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10 Best Greece Cruises, According to Travel Experts

These are the best Greece cruises for island hopping with ease.

Courtesy of Variety Cruises

With its stunning beaches, rich history, iconic landmarks, and delectable cuisine, a trip to Greece is always a great idea. However, since the nation is home to more than 6,000 islands — some of which are only accessible by boat — your best bet is to explore via cruise. Just take it from Rob Clabbers, Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor and Q Cruise + Travel founder, who tells T+L that “Greece and the Greek isles are just the perfect destinations to explore by ship” since “a cruise allows you to see more islands and gives you a unique vantage point.” Several of the best Greece cruises also include visits to neighboring countries like Turkey and Italy, for example, which allow travelers to experience several cultures and countries in one action-packed trip. Intrigued? We don’t blame you: Ahead, check out our favorite Greece cruises for every type of traveler, along with itinerary recommendations and expert insight.

Meet the Expert

Rob Clabbers is a T+L A-List travel advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel, a Chicago-based travel agency. 

Mary Curry is a T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist.

Kari Dillon is the owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels, an agency specializing in theme park and cruise vacations.

Megan Guinnup is a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels.

Windstar Cruises

Courtesy of Windstar

According to Clabbers, this small luxury cruise line is perfect for those who prefer “a smaller, more casual yacht-style experience.” Per the pro, the onboard vibes are best described as “upscale, but not stuffy or over-the-top.” It’s also worth noting that “each ship offers a water sports platform with kayaks, water trampolines, stand-up paddling, snorkel gear, floating carpets, and other ‘toys’ that are deployed (weather and location permitting, of course) at least once on most Greek itineraries.” 

Itinerary: While you can’t go wrong with any of Windstar’s Greece itineraries, Clabbers is quick to call out the popular Treasures of the Greek Isles voyage, which sets sail each week from May through October. Passengers can visit beloved ports of call like Mykonos and Santorini, along with “lesser-known (and less-crowded!) places like Monemvasia and Patmos.” As part of the experience, guests have the unique opportunity to feast among the ruins in neighboring Turkey as part of the line’s complimentary Evening in Ephesus “after-hours” event, which, per Clabbers, features a decadent five-course dinner accompanied by a chamber orchestra. Speaking of culinary offerings, it’s worth mentioning that Windstar is the official cruise line partner of the esteemed James Beard Foundation, which means you can expect some of the top eats at sea.

Related: 15 of the Best Towns and Cities to Visit in Greece

Explora Journeys

Courtesy of Explora Cruises

“A new entrant in the luxury travel industry, Explora Journeys offers all the style and comfort of a modern European luxury resort property on its 922-guest yacht-inspired Explora I and, launching later this year, Explora II, ” explains Clabbers. The line has taken the industry by storm, doing away with cliche cruise staples like main dining rooms, large buffets, and notoriously small staterooms. Instead, says Clabbers, guests can choose from a selection of “excellent restaurants that other companies would call specialty restaurants,” as well as “four swimming pools, each with their own vibe,” and all-suite accommodations, some of which boast private plunge pools. Per the pro, it’s worth noting that “Explora Journeys is the first luxury line that offers a dedicated youth activity program and facility year-round;” as such, it’s an excellent option for multi-generational families looking to cruise Greece in style. 

Itinerary: Sailing round-trip from Athens, the aptly named eight-night A Journey from Athens to Athens itinerary includes a mix of popular ports like Mykonos and Santorini, along with hidden-gem locales like Syros, which is famous for its neoclassical architecture, a buzzy main town, and (essentially) crowd-free beaches. The cruise also visits the serene resort town of Marmaris in Turkey before heading to its final port of call, Kos , a gorgeous Greek island known for its sandy beaches, white-washed buildings, and historical sites.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

According to Clabbers, " Celebrity Cruises was launched by a Greek shipping family," so the line has deep ties to — and many officers who hail from — the country. What’s more, he says, "When you visit Greece, they are taking you to their homeland, and it shows in their passion and love of the Hellenic nation." The line offers a range of larger ships and, thus, more options between accommodations (from economical inside rooms to luxurious suites in The Retreat), itineraries, restaurants, and entertainment; as such, Celebrity is "a great option for adults and families who like more activities on their ship." 

Itinerary: The nine-night Best Of Greece itinerary cruises round-trip from Athens on select dates from May to October and takes place aboard the 2,170-passenger Celebrity Infinity , which Clabbers described as one of the line’s “smaller and more seasoned ships.” The first port of call is Santorini, followed by Ephesus in Turkey and Mykonos. “Additionally,” says Clabbers, " Infinity   travels to Volos and Thessaloniki, ports that are not typically visited by large ships.” Kavala, located in the northern part of the country, serves as the final port of call before heading back to Athens. Here, cruisers can enjoy a mix of history, culture, and architecture — plus some seriously stunning landscapes (from lagoons and lakes to wetlands and beaches) along with lush flora and fauna.

Related: What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Courtesy of Silversea cruises

Silversea offers a variety of Greece cruise itineraries, and it’s one of few truly luxe all-inclusive cruise lines. Per Clabbers, the 596-passenger Silver Moon offers all-suite accommodations and a classic small-ship feel — complete with excellent meals, beverages, and shore excursions all included in your cruise fare. Speaking of the latter, he says, “The inclusion of shore excursions also makes it easy to dive deeper into Greek culture and culinary experiences.” 

Itinerary: While you can’t go wrong with any of Silversea’s Greek itineraries, Clabbers especially recommends the seven-night Athens to Athens cruise, which “calls on highlights, but adds places like Souda Bay in Crete, Nafplion, Patmos, and Rhodes ,” where he recommends visiting the “temple ruins at Lindos, with views over the Mediterranean, and then walk in the footsteps of the Crusaders in the old town.” The cruise also stops in Nafplion, which, despite its romantic seaside setting and lovely beaches, is yet to be uncovered by most American travelers — for now, at least.

Variety Cruises

According to T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist Mary Curry , this local Greek cruise line offers its own fleet of yachts, most carrying fewer than 50 passengers. Since the ships are so small, says Curry, “you can travel a bit further off the beaten path.” Variety offers a handful of Greece itineraries, including specially themed hiking and wine cruises.

Itinerary: Travelers craving a true off-the-beaten-path experience can book the seven-night Unexplored Greece voyage, which sails round-trip from Athens. The first port of call is Ikira, a tiny island known for its hot springs that also happens to be one of the world’s Blue Zones. Then, it’s off to Patmos, known for its fascinating history and unspoiled beaches, before overnighting in Lipsi, a laid-back isle famous for its gorgeous scenery. On board, guests can taste the destination’s famous wine, Aposperitis. The fun continues in Levintha, inhabited by a single family who raises animals and runs a restaurant where guests can enjoy fresh-caught fish. After, it’s off to Amorgos, where scenic hiking and beautiful beaches abound. The next day, you’ll stop at Panagia Hozoviotissa, a cliffside monastery dating back to the 10th century, before heading to Koufonisia, which boasts majestic caves and rock pools accessible only by boat (thankfully, Variety as you covered). The final stop of the day is the serene island of Iraklia, which offers clear-blue waters ideal for swimming. After remaining here overnight, you’ll head to the final port of call, Serifos, where guests can visit a remote beach, followed by an onboard BBQ feast to refuel before heading to Chora, a fairy-tale village.

Related: The Best Time to Visit Greece for Good Weather, Fewer Crowds, and Affordable Prices

Courtesy of Ponant Cruises

This French-owned cruise line offers an impressive fleet of small luxury ships. Additionally, says Curry, “Most cabins have private balconies, and travelers who plan early are rewarded with excellent value for the money.” What’s especially unique about Pontant, explains the pro, is that they “partner with Smithsonian Journeys on select departures to offer an enrichment program of included lectures and shore excursions in each port.”

Itinerary: Curry especially recommends the seven-night Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean sailing, which will cruise round-trip from Athens in July and October 2025. The cruise calls on aforementioned spots like Patmos, Rhodes, and Amorgos before visiting Adamas in Milos, a volcanic island teeming with postcard-worthy white-washed towns and breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Adamas itself is a tiny fishing port where colorful boats shimmer against the blue waters. Finally, it’s off to Mykonos and Napflion before finally disembarking in Athens.

Disney Cruise Line

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is world-famous for its exciting onboard offerings for children of all ages — including character and superhero meet-and-greets, dining options themed after beloved Disney princesses, and live performances galore — making it a favorite for families hoping for a fun-filled Greece vacation.

Itinerary: "Setting sail aboard the Disney Dream on the seven-night Mediterranean with Greek Isles itinerary is nothing short of magical!" says Megan Guinnup , a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels . Cruising round-trip from Rome, the ship calls on Naples before exploring Greece. In addition to popular ports like Athens and Mykonos, you'll also visit Chania on the island of Crete, which offers a bustling harbor, exquisite architecture, and cobblestone streets that look like they were plucked straight from a (Disney) fairy tale. After exploring each locale, the fun continues back on board, where, per the pro, "there is enchantment everywhere — meeting beloved characters, enjoying deck parties with Mickey and Minnie, and indulging in exquisite cuisine."

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

This mega-ship line truly has it all: Flashy entertainment and onboard activities — which, depending on the ship, can include everything from water slides to zip lines — and plenty of drinking and dining offerings to appease even the pickiest eaters. Guinnup and Kari Dillon, owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels, recommend setting sail aboard Odyssey of the Seas , which offers several Greek itineraries. "On board," says Guinnup, "There's a plethora of activities to enjoy, from bumper cars and roller skating to exquisite dining and a bionic bar — there's something for everyone!"

Itinerary: The seven-night Greek Isles itinerary sails round-trip from Rome with stops in Santorini, Ephesus, Mykonos, and Naples. Keep in mind that because the ship is so large, Santorini and Mykonos are both tender ports. With that in mind, Dillon recommends springing on The Key, an optional add-on that includes priority tender access so that you can spend as much time as possible on land basking in its beauty.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Richard Branson’s adults-only line has taken the industry by storm with its innovative offerings, including 20-plus restaurants instead of buffets, an onboard tattoo parlor, adult-focused entertainment offerings, and a two-story nightclub.

Itinerary: Dillon especially recommends the seven-night Greek Island Aglow itinerary for travelers seeking a high-energy, adults-only option. She continues, telling T+L, “Not only does this sail to the islands of Santorini and Rhodes, but it [also] has an overnight in Mykonos, which is world-famous for its lively party atmosphere.” As a bonus, the cruise also calls on Bodrum in Turkey, which boasts beautiful beaches, flower-filled cafes, and a bustling nightlife scene.

Celestyal Cruises

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Greece-based Celesytal Cruises prides itself on offering an authentic Greek vacation experience. Additionally, Celesytal is unique in that it offers year-round Aegean Sea sailings cruising round-trip from Athens and ranging in length from three to 14 nights. On land, Celeystal guests can choose from a selection of the line’s “Authentic Excursions,” which are specially curated, small-group, expert-led experiences designed to take travelers off the beaten path. Options — including walking food tours and pottery-making demos at a local factory — abound, depending on the particular port of call.

Itinerary: The seven-night Idyllic Aegean voyage visits Thessaloniki (which offers an eclectic combination of history, nightlife, and gastronomy), Kuşadası (a popular Turkish resort town), and Heraklion (the capital of Crete) before heading to iconic isles like Santorini and Mykonos, where the ship will remain overnight. Before returning to Athens for disembarkation, you’ll also stop in magnificent Milos.

