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Self-Guided Hiking in Greece: Island Hopping in the Cyclades

Duration
10 days
Season
April through October
Group size
Up to 8 people
Self-guided tour
Accommodation, digital travel pack, ferry transfers, and phone assistance arranged
Accommodation
Comfort: 3 and 4-star hotels
Difficulty
Easy: Basic fitness required, hiking up to 15 km (9 miles) per day, 8 days in a row

There’s no better place in the world for island hopping than Greece. Its 6,000 islands offer a lifetime of exploration, and the four that you’ll visit in the Cyclades are a good place to start. Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, and Kimolos—these charming islands will be your home during your 10-day hiking adventure. Not only are they far less crowded than some other islands in the Aegean Sea, but they also ooze an unmistakable Greek authenticity. So you’ll fill your days with daily hiking, meeting locals, tasting out-of-this-world food at typical tavernas, and strolling through flower-adorned streets, among azure-domed houses. Don’t miss out on another summer that’s not a Greek summer!

Adventure highlights

  • A true feast for the senses
    Vibrant lemon groves, fragrant Mediterranean herbs, relaxing lavender fields, salty breeze, Greek cuisine
  • Discover four of the Cyclades
    Daily hikes will take you to cliff-perched monastery, massive mushroom-shaped rock, and bone-white moon-looking beach
  • Greek food odyssey
    Moussaka, gyros, tzatziki, choriatiki… Too much food, not enough time
Highlighted reviews from other travellers
K
Kathy L.
|October 2024
Four of the five hotels were excellent. The app that provided step-by-step directions for the hikes was very good. We liked that there was an audible beep every time a turn was coming. Having all the ferries and transfers pre-booked was very helpful. We had an issue with our ferry tickets not showing up as expected at the hotel, which caused us some anxiety, but everything worked out after multiple phone calls.
A
Anais Bouffard

I really appreciated Grand Angle, a warm, smiling team and above all really attentive to my desires. This is the ideal place to find the trip that suits everyone, I recommend! 🙂

C
Camille Arres

Super team of professionals, very responsive and who know how to advise us and make us live beautiful stays!

Show all reviews

Itinerary

A 10-day immersion into everything Greek—that’s what this self-guided journey is all about. You will visit four islands of the sparkling Aegean Sea (Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, and Kimolos), and explore them with daily walks to the islands’ best-ofs. A great thing about this trip is that you don’t have to compromise your comfort, because you’re the one who dictates the tempo—and the accommodation, digital travel pack, breakfasts, ferry transfers, it’s all taken care of. You’ll be based in comfy hotels and switch islands at a reasonable, pleasant pace, giving you enough time to explore every one of them!

  • Arrive in Athens Airport, which is about an hour away from Piraeus (depending on your mode of transfer). Check into your hotel and use the rest of the day at your leisure.

    Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Piraeus

    Piraeus port city
  • Take a ferry to Serifos (takes about 2 hours), Perseus’ island, overlooked by its main village Chora—one of the most characteristic and beautiful villages of the Cyclades. Hike to the top of the village via white and narrow valleys. Once you descend down to sea level, enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 5 km / 3 miles, 2 hours
    Elevation: +230 m / +755 ft
    Accommodation: 4-star hotel on Serifos

    Chora in Serifos, Greece
  • Hop on a bus to Chora, to the village that overlooks the bay of Livadi. Your hike starts there: discover charming chapels (such as Stavros) and villages of Kendarchos, Galani, and Panagia. You’ll also stop by the monastery of Taxiarchon from the 16th century, where a single solitary monk still lives there—you’ll also find a beautiful icon of Russian origin. Return to Chora via a wonderful monopati (Greek for path) to the bay of Livadi, where you can use the rest of the day for swimming.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 15 km / 9 miles, 5 hours
    Elevation: +/-630 m / +2,070 ft
    Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Serifos

    Serifos, Livadi
  • Ferry over to Sifnos, another spectacular island boasting numerous perched churches and monasteries. Settle in Kamares, a lovely coastal village, which will be your base for the next three nights. Depending on your arrival time, take a 10-minute bus ride from Apollonia to Kamares and squeeze in the first hike. Enjoy a pleasant downhill walk with the sea always in the backdrop.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 7 km / 4.4 miles, 2.5 hours
    Elevation: +270 m / +885 ft | -450 m / -1,475 ft
    Accommodation: 4-star hotel on Sifnos

    Kamares beach Sifnos
  • Today’s bus takes you on a 10-minute ride to Apollonia for one of the most beautiful walks on Sifnos! Crossing the island from east to west, the walk ends on the beach of Vathi, where you can swim in its azure seas or rest in a tavern. Once you’re rested from the walk, hop on a bus back to Kamares (around 25 minutes).

