South Aegean
Encompassing the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, home to star islands such as Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes.
South Aegean is made up of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese in the southern Aegean, the essence of a Greek island holiday. Santorini's caldera-edge towns, Mykonos's windmills and nightlife, the beaches and old villages of Naxos and Paros, Milos's strange coastline, and the tranquil charm of Folegandros and Sifnos each have their appeal, while the medieval Old Town of Rhodes and islands such as Kos reveal the Dodecanese's historical depth. May–June and September–October are best; July–August is peak season and often windy. You can fly from Athens to the main islands, or island-hop by ferry from Piraeus and Rafina.
Destinations
- Santorini
- Rhodes
- Paros
- Mykonos
- Naxos
- Milos
- Sifnos
- Folegandros
- Kos
- Andros
- Ios
- Kalymnos
- Karpathos
- Amorgos
- Bodrum
- Kaş & Kalkan
Itineraries
- Cyclades Island Hopping: Paros, Naxos & Santorini – Depart from Athens and hop through Paros, Naxos, and Santorini on a one-way southward route with no backtracking.
- Western Cyclades Slow Travel: Milos, Folegandros & Sifnos – A slow-paced journey through Milos, Folegandros, and Sifnos to see white volcanic cliffs, sea caves, and cliffside town…
- Dodecanese Island Hopping: Rhodes, Symi, Kos & Kalymnos – Start from the medieval city of Rhodes and hop north through Symi, Kos, and Nisyros, ending in Kalymnos.
- Aegean Cross-Border Journey: Turkey to Greece – A cross-border route from Istanbul through Ephesus and Bodrum, crossing by ferry to Kos and Rhodes, and ending in Athen…
- Greece: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini & Meteora – The classic combination for first-time visitors: Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini, plus Delphi and Meteora.
- Santorini, Folegandros and Crete – Base in Fira, take a ferry to Folegandros for two nights, then make a day trip by fast ferry to Crete to see Knossos.
- Santorini First-Visit Classics – Stay in Fira, hike the caldera cliff path to Oia for sunset, then visit the Akrotiri prehistoric site and Red Beach.
- Turkey Grand Panorama Loop – From the historic battlefields of the Dardanelles to the Lycian Coast and the Anatolian heartland, experience a compreh…
- Volcanic Islands, Cruises and Caldera Villages – Stay in Imerovigli, take a boat to Nea Kameni volcano and Thirasia, and explore the southern ruins, lighthouse and Pyrg…
- Santorini Wineries and Village Food – Base in Fira and explore inland villages including Pyrgos, Megalochori and Emporio, tasting volcanic-soil wines and loc…
- Turquoise Coast Road Trip – Drive along the D400 from Dalaman to Antalya, connecting blue lagoons, ancient Lycian ruins, and sunken cities.
- Santorini Ridge Hikes and Beaches – Base in Kamari, hike the ridge to Ancient Thira and the caldera clifftop trail, climb Nea Kameni volcano, and walk the…