Related: The Ultimate Greece Packing List

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Greek Island Cruises

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Romance and culture await on a Greek Island cruise

It’s no wonder the Greek Islands have always been a perennial favorite of travelers. Greece is a magical, romantic destination where you can wander alongside stunning coastlines, explore the ruins of ancient cultures, and dine on fresh Mediterranean cuisine all in one vacation.

On one of our Greek Island cruises, explore far-flung beaches, drift out to sea on catamarans and kayaks, and duck into tiny tavernas where you can eat and drink like a local. From the sun-soaked stone buildings in Santorini to the white-sand beaches that beckon in Mykonos, a Greece cruise is the best way to experience the captivating Greek Islands.

Greek Island Cruise Highlights

Once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

There is no shortage of unforgettable experiences to be had in Greece. Its seascapes and cityscapes are wondrous, from the mighty ruins of the Acropolis to the buzzing, modern city center of Athens. Visit an olive farm in Crete, or embark on a tour of Mykonos Town’s organic wineries. Or, take an intimate, exclusive cooking lesson on how to make local favorites in Santorini’s main square, right in the middle of it all.

Ancient History

Greece is a world-renowned destination for history buffs. Stroll through the Acropolis and marvel at human achievement, or visit the Museum of Cycladic Art to study Aegean and Cypriot artifacts. Examine the 400-year-old remains of a town buried under volcanic ash outside of Santorini. Explore the historic forts of Corfu, or hop on a boat ride to Delos, said to be the birthplace of Apollo.

Natural Wonders

Discover Elafonisi Beach, a paradise of pink, powdery sand and shallow waters off the island of Crete. Take an unforgettable cruise through the impressive Corinth Canal on a shore excursion in Athens. Stand in awe at the base of Mount Olympus, Greece’s highest mountain and the fabled home of the Greek gods. In Zakynthos, don’t miss a visit to the awe-inspiring Shipwreck Beach, which often tops best-of lists.

Featured Ports

Santorini, Greece

Travelers flock to Santorini for its cobalt-roofed homes, friendly locals, and fine local wine. On this crescent-shaped island, soak up the sun at black-sand beaches like Perissa, or spend a day at the Santorini Caldera, one of the only places in the world to see submerged remnants of an erupted volcano. Sample Greek wines at family-owned wineries dotting the Aegean coast, and take the time to marvel at the incredible panoramas all around you.

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos is the quintessential Mediterranean beach destination. Choose your favorite to spend the day on, or book a sailing excursion to go beach hopping. Take a day trip beyond Mykonos to the nearby island of Delos, an uninhabited archeological site said to be the birthplace of Greek gods. Experience an authentic side of the island with a home-cooking class, where you’ll sample and prepare delicious local specialties.

Athens, Greece

To visit the capital of Greece is to take a trip back in time, whether you’re exploring the narrow streets of the Plaka District or hiking the Acropolis for well-earned views of the Parthenon. After a day of exploration, pop into a taverna for Mediterranean meze and a cold beer.

Greek Island Cruise Itineraries

Explore the wonders of Greece on 7- to 12-night itineraries available year round. Along with ports of call in the country’s best destinations, our cruises to Greece also include stops in Turkey, Italy, Malta, and beyond. You’ll depart from Rome, Athens, or Barcelona, making it easy to extend your vacation in one of these stunning cities before or after your cruise.

Itineraries

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Corfu, Greece

Chania (Souda), Crete, Greece

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Rhodes, Greece

Hydra, Greece

Set Sail on a Greek Island Cruise with Celebrity

Before you ride a donkey to the top of Santorini Island, before you stare in awe at the Acropolis, and before you lose track of time on a warm Mediterranean beach with a cocktail in hand, your journey on board one of our cruise ships is all part of the unforgettable experience. 

Your vacation begins the moment you step on board. Discover the unparalleled service, delectable culinary creations, innovative venues, thrilling performances, and indulgent wellness treatments that take your vacation from good to extraordinary. You’ve never seen Greece like this before.

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ADVENTURE ON THE AEGEAN

Greece & greek isles cruises.

Discover idyllic beaches and ancient ruins in the birthplace of poetry and art with a cruise to Greece and the Greek Isles.

Cruise to Greece and Greek Isles where temples, amphitheaters and villages preserved in volcanic ash still reveal the mysteries of the past. Enjoy dramatic sunsets across translucent waters while exploring the white cliffs of Milos, or transport yourself to the ancient past at ruins found on nearly every Greek island. The Temple of Aphaia looms over Aegina, while Delos Island hosts the incredible Terrace of the Lions. You'll find the world-famous Acropolis on Rhodes Island and the Akrotiri on Santorini. But don't forget to watch the sun rise over the Aegean while visiting the renowned windmills of Mykonos. Discover the magic with a Greece and Greek Isles cruise.

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ISLAND EXPLORER

Get in touch with traditional customs and soak in the Mediterranean waves on the sun-soaked Greek Isles onboard the best Greece and Greek Isles cruises. 

VIVA LA VILLAGE LIFE

Santorini only has villages, not towns, and these diverse areas provide a firsthand glimpse into Greek life. Because the whole island is less than 28 square miles, it's not difficult to take in most of the sights from the looming cliffs and still have time for shopping, eating and some down time on the Aegean Sea.

DIVE TO THE DEPTHS

Greece's underwater worlds complete with seahorses, eels and plenty of fish are almost too perfect not to grab your scuba gear and take the plunge. Santorini has an excellent dive center that will get you into the water fast with instructors who will guide you through the warm Mediterranean waters.

THE THRILL OF THE CLIMB

Another great thing to do while in Greece are the daily tours of the volcano Nea Kameni, which is located on an uninhabited island close to Santorini, begin with a short boat ride, followed by a climb up to the volcanic craters that takes just over an hour. The tour then takes in hot springs and mud baths, where you can recharge your batteries.

UNEARTH THE PAST

Go on an archaeological exploration of the ancient world's most renowned sites, from Bronze Age excavations to temples dedicated to the Greek gods with your cruise to Greece and Greek Isles. 

ANCIENT ADVENTURES

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is both a beach paradise and home to some of the country's premier archaeological finds and attractions. Visit Greece and tour the Palace at Knossos, built by the Minoans more than 4,000 years ago, before exploring the Archaeological Museum, where the treasures of Knossos — including sculptures, jewelry and mosaics — are exhibited.

Excavations of Akrotiri on Santorini Island date back to the Manoan Bronze Age, where the settlement was preserved in ash following a volcanic eruption in 1627 B.C. The site is still being excavated today, and you can witness history firsthand by exploring the vast settlement and the enormous ongoing archaeological dig.

GUIDED BY GODS

Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, and it's also the mythological birthplace of the sun god, Apollo, and his twin, Artemis, goddess of the moon and the hunt. You can spend hours exploring the ruins and learning about Greek history on the most sacred place of worship in Ancient Greece. Even the nearby old port has its own charm, with an amphitheater, sanctuary and various dwellings waiting to be explored.

GREEK ISLAND BLUES AND INCREDIBLE VIEWS

This is not your average summer vacation in Europe — it’s an all-out culture trip you’ll never forget. Offering longer stays in port, Brilliance of the Seas℠ takes you deeper into the culture, history and natural beauty of some of Europe’s most incredible destinations. Cruise to Greece and explore the most beautiful isles in the Aegean.

GO FOR GREEK

There’s nothing like spending a summer in Greece, and an adventure on Brilliance of the Seas ℠ , is the perfect way to experience it. Scope picture-perfect sunsets in Santorini. Tour a local vineyard in Crete. And spend a day soaking up the sun on a golden-sand beach in Mykonos . You’re in for adventure no matter how you choose to isle away the time.

EXPLORE CRUISES TO SANTORINI

EXPERIENCE MORE OF EUROPE

Experience the journey of a lifetime on a 7-night cruise on Brilliance of the Seas℠. Explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey. Indulge in exquisite cuisine, relax in luxury, and embark on unforgettable shore excursions, all while enjoying the world-class amenities of our cruise ship.

EXPLORE EUROPE CRUISES

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Greece and Greek Isles Cruises Insider

You'll find excellent weather on the Greek islands throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between April and October, when temperatures range from the low 70s to the mid 80s, and the sun is nearly guaranteed.

Countless ruins like the Acropolis and the Akrotiri overlook the world-class beaches that are around nearly every corner on the islands. Whether you're more interested in a private cove on Zakynthos or a central beach with a party scene on Mykonos, the options are limitless.

While you will have no difficulty finding a wealth of fish and seafood on the islands, the history of trade on the islands create amazing international cuisine.

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CUISINE EVERYTHING'S BETTA WITH A LITTLE FETA

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SAY CHEESE!

Kefalonia is home to the legendary tiropita cheese puff, which is basically cheese baked in cheese, although you'll also find puffs filled with vegetables, particularly spinach, and even sometimes meat. You can also find local cheeses like feta, manuri or kefalotiri everywhere.

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FLEX YOUR MUSSELS

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RELATED PORTS

The beautiful Greece and Greek Isles cruise ports, from the in-progress archaeological digs at Delos to the Old Towns of Crete and Rhodes, the Greek Islands are brimming with history. And while it's wonderful to explore the past, the beaches of Mykonos and the architecture of Santorini and Athens are just a few of the many pleasures that await you.

Argostoli, Greece

Mykonos, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Chania (Souda), Crete

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Rhodes, Greece

Corfu, Greece

Zakynthos, Greece

Thessaloniki, Greece

Skiathos, Greece

Chios, Greece

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Greek Island Hopping 101 – Everything You Need to Know

Island hopping in Greece is one of Europe’s unmissable adventures. But with over 200 islands where do you start?

Here’s everything you need to know – including island hopping routes and itineraries , ticket info and some island inspiration .

It’s been a time-honoured travel tradition since the 1960s. But Greece has so many islands it can be overwhelming to plan and difficult to know where to start.

Well – start right here. We’ve got everything you need to know (and a few things you probably don’t).

This guide will cover:

• Starting points – airports and ports
• Considerations when planning – time/money/seasickness/flexibility
• Fast ferry vs slow ferry vs flying
• How much do ferry tickets cost? What are the cheapest ferries?
• A quick guide to each island group
• How to pick your perfect islands (and the best time to go)
• Understanding the hub and spoke system
• Tickets and schedules
• Attica Group Greek Island Ferry Pass
• Organised group tours
• Yachts, small ship cruises, and international ferries

If I could spend the rest of my life doing one thing it would be island-hopping. Nothing beats sitting out on the deck of the ferry in the sunshine, sipping on a frappe, thumbing through a guidebook wondering what adventures await at the next island.

The anticipation as you wait in the crowd to disembark the ferry, the sounds as door ramps down – providing the first glimpse of your chosen destination.

The pure thrill of turning up at Piraeus with no plans and no ticket (seriously – you should try it, just not in August).

Let’s dive in . . .

Island Hopping in Greece – Where to Start?

There are a few important factors that will determine how your island hopping plays out: time, money, and your starting point.

Update for 2022

The events of the past few years have normalised electronic tickets and card payments throughout Greece. I recommend downloading the Ferryhopper app and using it to purchase your tickets.

Requirements for ferry travel (including masks) are prone to change – please read the official requirements and this Ferryhopper guide to requirements which is regularly updated. 

