hidden gems include unexpected rivers, picturesque markets, forgotten tombs, crumbling walls, palaces, Turkish baths and skyscrapers. It turns out that Phidias' glory is not the only thing to shine upon the city...WITH A FEW EXTRA DAYS - SERIFOS
Here lies the true soul of the Cyclades, far from the centre of Greek tourism. Serifos is home to untouched villages where the white walls reflect the bright rays of the sun. Scattered around the area are terraces where you can enjoy a glass of ouzo, and small harbours bobbing with fishing boats are nestled inside the bays. And then there are the unspoilt beaches – Serifos is home to over 70 around the island. One of the main landmarks in Serifos is a marble watchtower from the Hellenistic period, as well as its charming windmill and the remains of a Venetian castle.
Why visit Greece with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Greece
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
