Walking the Greek Cyclades: Sifnos & Milos

Arrive into Athens. A private transfer (approx 40 minutes depending on traffic) brings you to your well-located hotel in Athens. If you arrive early enough, you can spend time touring this vibrant capital city. Full of ancient history, amazing architecture and restaurants offering delicious cuisine, this city really packs a punch. A must-visit is the Acropolis, with the Parthenon standing on a hill in all its glory. A visit to the excellent Acropolis Museum will explain all of the history and you can view its priceless treasures. Treat yourself to dinner in the Plaka, which is like a small village within the city.

After an included transfer to Piraeus take a bright and early morning ferry to the Island of Sifnos (2H30), which has been described by Condé Nast Traveller as "the most delicious Greek island". It is certainly a very pretty island with great trails, food, wine and ancient monasteries and dotted by typically-Greek cubic white houses. Upon arrival at Kamares port a transfer to your accommodation in either Apollonia or Artemonas, hilltop villages situated next to each other in the islands centre is included. Since your ferry was early you will have time to embark on your first walk today.

Just as you begin to wonder why you’re walking to the end of the world, through a dry, rocky scrubland, and seemingly about to drop off into an endless blue expanse of sea and sky, there it is! The Agios Sostis Church, with its gleaming Greek Flag blue-and-white. A church has stood on this storm-battered cape since 1667, the current church surviving since 1973. Your return to Apollonia is along a balcony, high above the coast and enjoying great views out to the sea on your left. Navigate the labyrinth of Artemonas and perhaps stop for a well-deserved ice cream?

After a breakfast al fresco (if the weather permits), begin your walk in Apollonia or Artemonas if you happen to be staying there. A beautiful walk that goes via Kastro, the island's old capital and with glorious views of the coastline as you walk. Kastro is also the location of an ancient acropolis. If you've got the energy and the inclination, take a short diversion from the trail to see this ancient settlement on top of a hill that dates back to the 6th century BC. Continue on heading south on the trail entitled "Towards the Miraculous Saint" as it takes you all the way to the Monastery of Chrysopigi. Take a local bus back to Apollonia/Artemonas once you have explored the monastery, the village of Faro and perhaps have taken a dip in the turquoise sea.

Today a short transfer (15 mins) brings you to Vathi on the islands southern shore. Whereas many of the island’s hikes skirt along the coastline, today’s walk crosses the rugged interior, over its hills and through its valleys. Of course, starting with your toes on the sandy beach means a steep climb to get your heart racing, though you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views throughout.

This is a quiet corner of Sifnos, and after heading inland from the coast, you’ll enter a narrow valley. Except for the terraced fields, stone walls and occasional church, you’ll feel a sense of isolation. Only at the very end of the hike as you explode from the valley to see Apollonia and Artemonas, their whitewashed buildings rippling like surf up a beach, do you remember you have to share the island.

Take a morning ferry (1H30) to the volcanic island of Milos and arrive in the pretty harbour of Adamantas. Later embark on your first walk here which takes you through lush countryside before dropping down to the coast. Here you see colouful beach houses before ascending up to the hilltop town of Plaka. The walk finishes on the square and if you wish you can make your way up to the Venetian Fortess built in the 13th century. From here and in fact throughout your walk, there are fantastic views over Milos and its coast. Plaka and Trypiti are delightful villages to amble through, stop for a beer or a glass of wine, before making your way back to Adamantas and tonight's lovely accommodation.

Treat yourself to a traditional Greek dinner in a seaside taverna overlooking the bay where the little boats bob on the waves.

Today a short transfer (15mins) brings you to the harbour of Pollonia where you board a ferry to the island of Kimolos, only a 20 minute ride away. You will buy the ferry tickets locally at the port kiosk in front of the ferry.

Called "Argenteria" by the Venetians its name comes from the Greek word for chalk, kimolia, as it has white rocks. Arrive into the port of Psathi from where you start your walk. Head along the coast first where the locals have little beach houses, before heading inland and up a rocky path which leads you to a hilltop that has stone and traditional windmills on top, all in a row. Then take the route to Skiadi where you will find an unusual mushroom-shaped rock formation and from where you can enjoy views back to Milos. Head back down and encounter the hilltop village of Chorio, or Kimolos town. Explore the labyrinth of tiny paved little streets and say "kalimera" to the locals. Perhaps have a locally made gelato before heading back to the port to take the ferry back to Milos.

Today you can shorten the walk by 2.6km if you wish.

Today is free to relax and perhaps do some souvenir shopping or have a long relaxing lunch overlooking the sea, or enjoy time by your hotel swimming pool. The bus system in Milos is also very good so you can do some more exploring too if you wish. Take a bus to the impressive Sarakiniko Beach or to Fylakopi to visit the Bronze Age settlement located there.

Or you can opt to take a full day sailing boat tour around Milos island, which includes a delicious lunch onboard. Enjoy a full day cruise around Milos and the Polyegod Islands. The tour begins at 9:30am from Adamantas port and during the tour it takes several stops to beaches and sea caves that are only accessible by sea (including the incredible Kleftiko Caves). Lunch of traditional Greek food which is cooked in front of you is also included. Return is at 7:30pm.

Today you depart by ferry from Milos to Piraeus. From here make your onward journeys.