The Cyclades without a car: Naxos and Paros by train and ferry

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This trip is planned for 23 Jun – 05 Jul 2027.

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Day 1 · Wed 23/06 6:18 hr

Starting in Hamburg and travelling to Munich

Arrival by train

The first day is purely for travelling, but it can be done without changing trains.

In the evening in Munich, there's time for a short stroll or dinner.

A long leg — factor in some breaks.

Start

Hamburg Hauptbahnhof

This is where your journey begins. From Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, you'll head south on the long-distance network.

735 km · 6:20 hr · 60–130 €
Stay

Motel One München-Sendlinger Tor

1 night · Wed 23/06

A centrally located place to stay after the first long day of train travel, just a few minutes' walk from Sendlinger Tor. An ideal spot from which to continue relaxed the next morning towards the Alps and Italy.

110–150 € / night

Places to stay that fit

Hotel Amadeus

hotel · Zentrum, Hamburg · approx. 110–160 €/night (estimate)

Quietly located city hotel in the heart of Hamburg, well connected to public transport and the city centre.

Pension am Rathaus

guesthouse · Altstadt, Hamburg · approx. 80–120 €/night (estimate)

Small, personally run guesthouse in a central location near the town hall and the Alster.

Ferienwohnung Alsterblick

holiday flat · Neustadt, Hamburg · approx. 90–140 €/night (estimate)

Compact holiday flat in the centre, ideal for two people with their own private space.

Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.

Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.

089 51777250

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 2 · Thu 24/06 7 hr

Over the Brenner Pass to Venice

Crossing the Alps by train

One change of train in Verona, otherwise a relaxed journey.

Venice makes for a pleasant stopover before the ferry crossing.

A long leg — factor in some breaks.

366 km · 7 hr · 40–90 €
Stay

Hotel Antiche Figure

1 night · Thu 24/06

A traditional establishment right opposite Santa Lucia station on the Grand Canal, ideal for train travel without having to lug your luggage far. In the evening, it's worth taking a walk through the quieter lanes away from the main routes.

160–220 € / night

Places to stay that fit

Hotel Antiche Figure

hotel · Santa Croce, Venedig · approx. 130–200 €/night (estimate)

Right on the Grand Canal near Santa Lucia station, classic Venetian ambience.

Hotel Marin

hotel · Santa Croce, Venedig · approx. 100–160 €/night (estimate)

Family-run hotel just a few minutes' walk from the station, solid facilities at a fair price.

Locanda Salieri

guesthouse · Santa Croce, Venedig · approx. 90–140 €/night (estimate)

Small locanda in a quiet side lane near Santa Lucia, with personal service.

Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.

Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.

041 275 9486

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 3 · Fri 25/06 12:54 hr

On to Ancona and the ferry to Patras

Crossing to the Mediterranean

Arrive at the terminal in good time before departure; check-in usually opens two hours beforehand.

The overnight ferry saves you a hotel night and takes you to Greece while you sleep.

A long leg — factor in some breaks.

268 km · 4 hr · 25–55 €
1
Ferry

Port of Ancona

From Ancona station it's just a few minutes to the ferry port, from where the big ferries to Greece depart. Allow plenty of buffer time for check-in; a bus or a short walk will get you to the terminal.

Website
310 km · 8:51 hr · 0 €
2
Ferry

Overnight ferry Ancona-Patras (cabin)

An overnight stay on board in an outside cabin on the ferry run by ANEK/Superfast or Minoan Lines. The crossing of the Adriatic and Ionian Sea is calm and makes for a relaxed start to your Greek adventure.

130–220 € / night
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 4 · Sat 26/06 25:18 hr

Arrival in Patras and on to Athens

On the Greek mainland

A quiet afternoon in Athens after the overnight ferry.

In the evening, a short walk to see the illuminated Acropolis from the rooftop terrace.

A long leg — factor in some breaks.

620 km · 17:43 hr · 0 €
3
Ferry

Port of Patras

The ferry docks in Patras in the early afternoon. From the port, long-distance coaches (KTEL) take you directly and comfortably on to Athens.

View on map
212 km · 7:34 hr · 20–25 €
Stay

A for Athens Hotel

1 night · Sat 26/06

Central hotel on Monastiraki Square with a view of the Acropolis, within walking distance of the old town and the metro. The perfect base for wandering through Plaka and for reaching the port of Piraeus the following morning.

120–180 € / night

Places to stay that fit

Hotel Attalos

hotel · Monastiraki, Athen · approx. 100–160 €/night (estimate)

Central hotel right on Monastiraki Square with a rooftop terrace and Acropolis views.