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 11 km / 6.8 miles, 2.5 hours
    Elevation: +490 m / +1,610 ft | -670 m / -2,200 ft
    Accommodation: 4-star hotel on Sifnos

    Apollonia Sifnos
  • Take a 15-minute local bus ride to Kastro. Once there, today’s hike through some of the most charming spots of Sifnos begins! After strolling through the serene streets of Kastro, continue to the wonderful port of Faros and then onto Chrisopigi—an iconic monastery perched atop a rock. A little further on, you’ll reach Platys Gialos, a spectacular sandy beach. Take a bus back to Kamares.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 8 km / 5 miles, 3 hours
    Elevation: +/-210 m / +690 ft
    Accommodation: 4-star hotel on Sifnos

    Chrisopigi monastery
  • Island change! Hop on a ferry journey lasting approximately 45 minutes to reach the captivating island of Milos, forever linked with the renowned Venus. Discover the mesmerizing Sarakiniko white canyon, boasting crystalline waters that invite exploration. Milos was once one of the most famous islands for obsidian trade in ancient times.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 7 km / 4.4 miles, 2.5 hours
    Elevation: +80 m / +265 ft | -60 m / -200 ft
    Accommodation: 4-star hotel on Milos

    Sarakiniko beach
  • Transfer to Pollonia on the island and then hop on a boat. It will take you 20-30 minutes to reach Psathi, port of the island Kimolos. This picturesque island is of volcanic origin and will win you over with its serenity. Leave for Chorio, the main town on the island with its mills lined up on the Ksaplovouni ridge. Continue walking to reach the Skiadi rock, an incredible, otherworldly mushroom-shaped rock, followed by continuing onto the seaside. Use the time at the beach to relax, and then return to Chorio via its wonderful paths in a shaded valley, passing by several old hamlets. Ferry back to Milos.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 14 km / 9 miles, 4.5 hours
    Elevation: +/-350 m / +1,150 ft
    Accommodation: 4-star hotel on Milos

    Skiadi rock, Kimolos
  • Squeeze in your last hike to Klima, a charming fishing village on the island, and visit the catacombs (the most famous ones after Rome). Take a ferry back to Piraeus (around 3.5 hours) and spend your last night of the trip in Athens.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 7 km / 9 miles, 2.5 hours
    Elevation: +320 m / +1,050 ft | -160 m / -525 ft
    Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Athens

    Milos, Klima
  • Today is the last day of this wonderful adventure! After a hearty breakfast, pack up and head home (or keep on exploring!).

    Meals: Breakfast

    Athens in Greece
Walking Holidays in Greece
Cyclades (3) | Crete (1) | Self-Guided Tours (1)
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4.80(5 reviews)
K
Kathy L.
|October 2024
Four of the five hotels were excellent. The app that provided step-by-step directions for the hikes was very good. We liked that there was an audible beep every time a turn was coming. Having all the ferries and transfers pre-booked was very helpful. We had an issue with our ferry tickets not showing up as expected at the hotel, which caused us some anxiety, but everything worked out after multiple phone calls.
A
Anais Bouffard

I really appreciated Grand Angle, a warm, smiling team and above all really attentive to my desires. This is the ideal place to find the trip that suits everyone, I recommend! 🙂

C
Camille Arres

Super team of professionals, very responsive and who know how to advise us and make us live beautiful stays!

Show all reviews
4.80(5 reviews)
K
Kathy L.
|October 2024
Four of the five hotels were excellent. The app that provided step-by-step directions for the hikes was very good. We liked that there was an audible beep every time a turn was coming. Having all the ferries and transfers pre-booked was very helpful. We had an issue with our ferry tickets not showing up as expected at the hotel, which caused us some anxiety, but everything worked out after multiple phone calls.
A
Anais Bouffard

I really appreciated Grand Angle, a warm, smiling team and above all really attentive to my desires. This is the ideal place to find the trip that suits everyone, I recommend! 🙂

C
Camille Arres

Super team of professionals, very responsive and who know how to advise us and make us live beautiful stays!

R
Rebecca Evans

If you want fresh air, adrenaline and beautiful encounters… (the landscapes;) …) you are 100% in the right place!!

B
Bertrand Decoux

Thank you to the whole team, very professional! Excellent service before + during our stay. we recommend!

