Greek Island Hopping: Milos, Paros and Mykonos

Milos, Paros, and Mykonos make for a brilliant Greek island trilogy. This route takes you from under-the-radar beaches to charming village life, finishing with Mykonos’s signature glamour.

Begin in Milos, the Cyclades’ best-kept secret (though the word is getting out). With over 70 beaches—many only accessible by boat—this volcanic island delivers dramatic coastlines, lunar landscapes, and crystal-clear waters without the crowds you’ll find elsewhere. The fishing villages are genuinely picturesque rather than picture-perfect, and there’s proper history here: this is where the Venus de Milo was discovered. Fly or ferry in from Athens and settle into one of the island’s boutique hotels, preferably near Pollonia or Adamas.

Paros strikes the ideal balance between authentic island life and upscale comfort. The main town, Parikia, and the hilltop village of Naoussa both offer excellent restaurants, wine bars, and shops tucked into whitewashed Cycladic alleyways. The beaches are lovely—Golden Beach particularly—and the whole island has a relaxed sophistication that makes it easy to linger. This is where you slow down, have long lunches, and remember why you came to Greece in the first place.

Finish with Mykonos, where the energy ramps up considerably. The island’s reputation precedes it: world-class beach clubs, designer boutiques, exceptional restaurants, and nightlife that runs until sunrise. For LGBTQ+ travellers especially, Mykonos remains unmatched in the Mediterranean, with a vibrant gay scene centered around Elia Beach and the bars of Mykonos Town. Whether you’re here for the party or just the polish, Mykonos knows how to deliver luxury with a dose of hedonism.