A Greek Retreat: Serenity in the Cyclades
The Cyclades has plenty of ocean-side accommodation to suit different budgets
This is Greece at its most elegant and effortless. You’ll soak in the beauty of island life with every moment designed for calm. Barefoot walks along white-sand coves, long lunches that stretch lazily into the evening and spa treats to refresh the body and mind.This holiday is purely for recharging purposes (In the most beautiful setting you can think of)
Trip Highlights
Yoga by the Sea: Gentle movement overlooking the Aegean, breathing in calm island air.
Sailing Around Antiparos: Hidden coves, swimming in turquoise waters, and lunch on deck.
Spa Experience in Paros: Olive oil massages, sea-salt scrubs, and infinity pools with island views.
Village Strolls: Parikia and Naoussa’s winding alleys of whitewashed houses, blue shutters, and bougainvillea blooms.
Aegean Wine & Dine: Savor fine Greek cuisine paired with crisp Assyrtiko wines during golden-hour dinners by the water.
Sunsets on Kolymbithres Beach: Watch the sky turn rose-gold as waves lap against smooth sculpted rocks — a perfect end to a perfect day.
Holiday Balance
A Greek itinerary based almost exclusively on relaxation.
Relaxation: 70% – Spa days, lazy beach afternoons, sunrise yoga, and sunset dinners by the sea form the heart of this trip.
Culture: 25% – Visiting ancient temples, wandering whitewashed villages, sampling local wines, and discovering Cycladic art and cuisine.
Adventure: 5% – Gentle exploration through sailing, light coastal walks, or paddleboarding in calm coves.
Your 7 Day Cyclades Itinerary
Hyperlinks will take you to local services, landmarks and reputable booking options. You can also find a free, downloadable PDF at the bottom of the itinerary.
Day 1 — Arrival in Paros
Fly from the UK to Athens and take a short 40-minute domestic flight or a 3.5-hour ferry to Paros. Check into a coastal hotel in Naoussa, where you can find infinity pools and unrivalled sea views if the budget stretches. Spend the afternoon unwinding by the pool or strolling the marina’s whitewashed lanes. Dine on fresh seafood and chilled Assyrtiko wine as the sun sets over the Aegean. Welcome to the Cyclades.
Day 2 — Slow Morning & Naoussa Charm
Ease into the day with a relaxed breakfast on a terrace, followed by a gentle wander through Naoussa’s boutique shops and narrow blue-and-white streets. Take a mid-morning yoga class at a local wellness studio or your hotel spa. In the afternoon, relax and take a dip at Kolymbithres Beach, famous for its smooth granite rocks and calm turquoise coves. Dinner by the harbour, where fishing boats turn into candlelit restaurants after dusk.
The cyclades has amazing hidden coves for swimming and snorkelling.
Day 3 — Private Boat to Antiparos
After breakfast, take a 15-minute ferry or private boat across to Antiparos. Depending on your budget, check into a villa or small hotel hideaway near Agios Georgios beach. Spend your day exactly as you please; swimming, snorkeling, reading…even sleeping! Lunch barefoot by the sea at a local taverna, then unwind with a sunset massage or glass of rosé on your terrace.
Day 4 — Explore Antiparos & Sea Caves
Antiparos cave is a must see! Attribution: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Zde
Today is for gentle exploration: visit the Antiparos Cave, filled with ancient stalactites, then wander through Antiparos Town, known for its delicious gelato stops. Charter a small boat or join a half-day cruise to the Despotiko islets, swimming in hidden coves and enjoying a light onboard lunch. Return in the evening for a dinner under olive trees.
Day 5 — Return to Paros & Hit the Beach Club
Take a mid-morning boat back to Paros and settle into a new stay; perhaps a boutique spa hotel near Golden Beach. Spend the afternoon lounging at a beach club, sipping cocktails between dips in the Aegean. In the evening, dine on gourmet meze and local wine at a farm-to-table restaurant.
You’ll find many coastal beach clubs and spa hotels on offer to lower your blood pressure
Day 6 — Wellness & Wine
There are several spa hotels around Paros
Treat yourself to a full spa morning; aromatherapy, hammam, or thalassotherapy — followed by a slow lunch at a vineyard in the Paros hills. Enjoy an afternoon drive to Lefkes Village, one of Paros’ prettiest inland spots, for coffee and views over olive groves. Return to your hotel for your final sunset swim and a farewell dinner overlooking the sea.
Day 7 — Departure
Enjoy a peaceful breakfast before your transfer back to Paros port or airport. Take the ferry or flight to Athens and connect home. Fully rested, sun-kissed, and recharged.
How much does it cost?
Prices all-inclusive and per person. Prices will change according to traveller preference, and you could do this cheaper with some savings ie no private cruises and cheaper accommodation.
Budget-Luxury: £1,200 – £1,600 (boutique hotels, ferries, spa day, one private cruise)
Luxury: £2,000 – £2,800 (5★ stays, private transfers, fine dining, charter boat)
Ultra-Luxury: £3,000 – £4,500+ (villas, private spa treatments, yacht days, driver service)
When should I go?
The Cyclades offers good weather most of the year
Each season in the Cyclades brings its own magic. Spring (April–June) is calm, the islands bloom with wildflowers, the air is fresh, and the sea begins to warm. Perfect for quiet exploration and relaxed mornings in the sun. Summer (July–August) is Greece in full colour: long, lazy beach days, lively harbour evenings, and blue horizons. For most travellers, early autumn (September–October) hits the sweet spot; still-warm seas, golden light, and fewer visitors, ideal for a more tranquil kind of luxury. Even in winter (November–March), Paros and Antiparos hum with local life, offering serene landscapes, cosy tavernas, and the peace this itinerary delivers.
