CYCLADES SELF-GUIDED
one stunning island after another
The most romantic and even swashbuckling destination for an adventure biking tour are the Cyclades, hopping by ferry from one island to the next. Like a family with look-alike siblings, the islands share a blue and white appearance: impeccably white-washed houses surrounded by blinding azure waters. But, also like family members, each island has its own personality, attractions and individual quirks.
On the eight-day tour, you can acquaint yourself with four to five islands – Syros, Mykonos, Paros, Antiparos, Naxos, Tinos all for cycling, while the sacred ancient sanctuary of Delos island is a car-free, bike-free day trip excursion. Or you can opt to become more intimate with fewer island stops, such as, Syros, Paros and Naxos. Also, the islands offer a multiple of routes to choose from which are not listed on this page, but available when you book the tour.
No matter which Cyclades islands you choose to spend most of your time, they are are all winners, each and every one a romantic destination. We guarantee you will return home with fond memories of sublime beauty, an easy-going lifestyle and the region’s incomparable light which the British novelist Lawrence Durrell once likened to “the naked eyeball of God.”
Before or after your self-guided tour, we recommend booking the Athens Add-on that immerses you in the culture of Athens and the Attica region with exciting activities: Historic Central Athens bike tour (90% traffic free), Acropolis & Acropolis Museum with professional guide, Temple of Poseidon coastal cycling, Attica wine tasting, Temple of Artemis.
Details
| Dates | choose your dates |
| Duration | 7 nights, 8 days standard tour — opt for more days or less days (minimum 5) |
| Add-ons |
Athens – see Add-on tab |
| Arrival City | Athens, at least one day before tour departure |
| Arrival transfer | see Extras tab |
| Tour Start Point | Pireaus port to Syros island (standard tour) |
| Tour End Point | Paros island |
| Minimum Age |
18 |
| Total Mileage | 280 km, 174 miles for standard tour. Ride options offer additional mileage or less mileage. |
| Highest Elevation |
496 meters, 1627 feet |
| Rating | Active. See Rating System |
Itinerary
Arrive at least one day early to Athens to test ride the bikes.
Bike mileage listed for each day is that day’s standard bike route. Depending on your party’s cycling level, most daily routes can vary by adding mileage or minimizing mileage.
The itinerary below is standard, but you can opt to spend more overnights on certain islands if your vacation is cycle oriented, such as Paros and Naxos which have numerous bike route choices. Or you can opt for more overnights on other islands, such as Tinos or Syros, if you’re more inclined to sight see. The best thing about the Cyclades islands is that each one is an absolutely winning destination.
An important factor to remember about ferry hopping is that the Boats Rule. Your itinerary is dependent on ferry schedules which do not, as some foreigners may think, run at all hours nor between all islands. Because ferry schedules dictate your arrival and departure time to each island, this affects your cycling schedule.
A final important consideration is that at each port on arrival and departure you must take on and off your bikes and luggage. The boats do not idle in port so you have to do this manoeuver in one trip. It is best to have luggage that is a backpack or a wheelie, and no more than one piece of luggage plus a day pack. The luggage transfer drivers cannot come on to the ferry to help you. They will recognize you as a cyclist as you come off the boat, as there are usually few cyclists among the passengers.
Day 1: Syros
Depart from Piraeus on an early morning ferry to Ermoupoli, the picturesque capital of the Cyclades. Admire the neoclassical buildings, expecially the Apollo Opera House. Visit the Dormiton Church that holds an original El Greco. Option to walk up to Ano Syro, the charming medieval, carfree neighborhood or take a quick warm-up ride to Kambos in the barely populated north end of the island. 20 km, 12 miles There is a longer warm-up ride, the Chrousa Loop, which can include a wine tasting stop. 16 km, 10 miles
Day 2: Syros
The scenic cycling route takes you counterclockwise on a loop of the southern portion of the island. A half dozen or beaches beckon you to stop en route but wait till Vari Beach which is the best spot for lunch and swimming. 36 km, 22 miles
Day 3: Tinos or Mykonos
On Tinos you’ll see few foreign tourists. Cyclists are rewarded biking in traditional villages that feature basket makers, Venetian era dovecotes, marble sculptors and windmills. Tinos is worthy of a two night stay. Mykonos is famous for its all night parties, shopping and beaches but it is not a biking friendly destination. Cyclists opt for Mykonos to visit the nearby World Heritage site of Delos Island.
