Amorgos, Naxos and Paros: wildness in the Cyclades

Erechtheion

A private transfer awaits you at Athens airport to take you to your hotel in the heart of the Greek capital.
Start your journey in the ancient city of Pericles and Thucydides. Stroll around the Acropolis. Visit the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena. Be fascinated by the architectural masterpieces of ancient art, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike and the other monuments that make up this majestic complex.
After ancient Athens, let’s move on to a lesser-known city: modern Athens. Here, you’ll find the trendy districts of Psyrí (with its street art), Koukaki and Petralona. All these young, vibrant districts are within walking distance of the historic center.

Overnight in Athens
Breakfast included

Chora

Early morning departure on this second day. Board the ferry to Naxos from Piraeus, the historic port of Athens.
Once disembarked, set off by road to discover the beaches of the island of Naxos. These are among the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades. The emerald-blue sea and fine sand of Agios Prokopios beach provide the ideal backdrop for a first introduction to the island of Naxos. Just next door, Agia Anna beach is equally ideal for lazing around.
From Agia Anna beach, take a short path to Maragas beach. Quiet, with sparkling golden sand, Maragas is an idyllic beach.
Spend your first evening in the Cyclades strolling the colorful, picturesque streets of Chora, the island’s capital. Dinner will be served on the harbor.

Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own
Night in Naxos

Portara Chora

The famous Portara de Chora is often the first thing a traveler sees when arriving on Naxos. Monumental and built entirely of marble, it is the ancient gateway to a temple dedicated to Apollo.
Chora, the capital and largest town on the island of Naxos, developed on the exact site of the ancient urban center. It is an ideal place for a stroll. Built on a rocky promontory, its historic center is enclosed within the walls of the Venetian castle. Its alleyways are distinguished by their craggy character and typical Cycladic colors. You’re right back in the Middle Ages.
Stop off at a tavern to sample a local specialty. Discover local produce in the small stores of the old town. And, if you still have time, the Aegean Sea is only a few steps away for a rejuvenating swim.

Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own
Night in Naxos

Apiranthos

Naxos is not just an island of heavenly beaches. Inland, the relief is marked by rugged mountains. Mount Zas, the roof of the island, rises to 1,004 meters. It’s in these mountains that another Naxos is revealed to you: that of small, authentic villages, as if frozen in time.
A one-day itinerary allows you to discover some of these picturesque sites, where you’ll find Orthodox churches, winding streets criss-crossed by staircases, medieval towers, stone-built houses, local marble buildings and folk museums.
Don’t miss the “marble village” of Apiranthos, whose vaulted passageways lead to picturesque squares, or Koronos, where tavernas offer local cuisine.

Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own
Night in Naxos

Amorgos

Enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to the port. A hydrofoil awaits you for a 1h20 crossing to Amorgos. Finally, a second private transfer takes you back to your hotel.
Amorgos attracts many French travelers. It’s famous for its turquoise waters, which played host to the filming of Le Grand Bleu. Its beaches invite you to relax and unwind. Lakki beach, in Aighiali, is characterized by its bars and atmosphere. Katapola, with its harbor, fishing beaches, restaurants and seaside promenades, has developed a more family-friendly atmosphere.

This day, explore the village of Chora, the island’s capital. A labyrinthine village, Chora was built around a Venetian castle atop a majestic rock. Stroll through this maze of cobbled streets, passing from Byzantine to Venetian times, discovering the town’s 40 churches, windmills, wells, traditional houses and mansions. Breathe in the scent of the Cyclades through the bougainvillea.
Finally, climb up to the citadel: the exceptional view from here is a real reward.

Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own
Night in Amorgos

Panagia Hozoviotissa

The monastery of Hozoviotissa (or Chozoviótissa) is considered the wonder of the island of Amorgos. Clinging to the cliff, it can only be seen from the sea. Its immaculate whiteness, seemingly painted onto the limestone rock, produces an incredible effect.
A narrow staircase of 300 steps leads up to the monastery gate. The monastery was built in the 10th century to house relics of the Virgin Mary. It is one of the oldest and most majestic monasteries in the Aegean. At 40 metres high and barely 5 metres wide, it has 8 levels. On the top floor, you enter the Catholicon, where Byzantine icons are preserved.
Once the tour is over, take the winding road to the pebbly, rocky beach of Aghia Anna, where Le Grand Bleu was filmed. It was chosen by director Luc Besson for its beauty and the deep blue of its sea.

Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own
Night in Amorgos

Kalotaritissa

In the south of the island, Mouros beach is Aghia Anna’s big sister. Larger and wilder, it is undeveloped. So bring your own water and parasol. It’s a 10-minute walk from the parking lots.
Continue south to the sandy beach of Kalotaritissa, at the very tip of the island. Here you’ll find a small fishing port and a café where you can enjoy a meal.
Still in the south, make a slight detour to approach the Grounded Ship. This boat was built in the 1950s and abandoned by its owner in 1980. A great destination for a stroll, it’s just a fifteen-minute walk along a footpath. Swimming is not recommended, however, due to the rust scattered in the water by the ship.
From the beautiful beach of Agios Pavlos, you can also take a shuttle boat to the tiny offshore island of Nikouria. Nikouria is close enough to swim across, but beware of sea currents.
Not far from Aigiali, in the north of the island, the sandy beach of Levrossos has a beautiful natural setting, with abundant vegetation. It’s easy to reach either by boat or car (allow a 10-minute walk from the parking lot), or on foot from Aigiali via the hiking trails. Levrossos beach is quiet and ideal for good swimmers. You can enjoy a snack in the restaurant or a drink in the café.
In the evening, visit the village of Tholaria. Close to Aigiali, perched on a hillside, it offers exceptional views of the Aegean Sea and the bay of Aigiali. You can also visit the village of Langada. Stroll through the narrow streets. Don’t forget to stop off at a kafenion, the traditional Greek coffee house. If you opt for a short sea cruise from Aigiali, stop off at the beaches of Psili Ammos and Hochlikas. These can also be reached by a hiking trail from Aigiali.

Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own
Night in Paros

kolymbithres-paros

Enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to the port of Amorgos, followed by a 2h20 hydrofoil crossing to Paros. You’ll then be transferred back to your hotel.
The island of Paros boasts a veritable cornucopia of beaches of all shapes and sizes, from the famous Chrissi Akti, Kolymbithres and Santa Maria to the secret Pounta and Kaloyeros. Hide away in Aï-Yannis Detis cove, with its bewitching, mysterious charm. Sheltered in the hollow of the cove, let yourself relax. Enjoy swimming and lounging in a complete change of scenery, only observed from afar by the white monastery.
Next, let yourself be taken in by the serene charm of the beautiful village of Lefkès, all in white with its marble and whitewashed walls. Take a stroll down the typical Ramnos street, amidst the stores and tavernas. At the end of August, try not to miss the Karavola festival, where the locals serve delicious snails (karavoles).
Like to get off the beaten tracks? Visit the hinterland, especially the villages of Prodromos and Marpissa. Wander among traditional houses, windmills and churches. You’ll find yourself almost 6 centuries in the past.
The day ends at Naxos’ most famous beach: Kolymbithres. A veritable paradise on earth, Kolymbithres comprises 3 beaches carved out by rocks and coves. Above all, you have the opportunity to admire the natural wonders of the famous Kolymbithres rock formations, sculpted by wind and sea. And if you’re a watersports enthusiast, don’t hesitate to hire kayaks or other equipment to explore inaccessible coves on foot.

Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own
Night in Paros

Antiparos

Antiparos is a small island off the coast of Paros. It’s just a 10-minute crossing away. And it’s well worth the effort!
Smaller and less popular than its big sister Paros, Antiparos boasts an exceptional site: its enchanting and mysterious grotto. Historians date its first use by man and the first engravings (which can still be seen) to the Stone Age. To reach the cave, take the picturesque 411-step staircase. Once inside the cave, all you have to do is admire this masterpiece of nature. Stay a few moments at the exit of the cave to contemplate the surroundings: the view is magnificent.
Not far from Antiparos, the small uninhabited island of Despotiko and its Mediterranean monk seals are just waiting for you. Taste the tranquility of its beaches and even its mysticism: in ancient times, Despotiko was sacred ground.

Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own
Night in Paros

Naoussa

Elegant and traditional, chic and folkloric, this is the fishing village of Naoussa, the largest settlement on the island of Paros. Houses covered in whitewash and blue shutters, small boutiques, elegant cobbled streets: in Naoussa, you enter a world where everything is beautiful and soothing.
Then head for the sandy beaches of Santa Maria and Mikri Santa Maria. Santa Maria is one of the island’s best-known and best-developed beaches. Mikri Santa Maria is less well known, smaller, quieter and has a few tavernas.

Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own
Night in Paros

Piraeus port

Private transfer to the port, a 4-hour ferry crossing to Piraeus and another transfer back to your hotel in Athens.
You’re completely free for this last day in Greece. The extraordinary Acropolis Museum displays numerous objects and masterpieces from Athens’ sacred mountain. It also gives you the key to understanding this monumental complex, most of which was built in the 5th century BC.
Or opt for a stroll through the streets of the Greek capital. From local gastronomy to street art, all you have to do is choose your theme, or simply let yourself go.

Breakfast included Lunch and dinner on your own
Night in Athens

Acropolis

The trip comes to an end. Take advantage of these last moments to do some shopping. At the end of Ermou Street, the city’s main shopping thoroughfare, the Monastiraki flea market is brimming with unexpected treasures. If you’re looking for a more upscale shopping experience, head for the Kolonaki district, and Voukourestiou Street in particular.
Enjoy a final private transfer to the airport. Don’t forget to thank the goddess Athena, protector of the Greek capital!