Hotel Cecil Athens

hotel · Monastiraki, Athen · approx. 80–130 €/night (estimate)

Well-reviewed city hotel within walking distance of the Monastiraki flea market and the metro.

Ferienwohnung Acropolis View Monastiraki

holiday flat · Monastiraki, Athen · approx. 90–140 €/night (estimate)

Modern flat with Acropolis views, quietly located despite being in a central district.

Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.

Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.

21 0324 4244

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 5 · Sun 27/06 5:42 hr

Athens and the ferry to Naxos

From the mainland to the Cyclades

Board early in Piraeus so you arrive on Naxos by the afternoon.

A first evening with a Portara sunset to set the mood.

A long leg — factor in some breaks.

9 km · 30 min · 2–4 €
4
Ferry

Port of Piraeus

Greece's largest ferry port, reachable directly from central Athens by metro. From here, both fast and conventional ferries depart for the Cyclades.

Website
179 km · 5 hr · 40–65 €
Stay

Hotel Grotta

3 nights · Sun 27/06 – Wed 30/06

Family-run hotel in the Grotta district, just a few minutes' walk from the port and the Portara. A good base for the coming nights on Naxos, with views over the Aegean and easy access to the bus and the old town.

100–150 € / night

Places to stay that fit

Hotel Grotta

hotel · Chora, Naxos-Stadt · approx. 90–150 €/night (estimate)

Small hotel right by the harbour with a view of the Portara, close to the old town.

Pension Sofi

guesthouse · Chora, Naxos-Stadt · approx. 70–110 €/night (estimate)

Family-run guesthouse near the harbour and the Portara, simple and clean.

Studios Iliovasilema

holiday flat · Chora, Naxos-Stadt · approx. 80–130 €/night (estimate)

Studios with sea views near the harbour, ideal for two people, with a small kitchenette.

Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.

Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.

2285 022001

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

1 km · 12 min
5
Sight

Portara of Naxos

The monumental marble gateway of a never-completed Temple of Apollo, standing on a peninsula just off Naxos Town. The short walk over the causeway is especially worthwhile at sunset, when the gate frames the sun.

0 € child-friendly
Website
Day 6 · Mon 28/06 48 min

Naxos Town and Plaka Beach

Swimming and the old town

Old town in the morning, the whole afternoon for swimming.

Return by bus in the early evening, followed by dinner in Naxos Town.

· 10 min
6
Sight

Kastro of Naxos Town

The Venetian castle quarter above the old town, with winding lanes, small shops and old mansions. A leisurely morning stroll before heading to the beach.

0 € child-friendly
Website
9 km · 25 min · 2–3 €
7
Nature

Plaka Beach

A mile-long, fine sandy beach with shallow, clear water on the west coast of Naxos. There are quiet, unspoilt stretches as well as tavernas and beach bars, ideal for a whole day of swimming.

0 € child-friendly
View on map

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

Another night: Hotel Grotta
Day 7 · Tue 29/06 1:36 hr

Mountain villages inland on Naxos: Halki and Apiranthos

Mountains, marble and kitron

Check the KTEL Naxos bus timetables in the morning, as connections into the mountains are limited.

Lunch in Apiranthos, followed by a relaxed journey back to Naxos Town.

11 km · 19 min
8
Town

Halki (Chalki)

The former main village in the green Tragea valley, with neoclassical houses and quiet lanes. Here you'll find the long-established Vallindras distillery, where the local lemon liqueur kitron is distilled and can be tasted.

3–6 € / person child-friendly
Website
4 km · 25 min · 2–3 €
9
Town

Apiranthos (Apeiranthos)

A spectacular mountain village built entirely of marble, with paved lanes, small museums and far-reaching views over the mountains. The local tavernas serve hearty, down-to-earth food made with local ingredients.

0 € child-friendly
View on map
Another night: Hotel Grotta
Day 8 · Wed 30/06 2:48 hr

Day trip to Koufonisia

Turquoise bays of the Small Cyclades

Only do the day trip if the sea is calm, as connections to the Small Cyclades depend on the weather.

Koufonisia is easy to explore on foot; bring your swimming gear and water.

A long leg — factor in some breaks.

27 km · 46 min
10
Nature

Pano Koufonisi

The small island of Koufonisia is known for its Caribbean-like, turquoise water and fine sandy beaches such as Pori and Fanos. A short coastal walk links several bays, perfect for a relaxed day of swimming.

0 € child-friendly
Website

No place to sleep yet

Nothing is planned yet for the night from Wed 30/06 to Thu 01/07.

Day 9 · Thu 01/07 1 hr

Ferry to Paros and arrival in Naoussa

Changing islands

A short crossing, leaving a relaxed afternoon to settle in at Naoussa.