Day 4: Paros
En route to your hotel just outside Naoussa, a one-time sleepy fishing village, bike to Korakas for a hike up to the lighthouse built in 1887 with spectacular views. Stop again to swim at the unusual Kolymbithres beach whose rock beach will wow you. You also have the option to cycle to Santa Maria beach far northeast end of the island.
Day 5: Paros
Maximize your cycling on Paros by making a loop of the island 50 km, 30 miles. Or stretch the loop further by adding Antiparos island which is only about 10 minutes away by boat from Pounta port. Antiparos is a more relaxed version of Paros. Bike to the famed Antiparos cave adding 18 km, 11 miles to the loop. .
Day 6: Naxos
Naxos is only 45 minutes from Paros by boat, so if you take the noon ferry you have time for a morning ride in Paros up to Lefkes village, the capital of Paros in the Byzantine era. 23.40 km, 15 miles Depending on your desires and ability, in Naxos your biking options are Agia Anna Beach 11 km, 6.80 miles or the olive oil museum in Eggares 18 km, 11 miles or Alyki pine forest 45 km, 28 miles
Day 7: Naxos
Cycle the interior of the island to two kouros statues lying unfinished in their quarries. Continue to Halki an adorable little village famous for its kitron liqueur made from lemon leaves. Bike further to Aria Springs and hike to Za Cave. 48.60 km, 30 miles For ambitious cyclists, challenge yourself to circle the island 82 km, 51 miles
Day 8: Departure
Whether you are leaving Naxos by boat or air, if you have time take a morning spin to Dimitra Sanctuary to see the restored pagan temple and Byzantine church. Start the ride by 8:30 am and there’s time enough to shower before check-out at noon and head to the port or airport. 35 km, 21.80 miles
Itinerary
Arrive at least one day early to Athens to test ride the bikes.
Bike mileage listed for each day is that day’s standard bike route. Depending on your party’s cycling level, most daily routes can vary by adding mileage or minimizing mileage.
The itinerary below is standard, but you can opt to spend more overnights on certain islands if your vacation is cycle oriented, such as Paros and Naxos which have numerous bike route choices. Or you can opt for more overnights on other islands, such as Mykonos or Syros, if you’re more inclined to sight see. The best thing about the Cyclades islands is that each one is an absolutely winning destination.
An important factor to remember about ferry hopping is that the Boats Rule. Your itinerary is dependent on ferry schedules which do not, as some foreigners may think, run at all hours nor between all islands. Because ferry schedules dictate your arrival and departure time to each island, this affects your cycling schedule. Bikers are limited to ferries since most high speed boats tend not to accommodate bicycles because they lack hulls for vehicles.
Day 1: Syros
Depart from Piraeus an early morning ferry to Ermoupoli, the picturesque capital of the Cyclades. Admire the neoclassical buildings, an opera house and the casino adjacent to a church. Choice to walk up to Ano Syro, the charming medieval, carfree neighborhood or take a quick warm-up ride to Kambos in the barely populated north end of the island. 20 km, 12 miles
Day 2: Syros
The cycling route takes you counterclockwise on a loop of the southern portion of the island. A half dozen or beaches beckon you to stop en route but wait till Vari Beach which is the best spot for lunch and swimming. 36 km, 22 miles
Day 3: Options to go to Tinos, Mykonos, an extra day on Paros or an extra day on Naxos
Mykonos is famous for its all night parties, shopping and beaches but it is not really a biking destination. Cyclists opt for Mykonos to visit the nearby World Heritage site of Delos Island. Tinos is also a choice with scant foreign tourists. Cyclists are rewarded biking in traditional villages that feature basket makers, Venetian era dovecotes, marble sculptors and windmills. It is easy to spend 3 days or Paros or Naxos as both have a large network of paved roads to choose from. Ask us for more info about Day 3 options.
