Paros, Naxos and Santorini Island Hopping – Private Group

Highlights

  • Get off the beaten track and visit hidden corners of the Greek Islands known only to the locals
  • Enjoy cycling, snorkelling, sea kayaking and wild swimming in stunning locations
  • Visit three stunning islands in one holiday, each with their own unique character
From £3426 pp
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What you'll do

Overview

Explore Paros, Naxos and Santorini by boat, bike, sea kayak and on foot. This holiday is great for families, active couples and groups of friends. Get under the skin of the beautiful Cyclades Islands and create amazing memories. A unique collection of white-sand beaches, quaint fishing villages and great local experiences just waiting to be discovered.

Enjoy this unforgettable active holiday in the famous Greek islands.

The iconic Cycladic Islands are what Greece is all about. Traditional fishing villages, whitewashed flat-roofed houses and narrow streets, beautiful little chapels, rugged, sun-drenched landscapes contrasting with the deep blue sea, and spectacular bays with powdery white sand beaches.

On this 9 day adventure staying on three stunning islands you will enjoy spectacular scenery, swimming in the deep blue Aegean, visiting off the beaten track villages and tasting authentic cuisine like a local. You’ll walk remote and beautiful trails, take a boat cruise to deserted coves, kayak from beach to beach and work up an appetite for the delicious authentic cuisine, whilst enjoying the hospitality of your local host.

Discover each island’s best spots, traditions, cultural treats, and take a peek at the everyday life of its people in some of the most naturally beautiful parts of Greece.

You will get to know Paros, Naxos, and Santorini and have plenty of time to relax and enjoy them with two full days in each island and ferry crossings between the islands.

Paros is renowned for its superb sandy beaches, great beach bars, and the lovely town of Naousa, and you’ll take boat cruise around the island.

Naxos, the largest and greenest of the Cycladic islands, has amazing inland villages and important cultural sites like the impressive Portara and the Kouros statues, which you’ll visit on spectacular hikes.

Last but not least on your island hopping holiday in Greece, Santorini, the princess of the Greek islands, is where you can enjoy hiking, kayaking  and snorkelling to experience the authentic and less touristy side of this truly unique island landscape.

Your accommodation is in carefully chosen quality boutique hotels.

For this private trip with family or friends, you may choose the 3* option or upgrade to the 4* accommodation.

*the from price pp is based on 4 people in 3* travelling in June.

If you would like to join a small group  please click here.

Arrival in Paros

Your trip begins when your host meets you in Paros.

You can arrive in Paros either by plane or by ferry. Depending on the season, there are different boat itineraries from Athens available. The boat ride lasts from 3 hours – 5 hours.

You will be transferred to your hotel in the picturesque and authentic seaside town of Naousa and have time to settle in and to take a stroll around the town, drink in the atmosphere and try some local dishes in a nearby taverna.

Overnight in Paros.

Accommodation

 

 

In Paros you will stay in either the Kalypso Hotel or the Senia Hotel.

The 3* Kalypso hotel is located just a ten-minute walk from the centre of Naoussa and directly on the shore of Agii Anargiri beach, you’ll experience the warm hospitality of this family owned and operated hotel, where the service is friendly and the quality is high. The hotel has many charming features such as a delightful interior courtyard. Whilst sipping a cocktail from the adjacent bar, or eating breakfast from our exceptional buffet, guests can relax in the courtyard or on the outside terrace while enjoying the beauty of the bay.

The 4* Senia hotel is a stylish hotel located in Naoussa overlooking the beautiful bay. Rooms are furnished to a high spec and there are two pools, a pool bar and restaurant serving high quality local organic food.

Meals

Breakfast

Kalypso Hotel:

Off the beaten track hike in Paros

After breakfast your first day starts with a short transfer and a relaxing stroll around  the traditional village of Lefkes. From here we will start our hike along the Byzantine trail enjoying the scents and aromas of herbs and plants and the views of olive trees and vineyards. The hike is easygoing and ends on the beautiful beach of Logaras where we can enjoy a swim. Spend the  afternoon at your leisure swimming in the beautiful blue sea or relaxing in the shade.

Overnight in Paros.

Accommodation

In Paros you will stay in either the Kalypso Hotel or the Senia Hotel.

Meals

Breakfast

Senia Hotel:

Boat cruise along the Paros coast

Today you’ll be collected after breakfast for a great day of swimming and fun, cruising on a traditional boat.  Our captain will welcome you onto his boat and, depending on the weather, you will either sail to the tiny islet of Antiparos or to the south coast of Paros. You will sail to secluded bays and explore coastal caves and you will even have the chance to try cliff jumping into the deep blue Aegean. Then you will moor at a deserted beach for a freshly cooked lunch with cold drinks. A wonderful day to be remembered!

You’ll be transferred back to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Overnight in Paros

Accommodation

In Paros you will stay in either the Kalypso Hotel or the Senia Hotel.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Kalypso Hotel:

Ferry to Naxos Island

After breakfast, you’ll check pout of the hotel and say goodbye to Paros as today we embark on our ferry ride to our next island, Naxos.