Pick Your Entry Point

How do you plan to arrive in Greece? This will most determine which ports/island groups are nearest to you (unless you’re happy to take a domestic flight – we’ll get to that later).

If you’re flying into Greece you’ll most likely land at Athens International airport (Eleftherios Venizelos).

The main ports on the Greek mainland are:

• Piraeus.  Athens’ main port – click here for directions). This is the biggest port in Greece and you can reach most islands.
• Rafina.  Athen’s second port – a bit harder to reach than Piraeus (which is something to bear in mind if you’re heading to Mykonos – more on that later) but nearer the airport.
• Lavrio. The smallest and furthest away of the Athens ports. You’ll probably only use it if you want to get to Kea or if you’re joining a yacht.
• Thessaloniki . Although Greece’s second city is mainly a commercial port, there are ferry connections to the larger Aegean islands.
• Kavala . The main ferry port in the north, with connections to Athens and the Aegean islands.
• Keromoti . On the north coast, just opposite the island of Thassos.
• Volos . Halfway between Thessaloniki and Athens, Volos is the main gateway port for the Sporades (Mamma Mia fans, head here).
• Patras . A large port on the west coast, at the entrance to the Gulf of Corinth, for connections to Italy and the Ionian islands.
• Igoumenitsa . On the northwest coast, best for connections to Corfu and Italy.

Basically, Piraeus will probably be your starting port unless you have a particular reason for it not to.

Or if you’re flying –

Greek islands with international airports:

• Crete (Chania, Heraklion, Sitia) – international
• Corfu – international
• Kefalonia – international
• Zakynthos – international
• Kos – international
• Lesvos – international
• Samos – international
• Rhodes – international
• Santorini – international
• Skiathos – international

Greek islands with domestic airports:

• Astypaleia – domestic only
• Chios – domestic only
• Ikaria – domestic only
• Kalymnos – domestic only
• Kythira – domestic only
• Lemnos – domestic only
• Milos – domestic only
• Naxos – domestic only
• Paros – domestic only
• Skyros – domestic only
• Syros – domestic only

Plus there are international airports at Preveza (for Lefkada), Volos (for the Sporades), Kalamata, and Thessaloniki.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU HAVE?

Ok, this one is pretty important. The islands are often further apart than they may appear on the map. Ferries can be a slow mode of transport (although there are different types of ferry) so the length of time you have available will determine the type of ferry you should take, and/or the distance you will want to travel.

Some considerations include:

• Your travel style – pack it in or take it slow?
• Do you get seasick?
• How flexible is your schedule?
• Is it cheaper/quicker to fly?
• What’s your budget?

It’s best to allow a bit of flexibility in your planning because a) strikes happen, b) storms happen. The big slow car ferries are the most reliable and least likely to be cancelled.

Pro tip : Many of the ferries from Athens leave early in the morning and return late at night. You can use this to your advantage when planning.

FAST FERRY VS SLOW FERRY VS FLYING

What’s your travel style? Are you a speed freak, who likes to pack in as much as possible?

There are several different types of ferry:

• Closed Deck Car Ferry . The biggest and cheapest. Most stable. Best for seasickness. Tend to have cabins, restaurants, cafes and sometimes entertainment.
• Open Deck Car Ferry. More popular on short routes.
• Hi-Speed Catamaran . These can be quite large. Some have open decks, some don’t. Most have seating.
• Hydrofoil (also known as Flying Dolphins). The smallest and quickest type of ferry. Prone to cancellation and delays in bad weather though. No open deck, not great if you get seasick.

Length of journey

Flying makes sense for long routes (8 hours +; for example, Athens to Crete, Rhodes, or any of the Northern Aegean) where the price is comparable, if not cheaper. Ferry journeys of this length can be uncomfortable unless you’re happy to pay for a cabin. And at certain times of year you can pick up bargain flights.

Departure/arrival times

Instead of looking exclusively at journey times or cost, I recommend comparing departure and arrival times to figure out whether its best to fly or take the ferry.

Most ferries from Athens leave early in the morning, or in the evening for overnight routes. Let’s say, for example, the Blue Star car ferry to Mykonos leaves at 7:30am and arrives at 12:45pm. On the way, you can sit out on the sun deck, watch the islands go by, and drink some frappes. You’ll be there in time for your lunch. Whereas the cheaper flights might require you to be at the airport by 6am (never fun), or arrive late at night.

Conversely, some ferries might arrive at unsociable hours (hello Amorgos) and you might be better off flying to the nearest airport and taking a ferry from there. These tend to be the quieter stops half way through overnight routes.

If you’re a slow traveller, who enjoys the journey as much as the destination and wants to explore off the beaten track whilst you’re there, then the big car ferries are perfect. Just think of it as a mini cruise.  I find the big car ferries (particularly the Blue Star line) very pleasant to travel on. My own personal boredom threshold for ferry journeys is about 7 hours – any longer than that and I’ll look at flights. Your threshold may well be less.

Seasickness

If you get seasick, it’s worth sticking to the big slow car ferries though. These are the most stable and you’re less likely to experience seasickness. The small hydrofoils are the worst as you can’t go on deck, and often they don’t have proper windows. I’m not a big fan. But many people are prepared to put up with this in order to cut their travel time.

Reliability

The big, closed-deck car ferries are also the most reliable – and least likely to be cancelled in the event of rough seas. In bad weather, hydrofoil journeys can take twice as long as advertised.

Fast ferry routes are often aimed at tourists so there are extra routes available over July and August.

What’s Your Budget?

How much are ferry tickets?

The slower the ferry (and the shorter the route) the cheaper the ticket. As a rough rule, car ferries are twice the time but half the cost. I’ve included some example prices in the island sections below.

On long car ferry journeys, it might be worth paying extra for a designated seat (these are airport-style and recline a little bit) or a cabin.

More and more of routes in the Cyclades seem to have been taken over by Sea Jets who operate the expensive fast catamarans.

On a budget?

Your best bet is to limit the number of islands you’re visiting and make sure they’re close together, or base your trip around one of the cheaper ferry lines such as:

• Maistros Santorini – (Santorini – Ios – Sikinos – Folegandros)
• F/B Prevelis (Pireaus – Cyclades – Crete – Rhodes)
• Dionisios Solomos (Pireaus – Cyclades)
• F/B Artemis (Lavrio – Cyclades)
• All Blue Star routes
• All Hellenic Seaways routes
• All Golden Star Ferries routes

Looking for the cheapest island hopping route? Athens  – Aegina – Agistri – Athens will cost you just €15.60 using the lowest price tickets.

Keep reading for ferry pass information which will help if you have a few overnight ferries planned.

How much are flights?

Don’t assume flying is necessarily more expensive than taking the ferry.

You can often pick up bargain basement tickets to popular islands such as Crete, Santorini, Kos and Rhodes – particularly at the beginning or end of the season. These are short flights but long (and expensive) ferry journeys. I’ve paid as little as €10 for flights in April and October.

Use  Skyscanner to find cheap flights.

The best time of year to buy cheap flights to the Greek islands is early in the year – January – March. This is when most of the seats are released. The closer you leave it to the summer the more expensive the tickets become. And a common trick budget airlines use is to draw you in with a cheap flight out, but make the return leg really expensive (or vice versa).

This can make it worth while to fly out and island hop back to Athens.

Which are the best Greek islands to visit?

The island groups.

Here is the fun bit – deciding where to go.

There are 5 main island groups in Greece, plus a few outliers.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect in the different island groups:

Ionian Islands

Over on the west coast of the Greek mainland, the Ionian islands have quite a different feel to the Aegean islands thanks to their Italian heritage and green landscapes. Some of the islands have two names – that’s because they still go by both their Italian and Greek names.

Main Islands : Corfu (Kerkyra), Kefalonia, Zakynthos (Zante), Paxos, Ithaca, Lefkada, and technically Kythira – although it’s nearer to Crete than the rest of the Ionians.

Tiny Islands :  Meganisi, Antipaxos, Antikythira, Diapondia islands, Echinades islands, Kastos, Kalamos.

Highlights : Corfu Town, Navagio Bay and Turtle Island on Zakynthos, Assos and Fiskardo on Kefalonia, the north coast of Corfu, Porto Katsiki and Egremni beaches on Lefkada, Myrtos beach on Kefalonia, Melissani blue cave on Kefalonia, boat trips and watersports.

Best for : Dramatic and lush mountainous scenery, fantastic sandy beaches, turtles, handsome Venetian architecture, wine, low key beach resorts, sailing and windsurfing.

Airports: The Ionians are well served by air, with international airports on Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, as well as nearby Preveza on the mainly (closest for Lefkada).

Need to know : Island hopping in the Ionians is not common. The islands are big and geared towards beached-based package tourism, with lots of purpose-built resorts, and the yachting industry. Laganas on Zakynthos is the mass tourism and party capital of the Ionians if you’re after nightlife. 

Travelling the islands by ferry is made difficult by the lack of connections between Corfu/Paxos and the rest of the islands. Instead, you must go via Igoumenitsa on the mainland. Connections between Kefalonia and Zakynthos also often go via the mainland. There are several ports on in use on most islands and they are not all served by public transport, services are geared towards locals with cars. If travelling to Corfu via the mainland then use the opportunity to visit nearby Parga and Syvota.

However the past few years have seen a small ferry connect all of the islands during the high summer (June-September) by either Azimut or Kamelia ferries. 

Example travel times and costs (prices and schedules vary) :

Read more about the Ionian Islands:

• Ionian Islands – Complete Travel Guide (including Ferries and Island-Hopping Routes)
• Corfu – A Quick Island Guide
• Where to Stay on Corfu: Beach Resort Guide
• Where to Stay on Lefkada: Beach Resort Guide
• Where to Stay on Kefalonia: Beach Resort Guide
• Where to Stay on Zakynthos: Beach Resort Guide 
• Exploring Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town
• Kefalonia – Insider Tips
• Kefalonia – How to Day Trip to Ithaca

Argo-Saronic Islands

The name refers to the islands in the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs, and these are the islands closest to Athens. Perfect if you’re short of time or don’t want to stray too far from the airport.

Islands : Salamina, Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses

Highlights : The Temple of Aphaia at Aegina. The car-free streets of Hydra and Spetses Town. Watching the ships pass Poros Town. Hiking on Hydra. Pine forests and snorkelling on Poros and Agistri.

Best for : proximity to Athens. You don’t have to go far to feel the island vibe. Otherwise known as ‘the ones near Athens’, these islands are often skipped by visitors making a beeline for the Cyclades but less than an hour from Piraeus you can find pine-covered islands, ancient temples, pistachios, and some good beaches. The islands popular with weekending Athenians and yachties – Aegina and Hydra both have a lively nightlife in the summer months.

Need to know : Most of the ferry connections are high speed ferries – either hydrofoils or fast catamarans. There are no car ferries to Hydra at all. This is great news if you like to travel fast, but not so great if you’re prone to seasickness. Poros is just 200m from the Greek mainland at its closest point and is connected by a bridge, so is ideal if you’re worried about rough seas. Hydra and Spetses are the priciest of the islands.

Visit three islands in one day : The best way to see a lot in a short time is the One Day Island Cruise . It runs every day of the year and is one of the most popular day trips from Athens, stopping at Hydra, Poros and Aegina. It departs at 8 am and includes live music and a buffet lunch. Island stops are between 1-2.5 hours and there are extra excursions available at Hydra and Aegina.