From the ferry port at Parikia, the KTEL bus runs regularly to Naoussa.

13 km · 1 hr · 10–25 €
11
Town

Naoussa

The charming fishing village in the north of Paros, with its Venetian harbour castle, whitewashed lanes and lively waterside tavernas. In the evening, the little harbour fills up, serving fresh fish and seafood.

0 € child-friendly
Website
Stay

Katerina Hotel Naoussa

4 nights · Thu 01/07 – Mon 05/07

Quiet hotel on the edge of Naoussa, just a few minutes' walk from the harbour and the beaches. A good base for the coming nights on Paros, with connections to the island bus.

100–150 € / night

Places to stay that fit

Hotel Poseidon Paros

hotel · Parikia, Paros · approx. 100–160 €/night (estimate)

Well-located hotel near the main harbour of Parikia, convenient for ferry connections.

Pension Rena

guesthouse · Parikia, Paros · approx. 70–110 €/night (estimate)

Small, personally run guesthouse just a few minutes from the harbour, with a peaceful atmosphere.

Studios Galinos

holiday flat · Parikia, Paros · approx. 80–130 €/night (estimate)

Compact studios near the harbour, practical for a night with an early ferry departure.

Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.

Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.

694 759 7961

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 10 · Fri 02/07 24 min

Kolymbithres Beach and swimming near Naoussa

Sculpted rocks and water

A whole day of swimming — bring sun protection and water, as shade is limited.

Fish for dinner in the evening at Naoussa harbour.

2 km · 10 min · 2–5 €
12
Nature

Kolymbithres Beach

A unique beach in the bay of Naoussa, where wind-smoothed granite rocks form little sheltered coves. The shallow, clear water and rocky landscape make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkelling.

0 € child-friendly
View on map
Another night: Katerina Hotel Naoussa
Day 11 · Sat 03/07 1:24 hr

The mountain village of Lefkes and Ekatontapiliani

The interior and Byzantine heritage

Lefkes in the morning with lunch, Parikia in the afternoon with the church.

Bus connections run via Parikia as a hub, so check timetables.

8 km · 14 min
13
Town

Lefkes

The most beautiful mountain village on Paros, nestled on a green hillside, with white houses, windmills and an impressive marble church. The small tavernas serve traditional food, and the old Byzantine cobbled path invites a short walk.

0 € child-friendly
View on map
7 km · 25 min · 2–4 €
14
Sight

Panagia Ekatontapiliani Monastery

The Church of the Hundred Doors in Parikia is one of the most significant early Christian churches in Greece, with origins in the 4th century. The peaceful courtyard, the baptistery and the old icons make a visit here a quiet highlight.

0–2 € / person child-friendly
Another night: Katerina Hotel Naoussa
Day 12 · Sun 04/07 54 min

A day off on Paros

Rest and a last swim

A deliberately quiet day with no fixed plans.

In the evening, pack your bags for the return ferry to Piraeus the next day.

9 km · 15 min
15
Town

Parikia Old Town

The main town of Paros, with its white Cycladic architecture, small shops and a lively old harbour. A relaxed final day for strolling, having a coffee and taking one last dip in the sea.

0 € child-friendly
Website
Another night: Katerina Hotel Naoussa
Day 13 · Mon 05/07 9:42 hr

Return ferry to Piraeus and arrival in Athens

Journey's end in Athens

The journey ends with an open finish in Athens, from where onward travel is flexible.

Check the ferry timetable in advance; there are several services a day in summer.

A long leg — factor in some breaks.

164 km · 4:41 hr
Stay

Athmosphere Boutique Hotel

1 night · Mon 05/07

Quiet boutique hotel in the Plaka old town, easily reached by metro and on foot. A pleasant end to the journey, with Athens' old town right on your doorstep and easy connections for onward travel.

110–170 € / night

Places to stay that fit

Hotel Acropolis House

hotel · Plaka, Athen · approx. 100–160 €/night (estimate)

Historic townhouse in Plaka, on a quiet lane, with the Acropolis within walking distance.

Pension Adonis

guesthouse · Plaka, Athen · approx. 80–130 €/night (estimate)

Small guesthouse with a rooftop terrace and Acropolis views, centrally located in the Plaka district.

Ferienwohnung Plaka Old Town

holiday flat · Plaka, Athen · approx. 90–150 €/night (estimate)

Characterful flat in a period building in the heart of Plaka, on a quiet side street.

Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.

Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.

694 885 3558

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

This trip is planned for 23 Jun – 05 Jul 2027.

Copy it and move it to your own dates.

Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.