It is just a short transfer from the hotel to the port in Paroikia where you will embark the ferry to Naxos.

The journey is around 50 minutes and you will arrive in Chora, Naxos Town.

Naxos is the largest and most lush of the Cycladic islands famous for its amazing beaches, beautiful villages, impressive archaeological monuments and delicious local products. No wonder it is one of the most popular Greek destinations!

As soon as the ferry reaches Naxos, you will be greeted by the famous Portara, the magnificent gate of the ancient temple of Apollo standing right next to the port.

You will be taken to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to settle in take a stroll around the town and drink in the atmosphere of this lovely island.

Overnight in Naxos

Accommodation

In Naxos you will stay in either Princess of Naxos (3* )or Porto Naxos(4*)

3*Princess of Naxos is a good quality family owned hotel located on St George beach in Naxos town. It has a pool and pool bar plus a restaurant with outdoor seating area where breakfast is served. All rooms have A/C and a balcony or terrace.

4*Porto Naxos hotel offers accommodation in 33 large well appointed rooms,  with quality furnishings where you can enjoy absolute relaxation overlooking the garden or the impressive swimming pool. The hotel is located just minutes from the heart of Naxos Old Town and the sandy beach of Agios Georgios, and warmly welcomes guests to enjoy its unique atmosphere, personalised services and delicious food.

Meals

Breakfast

Princess of Naxos:

Incredible Hiking in Naxos

After breakfast today’s hike starts from the Kouros statues. These larger-than-life statues of young men, which were sculpted to hold on to a temple roof, were abandoned incomplete by the ancient sculptors when they discovered faults in the marble. You will follow the path to the picturesque village of Ano Potamia and after a short refreshing stop at the village’s natural fresh water spring, hike to Apano Kastro (Upper Castle), to enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Naxos town, port, and the surrounding villages. You can rest and take some photos of this wonderful landscape, then you will continue onwards via Tsikalario, a small traditional village, to Halki, where you will visit a small family owned distillery that produces Kitron, the local alcohol drink of Naxos, made from the leaves of the citron tree – similar to a lemon the liquer is sweet with an aroma of citrus. You’ll have chance to taste the liqueur before we return back to the hotel for a well earned lunch and relaxing afternoon.

Afternoon at leisure

Overnight in Naxos.

Accommodation

In Naxos you will stay in either Princess of Naxos or Porto Naxos

Meals

Breakfast

Porto Naxos:

 

Naxos Cycling

After breakfast at the hotel you will be collected and take for your bike fit. Today you will be cycling the picturesque streets and lesser known paths through typical Naxian villages, while drinking in the beautiful views this Cycladic Island has to offer. Small tracks lead through farmland where you can enjoy beautiful views over mountains and some of the best coastlines in the Cyclades. Cycling along narrow tracks you will reach the beautiful beach of Mikri Vigla, with its beautiful white sand and blue sea. There, you will stop to swim or enjoy a small bite to eat and then we will return along stretches of sandy beach to your base.

Afternoon/evening at your leisure.

Overnight in Naxos.

Accommodation

In Naxos you will stay in either Princess of Naxos or Porto Naxos

Meals

Breakfast

Porto Naxos:

Ferry to Santorini

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning swimming or strolling in the picturesque port of Naxos, then check out of the hotel and say goodbye to Naxos as around mid-day, it will be time to take the boat to the prettiest island of the Cyclades, Santorini.

The journey to Santorini – or Thira as it is officially known- takes around 2 hours depending on the ferry.

The breathtaking view, upon arrival by boat, will give you an idea of this volcanic island’s spectacular beauty.

From the port you will have a short transfer to your hotel, where you can check in and relax before you have a short afternoon walk taking you from the town of Fira to Oia along the spectacular caldera rim. This is undoubtably one of the most spectacular walks in the Cyclades, along a mixture of paved streets and dirt walking trails, the views approaching Oia are amazing.

After this spectacular walk you will have an appetite for some of the delicious local food of the area.

Overnight in Santorini.

 

Accommodation

 

Alisaxni Resort (3*)is a family owned business which aims to offer Greek hospitality, occupying a panoramic spot on the cliff of the famous caldera.The Resort has two main buildings that offer 5 studios, 2 apartments with Caldera side view, with a pool with Jacuzzi overlooking the Aegean.

Belvedere (4*) located on Caldera Cliffs in Firaostefani village, 10 minutes walk to the vibrant capital, Fira. The suites are designed in Aegean style equipped with the finest amenities, cool white interiors and stylish furnishings. There is a swimming pool and poolside dining offering magnificent views.

In Santorini you will stay in either Alisaxni Resort or Belvedere Suites

Meals

Breakfast

Alisaxni Resort:

Sea Kayaking and Snorkelling

After breakfast,  you’ll be collected and transferred to the starting point of today’s sea kayaking and snorkelling .

You’ll be given a full briefing and no prior experience is necessary to enjoy your time paddling gently along the beautiful coast. Enjoy a morning of sea-kayaking, at your own pace, soak up the views of the spectacular rock formations, crystal waters, and the beautiful beaches in the south of the island. En route, there is even a chance to stop for snorkelling in the refreshing turquoise water and we will have a beach picnic before returning to the hotel to relax in the afternoon.

