Things to do in Cyclades, Greece

Embark on a full-day guided tour of Santorini's highlights. Visit the iconic blue-domed churches of Oia, admire the views from Profitis Ilias, and relax on the shores of Perissa Beach before some well-deserved wine tasting. After pickup from your hotel, board the luxury coach and drive to Profitis Ilias, the highest point on the island. Take in an incredible panorama of the entire island of Santorini, and the stunning deep blue color of the Aegean Sea while learning about the island´s fascinating volcanic history. Wander around the courtyard of the 18th-century monastery that sits on top of the mountain. Then visit the Saint Nektarios chapel and enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings. Continue to the village of Pyrgos, a hidden gem of Santorini. Wander through its winding alleys and immerse yourself in its traditional atmosphere. See typical houses, blue-domed churches, and quaint shops. Walk up to its imposing castle for beautiful vistas of the surrounding area. The next stop is Emporio, where you will join a guided walk and visit the small Venetian fortress. Feel like you’re on the set of Mamma Mia as you discover the many doorways, windows, alleys, and arches of this picturesque medieval village. Continue to Perissa Beach, also known as Black Beach. Here, there will be plenty of free time to go swimming in the sea or have lunch at one of the Greek tavernas facing the beach. Take the opportunity to taste local Santorinian wine, one of the most famous products of the island. Learn about the winemaking process and enjoy a private wine tasting session of 3 wines made of local grape varieties. In the early evening, arrive at the cliff-top village of Oia with its famous blue-domed churches. Embark on a guided walk from Saint George's Church in the most peaceful part of Oia. Learn about Oia´s glorious maritime past and admire elegant captains' mansions and cave-like houses along the way. Once at the bustling castle area, enjoy some free time to take some photos, shop, or have a relaxing drink. Finally, watch an incredible sunset before meeting up with your guide opposite Platsani Church. Board the bus for a relaxing evening journey with drop-off back at your hotel.

Drop anchor on a luxury catamaran tour around the Santorini caldera while enjoying a delicious traditional meal with refreshing drinks from the open bar. Sail in the morning or at sunset on a cruise with a maximum of 20 guests. After being picked up from your hotel, unwind as you’re taken straight to the port. Take advantage of the snorkeling opportunity with a half-hour stop off the coast of Red Beach, plus 1.5 hours to snorkel in the sea caves of White Beach. Bathe in the lagoon’s hot springs and snorkel in clear waters. Taste the flavors of Greece on board a menu of local Santorini delicacies for lunch or dinner, depending on the time of day you choose, with meat and vegetarian options. The menu includes barbecue skewers, dolmadakia (rice-stuffed vine leaves), Greek salad, and other local dishes. Sit back and unwind with a post-meal cocktail and music. Stay refreshed with unlimited drinks on board, including local white wine, Greek beer, and soft drinks. Continue past the two uninhabited volcano islands of Palia Kameni and Nea Kameni and take in other sights such as Aspronisi island and the Akrotiri lighthouse. Later the cruise sails in the caldera below the town of Fira and past the old port. If you chose the late afternoon option, stop below the village of Oia and be wowed by the striking sunset lights adorning the skies with vibrant, pastel colors. This is sure to be an unforgettable highlight to an already unforgettable cruise experience. At the end of your Santorini excursion, relax as your minibus driver conveniently drops you back at your hotel.

Cruise aboard a spacious and luxurious catamaran and experience views of Santorini’s landscape. Stop at the day at the famous Red Beach Start with pickup and travel by minibus to the marina of Vlychada where the half-day cruise begins. Meet the crew and be welcomed on board with a glass of wine or a soft drink. Set sail towards the island's colorful beaches while the guide on board will share insights into the history of Santorini and the geological events that created Santorini’s rugged landscape and its surrounding islands. Your first stop of the day will be at the famous Red Beach. Enjoy time to swim, snorkel, and take pictures of its reddish hues and wild cliff formations. The first mezedes (finger food) are offered when you get back on board to continue your trip. Admire stunning views of the sandy shores of White Beach, surrounded by bright limestone cliffs, followed by a short stop for pictures of the caves and impressive rock formations of the Indian Rocks, which can only be reached by boat. Cruise past the 18th-century Venetian Lighthouse of Akrotiri, located on the southwestern tip of the island, and continue your sailing journey by entering the waters of Santorini’s caldera. Head towards the renowned volcano for the second stop of the day at the sulfur-rich hot springs. Take a relaxing dip into its healing and detoxifying waters. Back on board, enjoy the view of Santorini, a postcard-perfect portrait of the villages on the cliff. Set sail again towards the last stop for another swimming and snorkeling opportunity in the crystal-clear waters of Mesa Pigadia. Meanwhile, the crew will be setting the table for the delicious lunch for you to enjoy after your swim. The menu features BBQ chicken, Neapolitan pasta, Greek Salad, Vegetarian meals such as Greek Ratatouille, a traditional Greek dessert, and an open white wine bar that also serves unlimited soft drinks, and water. Then, sail back to Vlychada where your driver will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Santorini.

