Tell us about you and your company.
We are Petros and Maira and we’re the founders of The Cycladist, a travel agency that specializes in curating bespoke travel experiences in Greece, with a particular focus on the cluster of islands known as the Cyclades. Through our intimate knowledge of each island, paired with our personal passion for them, we manage every aspect of a dream island holiday—from selecting the right accommodation in the right location to customizing experiences across food, culture and adventure.
Traveling the globe is our shared passion. Having spent our childhood summers in the Cyclades, we have always wanted to share the magic of its simple easy bliss with others: providing an inside track to Greece as we know and love it, while sharing and celebrating its rich traditions and culture. We’ve been the go-to people for personalized travel tips and recommendations for friends and family for decades, and we decided to put our expertise into practice by creating The Cycladist. Our aim is to provide people like us—discerning travelers—with luxuriously tasteful, effortless stays and memories that span a lifetime.
What’s the entry level to talk to you?
Typically, for a trip that covers an entire group for an entire stay, our minimum budget is 10,000 EUR. There are no additional fees on top of this for planning your vacation with us.
What is the sweet spot of your expertise?
Petros: We have a globally-local and holistic approach to planning really special stays. As avid global travelers, having also lived in London and New York, we speak the same language as our clients when it comes to travel. This means that we know what’s wanted, needed and required to make a stay effortless and exceptional. As locals, everything we recommend is personally vetted. And our approach is holistic because we take a hyper-personal approach to planning trips, with a level of detail and thought that goes far beyond booking accommodation.
A favorite experience/trip/itinerary you’ve planned that best represents your philosophy…
Petros: It has to be on the charming island of Sifnos, and a perfect day goes something like this…. Late in the morning, from Platis Yalos beach, we board our private motorboat, captained by Giannis (a seasoned islander who knows Sifnos’s neighboring coves since boyhood) for a voyage to the stunning uninhabited island of Polyaigos. Here, in what is arguably the most pristine waters in all of the Aegean, we swim, snorkel, or paddle out on a SUP for a bit of exercise. For lunch, we head to one of my favorite fish taverns called Prasonisi. It’s right next to Prasa beach in Kimolos and has both the freshest seafood and unbeatable views, with turquoise waters just beneath you and the island of Polyaigos in the background. Top this experience off with some local tsipouro (Greek grappa) and you have the perfect meal! To finish off an exceptional day, once we return to Platis Yialos’ marina, we head for sunset at the Castro (which means castle in Greek), Sifnos’ oldest seafront settlement. Our go-to place is Loggia wine bar, where we savor fresh oysters paired with a refreshing crisp glass of Assyrtiko, whilst enjoying the last moments of light before the sun dips into the sea…
A few favorite stays that you love and go back to again and again…
Petros: An all-time favorite hotel is Yria Island Boutique Hotel & Spa in Paros. The hotel is built in traditional Cycladic architectural style and is the epitome of simple, quiet, Cycladic luxury.
The Villa Kalo Ampeli in Serifos, nestled at the top of Kalo Ampeli bay, and Villa Aeolos in Tinos’ Agios Romanos, are two of our favorite houses (available to rent by contacting us). Both feature impeccable design using local materials and craftsmanship, and boast incredible views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
The most memorable meal you’ve had while traveling…
Maira: We recently toured the Cyclades, checking out our all-time favorite spots and discovering new gems. Without a doubt, Mario restaurant in Paros served the most unforgettable meal! The fresh grouper ceviche with chili, lime and celery mayonnaise was an absolute standout, as was the fresh grouper carpaccio with lemon, olive oil, fleur de sel and sea urchin, with a glass of Greek Malagouzia wine. The intense aromas of citrus blossom and stone fruits in the wine paired perfectly with the light, fresh taste of the fish. We also loved the marinated courgette salad with avocado, local Naxian cheese, and citrus fruit dressing. Hunting for the best eateries and unique flavors has been a passion of ours for ages and is one of the best parts of this job.
A not-to-be-missed favorite experience in your region of expertise…
Maira: One experience that stands out is the olive oil tasting I had at Agrilia Estate in Antiparos. It began with a guided tour through their olive grove, where you learn all about the rich history and meticulous cultivation methods of these ancient trees, as well as the profound importance of olive oil throughout Greek history. Then we got an insider’s look at the milling process and discovered how cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is crafted to perfection. The highlight was the tasting session where one learns to smell, taste and savor the incredible aromas and flavors of EVOO. My favorite part was getting expert tips on classifying different oils and pairing them with the right foods to elevate any dish.
Underrated location, overrated location, personal favorite, recent discovery?
Maira: Underrated location: Tinos is truly a hidden gem, with over 50 villages each competing to be the most charming. In Pyrgos, renowned for its marble craftsmen, you’ll find doorways adorned with sculpted birds and flowers. Volax, on the other hand, feels like a scene from a myth, with basket weavers working outside cottages surrounded by massive boulders that look like they were hurled by Zeus himself. My absolute favorite is Kardiani village, with its breathtaking sunset views and picturesque, stone-paved narrow alleys.
Overrated location: Milos has gained a lot of attention on social media lately. While it does offer incredible natural beauty along its unique coastline, I feel it lacks the elegance, upscale accommodations, and diverse culinary options found on other islands.
Personal favorite: If I had to recommend one must-visit spot, it would be Pori Beach in Koufonisia. This sandy beach has fine, light sand and a half-moon shape that protects it from the Meltemi winds. The shallow, clear blue water is perfect for swimming. Don’t miss a great lunch at Kallofego, and you might even spot a kitesurfer or two!
Recent discovery: The mystic island of Keros and its neighbor, Antikeri, which you can only visit by boat from Naxos or Koufonisia, have recently captivated me. Keros, resembling a female Cycladic statuette, is a protected archaeological site with rugged landscapes and dramatic cliffs, making it perfect for an unforgettable day trip.
What is something you wished we all knew or were better at as travelers?
Maira: I wish we all could be more mindful of sustainability, ensuring we preserve the natural beauty of the sea and land we are lucky enough to explore. Traveling during off-peak seasons, such as avoiding August, helps reduce overcrowding and alleviates pressure on local infrastructure. Practicing water conservation by taking shorter showers, reusing towels and linens, and turning off taps when not in use is crucial, especially in the Cyclades, where fresh water is scarce.
How do you want people to reach out to you? hello@thecycladist.com, @thecycladist, +44 7516130459 (Whatsapp), TheCycladist.com.
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