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Milos, Santorini, Naxos & Athens Itinerary
A trip by Sandy PapasGreece Travel SecretsMilos, Santorini, Naxos & Athens Itinerary
As discerning travellers realise there is more to Greece than just Santorini and Mykonos, other islands are now firmly on people's radar. The magical island of Milos and the perennial favourite, Naxos, are a great combination with Santorini and will ensure a diverse and satisfying vacation.
Milos
Days 1–4 of 14 · 4 nightsMilos is fast becoming one of the most sought after destinations in the Mediterranean. With its extraordinary and very unique geology and topography visitors are in for an assault on the senses with vividly coloured cliffs and beaches from the mining and volcanic activity, which bring with them hot springs and incredible landscapes.
Cave Suites
Private-pool suites with wide sea views, built for quiet.
9.7 Alternative places to stay
MilosDay 1
Adamas & Papikinou beach
Adamas
Milos's port town and lively heart – where the ferries dock, the restaurants line the waterfront, and the evening passegiata happens. The Mining Museum on the eastern edge tells the volcanic-island story; the small chapels and the inland streets reward an hour of wandering. A natural base for the easy day in the middle of the trip.
Papikinou Beach
The closest swim to the port – a long pebble-and-sand strip on the bay just east of Adamas, with shallow turquoise water, a few tavernas at the back, and easy parking. Not the most dramatic beach on Milos, but the easiest one for an "easy day" between the boat trips and the long beach drives.
Mikros Apoplous
In Adamas don't miss Mikros Apoplous – right on the waterfront and one of the best seafood restaurants in the Cyclades islands. With a chilled cabinet of fresh seafood to choose from, including lobster and fish, you will be amazed at the value you get for your money here. Not to mention the incredible views, especially at sunset!
MilosDay 2
Sarakiniko & Klima
Sarakiniko Beach
Sarakiniko with its grayish-white, “sculpted” volcanic rocks is famously described as lunar. These amazing formations have been shaped by the waves driven by the north winds, creating a setting often compared to a moonscape. Photo opportunities abound!
Klima Village
One of Milos's signature colourful fishing villages – white-and-blue 'syrmata' boathouses carved straight into the cliffs, doors brightly painted, fishermen's boats pulled up to the door. Along with Mandrakia and Firopotamos it is the fishing-village trio nobody misses. Arrive toward golden hour when the pastel doors glow.
Plaka Village
Plaka is the chief town in Milos, a Greek island in the Cyclades group. It is perched on the top of large rock, overlooking the gulf of Milos. No cars can enter the village because of the narrow spaces between walls and buildings. Motorbikes, mopeds and the like are the only usable vehicles.
Utopia Caffe
In Plaka you will also find a couple of great bars. Utopia Caffe is the place to be seen and the place to see incredible sunset views, as good as anywhere in Greece. Climb up through the whitewashed alleys in the hour before sundown and claim a cushion on the terrace – the whole west coast of Milos spreads out below.
O Hamos Tavern
The legend of O'Hamos has spread across all of Greece, if not to many other parts of the world. Operating for over 30 years, this family established one of the first paddock-to-plate models in Greece, with everything at the restaurant grown by them, including the meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables. You may need to queue during busy periods, but it's a spacious taverna with a big garden, and the wait times are not usually long.
MilosDay 3
Mandrakia & Pollonia
Mandrakia
A tiny postcard fishing village on Milos's north coast – whitewashed houses with boats drawn up to brightly painted syrmata doors, a stubby harbour wall, and Medusa Taverna presiding over it all. This is where the famous hanging octopus drying in the sun lives, where fishermen still mend nets in the afternoon, and where the sunset lights the whole scene like a film set.
Medusa Taverna
In Mandrakia you will find Medusa Taverna – the only taverna in this tiny village but a very good one. With the traditional hanging octopus, sometimes in a screened box to protect it from insects and wind, you can't miss Medusa and you won't regret lunch here either. Very well priced in a truly unique and very special setting.
Pollonia
Pollonia or Apollonia is a seaside village in the north-eastern part of the island of Milos, Greece. It is the second harbor of Milos island after Adamantas and it has taken its name from the temple of Apollo that existed to the east of the settlement.
