Walking the Greek Cyclades: Sifnos & Milos
- Explore the wildly-beautiful Greek Cyclades islands of Sifnos and Milos
- Ferry-hop between these stunning and scenic locations full of rich history and culture
- Visit and stay in pretty white-washed hilltop villages with traditional Greek stone pathways
- Walk in tranquillity through terraced hillsides, fertile valleys and on beautiful beaches
- Enjoy a plate of fresh sizzling calamari in a quaint seaside tavern overlooking the bay
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Athens, transfer to hotelArrive 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.
This hotel is a 3-storey neoclassical building which has been lovingly restored and has 36 rooms. It has a rich history and previously housed fabric-makers and a bank. It has a stone-walled exterior and vaulted high ceilings. The decor is modern and sleek.
This hotel's rooftop terrace overlooks the Parthenon and the Ancient Agora and Monastraki Market are within a few minutes walk. Windows are soundproof and breakfast is served on the terrace during the summer months. Rooms have private balconies and are elegantly decorated.
This hotel has a great location down a quiet side street just north of the Monastiraki district. As well as tastefully decrated rooms they also have a great bistro and roof top bar.
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?
Located down narrow and cool whitewashed streets and an 8-minute walk from Apollonia centre, this hotel is in a great location with absolutely breathtaking views, a delicious breakfast and a pool to relax by.
This hotel is located in the heart of Artemonas village. With great views of the surrounding countryside you can enjoy the simple decor of this very comfortable hotel.
The Eleonas Apartments and Studios are located in the village of Apollonia. ‘Eleonas’ takes its name from the Greek word meaning olive grove and the apartments were designed to incorporate the existing olive trees which are still harvested today for their olive oil.The five independent houses, and a couple of studios are all built in traditional Cycladic style, and are positioned in a quiet but central location amongst the olive terraces and gardens. The rooms are all bright and airy.
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.
Located down narrow and cool whitewashed streets and an 8-minute walk from Apollonia centre, this hotel is in a great location with absolutely breathtaking views, a delicious breakfast and a pool to relax by.
This hotel is located in the heart of Artemonas village. With great views of the surrounding countryside you can enjoy the simple decor of this very comfortable hotel.
The Eleonas Apartments and Studios are located in the village of Apollonia. ‘Eleonas’ takes its name from the Greek word meaning olive grove and the apartments were designed to incorporate the existing olive trees which are still harvested today for their olive oil.The five independent houses, and a couple of studios are all built in traditional Cycladic style, and are positioned in a quiet but central location amongst the olive terraces and gardens. The rooms are all bright and airy.
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.
Located down narrow and cool whitewashed streets and an 8-minute walk from Apollonia centre, this hotel is in a great location with absolutely breathtaking views, a delicious breakfast and a pool to relax by.
This hotel is located in the heart of Artemonas village. With great views of the surrounding countryside you can enjoy the simple decor of this very comfortable hotel.
The Eleonas Apartments and Studios are located in the village of Apollonia. ‘Eleonas’ takes its name from the Greek word meaning olive grove and the apartments were designed to incorporate the existing olive trees which are still harvested today for their olive oil.The five independent houses, and a couple of studios are all built in traditional Cycladic style, and are positioned in a quiet but central location amongst the olive terraces and gardens. The rooms are all bright and airy.
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.
Have an unforgettable stay at the Thalassitra Village Hotel located just 300m from the centre of Adamantas but on the edge of the countryside. It is built in the traditional Greek style and has a courtyard where you can enjoy breakfast.
A 15 minute walk to the port of Adamantas and set high up over the town with gorgeous sea views. Enjoy a breakfast of Greek organic products or a cocktail by the pool and enjoy staying in the tastefully decorated rooms.
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.
Have an unforgettable stay at the Thalassitra Village Hotel located just 300m from the centre of Adamantas but on the edge of the countryside. It is built in the traditional Greek style and has a courtyard where you can enjoy breakfast.