Or if you prefer to escape the crowds there’s a One Day Sail to Aegina, Agistri and beautiful little Moni Island during the summer.

Cycladic Islands

The most famous of the Greek island groups, the Cyclades are will fulfil all your romantic notions of a Greek vacation. Most tourists head straight to the most popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos, but there are plenty more islands to spread out and find your own piece of paradise.

Islands : Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Tinos, and Santorini.

Tiny Islands : Koufonisia, Donousa, Iraklia, Schoinousa, Antiparos, Kimolos, Thirasia.

Highlights :  Santorini’s iconic caldera villages, fancy nightlife on Mykonos, budget nightlife on Ios, the ancient island of Delos, handsome neoclassical Ermoupoli on Syros, whitewashed villages on Paros, volcanic rock formations on Milos, hiking on Andros, food on Serifos, the laid-back beaches on Naxos, a mini island hop around the Little Cyclades.

Best for : The famous vistas of white sugar-cube buildings , white sandy beaches, rugged barren landscapes, beach bars, easy island-hopping, jaw-dropping sunsets, hedonistic pleasures, scootering around to remote beaches, tiny white churches.

Airports : International – Santorini and Mykonos, domestic – Naxos, Paros, Syros

Need to know : Santorini and Mykonos are considerably more commercial and expensive than most other Greek islands, and heaving with tourists in the summer, but you will find the best hotels and clubs in Greece in both destinations. I recommend combining them with at least one quieter island to get a feel of real Greece – Paros and/or Naxos are perfect.

Read more about the Cyclades:

• Naxos – An Island Guide
• Naxos or Paros?
• A Solo Trip to Santorini
• 15 Best Things to Do on Santorini
• The Best Food and Drink on Santorini (And Where to Find It)
• Syros – A Quick Island Guide
• Where to Stay in the Cyclades: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Crete is such a large island that it deserves its own section – it’s the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.

It’s also a popular destination thanks to its beaches and history – it was home of the Minoans (the earliest known civilisation in Europe), and there are buildings from Venetian, Byzantine and Ottoman rule.

Resorts line the north coast which is well developed and easy to travel. The south is more remote and wild, and the two sides are divided by mountains. The tackiest beach resorts (and loudest nightlife) are on the coast around Heraklion. The west is probably the most beautiful part of the island and ideal for independent travel.

Tiny Islands : Gavdos, Spinalonga, Dia, Chrysi, Paximadia.

Famous bits : The ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos. Beautiful Venetian cities Chania and Rethymnon. Walk the Samaria gorge. Lagoon beaches at Elafonisi and Balos – 2 of the best beaches in Greece – plus palm trees at Vai, and hippie vibes at Matala, and the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion.

Best for : Variety, incredible beaches, food, hiking, remote mountain villages, ancient palaces, traditional music, marine life, quiet plains, long summers and mild winters.

Airports:  There are international airports at Chania, Heraklion, and a smaller airport at Sitia.

Ports: The main ferry ports are at Chania, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia, with some ferries also departing from Kissamos and Rethymnon.

Need to know : Crete is so large that you’re better off treating it as a separate country when it comes to planning – it’s too big to cram the whole country into a short visit. Best to stick to one area. There are good public transport connections along the main towns of the north. From the main towns, you can catch buses south. The main ferry connections to other islands are Kythira, Santorini, Karpathos and Rhodes.

Read more about Crete:

• Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
• Heraklion in 1 Day: All the Highlights
• Crete – Insider Tips

Dodecanese Islands

Main Islands : Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kastellorizo, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Symi, Tilos, and Rhodes.

Tiny Islands:  Agathonisi, Pserimos, Chalki, Arki, Kasos, Telendos, Marathi, Lipsi.

Highlights : Rhodes and its medieval old town. Beautiful neoclassical towns on Symi, Chalki and Kastellorizo. Rock climbing on Kalymnos. Crusader fortresses on Rhodes, Kos and Patmos. The volcanic landscape of Nisyros. Sandy beaches on Rhodes and Kos. The whitewashed hilltop Chora on remote Astypalea.

Best for : A variety of historic and geological influences. A good mix of popular and under-the-radar islands. Golden beaches and gulet trips in turquoise waters. Island hopping over to Turkey. Less crowds than the Cyclades (except Rhodes).

Airports . Kos and Rhodes have international airports. Karpathos, Leros and Kalymnos have domestic airports.

Need to know : Party fiends will find their flavour on Rhodes and Kos, where package tourism prevails (but it’s still easy to get off the beaten path). Patmos is the boutique capital of the group, with smart restaurants and a serene vibe thanks to its religious legacy (the Book of Revelation was written here). The ferry journey to Athens is long so consider booking a cabin or catching a flight.

Read more about the Dodecanese:

• Rhodes – A Quick Island Guide
• Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
• 10 Most Beautiful Beaches on Rhodes

Sporades Islands and Evia

Charming and evergreen, the Sporades (meaning ‘scattered’) islands are situated north of the Cyclades. Largest island Skiathos is a prime destination for summer holidays thanks to its gorgeous sandy beaches and lively nightlife. Scenes from the film Mamma Mia were filmed on Skiathos and Skopelos, which have boosted the popularity of the area.

Not far from the Sporades is Evia – the second largest island in Greece, and one of the least known (this is because you might mistake it as part of the mainland unless you’re looking closely at the map). It’s separated from the mainland by a small strait.

Islands : Skiathos, Skyros, Skopelos, Alonnisos, Skyros (although you can only get there via Evia)

Highlights : Skiathos Town. Snorkelling in Alonnisos National Marine Park. The famous beaches of Vromolimnos, Koukounaries and Lalaria on Skiathos. Skopelos Town. Ayios Ioannis Kastri (the hilltop church from Mamma Mia). Dhimosari Gorge and the paradise beaches of Lichadonisia on Evia.

Airports: Skiathos has an international airport. Skyros has a domestic airport.

Best for : Mamma Mia fans, sailors, outdoors lovers and beach bums. Green islands, clear seas, great beaches, cute monasteries, and a smattering of lovely hiking trails. Skyros and Evia are quiet and mostly domestic tourists, alternative types and wild campers.

Need to know : Skiathos and Skopelos are pretty close together – it’s easy to hop between them and nearby Alonnisos too.

But the Sporades are difficult to combine with other islands. Ferries to the Sporades are from Volos, which is a 2hr drive from Athens – although most agents sell tickets which include the bus to Volos. The ferry to Skyros departs from Evia.

Whilst you’re in the area, don’t miss the stunning Pelion Peninsula on the mainland.

Read more about the Sporades:

• Where to Stay on Skiathos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
• A Quick Guide to Skiathos Town
• How to Take the Mamma Mia Boat Trip

NORTHERN AEGEAN

Not so much a chain of islands, as the collective name given to the remaining islands in the Aegean Sea. The long travel times involved in reaching these islands from Athens means they’re a bit more off the beaten track. A bit more rustic. Chios, Lesvos and Samos have ferry crossings to Turkey.

Islands : Chios, Ikaria, Forni, Lesvos, Lemnos, Samos, Samothraki, Thassos, Psara

Highlights : Mytilene in Lesvos, Marble Beach on Thassos, the patterned village of Pyrgi on Chios, Ikaria’s unique summer festivals, the sweet wines of Samos and Lesvos, hippie vibes on Lesvos and Samothraki. The towns of Pythagorion and Vathi on Samos. The strange Fascist utopia of Lakki, built during Italian rule.

Best for : Escaping the crowds. Alternative and slow travel, agritourism, and discovering foodie delights, waterfalls and a traditional way of life.

Need to know : Their dispersed nature means some planning is required for island hopping as ferry connections are not all that frequent in comparison to other island groups.

Which Greek Islands are Best for You?

Still can’t decide? Check out these posts for more inspiration:

• Complete A-Z List of Greek Islands
• 15 Best Greek Islands for Beaches
• 10 Best Greek Islands for Couples
• 10 Best Greek Islands for Foodies
• 10 Best Greek Islands for History
• 10 Best Greek Islands for Solo Travel
• 10 Best Greek Islands for Swimming and Watersports
• 10 Best Greek Islands for Hiking and Nature
• 10 Tiny Greek Islands Not to Miss
• 10 Quiet & Secluded Greek Islands for Escaping the Crowds
• 10 Stunning Greek Islands (That Aren’t Santorini or Mykonos)
• 20 Beautiful Sugar-Cube Villages in the Greek Islands
• 10 Best Beaches in Greece
• 12 Beautiful Sandy Greek Beaches
• 10 Best Beach Towns with Sandy Beaches
• 50 Amazing Beach Destinations in Greece

When is the Best Time to Go?

The best time of year for Greek island hopping is May to mid-July, and then again in September. Mid-July through to the end of August is crazy busy and crazy hot. Accommodation and ferries book up due to the number of foreign and domestic tourists on their summer breaks.

Greek Orthodox Easter usually signals the start of the tourist season in Greece (you can check the dates here ), and it winds down again in October as soon as the weather starts to change.

In the low season, ferries are less frequent and there can be a surprising amount of lashing wind and rain. Also, many hotels and resorts shut down completely and become ghost towns over the winter. But if you have time and flexibility on your side then island hopping during the off-season can be a great way to experience the islands at their most authentic.

Check out this post for more information on visiting the Greek islands over autumn and winter:

• Best Greek Islands to Visit During Low Season

The Hub & Spoke System

To understand the Greek ferry system, you must first understand the hub and spoke system.

Imagine a bicycle wheel. At the centre of the wheel is the hub (Athens), and going out in every direction from the hub are spokes (ferry routes).

This is because ferry routes are geared to local needs which generally means travelling to Athens and back, or to the local administrative centre.

Each island group has one or two mini-hubs, these tend to be larger islands with good connections to the surrounding islands.

For the easy and reliable island hopping, pick several islands along one car ferry route. This is easiest in the Cyclades.

It’s possible to hop between Crete, the Cyclades, and the Dodecanese, particularly in the summer, although these ferries are not necessarily daily. Otherwise, there are few connections between island groups and you may have to backtrack via Athens, either by ferry or plane.

Some places that might be considered mini-hubs are:

• Syros (for the Cyclades)
• Naxos (for the Cyclades)
• Paros (for the Cyclades
• Mykonos (connecting the Cyclades and the North Aegean)
• Skiathos (for the Sporades)
• Igoumenitsa  and Patras on the mainland (for the Ionian)
• Rhodes (for the Dodecanese)
• Kos  (for the Dodecanese)
• Samos (for the Northern Aegean)
• Lesvos  (for the Northern Aegean)

The islands closest to Athens tend to have frequent fast ferry connections.

Buying Your Ferry Tickets

If you want to buy your tickets in advance, or just check the ferry schedules, you can use the Ferryhopper website or app to purchase electronic tickets.

If you’re already in Greece, you can buy ferry tickets from any travel agent.

This is approximately every third shop front in some parts of Athens. It’s not really worth shopping around, you’ll pay pretty much the same everywhere as prices are regulated by the government. Travel agents will add on – at most – a couple of euros commission, and quite often none at all, so that’s the most you’ll be able to get the tickets down.

If you know exactly which ferry you can also book directly on some ferry websites. The websites are of varying quality but special offers can sometimes be found.

Some of the smallest local routes aren’t online and you’ll have to check locally.