Kostantakis Winery
Sample local wines at Kostantakis – a cave winery outside Pollonia where the barrels age in galleries carved into the volcanic rock. The tasting flights move through Milos's indigenous Assyrtiko and Mandilaria, paired with local cheeses and the sort of vineyard view the tour brochures try and fail to capture. Book ahead in summer.
Yialos Restaurant
Considered by many as the best of the seafood tavernas that line the waterfront bay at Pollonia, Gialos is a lovely spot to sit and watch the goings on at the small harbour. The chilled cabinet of whole fish and lobster lets you pick what lands on your plate, and the view is as good as the catch.
MilosDay 4
Kleftiko & Polyaigos
Daily Cruise to Kleftiko - Polyaigos
Full-day sailing cruise to Kleftiko with lunch and snorkelling – consistently the best-rated activity on Milos. The pirate caves and white rock towers of Kleftiko on the south-west tip are only reachable by boat, and breaking the day up with swims at Poliegos and a proper taverna lunch on deck is the right way to see them.
Paliochori Beach
Volcanic colors you won't find on any other shoreline – dark sand giving way to red and yellow cliffs that still vent heat from below. Paliochori stretches across three coves on Milos's south coast, each with its own character. The central section is where beachside tavernas grill fish over geothermally heated sand – order the baked tomatoes, cooked in the earth itself. Hot mineral springs bubble up through the seafloor in the shallows, warming patches of water to almost bath temperature. The multicolored rock formations behind the beach shift from ochre to green to rust, proof of the island's volcanic restlessness. Sunbeds available in the main cove; the western section is quieter.
Fyriplaka Beach
Firiplaka with its towering volcanic cliffs, snow-gray fine sand, white pebbles and shallow turquoise waters is situated between the beaches of Provatas and Tsigrado. The extensive beach has umbrellas, sunbeds and a bar hut. There is also a cave under a huge rock in the water near the shore carved out of a volcano a long time ago. Access to the beach is possible by your own vehicle, taxi, bus or even by boat which goes around the island, starting from the port of Adamas. While most of the road is asphalt, the last part of it is a gravel paved driveway.
Catacombs of Milos
One of the most important early-Christian monuments in the world – a 2nd-century underground burial complex carved into the volcanic hillside above Trypiti. Three connecting galleries, hundreds of arched tombs, and traces of original wall paintings. A short, atmospheric visit and an unexpected counterpoint to the island's beach reputation. Closed Tuesdays.
Sirocco Restaurant
A Paliochori beach taverna with one trick no one else can copy – they cook in the volcanic sand. Lamb wrapped in vine leaves, octopus, baked tomatoes, even bread, all slow-cooked in the geothermally hot earth right behind the dining tables. Book ahead and stay for a swim afterward in the warm-water shallows.
Santorini
Days 5–7 of 14 · 3 nightsSantorini is a bucket-list destination for most people, and for good reason. Despite the cruise ships and the crowds, it remains one of those places that not only meets your expectations but probably exceeds them. The views truly are the stuff of legends, and it is little wonder it is so popular with honeymooners.
White Pearl Cavalieri Santorini Imerovigli
Restored wine canavas on the caldera rim in Imerovigli, turned into suites.
9.8 Alternative places to stay
SantoriniDay 1
Fira & Firostefani
Kamari beach
Kamari Beach is one of the most popular and most visited beach resorts in Santorini. It is located in the seaside village of Kamari. The beach is composed of black volcanic sand and is 5 kilometers long, among the 3 longest beaches in Santorini, with deep crystalline waters and a series of trees. It is fully organized with hundreds of sunbeds and umbrellas, showers, a lifeguard on duty and numerous facilities.
Fira
Fira is the capital town of Santorini and one of the most enchanting ones in Greece, built on an impressive location on top of steep cliffs. It was founded in the late 18th century, and has been built in the traditional Cycladic architectural style. A tour in Fira is a unique experience: picturesque neighbourhoods, snow-white houses, churches with light blue domes, busy alleys lined with shops, cafeterias and restaurants, offering - almost all of them - a breathtaking view of the caldera. Firostefani village is on the town's highest level, offering the visitor a truly breathtaking sunset view.
