Sailing in the Cyclades - From the hustle and bustle of Athens to the blue horizon of the Aegean Sea
Traveling through the Cyclades archipelago is like journeying through a dream of sun-bleached beaches, whitewashed villages, and crystal-clear waters. The journey begins in Athens, where the powerful legacy of history meets the city's modern pulse. After a few days in the Greek capital, the ferry awaits to take you out to the Aegean Sea - first to the charming island of Ios and then on to stylish Mykonos. After enjoying the island's beautiful beaches and labyrinthine alleys, the journey ends with a flight home from Mykonos, full of memories of the sea's endless blue shades and sunsets you will never forget.
The grandeur of antiquity and the pulse of the present in Athens
Athens lies sun-warmed and vibrant by the Aegean Sea. The city, where the wings of history echo between the narrow alleys of Plaka and the mighty ruins of the Acropolis, is a natural starting point for the journey. Here, the grandeur of antiquity merges with the lively café culture of today. From a rooftop terrace in Monastiraki, the Parthenon bathes in golden evening light, while the city's pulse continues below - a hustle and bustle of voices, the scent of grilled souvlaki, and the murmur of a city that never really sleeps.
By ferry towards the shimmering paradise of the Cyclades
When morning dawns, it's time to leave the mainland and head out to sea. The ferry departs from Piraeus, and the mythical Aegean Sea unfolds in front of the bow. The silhouettes of the islands appear on the horizon - small, white dots resting on cobalt blue water. After a few hours, Ios appears, one of the more untouched gems of the Cyclades where white houses climb up the cliffs and the sun is reflected in the turquoise blue water.
Ios - White villages, golden beaches, and crystal-clear sea
Ios is an island where tranquility meets the sea in soft, sand-colored bays. The beach Mylopotas is nestled between mountain slopes, where parasols sway in the warm breeze. Here, the days are long and filled with sun, swimming, and the scent of salty winds. For those who want to discover more hidden coves, Magganari Beach is a shimmering pearl, where the water is so clear that the seabed is visible as through glass.
Up in Chora, the island's charming town, the alleys are narrow and whitewashed with blue shutters, and along the cobblestone streets are small shops and taverns where seafood and local cheeses are served on shady terraces. When the sun sets behind the mountains, the sky is colored in shades of pink and gold, and the island feels timeless, like a place where the sea and sky merge.
Mykonos - Artistic beauty and elegance by the sea
The journey continues over the waves, towards Mykonos. The island, known for its winding alleys, luxurious small hotels, and a coastline lined with sun-drenched beaches, welcomes with its typical Cycladic architecture - dazzling white houses with blue details that reflect the colors of the sea.
Upon arrival in Chora, the capital, it's like stepping into a labyrinth of small alleys where bougainvillea climbs over the facades and creates color contrasts against the whitewashed walls. Here you are met by charming cafes, elegant boutiques, and a view of the iconic windmills that guard the city's highest point.
Sun, beaches, and ancient treasures
Mykonos beaches attract with their crystal-clear water. From the lively Psarou Beach where luxury yachts anchor close by, to the quieter coves at Agios Sostis where sand dunes meet the open sea. For those seeking something beyond the ordinary, a boat trip to the archaeological island of Delos is a journey back in time - a place where Apollo is said to have been born, and where the remains of ancient temples and theaters still stand as an echo of a bygone era.
A sunset to remember
As the journey nears its end and the colors of the Greek sunset slowly reflect in Mykonos old harbor, it's hard to tear yourself away from the beauty of the islands. The Cyclades have a magnetic attraction - a mix of the sea's infinity, the presence of history, and the relaxing rhythm that only island life can offer. With sand in your bag and salt in your hair, the farewell becomes more of a promise to return, rather than a goodbye.
A package tour and a linked arrangement offer travellers different booking processes but provide the same protection under the Package Travel Act, ensuring customer rights and peace of mind during the trip.
