Cyclades is not only about sand, sun and sea. Enjoy great hiking routes through the inland, ending at magical beaches. Cross small villages to experience old traditions of local people. Traditions that you can reveal only when truly mingling with the locals h

 1. Andros Island

The island of captains and sailors. The northernmost island of the Cyclades archipelago lies only a couple of hours by ferry from Rafina port. The natural landscape with lush vegetation, the imposing mountains, the virgin beaches, its Nautical museum and the rural villages make this island an irresistible travel experience. Andros has an impressive network of 170km of restored and marked hiking routes according to European standards, that offers varied landscapes from green vegetation with gushing waterfalls and rugged mountains, till ancient walled terraces that will take you to a sandy beach on the shores of the Aegean. Here you can find the most water springs and vegetation in Cyclades, that’s why there are so many trekking routes to choose from!

2. Sifnos Island

Love at first sight! The soothing atmosphere, the scented air with orange and almond aromas, the white-washed villages and the tiny chapels on the edge of rocks will capture your senses.  Sifnos has a varied landscape for its size with olive groves and wild. The best way to explore the island is certainly on foot, taking advantage of the numerous trails. Few years back, the old cobblestoned trails that connected the villages were restored, offering authentic hiking experience. Climbing is also popular on the island. Enjoy local celebrations, traditional tastes and the famously friendly local society.

3. Kythnos Island.

Here you will find the meaning of life, where simplicity and charm are the main ingredients! Kythos is one of the less visited Cycladic islands with iconic and picturesque villages and more than 100 beautiful beaches to pick from. It offers an ideal hiking experience with extensive path trails that will pass you through settlements, churches, windmills, castle ruins, thermal springs and caves in the old mines. Don’t miss the easy trek to Kolona beach, one of the best in Greece, that will surely blow your mind. Discover the many local treasures by walking on the island!

4. Santorini Island.

Welcome to the precious gem of the Aegean, the incredible and unique Santorini! Enjoy stunning sunsets from its world famous Caldera, breathtaking landscapes, volcanic beaches, traditional culinary delicacies and villages’ distinctive atmosphere. Now imagine that you can walk on the edge of those cliffs, along the rim of the caldera through the villages of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia. Admire the endless blue of the sea, the black and red beaches and the unique sunset. The paths of Santorini is a must do activity to experience the true and pure beauty of the island.

5. Kea Island.

Kea or Tzia is an island full of beauty and cultural tradition. Regarded as the “gate of the Cyclades”, the island is also a paradise for hikers as it offers more than 15 well-preserved trekking routes that connect the villages, picturesque chapels and beaches. Check out the suggested routes and let Kea reveal to you its natural beauty and its enchanting history. Ideal destination for travelers who search for a trekking island for 1-2 days.

6. Amorgos Island.

Amorgos is known for its deep blue sea, whitewashed houses, wild and dramatic nature with herbs. Once you set your foot here, you will feel the wind of change. Located far away from the rest of Cycladic islands, you feel isolated, but you need less than 1 hour to be welcomed by the local people. Hospitality is the most important value of this island. Being one of the biggest islands of Cyclades, there are many beaches to explore and even more villages to discover. And you can do that by hiking the beautiful walking paths, called “the blue paths”, because whatever trail you walk, it offers fantastic views over the Aegean sea. There are hiking tracks for all levels and the seven main paths are marked with signs. Enjoy it!

7. Tinos Island.

Located on the northern side of Cyclades, Tinos is one of the most enchanting islands. Picturesque villages, Cycladic dovecote’s houses, stone-made churches, create a unique atmosphere that never fails to captivate the visitors. The big Monastery of Panagia Megalochari gives to the island a religious significance. The old trails that used to connect the villages reopened, so you can explore Tinos by walking through the charming island’s scenery, taking  you past dams, archaeological sites, monasteries, folk museums, a Venetian castle, dozens of dovecotes and even spherical boulders whose origin remain a mystery.

These are the best island choices for those who desire to combine the stunning beaches of Cyclades with some trekking routes and to discover hidden gems of Greek nature and culture by foot.

Would you like to get more details to experience one of the above incredible hiking trips? Send a request and our hiking consultant will suggest the ideal itinerary for you!

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Here are some of our favourite less known islands and mainland regions for an unforgettable honeymoon in Greece:

1. Milos Island

Among Greeks Milos is considered the most exotic and romantic island in Cyclades, with unparalleled sunsets and incredible beaches. Milos is located in south Cyclades, in the middle of the Aegean sea, only 4 hours from Piraeus port by high-speed ferry. Its volcanic landscape has created a sight beyond one’s imagination with pink, orange, red and dazzling white rock formations even more vibrant against the background of turquoise water. The highlights of Milos are the two famous beaches Sarakiniko and Kleftiko, with their white rock formations, emerald green waters and caves eroded by the sea. Don’t miss to discover an astonishing array of beaches with a sailboat or speedboat. Amongst all the incredible islands of Greece, Milos is unique.