Day 4: Paros
Take the morning boat to ancient Delos island, a World Heritage Site sanctuary with no cars or roads. A mid-afternoon ferry lands you in Paros at Parikia port with its charming windmill roundabout. Bike the back road to your seaside accommodations in Naoussa. 10.50 km, 6.50 miles After hotel check-in, bike to the isolated tip of the island to take a forty minute hike on a raw beauty dirt path to Korakas Lighthouse built in 1887. 4.47 km, 2.7 miles
Day 5: Paros
Lots of cycling options. Make a loop around Paros, stopping at the delightful Valley of the Butterflies atop a hill in a surprisingly woody area. 56 km, 35 miles. Or take a short ferry to Antiparos island to bike to the famous Antiparos Cave and get another work-out walking up and down its 400 steps. 61 km, 38 miles (long version)
Day 6: Naxos
A morning ride to Lefkes, the highest town in Paros and perhaps its prettiest with colorful homes and shops. 21.60 km, 13.40 miles. A short 45 minute ferry transfer brings you to Naxos, the greenest of the Cycladic islands. Afternoon biking options: Agia Anna Beach 11 km, 6.80 miles or the olive oil museum in Eggares 18 km, 11 miles or Alyki pine forest 45 km, 28 miles
Day 7: Naxos
A morning ride inland to see an impressive kouros unfinished in its quarry. Continue to Halki an adorable little village famous for its kitron liqueur made from lemon leaves. Bike further to Aria springs and hike to Za Cave. 48.60 km, 30 miles For ambitious cyclists, challenge yourself to circle the island 82 km, 51 miles
Day 8: Departure
Whether you are leaving Naxos by boat or air, you have time for a morning ride to Dimitra Sanctuary to see the restored pagan temple and Byzantine church. Start the ride by 8:30 am and there’s time enough to shower before check-out at noon and head to the port or airport. 35 km, 21.80 miles
Four Night Santorini Add-On, All Inclusive
After biking the Cyclades islands, cap it off by visiting the famous cliffs of Santorini, and its lesser known island, Therasia. Hi
ghlights include:
- Wine tastings & traditional Greek cooking class
- Caldera sailing to hot springs with warm mud
- Hikes to Ancient Thira & Oia atop the caldera ridge
- Swimming at Red Beach & sunset harbor dining.
Day 1: Leaving Naxos you take a two hour high speed ferry to Santorini. Your first glimpse of the volcanic caldera cliffs from the ferry are enchanting, looking like vanilla icing on a long cake. Take a late afternoon 2 hour hike on the caldera ridge, arriving in Oia to catch an incomparable sunset.
Day 2: The day is consumed by a Cyclades cooking class in Pyrgos where you are introduced to the unique foods of the region, including white eggplants and tiny tomatoes. Learn to make four different appetizers, an entree and dessert. The class includes wine tasting and a sumptuous lunch.
Day 3 A day full of culture: an hour hike up to the 7th century BC ruins of Ancient Thira, a tour of a renovated winery that is now a contemporary art gallery, a visit in an underground wine museum with Santorini’s oldest wine press and a walk-through of the local museum with finely preserved Minoan frescos.
Day 4: Take a “party boat” (other passengers) to the center of the caldera where you walk the 20 minute path up the volcano and see the emitting smoke, smell the sulphur. The boat stops for a swim in thermal healing waters and lather yourself with warm sea mud. Lunch on Therasia island.
Day 5: Departure daily flights to Athens
COST
2600 euros per person for up to 4 persons based on double occupancy
1050 euros for single supplement
INCLUSIONS
Accommodations: 4 nights in 4 star hotel on the caldera with daily breakfast
Guide Company guide to act as tour leader, accompany you on all scheduled activities, lead the hikes
Meals 4 dinners and 4 lunches
Ferries transfer from Naxos, boats to/from Therasia
Land Transfers on arrival from port to hotel and on departure from hotel to airport
Cooking class traditional Cyclades cooking class includes gourmet lunch and wine tasting
Wine tasting two sessions at local wineries
Land excursion Full day. Private vehicle, destinations include Ancient Thira, wine museum, folk museum, art gallery, entry fees
Sea Excursion Full day. “Party boat” (meaning other passengers). Includes entry fees and lunch.