Firostefani
Called 'Crown of Fira,' quieter village holds most photographed blue-domed church. Three Bells of Fira (Catholic Church Dormition); blue-domed church with three bells; 10 minutes walk from Fira. 10-15 minute Fira walk along paved caldera path; late afternoon light best for church photograph; lower hotel prices.
Metaxy Mas
Metaxi Mas is legendary and is great for both lunch and dinner, with views across the island from its terrace in Exo Gonia. Book ahead – the room is intimate and the same people have been coming back for twenty years.
SantoriniDay 2
Oia & Ammoudi Bay
The Caldera Walk
Three kilometers along the volcanic rim – one of Europe's great walks. Fira through Firostefani to Imerovigli.
Oia
Explore the maze of streets in Oia, including the blue-domed Panagia Platsani church, then walk down to Oia Castle and jostle with the crowds for those famous sunset photos. Despite the cruise-ship hours, the blue hour after everyone clears out belongs to the people who stayed.
Ammoudi Bay
At the bottom of the scenic village of Oia, lies the charming, small port of Ammoudi. It is a beautiful, tiny cove with crystalline waters and fishing boats lying in the sea. Here there are no beaches, sand, sunbeds and umbrellas but you can have a distinctive experience by swimming from the dock. Nevertheless, it is preferable that you follow the path, past the taverns, that ends up in an awesome diving area with crystal clear waters.
Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna
Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna in Ammoudi Bay – feet almost in the water, freshly grilled octopus, a carafe of white, the Oia cliffs going pink above you. The steps down from Oia take about ten minutes; staying for the walk back up at blue hour is the whole point.
Le Moustache Pool Lounge
Caldera-edge cocktail bar and pool lounge – daybeds by the infinity pool, a DJ that starts slow and builds into sunset, a cocktail menu that takes Santorini's volcanic produce seriously. For that one evening you don't want to cook dinner with the rest of the island, just order another round and watch the colour change.
SantoriniDay 3
Caldera cruise & Akrotiri
Santorini Caldera Cruise
A classic – Red Beach, White Beach, Hot Springs in Palia Kameni, Nea Kameni, swimming, snorkeling, volcanic bath (optional) and a greek meal with beer and wine included on this cruise on a modern catamaran yacht. Capture stunning panoramas of picturesque Santorini and its volcanic lagoon. Transfer from and to your hotel / vacation rental, as well as snorkeling equipment, also included. We will provide full details, and proceed to reservations if you wish, following your booking.
Ancient Akrotiri
Visit fascinating Akrotiri – Greece's 'Pompeii' – a Minoan town preserved under volcanic ash for 3,600 years. The covered walkways let you see three-storey houses with intact frescoes, pottery, and drainage systems that feel modern. The nearby Red Beach makes it a natural morning + swim pairing.
Red Beach
A huge attraction of the island and arguably the most famous beach lies on the southernmost part of Santorini. It is located in Akrotiri village, 12 kilometers south west of Fira. Red Beach is without a doubt worth a visit considering that it is a rare sight, probably unique in the whole world, where red is the dominant color. It is enclosed by steep red hills that create a captivating, wild scenery. If you stand on the top you will set eyes on enormous volcanic rocks situated in the sea, small pebbles and sand of various colors, mainly red, all along the beach and appealing dark blue waters. To reach the beach you have to walk a couple of minutes on a downhill path or you can access it by boat from Akrotiri port, Kamari or Perissa. The beach is semi-organized with white sunbeds and umbrellas. There are no facilities (make sure you provide yourself with the necessary supplies from the two canteens you can find right before the beginning of the path) or water sports on this small beach but you can take pleasure in snorkeling as there are interesting rock formations and rich marine life.