2. Zagori Region

Ideal romantic getaway for an alternative and adventurous honeymoon trip. Explore the colossal mountains, forest canopies, stone bridges, dramatic gorges, dragon lakes, old monasteries and picturesque villages. Located in northwest Greece, surrounded by Pindus mountain range, you will fall in love with the charming Zagorochoria villages nestled in the heart of nature. These beautiful villages stand out for their trademark traditional architecture, culture, history and rustic setting. Don’t miss to enjoy a number of cool activities, like rafting, hiking, climbing and horse riding!

3. Folegandros Island

If you crave for a bit of serenity, to escape the routine and bustling life of a cosmopolitan city, then Folegandros is exactly the type of island that you’re looking for. Tranquil, photogenic and well balanced. A honeymoon filled with long lazy lunches in a charming seaside tavern, the everlasting sound of the waves lapping on the shore and quiet evenings spent in the charming capital of Chora. Don’t miss to ascend to the church of Santa Maria, built on the highest point of Folegandros, enjoying the best sunset of your life! Without a doubt, Folegandros is the ideal honeymoon island.

4. Monemvasia Medieval Village

Have you ever stayed in a castle? Monemvasia is the famous fortress city of Greece

Have you ever stayed in a castle? Monemvasia is the famous fortress city of Greece. Located in south Peloponnese, Monemvasia has long been a favourite with couples attracted by the variety of options available for recreation in a striking landscape, with plenty of luxury accommodation choices in a romantic atmosphere. The ideal setting for an unforgettable honeymoon. It’s also a great point to explore the treasures of south Peloponnese, the mesmerising beaches, the historical sites and the highlands of Lakonia. The medieval atmosphere will surely fascinate you!

5. Kefalonia Island

The princess of Ionian islands, Kefalonia is waiting for you! The colorful villages, the blue-green water and the sandy beaches surrounded by pine trees, will give you a different scenery of Greece. Luxury accommodation, excellent services, world class restaurants and stunning beaches are the main characteristics of this beautiful island.  Kefalonia is the perfect destination for a romantic honeymoon or couples’ getaway. Modern life and tradition blend nicely offering a most relaxing holiday. Don’t miss to taste a bottle of the world famous wine Robolla.

6. Pelion Region

This region is a miniature of the entire Greece. It’s a place which combines stunning mountain landscapes and beautiful coastal strips. Explore traditional stone built villages, ski slopes, mythical caves, heavenly beaches and dense forests. Here you can celebrate your honeymoon trip every season of the year and to enjoy sandy beaches both in the Pagasitikos gulf and the Aegean. Also called “the balcony of Aegean sea”, Pelion is awaiting to be revealed! Don’t miss to enjoy a number of outdoor activities and taste local delicacies.

Plan an unforgettable honeymoon in Greece where your options are nearly endless. Our honeymoon specialists will send you some personalized options with opportunities to visit bucket-list islands like Santorini and Crete as well as hidden gems like Milos, Folegandros and Amorgos too, spending a day or two in Athens to visit the world famous monuments and to experience modern Greek urban life.

The post Best Honeymoon Destinations in Greece  appeared first on My Greece.

Below you can find 8 top regions of Greece that you should not miss, from Thrace in the north and Epirus in the west till Peloponnese, Crete, Karpathos and Dodecanese islands in the south, together with the two sacred mountains of Greece, the mythical Mt. Olympus and the holy Mt. Athos.

During our tours, you will have enough time to explore all the listed attractions, to meet the locals, to taste traditional food and to relax and escape from daily habits. Our tours include accommodation and pick up service. Browse through our selection to create your dream trip to Greece!

1. Zagori villages & Vikos Gorge, 3 days.

To visit and fully explore the majestic region of Zagori, you need at least 3 days. More than 20 charming villages with unique mountain architecture, surrounded by forests and rivers, with the high peaks of Astraka mountain and the deepest canyon of Europe, the Zagorochoria villages are going to fascinate you! During our tour we will pass the old stone bridges, hike to the monasteries carved into the mountains and enjoy the lush vegetation that depicts the pure and seductive region, ideal for all seasons. Don’t miss to enjoy great outdoor activities, like horse riding and rafting, and relax by the fireplace at a traditional guesthouse or renovated old mansion!

