Destination: Greece
LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Island Hopping
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TWO WEEKS / ATHENS TO CRETE
Bearing south from Athens, this classic route covers several hundred kilometres, taking you through the heart of the Cyclades and then on to the home of the Minoan civilisation.
Island hopping is
the classic way to experience Greece, especially in summer. This route uses Athens as the start and finish for a circuit through the Cyclades and Crete.
Start with a couple of days sightseeing in
Athens before catching a ferry from
Piraeus. The first port of call is super chic
Mykonos, famous for its bars and beaches, and stepping-off point for the sacred island of
Delos. You can recover on
Naxos, the greenest and most fertile of the Cyclades and a great place for walkers. If time permits, schedule in a detour to
Folegandros, home of the finest of the Cycladic capitals, on the way to
Santorini. The sheer cliffs of Santorini’s volcanic caldera, created by one of the largest eruptions ever recorded, are a sight not to be missed.
Next up is the Cretan capital of
Iraklio, which makes a handy base for a visit to the Minoan palace of
Knossos, mythical home of King Minos and his Minotaur. From Iraklio, head west along the coast to
Hania. If time permits, spend a day exploring stunning
Samaria Gorge before catching a ferry back to Athens from Kissamos-Kastelli.
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