Wine Tasting Tour
Volcanic soil, sea spray, and 3,500 years of winemaking – Santorini's vineyards produce whites unlike anywhere else. A half-day tour visits two or three estates, sampling Assyrtiko (crisp, mineral, electric), Nykteri (barrel-aged and honeyed), and Vinsanto (sun-dried grapes turned liquid amber). The vines grow pruned into low baskets – kouloura – to shield grapes from the Aegean wind. Santo Wines and Venetsanos have caldera-view terraces; Domaine Sigalas is the serious oenophile's pick. Most tours include local cheese and olive pairings. Book a sunset session if available – the caldera turns gold through a wine glass.
Lefkes Taverna
Lefkes Taverna in Oia is also hard to beat for food or service. It often books out well in advance. Quiet stone courtyard tucked away from the sunset crowds, slow-grilled lamb, a wine list that knows its Assyrtiko. Exactly the dinner you want on Santorini that isn't on the caldera edge.
Naxos
Days 8–11 of 14 · 4 nightsNaxos is the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades group. It is known for its excellent beaches, charming mountain villages and thriving agricultural industry which makes it a very different island to both Milos and Santorini.
La Grande Vue Suites Naxos
Cave villas with private pools and a long view over the Naxian coast.
9.9 Alternative places to stay
NaxosDay 1
Naxos Town & Agios Prokopios
Naxos Town (Hora)
Chora is a charming and quite lively town with a Venetian Castle, the 'Old Market', and the famous Portara Gate on the headland. There are even a couple of nice beaches so it is possible to spend your entire time here, even without a car. The port, airport (10 minutes), main town and good beaches are all close together.
Agios Prokopios Beach
Drive down to the Cedar Forest of Alyko, then north to Paralia Glifada, Kastraki, Orkos, Plaka, and Agia Anna before ending at Agios Prokopios – our personal favourite. Long sweep of golden sand, water that shelves so gently kids walk out forever, and enough tavernas behind the dunes to make a day of it.
Avaton 1739
A beautifully restored Venetian-era townhouse in the heart of Chora, now a split-personality spot for the best hours of the day: golden-hour drinks on the upper terrace with the bougainvillea and the sea below, then down to the inner courtyard for a candlelit dinner. The wine list leans Cycladic, and the kitchen is refined without being fussy.
NaxosDay 2
The Portara & the Kastro
Portara (Temple of Apollo)
A marble gateway to myth stands alone against the Aegean sky – the last fragment of a temple never finished. The Portara is the monumental entrance to an unfinished Temple of Apollo, initiated between 530-524 BC by Lygdamis, the tyrant of Naxos. Standing six metres tall on the Palatia islet at the harbour entrance, this marble doorframe is the island's most iconic silhouette.
Castle of Naxos
The only Venetian castle in Greece continuously inhabited since 1207 – eight centuries of life behind fortress walls.
Bourgos & The Old Market
The Greek quarter below the castle walls – historical churches, artisan shops, and courtyards that invite you to linger.
Agios Georgios Beach
Chora's own beach – a shallow sandy crescent curving south from the old town, water so calm it feels like a lagoon. You can walk to it from the port in ten minutes, drop your bag at a beach bar, and be swimming before lunch. Families love the gentle shelf; the south end is where the windsurfers go out. The rocky islet with the whitewashed church is the photo.
To Elliniko
Worth queuing for a table. A lively Greek taverna near St. George beach whose garden terrace fills up the moment dinner service opens – the grill runs non-stop and the portions are generous in that old-school Naxian way. Souvlaki, slow-cooked lamb, fresh salads, simple Naxos-produce plates done well and priced fairly. Come early or book ahead in July–August.
NaxosDay 3
Filoti, Apeiranthos & Halki
Filoti
The largest of Naxos's mountain villages, terraced on the slopes of Mt. Zas. A pause here is an institution: a coffee at Platano on the square, under the shady plane trees, while the village goes about its day. From Filoti you can set off up the mountain to the Cave of Zeus, or simply wander the stepped lanes and the big neoclassical Panagia Filotitissa church.
Cave of Za
Hike to Mt Zas and the Cave of Zeus – the mythological birthplace of the king of the gods, in a cave high on the Cyclades' highest peak. Do this very early before the sun heats up; the trail is well-marked from Filoti and the views from the ridge are reason enough even without the mythology.
Apeiranthos
The 'Marble Village' where cobblestone streets, four museums, and centuries-old weaving traditions feel untouched by time.