Overnight in Santorini.

Accommodation

In Santorini you will stay in either Alisaxni Resort or Belvedere Suites

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Belvedere Suites:

Departure Day

Today you must pack and say goodbye to the beautiful Cyclades islands – unless you are keen to stay on for longer (ask us about an extension).

You will be transferred to the airport or the ferry port, whichever you need, for your journey back home or on to your next destination.

We know you will have had an amazing time exploring the beautiful Cyclades Islands with us. You will leave with long lasting memories of your experience off the beaten track and with all the stories, information, anecdotes, and even some newly learned Greek phrases from your local guide, ringing in your ears.

Meals 

Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • English Speaking guide throughout the trip
  • Accommodation sharing double rooms with breakfast
  • Meals breakfast each day and 2 lunches on day 3 and day 8
  • All ferry tickets (air seats) as per program starting in Paros and ending in Santorini, ie : Paros to Naxos & Naxos to Santorini
  • Hike on the byzantine trail in Paros
  • Day cruise to Antiparos with lunch & drinks
  • Hike the Kouros Statues in Naxos
  • Bike ride in Naxos
  • Hike the Caldera Trail in Santorini
  • Sea Kayaking in Santorini with lunch
  • All necessary transfers for the operation of the itinerary, ie: Transfers from ports to hotels and hotels to all meeting points for the activities
Your local host

The Hellas Team

We organize outdoor activities in classic Greek destinations (eg. Santorini, Athens, Crete, Rhodes ) as well as in less known regions of Greece (Tzoumerka, Karpenisi ), but they are all off the beaten path, and we aim to support local communities and contribute to their more sustainable development. The concept of meaningful and respectful travel lies in the heart of our endeavors. We strongly embrace and implement a socially and environmentally responsible policy by promoting the protection of nature and environmental awareness. We strive to educate and make a positive impact in this corner of the world, whilst ensuring that you experience the real Greece and make life long memories and friends on the way!

We organize outdoor activities in classic Greek destinations (eg. Santorini, Athens, Crete, Rhodes ) as well as in less known regions of Greece (Tzoumerka, Karpenisi ), but they are all off the beaten path, and we aim to support local communities and contribute to their more sustainable development. The concept of meaningful and respectful travel lies in the heart of our endeavors. We strongly embrace and implement a socially and environmentally responsible policy by promoting the protection of nature and environmental awareness. We strive to educate and make a positive impact in this corner of the world, whilst ensuring that you experience the real Greece and make life long memories and friends on the way!

Sustainability Efforts

What Sustainability Efforts are we Taking?

At Not in the Guidebooks we’re committed to empowering the local communities in Costa Rica. We work closely with the local people and their businesses to make sure that they receive a fair percentage of the money you spend on your holiday there. By partnering with local guides and suppliers, we’re able to create meaningful, authentic experiences that directly benefit the people who call this incredible country home.

Learn More

Location

The Cyclades Islands lie southeast of the Greek mainland, they are a group of 220 islands, known to be some of the most beautiful islands in Greece.

Your Greek Island adventure starts in Paros, where you will be met by your host either at the airport or ferry terminal (depending on how you travel to the island).

There are regular daily flights from Athens airport to Paros and also several ferries each day departing from Pireaus port in Athens should you wish to sail to Paros. Please let us know your arrival details once you have booked.

Once there, you will explore the islands of Paros, Naxos and Santorini, moving between the islands by ferry, getting off the beaten track to some of the most beautiful spots in the country, led by your local guide.

The tour ends in beautiful Santorini, where you can either head straight back home or continue your Greek adventure.

There are regular flights from Santorini direct to the UK and also regular ferries to Pireaus in Athens.

FAQs

What should I bring with me?

Please try to travel as light as possible. Although you do not need to carry your luggage while walking, you will still need to carry it over short distances, on and off ferries. Also, remember you unpack and repack several times. If this adventure is part of a longer holiday for you and you arrive into Athens, you can leave any luggage that you don’t need on this tour, at your hotel in Athens or in our offices.

Large rucksack or holdall to contain all your luggage; waterproof liner recommended
Good waterproof top (Gore-Tex recommended or similar) with hood.
Socks for walking
Spare shoes for the evenings
Daypack (small rucksack, 20-40 litres) to carry picnic lunch, water bottle, cold/wet weather gear, camera, etc; straps should be strong, not too narrow and preferably padded.
Warm clothes for the evening including spare trousers and top (fleece jackets/pullovers are warm yet light), if travelling in April or October
Sweatshirts or T-shirts for walking, at least one with collar and long sleeves (against sunburn)
Your own personal water bottle(at least 1 litre). As part of our environmental policy and actions, we are committed to eliminating the use of plastic water bottles.

When is this tour available?

From April to October

I am a solo traveller - can I still join ?

Yes of course you are welcome to join one of our groups. A single room supplement may apply, please enquire.

What date can I travel on this holiday?

Our group holidays start on the following dates
June 18-26
July 09-17
September 17-25
October 08-16

Private groups can depart on any date, please let us know your preferred date.

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