How to Island Hop Between Mykonos, Paros and Naxos: Your Ultimate Greek Island Hopping Escape
How to Island Hop Between Mykonos, Paros and Naxos
Planning an unforgettable Greek island adventure? You're in the right place. I have been to countless Greek islands (Greece is my favourite country!) and island hopping in Greece between Mykonos, Paros and Naxos is one of my favourite journeys and I think they are the best Greek islands for first timers!
This is an ideal route that offers beaches, authenticity, culture, and delicious food! This guide will take you through the easiest entry points, ferry routes, how to book Greek ferries online, transport options, estimated costs for both budget and luxury options, plus the best time to experience these Cyclades islands.
Why Mykonos, Paros & Naxos Are the Best Islands to Visit in Greece for Island Hopping
If you’ve ever looked at a ferry map of the Cyclades, you’ll know there are dozens of options and how easy it is to travel between them. So why choose this particular combination?
Mykonos gives you the postcard-famous side of Greece, whitewashed lanes, chic restaurants, iconic windmills, and those beach clubs you’ve probably seen on Instagram.
Paros feels more low-key despite its increasing popularity. It's home to beautiful fishing villages like Naoussa, gorgeous beaches like Kolymbithres, and a slower pace compared to Mykonos despite offering chilled out cocktail bars and seafront restaurants.
Naxos rounds it off with a dose of authenticity and ruggedness. Tt’s the biggest of the three, full of traditional mountain villages, ancient ruins, and long, soft-sand beaches, perfect for long lazy days.
They’re close enough that you won’t spend all day on ferries, yet different enough that each island feels fresh and exciting. That’s why this route works so well, especially for first-timers island hopping in Greece.
Best Entry Point to Start Your Greek Island Hopping Itinerary
Airline vs Ferry Entry
The easiest way to start this itinerary is to fly into Mykonos. The airport has direct summer flights from many European cities, and it’s only 15 minutes from the main port, making your first ferry connection simple or quickly kickstarts your time in Mykonos itself.
Alternatively, you can fly into Athens, take a taxi or bus to Piraeus or Rafina port, and hop on a high-speed ferry to Mykonos.
These ferries typically take around 2.5–4 hours, depending on the operator. Rafina is slightly closer to Athens airport if you want to save time.
Mykonos works best as your first stop because connections onward to Paros and Naxos are frequent and short. It also avoids the hassle of zigzagging back from Naxos or Paros to catch an international flight.
Cyclades Ferry Routes: How to Travel Between Mykonos, Paros & Naxos
Mykonos → Paros → Naxos ferry durations & prices
The ferries in the Greek islands are straightforward and relatively cheap:
Mykonos to Paros ferry: 40–60 minutes on high-speed ferries (€25–30) - search ferries or book here
Paros to Naxos ferry: 25–35 minutes (€6–10) - search ferries or book here
There are direct ferries from Mykonos to Naxos too, but stopping in Paros first breaks up the journey and makes sense geographically.
Best ferry companies for Greek island hopping:
The main operators in this region are Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, and Golden Star Ferries. Blue Star is known for larger, more stable boats, whereas SeaJets offers smaller high-speed catamarans (faster but a bumpier ride). Golden Star often has competitive prices on shorter routes.
How long does it take to travel between Mykonos, Paros and Naxos?
So how to book Greek ferries online? Direct Ferries are always my go to for booking ferries in the Greek Islands, I find them the best value for money.
Book as early as possible for June-September, as popular sailings can sell out weeks in advance, the price increases the closer to departure too!
If you’re travelling outside peak season, you can often buy tickets from the port a day or two before departure.
Always check your email on the day of travel, ferries can be delayed or cancelled due to wind.
Inside the Islands: Highlights of Each
One of the best things about island hopping in the Cyclades is how unique each stop feels, even when the islands are just a short ferry ride apart.
Mykonos, Paros and Naxos all offer a different side of the Cyclades, from world-famous nightlife and stylish beach clubs to quiet fishing harbours, historic ruins, and some of the best beaches in Greece.
