Santorini island hopping cruises to nearby island gems
With so much to see and do in Santorini, it’s easy to forget that this paradise is part of a larger chain of islands – the mighty Cyclades. These mythical isles have conquered the imagination of many throughout the eons, and if you’re planning a visit to Santorini you are well advised to seek the services of Spiridakos Sailing Cruises. The reason is simple. Our decades of experience in sailing around Santorini on guided private and semi-private cruises, as well as Santorini island hopping cruises to neighbouring islands, like Milos, Mykonos and Paros amongst the most known. Combine your holidays in Santorini with a visit to other Cycladic islands and get the most out of your experience. Island hopping offers the opportunity to fill your holiday with canvas after canvas of idyllic and pristine seascapes. Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy destinations within our Santorini island hopping cruises.
Anafi
Start with one of the most under-the-radar Cycladic islands, Anafi. The island that gave us the master craftsmen, invited by King Otto to rebuild Athens, as well as the proto-inhabitants of the lovely Anafiotika district on the foothill of the Acropolis. The island itself is pure magic. Its rugged landscapes, from rocky cliffs to sandy shores, invite intrepid souls seeking seclusion. Wander through narrow lanes with whitewashed houses, and discover hidden chapels and panoramic vistas. With its unspoiled beauty and untouched charm, Anafi offers a serene sanctuary away from the bustling world.
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Ios
For those who want to experience a livelier side of Greece, Ios offers fun and sun in spades. While not exactly a party hotspot like Mykonos and lately, Paros, Ios has been a staple of young partygoers for years. Its bustling town pulses with lively bars and tavernas, offering a vibrant nightlife. But if you venture beyond, you’ll discover serene beaches with crystalline waters and golden sands, as well as a rich history found in ancient ruins, adding depth to this island paradise. Ios weaves a tapestry of contrasts – a harmonious blend of revelry and tranquillity.
Credit: Photo by Nikolaos Anastasopoulos on Unsplash
Sikinos
Take a Greek island hopping cruise from Santorini to Sikinos, quite possibly the least known of the Cyclades (and that is saying something), and get acquainted with a sound you might have missed; silence. Its untouched beauty unfolds in quaint villages cascading down rugged hills, charming cobblestone streets and ancient sites, like the monastery of Episkopi. With secluded beaches and panoramic vistas, Sikinos invites anyone seeking serenity amidst an unspoiled Grecian landscape that is sure to stay etched in your mind.
Folegandros
With dramatic beauty similar to Santorini, Folegandros has been on the up and up and is no longer considered a hidden secret. But that shouldn’t discourage you from boarding a Santorini island hopping cruise to discover the majestic, main village, Chora, perched atop cliffs, boasting panoramic views and winding alleys for yourself. The island’s pristine beaches, like Agali and Katergo, offer otherworldly tranquil escapes. Meanwhile, ancient paths leading to hidden chapels are superb viewing spots to admire the sunset from higher ground – a serene haven for those seeking authentic Greek island beauty.
Milos
Another one for the holiday books, and, as holidays in Greece revolve around the holy trinity of sun, sea and sand, Milos has all three, and then some. It is one of the best beach holiday destinations in Greece, boasting 70 plus superb beaches, scattered across its 150,6 km². Its volcanic origins give the island unique lunar-like landscapes and surreal rock formations, such as the iconic Sarakiniko beach. Picturesque villages like Polonia and Klima exude Cycladic charm while catacombs and ancient theatres reflect the island’s long history. Milos enchants with its diversity, beckoning adventurers to uncover its geological and historical treasures. And it is one of the best islands to discover by sea vessel – many of its brilliant beaches are not accessible or challenging to reach by land.
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Naxos
If you want to discover one of the most unique Greek destinations, then a Santorini island hopping cruise to Naxos with Spiridakos will open your eyes to the most fertile and self-sufficient of the Cyclades islands, Naxos. It is also the largest, with a vibrant main town that buzzes with life, and the iconic 6th century B.C. ruins of a temple to Apollo welcoming visitors at the harbor. Endless stretches of golden sands, like Vigla and Alikes tempt sun-seekers, while inland, emerald valleys and mountainous terrain are ripe for exploration. In Naxos, you’ll find a harmonious blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant energy, as well as a food scene that will blow the lid clean off your taste buds.
Credit: Photo by Evangelos Mpikakis on Unsplash
Paros
In Paros, a popular destination on our Santorini island hopping cruises, you’ll discover the true meaning of all-around inclusiveness of moods. This Cycladic island caters to all and sundry with its breathtaking mix of fun, sun and nightlife. Families can delight in the endless watersports fun at several beach locations, the young can find their groove in Pounda Bay, while the settlement of Parikia and cobble-stone paths of Naoussa beckon you to explore them by foot. Similarly, historic sites such as the Panagia Ekatontapiliani church are a great way to connect with nature, and as usual, the traditional whitewashed houses are a staple everywhere on the island.
Mykonos
Mykonos needs no introductions. One of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, synonymous with revelry and parties the stories of which are for the ages. And it is one of the top picks on our Santorini island hopping cruises, especially amongst young couples and groups of friends. By all means, it is an adult playground extraordinaire, so pick your nome de guerre and waltz into the fray. You’ll be wooed by the surging vibe of Super Paradise Beach and Cavo Paradiso, but also discover the less busy coves of this otherwise boisterous island. Of course, you could opt to take it easy, and frequent the less busy coves where we drop anchor, not to mention proximity to the sacred island of Delos close by.
Credit: Photo by Dimitris Kiriakakis on Unsplash
Koufonisia
Head to the twin islets of Koufonisia -Ano and Kato Koufonisi, part of the affectionately called Smaller Cyclades. There, the authentic side of Greece is still within grasp, offering pristine beaches kissed by turquoise waters, like Pori and Fanos, and quaint villages, immersing in their singular charm. With a laid-back vibe and unspoiled beauty, Koufonisia invites escapades seeking serenity amidst the raw, natural beauty of the Aegean. This island is still somewhat off the tourist trail, so add them to the itinerary of your next Santorini island hopping cruise and don’t look back.
Visiting Santorini is a dream come true for plenty of visitors to Greece, and rightly so. But why settle for one, albeit astonishing island, when you can see a handful more. Spiridakos Sailing Cruises is a beacon of experience and knowledge when it comes to navigating the Aegean, specializing with showing you the finest of Santorini and Santorini island hopping cruises to nearby island gems that should not escape your radar.