A 15 minute walk to the port of Adamantas and set high up over the town with gorgeous sea views. Enjoy a breakfast of Greek organic products or a cocktail by the pool and enjoy staying in the tastefully decorated rooms.
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.
Have an unforgettable stay at the Thalassitra Village Hotel located just 300m from the centre of Adamantas but on the edge of the countryside. It is built in the traditional Greek style and has a courtyard where you can enjoy breakfast.
A 15 minute walk to the port of Adamantas and set high up over the town with gorgeous sea views. Enjoy a breakfast of Greek organic products or a cocktail by the pool and enjoy staying in the tastefully decorated rooms.
Today you depart by ferry from Milos to Piraeus. From here make your onward journeys.
Other Information
Is it for me?This tour really captures the essence of the Greek Cyclades Islands, with their white-washed typically-Greek cubic houses in the hilltop and seaside villages, the beautiful coves, sandy beaches and small harbours. The walks, which are not too challenging or too long, really offer the chance to take it slow and discover other elements of these islands, such as the ancient sites, monasteries and castles, the delicious local cuisine and the simple pleasure of walking down a tiny cobbled street to stop for a local icecream. Pure bliss!
Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.
Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.
Solo Travellers
The minimum age for this tour is: 9 Years
Since this is a Slower Adventure tour the distances on the walks will not be challenging and can be anywhere between 8km and 15km. However, as is typical in the Mediterranean do not underestimate the fact that the trails can at times be quite rocky and you will need to be sure-footed. Take it slow and you will be rewarded with stunning views, both coastal and otherwise. The walks will be on a combination of gravel tracks, countryside trails and at times on quieter minor roads. When walking between Artemonas and Apollonia you will need to take care of traffic as you walk as it can get a little busy. However you do not have to walk along the main road as you can find smaller cobbled streets which connect the two, although the main road is the most direct route.
The accommodations on this tour are hand-picked and charming. They are very comfortable and some have swimming pools. Some are in the centre of the village and others are a short walk away. We will provide transfers from ferry ports where necessary. On Sifnos the accommodations are either in the village of Artemonas or Apollonia which are next to each other. On Milos the accommodations are about a 15 minute walk from the centre of the town.
Solo Walkers & Single Rooms
This trip is available to solo walkers, although there is a supplement due to the fact that some of the costs (such as transfers) are not shared. Single rooms are available on request and a supplement is payable.
Meals
Daily breakfasts will be included at the majority of the hotels. There is just one accommodation in Sifnos (Aleonas Apartments) that does not provide breakfast but there are places close by where you can buy it. At the hotels they are usually buffet-style or continental. Dinners are not included, however there are options to dine out either at your accommodation (if they have a restaurant) or in the villages and towns in which your accommodation is situated. Lunch is also not included, but you can find small stores in which to purchase items for a picnic lunch or stop at a local cafe if there is one en route.
Some of the walks on these islands are sign-posted and some are not. You will find that they are signposted on Sifnos and Kimolos, but not as much on Milos. We provide navigation in the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which you can download for use off-line. See your information pack on how to do this. You will need to use the app to navigate. Simply follow the little blue line (you are the dot) to ensure that you won't get lost.
