Greece's string of pearls: Island-hopping in the Aegean

The time has finally come for your island road trip to kick off! You grab your hire car at the airport, check your mirrors, pop on your sunglasses and head out for a spin. First stop: Mykonos!

With the windows rolled down, you enjoy the fresh sea breeze. There's salt in the air and something else, too – the scent of adventure! Before long, you're checking in at your first place to stay and heading to the long sandy beach. After all, you've got to treat yourself to some R&R before exploring the hidden islands of the Cyclades! Chill out on the sand with an ice-cold drink and enjoy the last rays of sun. And as the orange orb sets behind the shimmering sea, take a stroll along the shore, listen to the sound of the waves and revel in the moment.

Your thirst for discovery kicks in early in the morning, so you head out and start exploring Mykonos. Chora, the island's main town, pops up on your sat nav. The whitewashed houses with their colourful wooden balconies shine out at you from afar, promising perfect shots for your Insta stories. It's no wonder this spot is one of the most photographed corners of Greece! In town, you come across cool boutiques and cute cafés everywhere. For more countryside vibes, check out the Ano Mera plateau. The village square is full of traditional tavernas, from which the most tantalising aromas waft around your nose. And when your stomach starts to rumble, it's time for a snack from Ano Mera Bakery! How are you supposed to decide between all the delicious treats?! End the evening in Little Venice at the northern end of the island and watch the famous windmills of Mykonos gleam in the golden sunset – simply magical.

Today's all about doing exactly what you fancy! Already pulled your fave beach fit on and started dreaming of the perfect chill day? Then hop behind the wheel and explore the coolest spots on the north and east coast. Top tip: Agios Sostis Beach is a real gem! Here, reddish sand meets crystal-clear water, creating the perfect vibe to unwind. Stroll barefoot through the warm sand, find your favourite spot, kick back to the sound of the sea and let everything else fade away. And when you get peckish, a cute taverna serving cold drinks and tasty snacks awaits you above Agios Sostis church – just the thing for a break with a view! If you're craving more shoreline, continue towards the south-east coast. At Kalafatis Beach, you'll find a mix of sand and pebbles, turquoise water and peak relaxing potential. The further you drive, the emptier – and more beautiful – the bays become. Swim, chill, repeat – that's the beach life you've been waiting for!

The softly whitewashed houses get smaller and smaller in your rear-view mirror as you say goodbye to Mykonos. You drop off your hire car at the airport, but it's not home time just yet! Instead, you make your way to the harbour and board your ferry to Naxos – the wild natural paradise boasting barren hills, fertile valleys and the mighty mountain massif of Zas. Once you make land, you grab your next set of wheels and jet off to your accommodation.

Your afternoon's all about exploring the island. But first, you've got to take a dip in the sea. After all, it's not for nothing that Naxos is considered THE swimming paradise of the Cyclades. Afterwards, a detour to Xylokastro Hill is a must. Framed by the ancient columns of the Portara temple gate, the top promises breathtaking views of the capital and the coast. From here, you can even spot the pretty, snow-white stone chapel of Agios Theologos.