2. Mt. Olympus, A mythical escape, 3 days.

The highest point of Greece and the mythical home of the 12 Olympian gods of Greek mythology, Mt. Olympus is a must-visit experience for any traveler! God Zeus lives at 2.918 meters, on the summit of Olympus and he is known for his hospitality, welcoming all citizens of this world. There is much to discover even if you don’t make it to the summit. We will trek the gentle paths of Enipeas canyon with hidden corners, towering trees, wildflowers and unruly rocks, below and above the clouds. Don’t miss to hike the plateau of Mouses and the throne of Zeus, enjoying the cozy refuges and the stunning views from the slopes. The charming village of Litochoro and the sandy beach of the riviera just 30 minutes away, complete the full summer experience!

3. Thrace, the secret part of Greece, 5 days

Thrace region is located in the northeastern part of Greece, where two continents, three countries and many cultures and ecosystems meet and coexist for centuries. This is the reason why this place is so mysterious and wild! Amazing, virgin nature, authentic villages, exotic tastes with Anatolian influences, ancient sites and multicultural people are the main characteristics of this region. We will visit the wetland of Vistonida lake, the 60 meters tall waterfall of Livaditis, the old town of Xanthi, the enchanting Nestos river, the rocks of Thracian Meteora, the bird sanctuary of Dadia, the Evros river delta and the unique civilization of The Pomak race. Come along this unique trip that will show you a different and less travelled Greece.

4. Hidden gems of Mount Athos, 5 days

Mount Athos is not only one of the highest summits of Greece, but most importantly it is the center of the Eastern Orthodox Monasticism. It is home to 20 monasteries, where more than 2000 monks from Greece and Eastern Europe live, dedicating their life to the religion. Located at the easternmost “leg” of the Halkidiki peninsula, the monastic state is an important pilgrimage place and region of wild and beautiful nature. Although dedicated to Virgin Mary, females are forbidden to enter. All males can enter the holy region, regardless of faith or nationality, by obtaining a permit. During our 5 day tour, we will hike around the mountain, stay in various monasteries, meet the hermits in their caves and live with the monks. A truly unforgettable experience!

5. Splendors of Crete & Samaria Gorge, 7 days

Crete is the biggest island of Greece, renowned for its wild natural beauty, friendly local people, exquisite cuisine, amazing beaches, rich culture and history of thousands of years! Our signature trip will guide you through the main archeological sites of Knossos and Phaistos, coastal cities, mountain villages and stunning beaches, like Elafonisi and Balos. You will have time to meet the hospitable Cretan people, to taste local delicacies and enjoy the vibrant images of nature and the Aegean sea. Of course we will trek across the famous Samaria gorge, one of the must-living experiences of Greece!

6. Dodecanese island tour, 9 days

Located in the southeastern part of Aegean sea, a dozen of beautiful islands will capture your senses, all with their distinctive character and unique beauty! Here you will experience some of the best beaches of Greece, with rich local culture and history. During our island hopping tour, we will visit important archaeological sites and castles, cosmopolitan coastal cities, abandoned villages, unexplored islets, exotic beaches and stunning picturesque landscapes. Enjoy the original Greek summer with this superb island hopping tour through local history and Aegean bliss!

7. Peloponnese, 5-8 days

The Peloponnese region is the most popular travel destination of the Greek mainland, as it lies close to Athens and offers some of the best archeological sites of the country, including Olympia, Epidaurus and Mycenae, among others. It’s the land of Ancient Sparta and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Our tours will also guide you through the renowned sites of Mystra, Monemvasia and Nafplio. Surrounded by sea, you will have time to enjoy amazing beaches and stunning sea vistas. We also offer less travelled destinations, like the Mani peninsula, Elafonisos island and the scenic mountain villages with great natural escapes to beautiful lakes and rivers. Peloponnese offers an unparalleled travel experience, ideal as a year-round destination.

8. Karpathos island, 7 days

An ideal choice for those who desire to combine summer holidays with trekking experience, living traditions, rare ecosystem, colourful festivals and music. Karpathos is an island of untouched and wild natural beauty, sculpted by the everlasting Aegean wind and local customs. During our tour we will trek through cobblestone paths, visit its ancient acropolis, caves and churches, before relaxing in traditional tavernas, tasting seafood and relishing both the sun and the amazing deep-blue sea. Located in the south Aegean sea, far away from any other island or mainland, you will have enough time to relax and admire the dramatic vistas. The simplicity of the island and its hospitality will make you feel like at home.

On our signature tours, we welcome participants of all ages. Solo travellers, couples, families, and groups of friends are all welcome. If you have any difficulty participating in any of our above listed activities, you are more than welcome to skip it. You can use the time to explore the surrounding area or simply take a break.

Choose from our preferred tours, or hit the trails on one of our awesome multi-day self drive tours.

The post Top Multi-day Tours in Greece  appeared first on My Greece.