Things to know

  • Included:

      • 10-day self-guided hiking adventure in the Greek Cyclades
      • Accommodation for 9 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels (double occupancy)
      • Breakfasts from Day 2 to Day 10*
      • Digital travel pack (necessary documents for the trip + access to the guide’s app and maps)
      • Ferry tickets
      • Transfers from the port to the hotel on all islands (round-trip)
      • Telephone assistance during the trip

    Add-ons (can be added at checkout):

      • Single occupancy room
      • Printed travel pack
      • Private trailhead transfers

    Not included:

      • Transportation to Greece
      • Drinks
      • Lunches and dinners
      • Airport transfers
      • Piraeus City to Athens center transfers
      • Transfers from the hotel to the start of the hikes and return
      • Personal expenses
      • Tourist tax (must be paid on the spot)
      • Everything not under the “what’s included”
      • Travel and medical insurance

    *Morning departures of boats may prevent you from having breakfasts in your hotels. If that happens, you will not be refunded. However, some hotels prepare “breakfast boxes” in case of an early departure. Make sure to discuss this at the reception in time.

  • No hiking experience is necessary in order to join this self-guided hiking tour in the Greek Cyclades. This is a beginner-friendly adventure, but you still need to be in good shape to walk 2-5 hours a day. If you have a little one who’d love an active vacation, bring them along! This adventure is family-friendly and you can take your time — with as many breaks as you need.

    Ascents vary from 100 to 650 m per day (330-2,130 ft). Keep in mind that you’ll be carrying a daypack with things you might need throughout the day, but a great thing about this tour is that you get to do it at your own pace!

  • Here’s a list of clothing we suggest you bring:

      • Hiking clothing
        • Hiking socks
        • Fleece jacket
        • Hiking trousers (quick-drying)
        • Technical shorts & t.shirt
        • Underwear (quick-drying)
        • Long-sleeved shirt (quick-drying)
      • Good quality waterproof walking boots (with a moulded sole & deep tread which provide good ankle support)
      • Another pair of shoes for the evenings
      • Leisure clothing for the evenings
      • Bathing suit
      • Rain jacket or an umbrella

    Here’s a list of other personal items we suggest you bring:

      • Luggage for all your things (backpack, travel bag, or suitcase) — 20 kg maximum
      • Day pack large enough to carry your personal belongings, water, and picnic during the day (from 30L)
      • Hiking poles — optional, but recommended
      • Picnic lunches — bowl, box, or plate & cutlery
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • High SPF sunscreen & lip balm
      • Sunglasses
      • Sunhat
      • Clothing for hiking & leisure time
      • Toiletries (hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

    During the day, all you’ll have to carry is a light daypack with things you might need throughout the day. When you’re transferring to another island, you will have to carry it yourself to/from the airport and on the ferries.

  • You’ll travel from one island to the next on regular ferries that cross the Aegean Sea from Piraeus. Your guiding company will provide you with the most up-to-date schedule, but it’s recommended you check the ferry schedule beforehand and make sure you get to the port on time. It’s interesting that Greek ferries can navigate until gale-force 9 winds (which is a lot), but if the wind is even stronger, they must remain in port. Still, you will have telephone assistance during the trip and your guiding company will make necessary arrangements.

    To get to your day hikes, you will use public transport and city lines (not included in the price of the tour).

    You can also opt for private transfers on the islands (can be added at checkout), when you’re getting to and from the hiking sites on Serifos, Sifnos, and Milos. By choosing this option, you don’t have to rely on local buses. This is a list of organized private transfers:

      • Serifos Island
        • Livadi — Chora
      • Sifnos Island
        • Day 4: Kamares — Apollonia
        • Day 5: Kamares — Apollonia / Vathy — Kamares
        • Day 6: Kamares — Kastro / Platys Gialos — Kamares
      • Milos Island
        • Day 7: Adamas — Fylakopi / Sarakiniko — Adamas
        • Day 8: Adamas to Pollonia (round trip)
  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For this self-guided adventure in the Greek Cyclades, it takes a minimum of 2 persons for this tour to run. The maximum group size is set at 8.

    Hiking in the Greek Cyclades can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to Piraeus, the starting point of your hiking adventure in the Greek Cyclades, it’s best to fly into Athens International Airport (ATH). From there, you can take a train or a bus to Piraeus, which takes up to 1.5 hours. It’s also possible for your guiding company to arrange a private transfer (about a 40-minute ride), just let us know in time.

    Once you get to Piraeus, check into your hotel.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
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