Do I need to buy my tickets in advance?

In general, no.

These days I tend to buy my tickets a day or two in advance using Ferryhopper or through a local travel agent.

There are a few situations where I recommend you buy your ferry tickets in advance:

• If you’re travelling on or around a public holiday.
• If you’re travelling during the 6-week peak period between mid-July and the end of August when all of Europe is taking their summer vacation – including the Greeks (even the large ferries can book up around August 15th which is an important national holiday).
• If you’re travelling a popular route on small high-speed ferries (such as Athens to Hydra, Mykonos or Santorini over summer).
• If you’re on a strict schedule.

Ferry Schedules

There are plenty of online booking platforms where you can check ferry schedules and book tickets. I find Ferryhopper is the easiest to use.

Ferry schedules are usually published a few months in advance, and vary year-to-year.

You can compare routes, ships, and travel times.

10 Example Island Hopping Routes

Here are some islands which are easily combined:

• Athens – Crete – Santorini – Mykonos
• Athens – Serifos – Sifnos – Milos – Folegandros – Santorini 
• Athens – Santorini – Ios – Paros – Mykonos
• Athens – Paros – Naxos – Ios – Santorini
• Athens – Andros – Tinos – Mykonos
• Rhodes – Symi – Tilos – Nisyros – Kos
• Athens – Aegina – Agistri – Poros – Athens
• Athens – Poros – Hydra – Spetses
• Samos – Patmos – Kalymnos – Kos
• Volos – Skiathos – Skopelos – Alonnisos – Volos

Greek Island Ferry Pass

Wondering if there’s such a thing as a ferry pass? Yes! There is a little-known Greek Island Pass which is offered by Eurail / Interrail (and you don’t need to go anywhere near a train).

Interrail is for EU citizens, Eurail for those from outside the EU. There are further discounts for youth and senior (with youth generously categorised as up to 27).

Also known as the Greek Island Pass , Rail & Sail , or the Attica Pass , this has existed since 2016 and is valid for most routes operated by Superfast Ferries/Anek Lines/Blue Star (the big car ferries). Plus it gets you a 30% discount on any additional journeys.

I think this pass can a good option if you’re flexible and planning to do some extensive island hopping BUT definitely check it’s worth it for route you have in mind. Many of the Cyclades routes are now operated by Seajets which are not included in the pass.

If you’re planning on taking two or more medium-long distance journeys on the car ferries then it’s worth checking out.

Prices are for deck tickets:

• Domestic Pass (€90 for 2022) entitles holders to 4 days within one month
• International Pass (€176 for 2022) entitles holders to 6 days within one month, including up to 2 between Greece and Italy (including bus travel between Patras and Athens)

You will still have to pick up your boarding passes, subject to availability.

Read more about the Greek Island Ferry Pass (including a comparison with single tickets).

Group Tours

Fancy exploring the Greek islands but don’t want to do it on your own? The good news is there are plenty of organised tour options, whether you’re solo or in a group.

Here are some of the most popular.

BEST BUDGET/PARTY GREEK ISLAND TOURS

• Contiki.  Budget tours for 18-35s. Mykonos, Santorini and Ios in 15 days. Check out the website.
• Busabout . Budget operator offering rapid-fire trips popular with younger travellers. Mykonos, Paros, Antiparos, Santorini and Ios in 11 days. Fixed itinerary and flexible passes available. Check out the website.
• Travel Talk has a range of competitively priced island hopping options, including short breaks. Check out the website.
• Med Experience offers 9 and 11-day island hopping options for 18-35s. Check out the website.

BEST MID-RANGE TOURS

• Intrepid has a classic Athens – Syros – Mykonos – Santorini route.  Check out the website.
• GAdventures ‘ Best of Greece tour takes in highlights from Crete and Santorini. Check out the website.
• Macs Adventures do walking and cycling holidays on various islands. Check out the website.

Sailing the Greek Islands on a Yacht

Of course, the best way to see the Greek islands is by sea – and sailing on a yacht means you can access tiny coves, bays and marinas that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Plus, you get to spend your days drifting along in the wine-dark sea rather than scrambling to catch buses or taxis.

Sailing trips in the Greek islands have really exploded in popularity of the past few years. Previously the domain of exclusive charters, exploring Greece on a yacht is more accessible now more than ever. There are numerous companies offering sailing experiences where you share the boat or cabin with other travellers.

I love sailing and truly think it’s the best way to see this beautiful country. But it’s not for everyone. It’s hot and space is at a premium. Yachts vary a lot in comfort and amenities. Best to consider it an adventure. Pack light, stay flexible, and do your research on what’s involved before booking.

Cabin charters in Greece:

• Yacht Week Greece . Festival-style hedonism in the Saronic islands. Check out the website.
• Sail Greece. Budget sailing weeks in the Ionian for 18-39s. Check out the website.
• G Adventures . Routes will take you from Athens to Mykonos or Santorini, or all around the Cyclades. Check out the website.
• Med Sailors . Routes in the Ionian and Saronic for 20-35s. Check out the website. 
• Intrepid . Various routes in Greece including Mykonos to Santorini, and Hidden Treasures of the Cyclades. Check out the website.
• Jack and Jenny . Themed sailing weeks including rock climbing, yoga and diving. Check out the website.

Small Ship Cruises in Greece

If sailing doesn’t appeal and you’d rather not have to keep packing/unpacking then consider a small ship cruise. Much better than the large cruise ships in terms of environmental and social impact, small ships can also visit smaller harbours that are out of reach to the bigger ships.

• Peter Sommers offers luxury gulet cruises around the Cyclades, Aegean and Dodecanese islands, with a focus on food and culture . Check out the website.
• Variety Cruises.  has mini cruises as well as the longer Jewels of the Cyclades. Check out the website.

International Ferries

Note that for 2022 some international routes are restricted and will have different entry requirements to domestic ferries.

Ferries To/From Turkey

The Greek islands with ferry connections/border crossings to Turkey are:

• Lesvos – Ayvalik
• Chios – Cesme
• Symi – Bodrum*
• Samos – Kusadasi
• Rhodes – Marmaris / Fethiye*
• Kos – Bodrum / Turgutreis
• Kastellorizo – Kas*

*high season only

Ferries To/From Italy

Go to sleep in Italy and wake up in Greece (I’ve done this – it’s great).

International ferry routes to/from Italy include:

• Bari – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras / Zakynthos / Kefalonia
• Brindisi – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras / Zakynthos / Kefalonia
• Ancona – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras
• Venice – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras

Ferries To/From Croatia

There are currently no direct ferries to/from Croatia. You can travel via Italy or Albania.

Ferries To/From Albania

• Corfu – Sarande

Check Ionian Seaways for schedules.

What about booking accommodation and transport on the islands?

For booking accommodation, I recommend Booking.com for the largest selection of places. It also has a free cancellation policy. There are many family-run guesthouses in Greece called domatia which are increasingly using booking platforms.

It’s not a good idea to turn up without accommodation booked during high season. Outside the July-September peak you might be able to find rooms by asking around in cafes and tavernas. It’s rare these days to find people offering rooms as you disembark the ferry, everything has moved online over the past few years.

Bear in mind that accommodation on really small islands can be very limited and so book up quickly.

When are the Greek public holidays?

You can check this list of national holidays in Greece.

How do I find out about strikes?

The best resource is Strikes and Work Stoppages  which covers ferries and port workers as well as public transport.

Will I get seasick?

If you’re prone to seasickness then choose the larger, slower car ferries which will move less in the water and which have open decks for you to walk around and look at the horizon. Anti-seasickness medication can also help.

Travel Insurance

Don’t forget your travel insurance, and make sure that your insurance covers any adventures activities that you might do (including watersports).

UK readers – I recommend using Money Saving Expert to find the cheapest cover.

How long should I stay in Athens before/after visiting the islands?

Many visitors to Greece skip through Athens quickly in their rush to visit the islands.

I think this is a great shame – Athens is one of my favourite cities and I reckon it needs a minimum of 2 days. In the summer it’s a hot and busy city; not pleasant to rush around despite the relatively small size of its centre. It is atmospheric and fascinating if you can slow your pace down a little

Here are some of my top tips for Athens:

• Top 15 Things to See, Eat and Do in Athens
• Athens FAQ – 12 Essential Things to Know (including public transport info)
• Athens for Foodies

Found this post useful? Click to save to Pinterest:

Image credits:

Boats from Santorini: © AnastasiiaUsoltceva / Adobe Stock

Yellow Levante ferries: © Feel good studio

Map of Greece: © Peter Hermes Furian / Adobe Stock

Ferry wake: © Calin Stan / Adobe Stock

Loutro: © singidavar / Adobe Stock

Paxi: © dell / Adobe Stock

Ionian ferry: © Dimitris / Adobe Stock

All other images © The Mediterranean Traveller

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15 Best Greek Island Hopping Itineraries

Author’s Note: I travel between the Greek island groups by flight and ferry every year and have done so for many years now. In 2023 I island-hopped between Athens, Aegina, Tinos, Mykonos, Delos, Crete, and Naxos. I’ve just booked this year’s epic Greek island-hopping trip to 11 islands in 3 island groups (plus Crete!)

I travel around the Greek islands every year and in this article, I share with you my 15 best Greek island hopping itineraries for every kind of traveler and every kind of holiday, ranging from suggestions for first-timers to season-long itineraries for long-term experienced travelers.

Things to know about Greek island hopping itineraries

The best time to visit.

Greek islands are places where people live and thrive all year round. Greek islands do not shut for winter, but the majority of tourist enterprises (many bars, restaurants, taverns, experiences, excursions, and tours) do stop around November, only to re-open in May.

So, the best time for a Greek island hopping adventure is late spring, summer, and early autumn.

Late May until the end of October . 

Remember, getting there is half the fun!

How Many Islands in One Go?

Depends on how many days you have available. Here are some simple but effective suggestions:

🏝️ Up to 7 days: 2 islands

🏝️ Up to 10 days: no more than 3 islands

🏝️ Two weeks: 3-4 islands

🏝️ Month-long trip: 6 islands

Remember that getting to your island takes time and not all islands are connected with all the others (especially in different island groups), so leave enough time for traveling between the islands.

Got Questions? Join our friendly Greece Travel Planning, Tips + Deals

Getting Around

Ferry  is the king. There are many ferry companies servicing national and local island ferry routes that make a wide network of lines that you will be using.

Don’t be alarmed by long hours on Greek ferries, being on board is part of the experience, especially on the smaller vessels.

TIP: if you suffer from seasickness, choose islands serviced by big vessels, not high-speed ferries.

Airplanes  from Athens or Thessaloniki offer an easy transfer to your local island group hub, where you can then take a ferry to continue your trip.

For example, you can fly to Rhodes in under an hour or take a 12-hour ferry ride, both from Athens.

Avoid large cruise ships, they steal all the fun hidden in the trips where you mingle with the locals and other tourists, understanding what it really means to live an island life.

For example, seeing an air conditioning unit sent from Athens to a tiny island, secretly placed in a corner of a ferry hull, until a bunch of friends take it out in a matter of seconds during a ferry’s brief docking on the island!

TIP: I get all my ferry information and bookings via Ferryhopper.com  

The Cost of Greek-Island Hopping

Greek island hopping is not more expensive than a regular holiday in Greece.

Excluding the inbound flights to Greece you have to take, a ballpark figure of 80-100€ per day could cover all your budget hotels, travel, and food expenses around the islands.