EXCLUSIONS
* All dinners
* Travel Insurance. See Extras tab
Cost in euros based on double occupancy
| 1-2 riders |
2480 euros per person |
| 3-4 riders |
2350 euros |
| Single Supplement |
950 euros |
TOUR INCLUSIONS
7 nights Accommodations: 3-4 star hotels, primarily family owned and operated, ranging from boutique hotels to seaside upscale hotels. Tasteful, clean, air-conditioned, private bath, abundant hospitality, comfort. All accommodations are standard doubles with option for upgrade. All accommodations serve breakfast, usually buffet style. Tour prices are based on double occupancy. See Accommodations tab to request more info about tour’s accommodations
Ferry transfers: Pireaus to Syros, then to Mykonos or Tinos, then to Paros then to Naxos
Luggage transfers: luggage transfers on each overnight island to and from the ports
Bikes: Specialized road bike. Triple chain ring, 27 gears, carbon fiber fork. Upgrade to a carbon bike for 50 euros a day. Electric bikes are available as an upgrade for 50 euros a day. Regular pedals or toe clips on request. You are welcome to bring your own clip-in pedals and shoes. See Our Bikes and Our Gear
Bike gear: 2 water bottles, helmet, handlebar pouch, lock, rear rack on request For hygienic purposes we encourage you to bring your own helmet.
Bike tools: hand pump, patch kit, tire irons, spare tube, multi-tool. One set per group.
Bike Routes Options (1) RideWithGPS tour routes to upload to your iphone or Android with voice narration – bike mount on request (2) GPX tracks to download to your device – bring your own bike mount
Color copies of Distance Elevation Profiles
Maps of each island
Meals: Breakfasts are included at each hotel.
Trip packet: useful and interesting information about the region
CycleGreece jersey: short sleeved, rear pockets, locally made
Gratuities, tips and 24% VAT taxes
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
• International airfare to/from Greece
• Transfers from Athens Airport to Athens – see Extras tab
• All meals except breakfast
• Departure flight or boat from Naxos to Athens or to other destinations at tour’s end
• Excursion to Delos island (about 40 or 50 euros)
• Travel insurance – see Extras tab
TAKE NOTE
- Participants are required to sign our Waiver
- Participants are required to agree to the Booking Agreement
- Travel Insurance is required as a condition for participation in a CycleGreece tour
Electric Bike
Carbon Road Bike
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is required to participate in a CycleGreece tour. For comparative rates see Insure My Trip. Cost of coverage depends on various factors including your state or residence, your age, dates of travel. Travel insurance is not provided for flights booked using frequent flyer mileage. Some policies require booking within 15 days of paying your trip deposit, such as, cancel for any reason or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
Airport Transfer On Arrival
- Private transfer from Athens Airport to Athens hotel. You are met at the arrivals exit by one of our team holding a sign with your name on it. We wait for you regardless of how late your plane may arrive. No waiting in taxi or bus lines. 170 euros per transfer for up to 8 persons.
Accommodations
An indicative hotel for Cyclades tour is Nissaki Beach Hotel located directly on the beach in Naxos main town.
We select the accommodations for guided tours based on quality, comfort, cleanliness, hospitality, location and charm. Most of the hotels on this tour are family owned and operated. They all have wi-fi and all but one has a swimming pool. They are all near the sea and within walking or biking distance to a beach.
Hotels are included in the tour cost based on double occupancy. A single room entails an additional cost. Standard double rooms are provided but upgrade options are available.
All hotels are dependent on availability. In the event of no occupancy, we patronize comparable accommodations in the same location.
Self-Guided tours require a deposit of 400 euros per person with the balance due 90 days prior to departure.
To make payment, we must first set up your online account. Once your itinerary and cost are finalized, go to the Book Now link which takes you to the secure Aegea Booking page to input your credit card information via PayPal. You may pay with a major credit card or Visa or Mastercard debit card or a PayPal account if you have one. You have the option to pay in euros other currencies. We pay all bank service fees although your credit card company may charge you a foreign transaction fee.
Alternatively, if you are reluctant to pay online, we can take your credit card information by phone. Please contact us to arrange a mutually convenient date and time for us to call you. We can also give you our bank account details if you opt to pay by bank wire transfer which usually has lower fees than those charged by a credit card company .
See details in the Booking Agreement which you must agree as a condition to participation in a CycleGreece tour. Participants are also required to sign a Waiver & Release of Liability.
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