Mykonos, Paros and Naxos Itinerary: The Perfect 10 Day Cyclades Itinerary
I've lost count of how many times I've been to the Cyclades, at least six trips, eight islands, and I still find myself planning the next one before I've even unpacked from the last. These are my favourite islands in the world and I try to get back every summer.
For a long time, Paros had my whole heart. It still does, honestly, but in 2025 Naxos completely blindsided me. I went expecting a quieter version of Paros and came back wondering why I hadn't prioritised it sooner. More on that later...
This 10 day Cyclades itinerary covers the route I'd recommend to anyone doing the Cyclades for the first time, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos (finishing in Santorini if you have the time) and it's based on years of doing it.
I'll tell you exactly where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of 10 days across three islands that each feel completely different to the last.
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, in fact, it is certainly the easiest Greek island chain to hop around.
Mykonos gives you the postcard-famous side of Greece, whitewashed lanes, chic restaurants, iconic windmills, and plenty 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 (my favourite!!), gorgeous beaches like Kolymbithres, and a slower pace compared to Mykonos, offering chilled out cocktail bars and seafront restaurants.
Naxos rounds it off with a dose of authenticity and ruggedness. It’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, but each island has a really different feel. That's why this 10 day Cyclades itinerary works so well, especially for first-timers.
Planning your 10 Day Cyclades Itinerary?
If you're building a wider Greek island trip, these guides will help you plan every detail:
🏛️ Best Greek Island Hopping Routes — how to choose between the Cyclades, Ionian and Dodecanese
⛴️ How to Get to Paros — ferries, flights and the easiest routes to take
🏝️ Islands to Visit as Day Trips from Mykonos — if you want to find something different
📍 Parikia vs Naoussa — if you're still deciding where to base yourself in Paros
Greek island overview
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!
10 day Cyclades Itinerary: 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!
Mykonos: More Than Just Nightlife
I love Mykonos, but not for the reason most do. Lots of people head there for the nghtlife, but I'm there for the island's beauty (and the boutique shopping!).
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, even if it's a bit of a cliché.
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.
Paros: Relaxed and Charming
Paros, to me, is 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 water which is ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
If you prefer something quieter, head to Faragas Beach or take a boat to Antiparos for a more off-the-beaten-track vibe, umour has it Tom Hanks has a house here.
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.
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.
FAQs - Island Hopping Between Mykonos, Paros and Naxos
1. 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.
2. Do I need to book Greek island ferries in advance?
I recommend booking Greek island ferries in advance if you are travelling June-September. In other months, you can often buy tickets closer to departure or even on the day.
3. How many days do I need for these three islands?
Don't be like me and try to suqeeze too much into a week. A 10 day Cyclades itinerary is the sweet spot — 3 nights on Mykonos, 3 on Paros and 4 on Naxos gives you a proper feel for each island without rushing
4. Can I get around the Cyclades islands without a car?
Yes, you can get around the Cyclades islands without a car, as long as you choose an island that is developed for tourists, which Mykonos, Paros and Naxos are. Public buses cover major routes, but renting a scooter or car gives more flexibility.
5. Is island hopping expensive in Greece?
Island hopping in Greece can be expensive, but it can also 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, but the Greeks do luxury well.
6. Which island has the best beaches?
In my opinion, Naxos has the best beaches in the Cyclades with long sandy stretches that remain pretty quiet. Paros offers beautiful coves and Antiparos day trips. The beaches in Mykonos are made of golden sand but feel a little smaller and more crowded.
7. Can I buy ferry tickets on the day?
Outside peak season you can absolutely buy ferry tickets same day in the Cyclades. In summer, pre-book to avoid sell-outs, and to also save money.
8. Do ferries run year-round?
The ferries in the Cyclades run most of the year, but high-speed options are seasonal (April–October). The services throughout summer are a lot more frequent.
9. How early should I arrive for Greek ferries?
Ferry companies in the Greek islands suggest arriving 1 hr before departure. You will have a lot of time to kill, in smaller ports like Parikia and Naxos, 30 minutes is more than enough. Bear in mind not all ports have shade, so wear suncream.
10. Do I need a car on Naxos?
You don't HAVE to have a car in Naxos, 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.
11. Where are the best beaches in Mykonos, Paros and 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!
12. 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!
About the author
Hannah has been travelling the world for the last 10 years but after a trip to Greece in 2019 with her sister, she can't stop going back. Whilst the Cyclades are her most visited island, she now travels to Greece every summer to find somewhere new.
Hannah loves all things pink so the summer bougainvillea that shades the Greek streets means she has her camera in her hands 24/7.
Hannah dreams of spending 6 months travelling through the Greek islands but hasn't done so yet because of her dog, Baxter, who wouldn't like the summer heat. So that's a dream for the future!
Hannah has set her sights on a number of Greek islands, mostly the Ionian Islands of which she would love to explore further. What keeps bringing her back? Aside from its beauty she loves the people, the food, and of course one of her favourite movies is Mamma Mia.
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!