But this is a very small budget and it is very easy to spend multiples of this.

Of course, some islands are more expensive than others, hotels can be luxurious, and the food is Michelin-star, so the amounts spent can go as much as you like, but the basics are still quite reasonably priced. 

How to Choose Your Itinerary

The most important thing to consider when choosing your itinerary is the number of days you have available.

The islands are separated into island groups and traveling between them means ferry connections and you need to calculate that into your schedule.

After that, consider what you want from the islands – a party scene, ancient history, and archaeology stuff, meeting authentic insular Greece, or utter beachside relaxation.

Combinations of all the above are feasible and actually, many people do that – start with a bigger and fancier island only to end a holiday somewhere low-key.

The 15 Best Greek Island-Hopping Itineraries

First time in Greece: Athens, Santorini, Naxos or Crete

Do you want it all at once, a Greek island experience in a nutshell?

Start from Athens and fly to Santorini to admire the unique Cycladic architecture, landscape, sunset, and everything else this unique Mediterranean island offers, only to proceed to somewhere more quiet, but still big enough to live the authentic island vibe.

That place can be:

🏝️ Naxos , one of the largest Cyclades islands with spectacular sandy beaches, vibrant hilly villages, and lots of opportunities for exploring.

🏝️ Crete – the largest Greek island, a world into itself, a place with unrivaled archaeology, beaches, food, and lifestyle. Great off-season option, too.

2. Glittery Islands: Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros

Greek islands are the world’s prime luxurious party dancefloors for the super-rich and famous.

Meeting the likes of Jeff Bezos, Beyoncé, Elon Musk, Leo di Caprio, Kim Kardashian, and Magic Johnson is business as usual around Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros during the summer.

TIP : These islands are quite pricy and booked quite early.

3. A bit of both worlds: Santorini or Mykonos, then Paros and Naxos

Greek summertime hotspots are great for the start of the holiday, but do you crave something more relaxing for the vacation’s ending?

Consider starting off with Mykonos and Paros to get the taste of the Aegean Sea highlife, only to proceed to real-life Naxos for the variety of beaches, normally-priced watersports, ancient sites, and quaint seaside taverns.

4. True Cyclades: Sifnos, Serifos and Milos

Cyclades are all about arid landscapes, traditional villages, sugar-cube whitewashed houses, and spectacular sunsets.

Add to this sandy beaches, the azure sea, and a lively central village (called Chora) during the evening for hearty Greek island food, drinks, and summer festivals that bring locals and tourists together like nothing else.

All of this, plus a lot of summerhouses for the Athenian middle class means these islands maintain the classic Cyclades charm while being easily accessible and close to Athens.

5. History Tripping: Mykonos (Delos), Milos and Crete

Greece is, after all, one of the world’s prime destinations for ancient cultures and archaeological sites.

You will hardly beat the importance of Delos, just off Mykonos, one of the holiest island spaces during Greek antiquity and home to the famous lion statue, the layered heritage of Milos lasting to this day, and the vast archaeological treasures of Crete.     

6. The Party Islands: Mykonos, Paros, and Ios

Vivid nightlife around the Greek islands is nothing new; it’s been going strong since at least the 1950s.

Today’s places to be for lavish parties, day and nighttime, in the nightclubs or beach bars are definitely Mikonos, followed by Ios and Paros. Luckily, they are all close by.

7. Off the beaten path Cyclades: Sikinos, Folegandros and Kimolos

Dreaming of sleepy, quaint islands where the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world has not arrived yet?

Looking forward to some really quiet time, except occasional evening drink, but don’t want to compromise on the food quality, warmth of the locals, and spectacular seaside?

No matter how long you have, divide your holiday time between these 3 islands and enjoy a sneak peek into what the Cyclades used to be decades ago. 

8. Best of the Dodecanese: Rhodes, Symi and Patmos

The Dodecanese island group is diverse and can feel detached from the cosmopolitan allure of the Cyclades, despite the gravitas of the Rhodes as a cultural, touristy, and transportation hub.

Spend a couple of days exploring its majestic multilayered heritage, proceeding to picture-perfect Symi and spiritual Patmos.

(I must admit, I’d spend a few days exploring Kos Town on Kos Island as well).

9. The Up-and-Coming Dodecanese islands: Rhodes, Karpathos and Kasos.

Again, after Rhodes proceed to hilly Karpathos, a place with the cutest island hilly village out there, the Olympos.

After that, do not miss Kasos, one of the remotest islands in Greece and a gateway to Crete.

10. Low-Key Dodecanese: Rhodes, Halki and Tilos

Perfectly tailored for those not keen on ferries, this itinerary will take you to the quietest islands of the Dodecanese.

Halki and Tilos feature great beaches, small family hotels, traditional taverns, and calmness that rejuvenates. 

11. North Aegean Pearls: Samothraki, Lesbos, Ikaria

Completely different in nature and customs from the rest of the insular Greece, and with thriving local population, these islands are real Greece.

Samothraki with its wild beauty cliffs and waterfalls, Lesbos with its high-brow culture, the homeland of Ouzo and pristine nature, and Ikaria, one of the world’s blue zones will make you think hard about moving permanently to these west Aegean havens. 

(I would try and fit in a day visiting Pythagoreia on Samos island as well).

12. Magical Saronic Gulf Islands: Aegina, Hydra and Spetses

The Hamptons of Greece – Hydra, Spetses, and Aegina not only played crucial roles in Greek history but represented a playground for Greece’s old money as well as for the international creative elite, royalty, and yachting crowds.

Seriously, it takes all of one minute to fall in love with Aegina or Hydra.

You can do all of them on an Athens day trip, too.

13. Ionian Islands: Corfu, Paxoi, and Ithaka

Elegant, lush, and picturesque, with Venetian, British, and Russian heritage and close to mainland Greece, these Ionian Sea islands are surrounded by cooler and more poignant-colored waters than any of the other islands.

Corfu town is like a small Bologna set in Greece, while Ithaka, besides its natural charms, is the home of the mythical king Odyssey.

And for Paxos (Paxoi), well, watch “Maestro” on Netflix and try not to fall in love instantly.  

14. Long-Term Island-Hopping: The Small Cyclades

The small Cyclades is an archipelago surrounded by bigger Cycladic islands. Comprising 5 inhabited islands – Schinoussa, Koufonissi, Iraklia, Donoussa, and Amorgos.

These places are the best destinations for avoiding the crowds. If low-key is your thing, you could easily spend a month discovering them.

TIP: Don’t avoid the local  Skopelitis Express   ferry , the heart and soul of the Small Cyclades.

TIP 2: If on Amorgos, make visiting Hozoviotissa monastery your No. 1 priority.

15. Long-term Island-Hopping: Cyclades-Dodecanese (Milos, Santorini, Astypalaia, Rhodes, Nisyros, Kastellorizo)

When traveling for a month, options are endless.

This is my favorite, where you start quite close to Athens, from Milos (the island even has its own airport), only to proceed further down the Cyclades route towards the gate of the Dodecanese – Astypalaia island.

From there, via Rhodes and Nisyros (an island-active volcano that you can actually visit), go to the easternmost point of Greece, to the magnificent and tiny eastern Mediterranean island of Kastellorizo.

How to Get from Italy to Greece by Ferry, including the Greek Islands

Schinoussa Island Travel Guide

How to get from Athens to Crete

Hi! I'm an anthropologist & history travel expert. I spend a part of each year in Greece, Italy, & Cyprus.

You can plan & book your next trip here while learning more about the cultures & histories of some of the world's most exciting destinations.

MYKONOS CRUISE

The Cyclades, known for their iconic white and blue architecture, traditional lifestyle, folk music, and warm hospitality, are a must-visit island group in Greece. Among them, Mykonos stands out as the island of the winds.

Mykonos offers a mix of flashy cosmopolitanism, with celebrity visitors, famous clubs, and bars, and a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere with stone-paved alleys, windmills, and the classic Aegean aesthetic.

Join us aboard the M/S Artemis, accommodating up to 46 passengers in 16 cabins, for a weekly onboard party filled with music, good company, and drinks. All cabins are ensuite with comfortable amenities.

Our friendly crew will cater to your needs, and our Chef will prepare daily brunch. For cruise itineraries and more Mykonos cruise information, check our official Mykonos info pack.

The Mykonos cruise is perfect for those seeking an Aegean experience, coastal sightseeing, island hopping, and lively parties.

Book an individual Mykonos cruise or private hire by emailing [email protected] . For group charters, get a quote at [email protected] .

• Daily Brunch
• Private secluded bays
• Like minded travellers
• Private ensuite a/c cabins
• DJ party on board

Pricing Information

All prices are per person and in  GBP  ( £ ). The  Euro  ( € ) prices are based on the currency of 1.10£ to € and are  fixed.

Please note that the prices tend to increase from those listed below, as prices fluctuate, depending on the availability and the period.

Our main periods are:

• Peak period  (July, August)
• Shoulder period  (June, September)
• Low period  (May, October)

The below-stated prices are subject to change without any notice. Keep in mind, that as the departure date of the sailing tour comes closer, the prices might increase, so it is wise to book in advance and secure the cheapest price possible! Once you have paid your 20% deposit, the remaining price of your option stays as it is!

In case of any price increase/decrease, you will be informed in time, accordingly.

• Prices fluctuate regularly, in line with the demand. Our Price Promise ensures clients, who book early, that they will never have to pay more, than those who book quite after them

All our standard cabins besides, their comfortable mattresses, are ensuite with their own shower, a hair dryer, a wardrobe for storage, reading lights, their own individual A/C device and an electric fan!

Regarding our cabins, we do have a variety of doubles/twins (lower beds/bunk beds) and a few triples and quads, depending on your cruise package and demand.

The only additional charge you need to expect is the local port fees (80€ per person), which need to be paid upon arrival, in order to assure some basic operational needs for the cruise.

IMPORTANT NOTE : Please note that the below itinerary is subject to change due to severe weather conditions or any other unforeseen circumstances. At the unlike event that the itinerary must be altered, we operate our Harmony cruise itinerary instead. See here the Harmony cruise

If you want to have your own private cabin, there will be an extra charge of 75% of the total amount of 1 person’s price.

We always try to allocate same-gender guests, together (this applies to our solo travelers), however, we cannot guarantee this under unexpected situations.

On day one, we board the vessel at around 14:00, and have a couple of drinks, just to start off. We then, start getting to know each other better and of course, start off with the partying!

While we are staying for the first night at Laurium, we can choose between roaming around Laurium’s famous bar strip, or staying onboard! It’s up to you!

Note: On the rare occasion of any issues that may result from late arrivals, there is a possibility that we do not depart from Athens on Saturday, but on Sunday instead.

Athens - Kea

After our first day, we will enjoy our lovely brunch as we depart, heading to Kea’s Island complex, of course, accompanied by great music and loads of excitement!

During our trip, we’ll make a stop at Makronisos, to enjoy our first swim-stop in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean. The trip to Kea will include our first cove party, though a chance to explore Kea’s most beautiful village, Vourkari, as well!

Kea - Syros

We will leave Kea behind, as we sail to Siros, the capital of the Cyclades with the dynamic character and cosmopolitan grace of a queen! Syros Island is famous for its capital Ermoupoly, its excellent restaurants and its delicious local/traditional sweets, Loukoumi (Turkish delight) and Halvadopita (a soft kind of nougat).

