8 Days & 7 Nights

Walking the Greek Cyclades: Santorini & Paros

Discover the Cyclades island gems of Santorini and Paros in the heart of the Aegean Sea
Walk the rim of the caldera from Oia to Fira and the millennia-old marble road from Lefkes
Sip a cocktail whilst watching an awe-inspiring and stunning Santorini sunset
On Antiparos explore rocky stretches of coast lined with colourful wildflowers
Check out the impressive volcanic cliffs rising up over turquoise seas as you walk

You may have heard of Santorini and Paros, idyllic Greek islands set in the heart of the Aegean Sea? Now is your chance to pay them a visit on this relaxed tour with easy walks, that not only immerse you in the history and culture, but also take you along trails to stunning panoramas. A visit to Santorini is surely not complete unless you have sipped a cocktail whilst watching a striking sunset or wandered through the bustling narrow alleyways of Fira and Oia. Paros has a more relaxed vibe with its sweet rural villages and traditional Greek architecture. Stay in hotels which have been hand-picked and offer warm Greek welcomes. Make the most of the local gastronomy, such as gouna (sun-dried roasted mackerel) and kakavia (fish soup), or the more traditional souvlaki. All of this whilst being enveloped in Greece's welcoming and warm embrace.

From $1,360.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Santorini and overnight

A private transfer brings you from Santorini Airport to your hotel in Fira (10 mins). If you arrive in the morning or afternoon why not spend some time in Fira, the island's capital. It's located on its western edge with spectacular views to the two volcanic islands of Palaia meni and Nea Kammeni and also east to Oia where you will walk from tomorrow. Find a secluded traditional taverna perhaps down a side street and away from the crowds, or overlooking the caldera. Wherever you to choose to eat it will be delicious local cuisine. Try the avocado ice cream...trust us, it's scrumptious!

Overnight Fira

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Anatoli

The Hotel Anatoli was originally a winery and some of the rooms are even built into the caves. It has a lovely swimming pool and the rooms are simple, but bright and airy. You will receive a very warm welcome from the local owners.

Hotel Reverie

This hotel is located in Firostefani, about a 1km and 15 minute walk from central Fira. The advantage of this is that it is set away from the main crowds of Fira and in a very pleasant location down a side street but still with amazing views. It has a swimming pool and also located a few steps away from the caldera side. The rooms are all clean and comfortable and the hotel is locally owned.

Day 2 Local bus to Oia. Walk to Fira. 7 miles / 11 km

After a filling breakfast wander into the centre of Fira where you can take a local bus to Oia. The buses on Santorini are reliable and are very much "on schedule" and cost very little. We are sure you will enjoy the bus rides! Oia is a town best known for it's amazing sunsets but the sunrise is also magical if you fancy setting off early. Situated on the northern part of the caldera it is in an even more stunning location than Fira (as if that was possible!) with its labyrinthine cobbled alleyways and typical Cyladic houses. Here, there are even cave houses built into the cliffs. It is so picturesque. Since the walk today is just 11km, why not spend some time in Oia exploring on foot here before embarking on your walk which takes you back to Fira. Even without the amazing villages at the beginning and end of the walk, this hike would still be noteworthy; you’re walking on the rim of a volcano!

Overnight Fira

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Anatoli

Hotel Reverie

Day 3 Local bus to Akrotiri, Loop Walk to the Lighthouse 8 miles / 13 km

Today’s walk loops around the island’s south-western cape along clifftops, beaches, and roads, connecting many beautiful spots and historical locations along the way. Take a local bus to the small settlement of Akrotiri, which was once an important city in the Aegean until the volcanic eruption of Fira in the 16th century brought it to an abrupt end. But the same volcano that wiped away civilization, also preserved it frozen in time beneath clouds of volcanic ash. After passing Red Beach reach Akrotiri Lighthouse, one of the oldest in Greece. It occupies a pretty spot on the island's southwestern cape, and from here you can see the entire crescent of Santorini. It's a popular spot to sit and watch the sun drop towards the sea. Take the public bus once more to return to Fira.

Overnight Fira

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Anatoli

Hotel Reverie

Day 4 Ferry to Paros. Walk Parikia Town to Cape Fokas 5 miles / 8 km

Today, after an included transfer to Santorini port, board a ferry to Paros, (2-3H30 depending on the ferry taken) a Cyclades island set in the heart of the Aegean Sea and with a traditional Greek laidback atmosphere, which you will enjoy after the hustle and bustle of Santorini. Drop your bags at the hotel before embarking on a short and very relaxing walk around the bay to Cape Fokas. Although you may wish to explore Parikia town first, the capital of Paros and its narrow alleyways with a plethora of little shops, ancient churches and the ruins of a Frankish Castle atop its small hill. Or if you are staying out at the beach you could explore on your return.

The lapping waves of the Mediterranean provide a continual soundtrack to today’s walk. At any given point along the route, you’re never more than 30 seconds away from being able to dive into the glassy waters. But if you stop at every inviting spot, it’ll be a slow eight kilometres. The church on Cape Fokas provides an opportunity to admire the panoramic view across the water and back to Parikia. You’ll retrace your steps back to Parikia. Can you resist the allure of the beaches, cafes and restaurants for a second time?