Halki & Vallindra Distillery
An elegant village in the fertile Tragea plain, where neoclassical houses frame a legendary citron distillery.
Rotonda
High in the hills just before Apeiranthos, Rotonda is a large restaurant and bar with sweeping views over the valley and out to sea – the kind of view that stops conversation when you walk in. Come for a long lunch after the mountain villages, or for a late dinner that turns slowly into drinks as the lights of the island come on below.
NaxosDay 4
Aliko & Mikri Vigla beaches
Mikri Vigla Beach
A long curving stretch of golden sand on Naxos's south-west coast, split in two by a granite headland. The north side (Parthenos) is the undisputed windsurfing and kitesurfing spot of the Cyclades; the south side (Sahara) is calmer, with shallow turquoise water that wades out forever. Simple tavernas sit on the dunes, and the whole place feels a world away from Chora.
Aliko Beach
Drive down to the Cedar Forest of Alyko – not much of a forest these days but rather a large, sandy nature reserve with several beaches. The main stretch is huge, often near-empty outside August, and the graffitied abandoned hotel behind the dunes is a surprise photo op.
Kastraki Beach
Where the golden coastline finally ends – a dramatic sweep of sand beneath ancient ruins and windswept dunes.
Temple of Demeter
A 6th-century-BC Ionic temple set in the green inland plain near Sangri, dedicated to Demeter and goddess of the grain. Partially reconstructed from its original Naxian marble, it sits alone on a low rise with wheat fields all around – a quieter, more atmospheric version of the ancient sites you queue for elsewhere. The on-site museum rounds out the visit.
Flamingo Bar
For some great live music, plate smashing and dancing, Flamingo is the place to be. A late-night Chora institution that runs on house band energy, bouzouki and pitchers of house wine. Not a cocktail-and-cool-crowd bar – a plates-on-the-floor, everyone-on-their-feet kind of night. Come after dinner and let it build.
Athens
Days 12–14 of 14 · 3 nightsAthens of course is the Capital of Greece and is one of the oldest cities in the world, having been occupied for around 5000 years. Named after the fierce warrior Goddess Athina, the city has a fascinating and colourful past. There is a lot to do and see in Athens and the ancient centre is easy to get around and very walkable.
Noble Suites
A 1901 neoclassical house under the Acropolis – four suites of marble and old wood.
9.7 Alternative places to stay
AthensDay 1
Plaka & Syntagma Square
The Ultimate Food Tour
Plaka
Plaka, also known as the "neighbourhood of the gods," is the oldest neighbourhood of Athens. Walking on its paved narrow streets you get the feeling that you are travelling back in time. The origin of the name of the neighbourhood is unknown, although theories abound. According to popular belief, Plaka was named after a slab of stone that was found near the church of Ayios Georgios Alexandrias, in the vicinity of the theatre of Dionysos. The beautiful neoclassical style colour of the houses, the architecture, the well-kept gardens, and the beauty and atmosphere of the neighbourhood are enchanting. In Plaka the air you breathe is different; it is lighter, cleaner, and fragrant, like a gift of the gods. When you visit Plaka you should bring a map, because you might get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys. In Adrianou Street, the central street of the neighbourhood, as in other streets in the area, you will find shops selling traditional products, souvenirs, Greek folk art and handicrafts, etc.
Syntagma Square
Visit Syntagma Square and see Parliament House and the Changing of the Greek Presidential Guard – the Evzones. Their uniform, cadence and white foustanella are entirely unique; catch the hourly change or the full Sunday ceremony if you can time it.
Klimataria Tavern
Taverna Klimataria for live music and the best cabbage rolls in lemon sauce in town. A century-old institution off Psirri where the rembetiko starts around 10 and the room starts dancing half an hour later.
AthensDay 2
The Acropolis & its museum
Acropolis
The Acropolis is the symbol of Athens, the sacred rock, linking the fabulous ancient civilisation with the modern city. The monuments on the Sacred Rock date back to the prehistoric era and antiquity. The grandeur and beauty of the Sacred Rock attract Greek and foreign visitors. A visit to the Acropolis is a unique experience.