Below, I’ve shared what makes each island worth adding to your Greece itinerary, including must-see attractions, local experiences, and a few personal recommendations to help!
Mykonos: More Than Just Nightlife
Start with Mykonos Town (Chora), a maze of whitewashed alleys, colourful bougainvillea, and cosy cafés. Don’t miss Little Venice (especially at golden hour), where waterfront bars sit right on the edge of the Aegean, perfect for sunset drinks with the windmills in view, my favourite way to spend an evening.
Walking around the town is one of the most photogenic experiences in the Cyclades and a highlight of many holidays to Greece.
For beaches, Mykonos has options for everyone. Paradise Beach and Super Paradise are famous for all-day parties, whilst Agios Sostis and Fokos Beach are more secluded and ideal for swimming in clear blue water without the crowds.
If you’re planning island hopping in Greece with kids or family, head to Ornos Beach, which has calm, shallow waters and lots of tavernas right on the sand.
Paros: Relaxed and Charming
Paros often feels like the sweet spot in the Cyclades, it's lively enough to keep you entertained but without the inflated prices and crowds of Mykonos or Santorini.
Parikia is the main port town and a good base for exploring, especially if you don't want to pay the higher prices of Naoussa. It has a beautiful old quarter, Byzantine churches, and is a great place to sit and have a coffee in the mornings.
Just 15 minutes up the coast is Naoussa, a picture-perfect harbour town that many consider the prettiest spot on the island. In the evenings, the cobbled lanes fill with people dining al fresco in the streets or on the waterfront.
When it comes to beaches, Kolymbithres Beach is one of the most unique in Greece due to its sculpted granite rocks and shallow turquoise water which are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. If you prefer something quieter, head to Faragas Beach or take a boat to Antiparos, a smaller neighbouring island with more off-the-beaten-track vibe. These are some of the best places to visit in Paros, especially if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds found on other Greek islands.
Naxos: Authentic Greek Island Life
Naxos is the largest of the three islands on this route, and in my opinion, it’s where you experience the more authentic side of Greece.
Arriving at Naxos Town, you’ll be greeted by the Portara, the remains of an ancient marble temple overlooking the harbour, it’s one of the island’s most famous landmarks and the best place to watch the sunset.
The town itself is bustling but not overwhelming, with a mix of historic alleyways, quaint tavernas, and waterfront cafés.
One of the biggest draws of Naxos is its beaches. Agios Prokopios and Plaka Beach are long, sandy stretches with clear water and space to spread out. If you rent a car, you can find even quieter spots along the west coast, where you will barely see another person.
For anyone planning Greek island hopping with kids, Naxos beaches are ideal thanks to their shallow, calm waters and family-run tavernas that serve home-cooked meals right by the sea.
Getting Around the Islands: Transport Options on Mykonos, Paros & Naxos
Transport options: bus, car hire, ATV, or walking
Mykonos: Regular buses connect beaches and the airport to town. Taxis are limited and expensive, so book in advance or rent a small car.
Paros: Public buses run between main towns, but if you want to beach-hop, hire a scooter or car for a day or two.
Naxos: A car or quad bike is the best way to see the inland villages and remote beaches. Bus routes are good for the main beaches if you prefer not to drive, but due to its large size, I recommend getting a car.
Sample Itineraries: Budget vs Luxury
10 day budget plan
Days 1-3: Mykonos - stay in a guesthouse or small Air bnb, wander the town on foot, cheap eats in side streets. Get around by bus, bring a towel for the beach as sun beds are expensive! Checkout the Pelican Hotel overlooking Mykonos Town, less than £100 per night with gorgeous views and easy access into town on foot or getting the bus to other areas of the island.
Days 3–6: Paros – base yourself in Parikia for affordable ferries and access to beaches. Ayeri Hotel is a 10 minute walk into town, less than £80 a night, and utterly charming! Take the bus to Naoussa one evening, the busses run more than hourly. The bus terminal is next to the ferry port and tickets from Parikia to Naoussa are less than €3 for the 20 minute journey. Grab a gyros from Franks for dinner! Checkout the bus timetable here and enjoy exploring the island for just a few Euros.