Sail from Athinios Port to small islands that are home to volcanos, hot springs, and traditional villages. Enjoy some free time on each island, enjoy the fantastic views and charming atmospheres of typical Greek countryside. Set sail from Athinios and enjoy live commentary on board throughout the journey. First stop at Nea Kameni where you can take the path to the crater of the active volcano as you enjoy free time to explore the island. Next, head to Palea Kameni, and swim in the volcanic hot springs. Return to the boat for a short sail to Thirassia, where you’ll have free time to explore this charming village. Then, visit Manolas, accessed by winding stairs, or by a donkey ride up to the village. There is the option of extending the tour in Oia to admire the panoramic views and a spectacular sunset. If this option is selected, after the end of the boat ride you will be transferred to Oia. Please meet your bus at the meeting point 15 minutes after the sunset.

Discover Santorini's wine culture on a guided wine-tasting tour. Visit 3 traditional wineries, sample as many as 12 different wine varieties paired with local delicacies, and enjoy the convenience of a pickup and drop-off service from your accommodation. Explore volcanic vineyards and distinctive wine cellars alongside an expert guide. Learn about the island’s distinct viticulture that produces some of the crispest and seductively sweet wines in the Mediterranean. Be treated to pairings of cheeses and snacks, including local treats, as you taste the major wine styles of Santorini, such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto Admire beautiful seaside and countryside landscapes. If your tour is in the late afternoon, be rewarded with striking sunset views. At the end of this unique tour experience, sit back and relax as you are driven back to your hotel or accommodation.

Visit the most acclaimed wine estates on the island of Santorini and sample 12 different wines produced in the local wineries. Learn about the 3,500-year history of wine making on the volcanic island, starting at a vineyard located on the unique soils with traditional basket vines. Hear about the local viticulture that makes Santorini a world heritage site for wine production. Visit 3 distinct wine estates, such as the Argyros estate or Art Space Winery, the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum, Venetsanos Winery or Gavalas Estate Winery. Taste organic wines, such as Nykteri, Assyrtiko, and Vinsanto, with local delicacies including cheese and olives.   

Discover the ancient ruins on the island of Delos with this boat tour from Mykonos. See sights like the house of Dionysus, the Colossus of the Naxians, and the Temple of Apollo. Step back in time as you stroll through the ruins of a market. Start your morning tour with a 30-minute boat ride from Mykonos to Delos. Once you arrive on Delos you will receive an introduction to the ancient and sacred site. With your guide, you will explore the narrow city streets. Marvel at the impressive house of Dionysus and the exceptional mosaics, well-preserved marble columns, and wall paintings. See other monuments in the urban area, including the Theater of Delos. Take a walk along the main street to the market and the sanctuary zone. Here you’ll find the Stoa of Phillipe, the Propylaia, the Colossus of the Naxians, and the Temple of Apollo.

Explore the clear Mediterranean waters of the Santorini Caldera on a brand new Lagoon 450 catamaran. Make 2 swimming and snorkeling stops, then feast on a barbecue meal.  Once out on the water, the first stop of the tour will be a 30-minute visit to Red Beach, so named for its bright sand. After some relaxed swimming and great snorkeling, get back aboard the sailboat and continue to White Beach, featuring equally striking rock colors and more excellent swimming and snorkeling.  After swimming, the crew members will serve a delicious barbecue meal onboard. From there, take some time to take in the views from the beach before sailing past the beautiful uninhabited islands of Aspronissi and Akrotiri.  The tour's last stop will be at the hot springs for 30 minutes of relaxation, with the chance to go for a soak in the springs. The tour finishes at the port where you'll board a minibus for a transfer.

Spend your day exploring Milos Island and the uninhabited island of Polyaigos. Enjoy lunch and drinks and stops to swim in crystal clear blue waters. Your journey from Adamas and make your way to the colorful fishing villages of Adamas Gulf and Arkoudes. On the northern side of the island, admire the famous lunar landscape of Sarakiniko and the volcanic islands of Glaronissia. Stop for a swim on Polyaigos Island before sailing to eastern Milos to learn about the history of the Sulfur Mines at Thiorichia. Stop for a swim in the emerald waters of Gerakas and then head to the famous Kleftiko, an old hideout for pirates to snorkel in its caves. Before leaving Kleftiko, enjoy lunch in its unique landscape. Next, see the Cave of Sykia, with its collapsed roof, as well as the western side of Milos, which is only accessible by boat. See the old manganese mine of Cape Vani before returning to the port of Adamas around 7 PM.

Discover the coastline and beaches of Milos on a full-day guided cruise from Adamas. Swim and snorkel around the old pirate bay of Kleftiko with the gear provided. Savor a Greek lunch with drinks, and make another swim stop at Agios Dimitrios before admiring the sunset from the deck. Start from the port of Adamas, and admire the traditional fishing villages as the boat sails. Look out for the Bears, two large bear-shaped rocks at the entrance to the port. Cross the cape of Vani, with its volcanic rock. Sail past the west coast of Milos with its rare flora and fauna, the picturesque beaches of the Agathia, Triades, and Ammoudaraki, and the monastery of Saint John Siderianos.  Enjoy your journey as the ship arrives at Kleftiko with its towering, white limestone rocks of different-colored caves and tunnels lit in differing colors by the reflecting sun. Let the captain drop anchor, put on your masks and fins, and go for a swim in this unique place. Feast on a delicious meal on the return trip as you enjoy the views. There will also be a swim stop at the little church at Agios Dimitrios or at Klima. Admire the sunset across the bay of Adamas as your boat heads back to port and the end of your sailing adventure.