Greece is one hour ahead of other European Union countries.

Fresh water is a precious commodity on the islands, especially during the summer. Certain islands are supplied with water by tankers.

Water is essential for life on the islands. Respect the life of the islanders by not wasting it. Be sparing!

In winter and spring, pack warm clothes, raincoat and walking shoes. Be aware that very few establishments are heated.

In the summer, pack light clothing, light sweaters, sandals and walking shoes for hikes. A wind-breaker is always useful in the Cyclades. Don't forget to bring good sun lotion, a swimming costume, a hat and of course a pair of sunglasses.

In autumn, bring light clothes, a few warm pullovers, a raincoat, and walking shoes.

Dress respectfully when visiting churches and monasteries.

There are very few houses or villas for rent in the Cyclades.
The houses are small and are usually set back from the sea or located further inland in the country.

Consult the accommodation tables for each island.

Linen is provided and included in the services.

It's included in the services.

Planning for a tour of the islands is quite complicated as it should be noted that not all the islands are connected with one another, which could pose a problem for those wanting to visit many islands in a short space of time!

Boat timetables often change from one year to the next and a timetable issued one year may not necessarily be valid the following year. In addition, during the summer boats are often late and during the off-season there are very few inter-island connections.

The most practical thing to do is to arrive in Athens, spend the first night there and then take the boat the following day.

There are two ports serving the islands, the port of Piraeus (port of Athens) and the port of Rafina, some 35 kilometres east of Athens. The latter is less practical as it serves a limited number of the islands.

Another solution is to arrive at Santorini and use it as a base from which to visit the other islands.

Another final alternative is to arrange an arrival in Athens and a departure from Santorini, or vice versa.

Try to avoid arriving at Mykonos (or leaving from there) as this island has poor links to the other ones.

Problem-free boat connections are the following:

the Piraeus-Paros-Naxos-Ios-Santorini line. Numerous daily departures.

the Piraeus-Kythnos-Serifos-Sifnos-Milos-Kimolos line: one or two departures a day depending on the season. For Kimolos, there is a connection nearly every day.

The "definitive" timetables are generally known at the end of May.

PAROS - SANTORINI

ANTIPAROS - PAROS - SANTORINI

MILOS - SIFNOS - SERIFOS

KIMOLOS - MILOS

KIMOLOS - SIFNOS - SERIFOS

PAROS (or ANTIPAROS) - SIFNOS

PAROS (or ANTIPAROS )- MILOS (or KIMOLOS)

PAROS (or ANTIPAROS) - FOLEGANDROS

SANTORINI - FOLEGANDROS

SANTORINI - MILOS or KIMOLOS

SANTORINI - FOLEGANDROS - MILOS or KIMOLOS

SANTORINI - FOLEGANDROS - SIFNOS

PAROS (or ANTIPAROS)-FOLEGANDROS-MILOS or KIMOLOS

PAROS (or ANTIPAROS) - FOLEGANDROS - SIFNOS.

SIFNOS - MILOS - PAROS (or ANTIPAROS)

There are cash points on the busiest tourist islands.
Exceptions: Folegandros and Kimolos. In addition, it should be noted that most shops and businesses do not accept credit cards, so it is better to take traveller's cheques.

There are hospitals and doctors on Paros, Santorini, Sifnos, a medical centre and doctors on Milos, and doctors on Antiparos and Folegandros. If you need medical attention while on Kimolos, you will have to go to Milos.

There are rental agencies on nearly all the islands.

Concerning Kimolos, it is better to arrive with a car or two-wheeled vehicle. These can be hired at Milos (at Apollonia or at Adamas).

Motorbikes can be hired on nearly all of the islands, except for the smallest ones.

For the hiring out of a motorbike (moped or scooter), there is a minimum age of 18 years old. The person must hold a valid driving licence. The wearing of a helmet is compulsory. For further information ask the rental agency.

For bigger bikes, a motorbike licence is required.

Check the condition of the equipment before leaving.

Use this mode of transport only if you are used to it, as the roads are very dangerous.