Mykonos and the Lesser Cyclades 2025

After last year’s incredible island-hopping adventure around Santorini, Milos, and Kimolos, I was determined to plan an even more ambitious trip for May 2025. This time, my sights were set on the Lesser Cyclades—a group of hidden gems that have been calling my name for years: Donousa, Schinousa, Iraklia, and Koufonissi. I’d tried to visit them during my extended Greek Odyssey in 2021 but fell short due to a lack of accommodation (and, let’s be honest, some not-so-great planning).

To make it happen, I knew the best starting point was a direct flight from the UK to Mykonos. Now, Mykonos isn’t exactly my favourite Greek island, but I realized I’d never really given it a fair shot. Early May felt like the perfect time to explore its quieter side—fewer crowds, lower prices, and a chance to see what I’d been missing.

The plan? Start with three nights in Mykonos (well, two full days, given my late flight arrival) and then hop onto the ferries for the real adventure. After playing around with ferry schedules, I decided on a clockwise route around Naxos. This approach gives me the flexibility to spend the perfect number of nights on each island. Plus, the iconic Express Skopelitis ferry, known for its affordable island connections, doesn’t run daily between every stop—so planning the right order was key.

First up: Donousa. Getting there from Mykonos requires a quick ferry change on Naxos, with just enough time for a short layover. I’ve set aside four nights on Donousa—plenty of time to soak in its laid-back charm and explore every inch of this small, idyllic island. On day three, I’ll be joined by my good friend and travel companion, Ed, which will only make the adventure even better.

From Donousa, it’s south to the breathtaking Koufonissi, a personal favourite I last visited back in 2018. I’ve heard it’s become a lot busier in recent years, and I can’t wait to see how it’s evolved. Sadly, my friend Ed departs after one night to continue his own solo adventure to the nearby island of Amorgos.

From Koufonissi, I’ll venture onto the serene island of Iraklia, the quietest of the Lesser Cyclades and the perfect place to slow down even further. With just one main village and a population that barely reaches 150, this island is all about reconnecting with nature. I’m looking forward to hiking its rugged trails, swimming in secluded coves, and just taking in the simplicity of island life. Three nights here will be enough to soak in its charm before making my way back towards Mykonos for my flight home.

Finally, the journey circles back to Naxos, where I’ll wrap things up with one night in its lively port town. Naxos is a perfect blend of history, culture, and beach vibes, and it feels like the ideal place to end the trip. Whether it’s wandering the winding streets of the Old Town, sampling local dishes at a taverna, or relaxing on Agios Prokopios beach, there’s always something to enjoy here.

This itinerary is everything I’ve been dreaming of—balancing the excitement of discovery with the laid-back pace of Greek island life. It’s a mix of returning to familiar favourites and uncovering new places, and I can’t wait to share every moment of this incredible journey with you.

Stay tuned for updates, travel tips, and plenty of inspiration from this adventure through Greece’s hidden gems!