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Plan Your Trip to Cyclades: Best of Cyclades Tourism

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Cyclades, Greece

The Cyclades is a group of Greek islands with beautiful, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains and lush valleys. Glamorous Santorini and Mykonos attract the jetset, while lesser-known isles, such as Milos and Naxos, are the perfect places for beach lovers. Ruins, including the 11th-century Dorian settlement and volcanic ash-preserved Ancient Akrotiri in Santorini, amaze those with a bent for ancient history. Sifnos' cuisine wins it admirers. Hydrofoils, ferries and catamarans connect the islands.

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Cyclades travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Booking Accommodations

According to forum posts, it's advisable to book accommodations well in advance, especially during the peak season in July and August. Travelers have noted that finding budget accommodations last minute can be challenging due to high demand.

Planning the Itinerary

Some travelers suggested minimizing the number of islands visited to avoid spending too much time in transit. Each transfer can consume a significant part of the day, which includes packing, traveling to the port, and the ferry ride itself. Staying on fewer islands allows for a deeper exploration of each.

Choosing Islands

For a less chaotic experience, islands like Serifos, Syros, and Amorgos have been recommended by some users. These islands offer a more authentic feel with fewer tourists compared to hotspots like Mykonos and Santorini.

Local Travel Tips

Travelers have called out that while ferry hopping, it's efficient to plan the route carefully to avoid backtracking. Using resources like ferry schedule websites can help in planning smoother transitions between islands.

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Direct Ferry Routes

Some travelers have noted direct ferry services from Syros to Kos operating three times a week, and seasonal services from Santorini and Amorgos to Kos. For those traveling within the central Cyclades, the common route sequence recommended is Santorini to Ios, then Naxos, followed by Paros, and finally to Mykonos, as this minimizes travel time between the islands.

Ferry Types and Experience

According to forum posts, the Blue Star ferries are preferred for their large outdoor decks, which are ideal for those prone to seasickness or who simply wish to enjoy the sea views. Conversely, Seajets offers faster services but with limited outdoor access, which might not be suitable for everyone.

Travel Planning

Travelers have called out the importance of planning ferry routes in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Using platforms like OpenSeas.gr for checking schedules or considering slower, conventional ferries for comfort over speed has been advised. Regular checking of schedules is recommended as they can change seasonally or due to local demands.

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Beach and Landscape

According to forum posts, Naxos is favored for its extensive sandy beaches and dramatic mountain landscapes, particularly in the western coastline areas like Agios Prokopios and Plaka. Some travelers mentioned that Naxos has some of the top beaches in the Aegean.

Nightlife and Cultural Experience

For many users, Paros offers a better nightlife experience, with its trendy and chic vibe, particularly in Naoussa. However, Naxos is not far behind, offering a good selection of tavernas and shops in Naxos Town.

Size and Exploration

Some travelers said that Naxos, being larger, offers more to see and do, which can be appealing for visitors looking for a diverse experience. This includes hiking opportunities like Mount Zas and visiting historic sites such as the Temple of Demeter.

Overall Preference

Travelers have called out that both islands are great choices and that personal preference should guide the decision. The choice between Paros and Naxos might come down to whether one prefers a slightly busier, trendier atmosphere (Paros) or a more varied natural and cultural experience (Naxos).

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Itinerary Options

According to forum posts, popular travel itineraries including Santorini often feature a mix of other Greek islands. For instance, one itinerary includes Santorini, Milos, and Crete with a focus on exploring beaches, historical sites, and enjoying local cuisine. Another itinerary pairs Santorini with Naxos and Mykonos, emphasizing a combination of scenic views, historical exploration, and vibrant nightlife.

Duration and Activities

Travelers have called out itineraries ranging from 8 to 12 days, allowing for 2-4 days per island. Activities highlighted in these plans include hiking, beach visits, historical site tours, and food exploration. Santorini is frequently noted for its beautiful caldera views and sunset watching, especially in Oia.

Travel Considerations

Some travelers said to consider travel time between islands when planning itineraries. They recommend using ferries for island hopping and suggest checking ferry schedules on platforms like www.openseas.gr to ensure efficient travel.

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Seajets Reliability Overview

According to forum posts, Seajets' reliability varies. Some travelers have reported frequent schedule changes, route alterations, and cancellations, particularly at the beginning and end of the tourist season. These issues can leave passengers stranded or force them to alter travel plans unexpectedly.

Customer Service Concerns

Travelers have called out Seajets for not being customer-friendly. The company is known for not providing timely or adequate information to passengers when disruptions occur, which can lead to confusion and inconvenience.

Comparison with Competitors

Despite these issues, Seajets remains a dominant player in the market, often being the only provider of high-speed connections on popular tourist routes. This monopoly allows them to charge higher prices, contrasting with companies like Ryanair, which are known for low-cost offerings.

Traveler Adaptations

Experienced travelers often recommend adapting travel plans to align with more reliable ferry services or choosing slower, cheaper alternatives when possible. This approach helps mitigate the impact of Seajets' operational inconsistencies.

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Ferry Availability

According to forum posts, there are multiple ferry options available between Mykonos and Naxos. Some travelers mentioned that there are 10 ferries scheduled for both the journey to Mykonos from Naxos and the return trip on a specific date, indicating a fairly frequent and regular service.

Alternative Travel Suggestions

Travelers have also discussed alternative routes involving other islands. For instance, one can travel via Syros using the Blue Star ferry or explore connections through Paros as potential options if direct services are not suitable or available.

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Day Trip Destinations

According to forum posts, popular day trip destinations from Naxos include the Small Cyclades such as Koufonissi, Iraklia, and Schinoussa. These islands are highlighted for their scenic beauty and tranquility, making them ideal for short, relaxing excursions.

Transportation Options

Some travelers mentioned that day trips to the Small Cyclades can be accessed via the small ferry service, Skopelitis, which operates throughout the year. Additionally, various boats offer excursions directly from Naxos waterfront, providing a convenient way to explore nearby islands.

Additional Recommendations

For a broader experience, users have also recommended Paros as a viable day trip option due to its proximity and regular ferry connections from Naxos. This allows for flexible planning and the opportunity to enjoy an evening meal in Paros before returning to Naxos.

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Island Combinations

According to forum posts, Milos pairs well with several Cycladic islands depending on traveler preferences. For instance, travelers often consider combining Milos with Santorini, noting the unique volcanic landscapes of both locations. Additionally, posts suggest pairing Milos with Naxos, where travelers can enjoy a mix of beaches and traditional villages.

Travel Preferences

Some travelers have highlighted Folegandros as a good match for Milos, especially for those seeking a romantic and tranquil atmosphere. Moreover, a few posts have recommended pairing Milos with Kimolos for its originality and less touristy experience, enhancing the authentic Cycladic experience when visiting Milos.

Practical Connections

Travelers have called out that the ferry connections between Milos, Kimolos, and nearby islands like Sifnos are convenient, making these combinations practical as well as culturally rich choices for island-hopping itineraries in the Cyclades.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.