Late July puts the Cyclades in full swing, with ferries running frequently between islands. This route pairs Mykonos' famous windmills and beach clubs with Paros, a calmer island known for windsurfing and marble villages.
Day 1: Mykonos Town
Wander the whitewashed lanes of Mykonos Town and photograph the iconic windmills at Little Venice. Watch sunset from one of the waterfront bars before the town gets loud after dark.
Day 2: Mykonos Beaches
Spend the day at Elia or Kalafatis, quieter beaches than the packed clubs of Paradise and Super Paradise. Both still have laid-back beach bars and calm swimming water.
Day 3: Ferry to Paros and Naoussa
Take the fast ferry to Paros and settle into Naoussa, a fishing village turned low-key resort town. Walk the harbor at dusk when the fishing boats come in and the waterfront restaurants fill up.
Day 4: Lefkes and Departure
Drive up to Lefkes, a marble-built hilltop village with far fewer visitors than the coast, before catching a ferry or flight out.
Practical notes: High-speed ferries between Mykonos and Paros take under an hour and run several times daily in July, book ahead as they sell out. Mykonos accommodation prices spike hard in late July, Paros is noticeably cheaper. Rent an ATV or small car on Paros to reach Lefkes easily.
Where to Stay
Budget: Guesthouses in Naoussa, Paros run $100-140 a night in July.
Mid-range: Cycladic-style hotels in Mykonos Town cost $280-380 a night in peak season.
Splurge: Cavo Tagoo in Mykonos offers cliffside infinity pools from around $900 a night.
Where to Eat
Kiki's Tavern on Mykonos: A cash-only beach shack famous for grilled chicken and no electricity.
Barbarossa in Naoussa: Harborfront seafood with a view of the fishing boats.
To Tigani in Naoussa: Fresh fish by the kilo, picked straight from the case.
Planning more trips like this one? Subscribe to the blog for a new itinerary every few days, straight to your inbox.
I-Journey 