Cyclades Circuit Summer 2026: When to book ferries and is it possible to find affordable accommodation?

Hi there, we’re heading to the Cyclades from June 23 to July 9. We’ll arrive in Santorini and leave from Mykonos. We’re thinking of visiting these islands: Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Tinos, and Mykonos. Do you think it’s better to book the ferries now (which site do you recommend for booking?) or can we buy the tickets on the spot? Also, do you have any suggestions for accommodation under 100 €/night on each of these islands? Thanks in advance!

Hi Dominique,

That’s quite an ambitious itinerary! You’re aiming for prices under 100 € per night, but with the number of ferry crossings you’re planning, it’s going to cost you way more than that! Especially since you’re heading to Santorini and Mykonos, which are among the most expensive islands.

Each crossing you’re considering will cost at least 80 euros or even 100 euros PER PERSON—except for one or two routes that might be cheaper if you take the slowest ferry, of course.

Also, Sifnos isn’t connected to the other islands you want to visit, so I’d skip it.

To find budget-friendly accommodation, it’s best to use Booking.com and similar sites with a price filter.

Have a great trip! Elenitsa

Hi Elenitsa, Thanks so much for your feedback. I’ll adjust my itinerary based on your reply. Best, Dominique

Nitsa mou, it's Tinos that isn't on the western Cyclades route, not Sifnos.

Oh sorry about that! It’s Tinos we should remove, not Sifnos.