During our stay at Siros, and of course, after our scheduled daily swim-stop, it’s time to let the DJ do his thing! Nothing better than an onboard summer afternoon-party in Greece!! Dive into the sea if you feel you need to cool off, or grab a cocktail and just relax onboard, with the best party-company out there, as we are just getting started!

Syros - Mykonos

This is the day! We leave Siros and head to our trip’s main highlight, Mykonos! The stunning aesthetic hits you in between the eyes, and the island’s aura is just exceptional. Mykonos is literally packed with high-end shops and stores, worldwide famous clubs and bars and it is the dream of every young person who loves to socialize, party and dance!!

The island of winds, as Mykonos is called, is particularly picturesque with stone-paved alleys, whitewashed houses, country chapels and windmills that ooze calmness and peace! Before you reach the mainland, enjoy a swim-stop at Rhenia and get ready to experience a combination of, on and off-boat parties, that will make up for a day you will remember for sure!

On the fifth day, we will see all the great aspects of this beautiful Aegean Island, as we will roam around its Island complex while partying non-stop!

We will make a couple of private stops, where we will create some moments and after all the “celebrations” we anchor at some cove, where we will make it for the night!

Mykonos - Kythnos

For the sixth day, the plan is to leave Mykonos and travel to Kythnos. On our way, we will stop at Kolona beach for a relaxing swim and some sunbathing.

The Island’s name derives from the ancient Greek word “Kefthemon”, meaning a dim place to hide, since Kythnos was chosen by many as a hiding place from intruders and pirates of nearby settlements, during old days!

Kythnos is also well known, for its great local Greek seafood!

Of course, during our stay at Kythnos, we will make it count, as we will be stopping at different coves, during the day, just to have even further fun!

Kythnos - Athens

After Kythnos, we slowly start to end our trip, as we sail back from where we initially departed from, Laurium!

We arrive at the port, early in the afternoon, though the fun does not stop there, as we have one remaining night to create our last moments!

Departure day

As we have successfully cruised, to and around Mykonos, this is our departure day..

We say goodbye to each other, exchange info with the ones we got close to, take some last photos and head back!

Hopefully, though, we will see you again. Until then, we wish you all the best!

DATES & PRICING

• Please review the dates of availability below, and then proceed to complete the booking form to make an inquiry or secure your reservation
• Our boats are designed to accommodate up to 24 guests. You can make a reservation as a solo traveler, a couple, or gather your friends to book your own exclusive gulet experience

There is a local payment of €80 per person , this is payable at or before check-in and covers all your yacht's running costs including the marina fees, local taxes, the yacht's fuel, the damage deposit waiver and the charter pack.

• IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note that the below itinerary is subject to change due to severe weather conditions or any other unforeseen circumstances. At the unlike event that the itinerary must be altered, we operate our Harmony cruise itinerary instead. See here the Harmony cruise

Departs Athens • 7 days • Saturday to Saturday

Sat 15 june, sat 22 june, sat 29 june, sat 13 july, sat 20 july, sat 27 july, sat 3 august, sat 10 august, sat 17 august, sat 24 august, sat 31 august, sat 7 september, sat 14 september, sat 21 september, sat 28 september, sat 5 october, sat 12 october, sat 14 june, sat 21 june, sat 28 june, sat 12 july, sat 19 july, sat 26 july, sat 2 august, sat 9 august, sat 16 august, sat 23 august, sat 30 august, sat 6 september, sat 13 september, sat 20 september, sat 27 september, sat 4 october, sat 11 october, frequently asked questions.

The Mykonos cruise is a party-themed cruise tour, ideal for young independent like-minded travelers, best suitable for 18 to 35-year-olds.

If you are meant to join our Mykonos cruise, you will explore the most famous Island complex in Greece, the Cyclades, with its main highlight, Mykonos! We Island hop, while we are partying, drinking and having fun all the way, until we arrive at Mykonos, though the party does not stop there!

Departures are every Saturday at 14:00, from May until the end of October. For more specific dates, please see our cruise calendar.

All our cruises end on Saturdays, at 09:00.

The difference between island hopping with us, and island hopping with any other mainstream-commercial ferry company, is mainly, the overall experience and comfort!

Commercial Island hopping, would mean standing for hours in line, just to boat your ferry, traveling with other thousands of people, sometimes for many hours without truly being comfortable during the trip, absurd time schedules, as most commercial ferries have crazy embarkation/disembarkation schedules (sometimes as early, as 04:00 in the morning). Additionally, during commercial Island hopping, you won’t have any standard accommodation for that period, which means that you will be carrying your luggage everywhere you go, without the possibility of leaving them somewhere stress-free.

On the other hand, traveling with us, on your own private gulet, would mean, overwhelming comfort due to the fact, that you will have the same accommodation for the whole trip’s duration! Of course, plenty of storage to leave your luggage and belongings, without the fear of losing anything, as our crew never leaves the ship. This means that your belongings will be safe, throughout the week you will be traveling with us! And also, besides the cruising hours, there is no other major time restriction, so you will have plenty of time, to do whatever you want!

We do have a variety of cabins, which range from doubles to twins (lower beds-bunk beds) to triples and a few quads, depending on the operating gulet.

All cabins besides, their comfortable mattresses, are ensuite with their own shower, a hair dryer, a wardrobe for storage, reading lights, their own individual A/C device and an electric fan!

If you want to be in the same cabin with your friends, just mention it, while booking with us. We can not guarantee that you will be together, but we will make everything possible to actually do that!

Please keep in mind, that we provide 1 set of fresh linen and towels, for the cruising week.

Many of our guests, choose to travel alone, as it follows the basic idea of our cruises. Independent individuals, come alone but travel with same-like-minded people, so many in the end, actually become friends!

Please know, that if you are traveling solo, we will always try to allocate you to a cabin, with your same gender.

On the other hand, if you desire to have your own private cabin, there will be an extra charge of 50% of the total amount of 1 person’s price

In general, on Greek islands, you can find affordable food and drinks, everywhere! You can choose, between eating traditional Greek comfort food, like a Souvlaki, at a price of 4€, or sitting at a local tavern/restaurant, for a much proper meal, at a price of 10-15€ per person.

Throughout, Greek Islands, drinks cost approximately, 6-15€

Water is offered complimentary by us, only during meal courses, so water is NOT included in your package!

If you want any extra water, we offer 1.5L bottles (Natural mineral Water), at 2€

The A/C, operates from 4 to 8 hours, per day (if of course, it is permitted by the government’s Covid regulations).

Also note, that the A/C works only when the generator is working at the exact same time. Though, due to local regulations, the generator must be turned off, after midnight.

The power supply, from the shore at the ports of Corfu, Kassiopi, Sivota and Gaios (due to their weak infrastructure), is not powerful enough to operate all our A/C units, simultaneously. Thus you must keep in mind, that there are possibly hot nights, especially during July and August, where the A/C, does not work after midnight.

Please keep in mind, that all our cabins are equipped with independent electric fans, as well, hence when our boats are connected to the shore’s power supply, our fans work properly, during the night, as well.

Any means of transportation, such as local buses, taxis, or even water taxis, are not included, in any of our cruise packages. However, we would be more than happy to arrange any possible transportation, for you!

A standard “airport to the vessel (and vice versa)” transfer, is around 25-30€ per person (depending on the Island), while shorter, in-town transportation would vary, between 8€ and 15€ per person.

In case you want to arrange your transportation, prior to your arrival, send us an email, at: [email protected] or [email protected]

Our gulets share quite a number of electrical sockets, both on the inside and the outside, of the vessel.

With this in mind, and as we do provide extension cords and multi-docking stations, you will be able to charge your devices, either while cruising while the generator is active, or while docked at port!

You are able to have a shower, any time of the day, but keep in mind that when the boat is docked at some of the ports we visit, the engines are turned off, the water flow is reduced and as a result, there is no hot water after midnight.

Water tanks on board are limited, meaning, when multiple cabins shower simultaneously, hot water is more likely to end.

If your shower does not have hot water, please inform your captain in order to open the water heater, and please wait for at least, 15 to 20 minutes, until it heats up the water again.

Our Mykonos Cruise is under a Brunch option, which basically is a buffet-style brunch course, served at around 13:00.

Click here , to see our detailed brunch menu!

Please note, that all courses include water, though if you want extra, a 1.5L water bottle, is at 2€

We do respect our passenger’s food preferences and requirements and that is why our Chefs, in case it is needed, will prepare optional dishes, as well.

(vegetarian, lactose-free, pescatarian, vegan, etc.)

As we use to say here, we are like a hostel in the water. So, yes feel free to bring any personal food or drinks you want on board. Our idea is to support your budget and travel cheaper. Please keep in mind that is not allowed to consume food and drinks inside our cabins and also there is no communal fridge that can be used for storage.

Adventure traveling, like Island hopping, requires travel insurance and we strongly suggest, purchasing one! For further details, please review our travel insurance section.

All gulets, including ours, are hybrids, which means that although they do have a motor engine, they can run on wind energy, as well, through its huge sails.

That said, operating a cruise solely on wind energy, is something quite unpredictable, thus, we prefer relying on, and scheduling each week, based on the gulet’s ability to use its motor engines!

All the gulets in our fleet, have only European-type sockets.

Note: It is mandatory to know this beforehand, as the electrical items/devices you want to bring on board, need to agree, with this specification.

We have travelers from all over the world, and we are truly delighted about this!

Most of our passengers are Australian, British, German, Spanish, Croatian, French, Italian, South African, Canadian and American!

So, most of our passengers are mainly English speakers!

In order to get all the necessary updated information about Visa and passport requirements, please check our Visa & Passport section!

In order to support the local community and give back to its (our) people, all our gulets have multinational crew members. Though, English is the number one onboard-speaking language!

All our gulets can carry up to, approximately 20 to 25 passengers, with an average cabin number of 7. (double/twins – triples)

Keep in mind, that all our vessels have fair space onboard, for literally all the passengers they will, eventually, accommodate!

At the time of your booking/inquiry, remember to specify who your fellow travelers are. This way, we will try to make all the necessary arrangements to accommodate you, all together, on the same vessel!

Please keep in mind though, that we can not guarantee this, for close-to-date cruises!

Even if we believe, that it is impossible for someone, to wish to “abort” our sailing cruise earlier than its scheduled disembarkation, You are of course, free to leave, whenever you like!

The only restriction though, is that in order for you to leave earlier, the gulet needs to be docked at a marina/port, and not on some remote cove!

Of course, in case you happen to leave earlier and want us to help you with your transportation, feel free to let us know, by sending an email, at: [email protected] or [email protected]

In the unfortunate event, of losing your departure, you have the option to either “catch” us on the next Island/destination, via commercial ferry, or bus. (if accessible)

In any case, if something like that is to happen, try to inform us prior to the actual departure time, by calling us at our Head Office, at: +30 211 215 2595

As personal privacy, is of paramount importance to us, we cannot provide you with any of your fellow travelers’ details, prior to your actual cruise day.

However, if you are interested to meet other people that travel on the same tour as you, feel free, to head to our Facebook page and introduce yourself to our lovely community!