- Overnights in characterful, hand-picked accommodations
- Daily breakfasts (except possibly one in Sifnos as the hotel does not provide it)
- Ferries from Piraeus to Sifnos, Sifnos to Milos and Milos to Piraeus
- Transfer Athens Airport to Athens hotel
- Transfer Athens Hotel to Piraeus port
- Transfers to walks/ferry ports as detailed in the itinerary
- Access to maps, GPX tracks, and daily route information with the Macs Adventure app
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK & US offices
- Travel insurance (required)
- Possibly one breakfast if the accommodation you stay in does not provide it
- Travel to Athens and from Piraeus
- Local buses (which at times are necessary to use to get to or from walks)
- Personal Equipment
- Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
- Ferry to Kimolos from Milos (around €3 each way)
- Extra Night(s)
- Single Room Supplement
- Solo Traveller Supplement
- Full day boat excursion around Milos
The best times to visit the islands of Sifnos and Milos is when we have them available to book, which is in the spring, beginning in mid-April to the end of June and in the autumn in September and October. July and August are too hot and will be much busier too. At the beginning of the season things on these islands generally tend to open slowly, so for example there may not be as many restaurants open at this time and the frequency of buses, should you need to take one, will also not be as great. Ferries may also be more limited, so please be prepared for less availability on these too. This can also be said for the end of the season. If you book during these times you will need to be prepared for this and accept that this is the case on these small islands. On the other hand, the colourful spring flowers are wonderful to see at this time! In June you will be able to smell the aroma of growing herbs and in October crocuses will be in bloom and the ferries will be crowd-free.
If you wish to travel in September, this is the busiest month so we recommend that you book at least 6 months or more in advance. These islands get very busy, so it is better to book in advance generally in order to avoid disappointment.
This tour can only be booked up until the third week in October due to end of season hotel closures.
Located in the centre of the Aegean Sea, the Cyclades archipelago is characterized by a mild and dry climate, with winter temperatures that rarely drop below 10°C and with sometimes high summer temperatures but which are often mitigated by the breath of Etesian (Meltem), the characteristic wind that constantly blows in the Greek islands.
The climate is typically Mediterranean with hot and dry summers and mild and rainy winters. The rains fall mostly in the winter months, between November and March, while during the summer months, especially between May and September it hardly ever rains. On average, less than 400mm of rainfall per year falls in the Cyclades.
This tour begins in Athens. It has a large international airport which is served by many airlines from Europe and North America. There may not always be direct flights but you can connect at larger hubs, such as London, Munich and Paris. Upon arrival you will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation in Athens, which is an approximate 45 minute drive.
On your final day in Milos, a ferry will be provided for you to return to Piraeus. Then you will need to either plan your onward journey yourself or ask us about transfers from Piraeus to the centre of Athens or to the airport. There is also a direct bus from Piraeus to Athens Airport. Information and schedules for this bus maybe found here.
Since you will be taking ferries on this tour there is no official baggage transfer. When you take the ferries from Piraeus to Sifnos, from Sifnos to Milos and from Milos to Piraeus, you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the ferries. We highly recommend therefore that you pack as lightly as you can, as there will be slopes and possibly stairs to negotiate. Please limit your luggage weight to 20kg or less.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, sun hat and sunscreen, plus rain gear should it be necessary. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
A word about ferries, local buses, and transfers, etc....
On this tour you will be island hopping by ferry. Included ferries are from Piraeus to Sifnos, Sifnos to Milos and Milos back to Piraeus. We will provide you with an e-ticket with a QR code which you can use to board the ferry. Some ferry lines have not yet got the technology to issue QR codes so in these cases you will be given a booking number and you will need to go to the ferry port 30 mins before the ferry departures to pick up a paper ticket. You will be expected to carry your own luggage on and off the ferries, which why we encourage you to pack light. At times there are ramps and stairs to negotiate, so if your luggage is heavy that will make the travel more difficult. There is another local ferry that you will take to Kimolos Island but that one you can buy on the ferry itself for around €2.00. Please note that in low season (April and October) ferries may not run as frequently and therefore you may have to take earlier or later ferries than usual if the ones we would ideally use are not available. Your schedule may have to be adjusted to suit.
Where necessary either the hotel or we provide transfers from the ferry port to your accommodation. These are listed in your itinerary.
The local buses on the island of Sifnos and Milos are an excellent way of getting around. They cost less than €2 each way, turn up on time and are frequent. They may be less frequent early or late in the season but they will still go regularly enough for it not to be a problem to get to and from walks. More detailed information, including weblinks to bus schedules is included in your comprehensive information pack.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
It is a condition of booking with us that you have suitable travel insurance that covers you for cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.
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