Acropolis Museum
It is one of the most important contemporary works of architecture in Athens. Its construction, designed by architects B. Tschumi and Mih. Fotiadis was completed in 2007. Standing only 300m away from the Acropolis, its total area covers 21,000 sq.m, while it offers a display area of 14,000 sq.m. It is made of steel, glass and concrete; it uses natural light efficiently so that its 4,000 exhibits would show off. The last level (The Parthenon room) has the dimensions and the direction of the Parthenon and it has been rotated by 23 degrees in relation to the rest of the building so that the visitor would have an immediate view of the monument. The surrounding area, visible from the glass floor of the ground level, functions as an openair museum-excavation. The main entrance is on Dionyssiou Areopagitou Street. In addition, the imposing Weiller building stands in the vicinity. Having been built by German architect W. Von Weiller, it combines Byzantine style masonry and neoclassical decorative patterns. Initially it was used as a military hospital and later as police unit headquarters, whereas since 1987 it houses the Acropolis Research Centre
Dionysiou Areopagitou
Europe's most spectacular pedestrian boulevard – a car-free path tracing the sacred rock's southern edge since antiquity. This 830-meter promenade has been a thoroughfare since the 5th century BC, and its modern incarnation (pedestrianized in 2003) is a masterpiece of urban design by architect Dimitris Pikionis, who used ancient marble fragments and cobblestones to create a surface that feels like walking through history. The street connects major landmarks like beads on a string: the Acropolis Museum, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (still hosting performances after 1,900 years), and the Theatre of Dionysus where Greek tragedy was born. Walk the full promenade from Amalias Avenue (near Hadrian's Arch) to where it becomes Apostolou Pavlou Street toward Thissio - the complete circuit around the Acropolis is 3 km. Evening strolls are particularly atmospheric when the monuments are illuminated. The Akropoli Metro station exits directly onto the street.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Take in an open-air concert at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus – a Roman amphitheatre carved into the south slope of the Acropolis, still in active use for the summer Athens Festival. Even without a ticket, walking past in the evening with the stage lit against the rock is one of the best free spectacles in the city.
Grande Bretagne Rooftop
Enjoy sunset drinks at the Grande Bretagne rooftop bar – the floor-to-ceiling view takes in the Acropolis, Lykavittos and the whole spread of the old city going gold. The cocktail list is serious and the service is old-world; jacket optional but it lifts the room. Book ahead for a sunset table in high season.
AthensDay 3
Monastiraki & Psirri
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Stroll through the National Gardens and emerge onto the Temple of Olympian Zeus – what's left of it: fifteen colossal columns from what was once the largest temple in ancient Greece. Framed by Hadrian's Arch with the Acropolis on the hill above, the scale still hits.
Monastiraki
A distinctive old Athens area, with narrow, irregularly criss-crossing streets, and small buildings, characteristic of Ottoman and to some extent Byzantine urban planning. On the outdoor stands of street sellers, or the small shops on the central roads you can find anything, such as shoes, clothes, old and new furniture, old books and magazines, souvenirs, jewellery, hats, bronze objects, new and used records and CDs and traditional Greek instruments (bouzouki, touberleki). Shopping or walking in Monastiraki is an unforgettable experience. You will be stunned by the variety and quality of things you can buy in the market
Psirri
Spend time before, during or instead of a concert in the lively area of Psiri – street art, late-night tavernas, cocktail bars tucked under stone arches, and a kooky gem or two (Little Kook). Come for dinner and stay for the ouzo.
Kostas
Amazing gyros – a tiny grill on Agia Irini Square that has been doing pork souvlaki the same way for decades. A handful of stools, a queue that moves fast, and the smell of charcoal two streets away. Grab one (or two) in the pita, open the wax paper on the square, and you've understood why this is the Athens food pilgrimage.
Lithos Taverna
Tucked into a Psirri side street, Lithos does my favourite Moussaka in Athens – layered the way your grandmother would approve, sitting in front of you within minutes of ordering. The room is stone-walled and unfussy, the wine comes in carafes, and the kitchen turns out the Greek classics with just enough finesse to make the regulars regulars.