Days 6-10: Naxos – book Annio Studios for less than £100 a night if you want to stay on the beach or Elite Suites Naxos in the Chora if you want unlimited access to the restaurants and cocktail bars. Rent a scooter for €20/day and head into the mountains. Dine ar local tavernas in small villages and enjoy homemade dishes for €10.
10 day premium itinerary
Days 1–3: Mykonos – For a bit of luxury on the edge of Mykonos Town, checkout Earth Suites, a gorgeous boutique hotel with sea views and private pools. For something really special, consider Kivotos Mykonos - a luxury hotel on Ornos Beach. For more time on the beach, Scorpios is one of the most famous beach clubs/restaurants, I also really loved SantAnna. Sun beds can be expensive, over €150 for the day and often with a minimum spend.
Days 3–6: Paros – stay in a stylish hotel in Naoussa like Cove Paros or Summer Senses on the beach. Make sure you dine on the beach at Lua in Naoussa if you enjoy freshly caught seafood with your sunset. Take a catamaran boat trip to Antiparos and enjoy the island's gorgeous coastline and cool off in the sea.
Days 6-10: Naxos – stay in a luxury hotel by the beach at the Sea & Olives Suites Hotel near the shoreline of Plaka Beach. Naxos is all about authentic experiences so try your hand at a traditional Greek cooking class!
FAQs - Island Hopping Between Mykonos, Paros and Naxos
How long is the ferry from Mykonos to Paros?
The ferry from Mykonos to Paros takes approximately 35–60 minutes, with multiple daily high-speed services available. Here is my full guide on how to get to Paros.
Do I need to book Greek island ferries in advance?
For June-September, yes. Other months, you can often buy tickets closer to departure or even on the day.
How many days do I need for these three islands?
Don't be like me and try to suqeeze too much into a week. I advise a minimum of 10 days to give you a good taste, 3 nights each on Mykonos and Paros, 4 nights on Naxos.
Can I get around the Cyclades islands without a car?
Yes, public buses cover major routes, but renting a scooter or car gives more flexibility.
Is island hopping expensive in Greece?
It can be affordable if you choose guesthouses, eat at local tavernas, and book ferries early. If you are partial to a bit of luxury, it will come at a price.
Which island has the best beaches?
Naxos has the longest sandy stretches, but Paros offers beautiful coves and Antiparos day trips.
Can I buy ferry tickets on the day?
Outside peak season, yes. In summer, pre-book to avoid sell-outs.
Do ferries run year-round?
They run most of the year, but high-speed options are seasonal (April–October).
How early should I arrive for Greek ferries?
Ferry companies suggest arriving 1 hr before departure. You will have a lot of time to kill, in smaller posts like Parikia and Naxos, 30 minutes is more than enough,
Do I need a car on Naxos?
You don't HAVE to have a car, but this is definitely the island I would recommend one. The roads can be a little rough and distances longer due to the large size of the island.
Where are the best beaches in Mykonos Paros Naxos?
The best beaches in Mykonos depend on what you're after! Paradise and Super Paradise are great for party lovers and those wanting a high energy vibe. Meanwhile, Elia Beach, Kalafatis and Ftelia are great for a laidback beach day. The best beaches in Mykonos for families are Ornos and Platis Gialos.
The best beaches in Paros for golden sand are Kolymbithres, Golden Beach and Punda Beach. It's worth taking a day trip to Antiparos to checkout their beaches too.
My favourite beach in Naxos was Plaka, it is long, sandy and relaxed. You can lay down with your own towel or grab a sun bed (much cheaper than in Paros and Mykonos). Agios Prokopios, Agios Georgios, Kastraki, and Alyko are great ones too!
Do Greek ferries get cancelled due to wind?
Yes, Greek ferries do get cancelled due to wind, it's not a regular occurrence, but it happens. This is more common in the Cyclades than anywhere else. It happened to me, so I suggest having a buffer day either side of ferry journeys before flying in our out, just to be safe!
Loved how you broke down each island’s vibe, makes it feel super doable even for a first-timer. Already dreaming of sunsets in Naoussa and beach days in Naxos!