Plan the Ios–Santorini crossing for a later morning departure, since Chora's nightlife runs late and an early boat is easy to miss. The Athens–Ios leg has only moderate daily frequency, so lock that ferry ahead of the trip rather than on arrival.

Cyclades · 6 days

Ios and Santorini in 6 days

A beach-and-nightlife pairing that suits a younger crowd or anyone chasing long summer days: two nights on Ios, known for Mylopotas beach and its bars, before three calmer nights on Santorini.

Day by day

Day 1 Athens (Piraeus)
Athens supplies the Acropolis and Plaka before the fast ferry to Ios, a 4h crossing.
Athens (Piraeus) → Ios · 4h 00m · from €72
Day 2–3 Ios
Ios means Mylopotas beach and a hike up to Homer's tomb by day, with Chora's bars filling the evenings; the ferry to Santorini takes about 45 minutes.
Ios → Santorini · 45m · from €36
Day 4–6 Santorini
Santorini takes the remaining three nights for the caldera walk, a wine tasting, and a boat trip out to the volcano.

Classic Cyclades Classic Cyclades in 10 days 10 nights · from €560

Times, prices and frequencies are indicative and change by season and operator. Always confirm the live timetable before you book.