Overnight Parikia

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Argonauta

The Argonauta Hotel is located ideally in the small alleyways of the traditional town of Parikia. It is a favorite destination for all those seeking a quiet, family hotel in the centre of the town. The rooms are simply, yet very tastefully decorated and have all modern amenities and with updated bathrooms. Just a 5 minute walk from the ferry port and within metres of local shops and restaurants.

Apollon Boutique Hotel

This hotel is situated about 1km from the port/town of Parikia, but it's location is gorgeous and right next to the beach. The elegant decor of this hotel is complemented by its modern amenties. The rooms are all composed with unparalleled attention to detail and very nice décor.

Day 5 Local bus to Lefkes. Walk the Byzantine Road 5 miles / 8 km

Catch a local bus to Lefkes, next to the ferry port for a short journey (20 mins) to the hilltop village of Lefkes, a traditional village of beautiful, white-washed houses with narrow alleys and steps that allow only those on foot to enter. The Byzantine Road dates to 1,000 AD and is paved with Parian Marble from a quarry you’ll have passed on the bus journey. The route passes through a tight valley, ripples over a hill, and then descends into Podromos. Return on the same route with views of Lefkes on the hill top as you walk back to it. The local bus brings you back to Parikia where tonight choose to eat a traditional Greek dinner on the waterfront.

Overnight Parikia

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Argonauta

Apollon Boutique Hotel

Day 6 Day trip to Antiparos. Loop Walk on the northern cape. 4 miles / 6 km

Board a small ferry (either from Parikia or from Pounda), a 15 min journey depending on the time of year, to the petite island of Antiparos. Here life slows down and there is a completely laid-back vibe with stunning sandy beaches and the little town with its typical Greek architectiure of white-washed houses.

Dramatic coastal walking begins from Sifneiko. First, you’ll walk atop rugged clifftops with a vantage point that reveals the water's glassy clarity and out to small rocky islets that lie just north of Antiparos, separated by a small channel. Descend from the cliffs to the northern beaches; inaccessible to cars and all but the most adventurous moped riders, these beaches feel remote. Perhaps that's why they’ve been transformed into popular nudist beaches.

Return to Antiparos, to watch the world go by from a cafe table. Return to Paros by ferry but you could even stay and eat dinner in Antiparos should the ferry times permit.

Overnight Parikia

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Argonauta

Apollon Boutique Hotel

Day 7 Free day to explore or sunbathe

Today gives you the opportunity to simply relax and explore the town further, do some last-minute shopping in the boutiques, eat a delicious home-made ice cream, visit museums or simply sip on an aperol spritz or a local beer and watch the world go by. Alternately you may wish to catch a local bus to Naoussa, a picturesque fishing village on the northern edge of the island. It's undeniably gorgeous and has a cosmopolitan vibe. Perhaps eat lunch on the harbour and then head back to Parikia for your relaxing final night on this beautiful island.

Overnight Parikia

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Argonauta

Apollon Boutique Hotel

Day 8 Onward Travel

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

Santorini is known the world-over and it's villages, Fira and Oia, are two of the most photographed, especially at sunset! Paros has a more laid-back vibe, so you can experience this contrast. The walks are relaxed and take you to ancient hill-top villages, remote lighthouses, Byzantine monasteries, along sandy beaches and to places where the views cannot be compared. If you want to discover these two island gems in the heart of the Aegean Sea then this tour is for you!

Tour Type:

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.

Activity:

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.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Wine

Islands

Coastal Walking

Activity Level & Terrain

Since this is a Slower Adventure tour the distances on the walks will not be challenging and can be anywhere between 6km and 13km. 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.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Overnights in hand-picked accommodation
Daily breakfasts
Ferry from Santorini to Paros and Paros to Santorini (or Piraeus)
Transfers 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

Excluded

Travel Insurance (required)
Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
Return ferry to Antiparos
Local buses as required to walks
Travel to Santorini and from Santorini (or Piraeus)
Personal equipment

Extras

Extra Night(s)
Single Room Supplement
Solo Traveller Supplement

When to go

When To Go

The best times to visit the islands of Santorini and Paros 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.

Weather and Climate

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.

Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

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 taking a ferry from Santorini to Paros and also a small local ferry from Paros to Antiparos (this small ferry you can pay for locally). Also included is a return ferry back to Santorini from Paros at the end of the tour, or from Paros to Piraeus, should you wish to fly from Athens or spend some time in this city at the end of your tour. We will provide you with an e-ticket with a QR code which you can use to board the ferry. 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. 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 islands of Santorini and Paros 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.

Equipment

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.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with us that you have suitable travel insurance that covers you for cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.

What happens if my ferry gets cancelled because of adverse weather conditions? What should I pack? How fit do I need to be? What happens if I can't walk on a particular day? How far in advance do I need to book?

Why Macs

Reasons to believe in Macs Adventure:

The Biggest Choice

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Founded in 2003

We’re still founder led & the world’s number one self-guided operator with mountains of experience.

23,000+ Customer Reviews

Plus, with a Feefo Platinum Service Award & British Travel Awards, you know you're in good hands.

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Walking the Greek Cyclades: Santorini & Paros

Walking the Greek Cyclades: Santorini & Paros

Gallery

Itinerary

Other Information

Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

Meals

A word about ferries, local buses and transfers, etc....

Why Macs

The Biggest Choice

Founded in 2003

23,000+ Customer Reviews

B Corp Certified