OTHER CRUISES

Rhodes cruise

Sail and Beer

Harmony cruise

Ionian cruise

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• Overnight ac & fan
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• Water toys (Kayak etc)

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• International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct London, EC1A 2BN

• Gravias 2, 16451, Argyroupoli. Greece

General enquiries:  [email protected]

Gulet Cruises and more

Hey there! Thanks for considering connecting with us! If you have any queries, feedback or thoughts, just let us know and we’ll be thrilled to help you out in any way we can! Our team is committed to providing exceptional service to our clients, and we’re always here whenever you need us.

International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct London, EC1A 2BN 

+44 203 239 9253

[email protected]

Greek Island Hopping Private Packages 2024

Discover our best Greek island hopping itineraries and packages!

Best seller: 7-Days to Santorini and Mykonos islands

Best seller: 7-days to Paros and Naxos islands

Do you want to visit the Greek islands? You don't want to lose time searching for the perfect Greek island-hopping itinerary, routes, ferry connections , hotels, transfers and everything else by yourself? This is the right place!

Greeka is one of the most popular agencies in Greece and offers services to thousands of people every year .

We offer many private Greek islands hopping packages in order to help you organize your holidays with ease and totally carefree. Our Private Greek island vacation packages depart from Athens but also from some popular islands like Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes. We offer packages for 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 days and more. All our packages can be tailor-made and arranged according to your needs. Do you need a special tailor-made itinerary? Just send us a request .

The most popular itineraries are marked as "Bestseller". Use the filters to find the vacation package that suits you the best. Want to discover more information about the islands included in our itineraries? Discover the Greek islands ! Do you have questions? Check our Frequently Asked Questions .

• Bodrum (Turkey)
• Marmaris (Turkey)
• Folegandros

Athens - Santorini Island

Discover Santorini (Cyclades), one of the most romantic destinations in the world, with our 3-day/ 2-night individual island-hopping package, starting from Athens. The beautiful sunset, the villages on the edge of the caldera, and the active volcano create a perfect setting for your holidays.

Athens - Mykonos Island

Visit Mykonos (Cyclades), the most vibrant Greek island, with our 3-day/ 2-night individual island-hopping tour, starting from Athens. Mykonos, the second most popular Greek destination, is famous for its traditional architecture, gorgeous beaches, and fun nightlife.

Athens - Paros Island

Discover our 3-day/ 2-night individual island-hopping tour on the island of Paros (Cyclades), starting from Athens. Visit the island of windsurfing, the amazing beaches, and fun nightlife.

Discover Santorini (Cyclades) with our 5-day/ 4-night individual island-hopping package, starting from Athens. Visit the most historical sights of Athens and then hop to the most romantic destination in the world.

Check our 5-day/ 4-night individual island-hopping tour on the island of Mykonos (Cyclades), starting from Athens. Visit the most famous sights of Athens and then hop to the coolest island in Greece.

Discover our 5-day/ 4-night individual island-hopping package on the island of Paros (Cyclades), starting from Athens. Just send us your request and we make sure you enjoy the best holidays in Greece.

Athens - Naxos Island

Visit Naxos (Cyclades) with our 5-day/ 4-night individual island-hopping tour, starting from Athens. Naxos is an amazing island in the center of the Aegean, still untouched by mass tourism.

Athens - Rhodes Island

Discover the gorgeous island of Rhodes (Dodecanese) with our 6-day/ 5-night individual island-hopping package, starting from Athens. Enjoy the Medieval sense of Rhodes Old Town and swim in the picturesque beaches of the island.

Athens - Corfu Island

Discover our 6-day/ 5-night individual island-hopping tour on the island of Corfu (Ionian), starting from Athens. Enjoy the most cosmopolitan island of the Ionian Sea, with the gorgeous landscape and the rich culture.

Athens - Crete Island

Check our 8-day/ 7-night individual island-hopping package on the splendid island of Crete, starting from Athens. Discover the historical towns of Chania and Heraklion leaving all the organization troubles to us.

Athens - Mykonos - Santorini Islands

Discover Mykonos and Santorini (Cyclades), the two most famous and picturesque Greek islands. Check our 7-day/ 6-night individual island-hopping package, starting from Athens.

Athens - Mykonos - Paros Islands

Check our 7-day/ 6-night individual Island Hopping package on the amazing islands of Mykonos and Paros (Cyclades), starting from Athens. Both islands are famous for their endless nightlife and picturesque locations.

Athens - Mykonos - Ios

Visit the two Cycladic islands with the most intense nightlife, Mykonos and Ios, in this island tour that departs from Athens. This island tour is specially created for people who enjoy vivid nightlife and all-night parties.

Athens - Paros - Santorini Islands

Visit the Greek islands of Paros and Santorini (Cyclades) with our 7-day/ 6-night individual island-hopping tour, starting from Athens. The vibrant atmosphere of Paros and the romantic sense of Santorini will offer you the best vacation.

Athens - Paros - Naxos Islands

Visit the gorgeous islands of Paros and Naxos (Cyclades) with our 7-day/ 6-night individual island-hopping tour, starting from Athens. Swim on gorgeous beaches, see the most picturesque locations, and enjoy the famous Greek hospitality.

Athens - Paros - Amorgos

Depart from Athens and explore two wonderful islands of the Cyclades, Paros and Amorgos, in this 7-day/ 6-night island tour. See amazing beaches and authentic Cycladic architecture.

Athens - Santorini - Naxos Islands

Discover our 7-day/ 6-night individual island-hopping package on the beautiful islands of Santorini and Naxos (Cyclades), starting from Athens. Both islands have something special to offer their visitors.

Athens - Santorini - Ios

This island-hopping tour departs from Athens and allows a visit to two stunning islands of the Cyclades, Santorini and Ios. Different in style, these two places give a good insight into holidays in Greece.

Athens - Sifnos - Milos

Spend a week on this island-hopping tour in two Greek islands that are ideal for relaxing holidays, Milos and Sifnos, in the Western Cyclades.

Athens - Mykonos - Santorini - Crete

This 10-day island-hopping package is great for first-time tourists to Greece, as it allows them to explore the most famous tourist destinations of the country: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete.

Athens - Santorini - Crete Islands

Check our 9-day/ 8-night individual island-hopping tour on two of the most popular Greek islands, Santorini and Crete, starting from Athens. Visit romantic Santorini and relaxing Crete, leaving all organization details to us.

Athens - Santorini - Rhodes Islands

Discover our 9-day/ 8-night individual island-hopping package on the splendid islands of Santorini (Cyclades) and Rhodes (Dodecanese), starting from Athens. Enjoy your holidays and let us worry about the organization details.

Athens - Mykonos - Paros - Santorini Islands

Visit the most famous Cyclades islands with our 9-day/ 8-night individual island-hopping package, starting from Athens. Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. Create the perfect setting for incredible vacations.

Athens - Mykonos - Santorini - Naxos Islands

Discover our 9-day/ 8-night individual island-hopping package on the magnificent islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos (Cyclades), starting from Athens.

Athens - Santorini - Rhodes - Crete Islands

Want to visit Santorini, Rhodes, and Crete but you get tired of the long organizing process? Just check our 12-day/ 11-night individual Island Hopping package, starting from Athens.

Athens - Paros - Mykonos - Santorini - Naxos

The most famous Greek islands in just one tour! Discover our 15-day/ 14-night individual island-hopping tour on the islands of Paros, Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos, starting from Athens.

Athens - Milos - Santorini - Paros

Starting from and finishing in Athens, this island-hopping package will give you the chance to discover three islands with picturesque Cycladic style, relaxing ambiance, and lovely beaches: Milos, Santorini, and Paros.

Athens - Paros - Naxos - Koufonisia

Make the tour of the central Cyclades through this amazing island-hopping package that starts from Athens. This is the best package for total relaxation, as you visit the wonderful islands of Paros, Naxos, and Koufonisia.

Athens - Santorini - Amorgos - Paros

Explore the Greek capital and three of the most interesting islands of the Cyclades through this interesting island tour: see the caldera of Santorini, the nightlife of Paros, and the wildness of Amorgos.

Athens - Santorini - Folegandros - Milos

This island-hopping package from Athens to the Cycladic islands of Santorini, Folegandros, and Milos is specially created for romantic couples, looking for gorgeous settings and secluded atmospheres.

Athens - Milos - Santorini - Mykonos - Paros

Departing from Athens, this island-hopping package gives you the chance to visit four of the most impressive and popular islands of the Cyclades: Milos, Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros.

Mykonos - Santorini

Explore the vivid life of Mykonos and the romantic atmosphere of Santorini, the two most popular islands of Greece. This is a perfect package for first-time visitors to Greece who want to get a great glance at Greek holidays.

Mykonos - Paros

Visit Mykonos and Paros, the two most enjoyable islands in the Cyclades, with gorgeous beaches and all-night clubs. An island hopping package perfect to see the traditional Cycladic beauty and enjoy your heart out.

Mykonos - Ios

Through this island tour, you get to visit two picturesque and lively islands in the Cyclades, Mykonos and Ios, famous for their traditional Cycladic architecture, organized beaches, and lively nightlife

Santorini - Naxos

An island-hopping to two amazing islands of the Cyclades: discover the wild beauty of Santorini and the calm atmosphere of Naxos. These are two perfect islands with many differences in style and landscape.

Santorini - Crete

This island-hopping package gives you the chance to explore the wild beauty of Santorini and the alternative life in Crete. Do not miss a trip to the volcano of Santorini and the many ancient sites in Crete.

Santorini - Rhodes

Discover the volcanic wildness of Santorini and the Medieval style of Rhodes in this economic island-hopping package. These are two of the most famous islands of Greece.

Santorini - Ios

Book this week-long island tour to Santorini and Ios, two Greek islands with special beauty, traditional architecture, and vivid nightlife. Santorini is famous for the wild nature and Ios for the fantastic beaches.

Santorini - Paros - Amorgos

This week-long Greek island tour gives you the chance to explore three wonderful islands of the Cyclades: departing from Santorini, you continue to Paros and Amorgos.

Santorini - Sifnos - Milos

Take this week-long island-hopping tour that departs from Santorini and discover two wonderful and peaceful islands in the Western Cyclades: Sifnos and Milos.

Santorini - Amorgos - Folegandros

Take this week-long island tour from Santorini and discover two islands of authentic Cycladic architecture and wild natural beauty, Amorgos and Folegandros.

Santorini - Mykonos - Amorgos - Paros

This two-week island tour includes some of the most popular and picturesque islands of the Cyclades: Santorini and Mykonos, the top Greek destinations, and also the beautiful islands of Paros and Amorgos.

Santorini - Paros - Naxos - Koufonisia

Book this two-week island tour that departs from Santorini and explore three fantastic islands in the center of the Cyclades: Paros, Naxos, and Koufonisia.

Santorini - Mykonos - Folegandros - Milos

Depart from Santorini, the top Greek destination, and explore three more fantastic islands of the Cyclades: Mykonos with its vivid nightlife, Folegandros with its wild nature, and Milos with its stunning beaches.

Mykonos - Paros - Santorini

Discover the three most popular islands of Greece: Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros amaze visitors with their traditional character and unique beauty. These are three characteristic islands of Greece, a perfect package for first-time visitors.

Mykonos - Santorini - Naxos

The intense life in Mykonos, the wild beauty of Santorini, and the calm atmosphere of Naxos are waiting for you in this island-hopping package, perfect for relaxation in the Cyclades.

Mykonos - Paros - Amorgos

Visit three amazing islands of the Cyclades in this island-hopping tour that starts from Mykonos. Enjoy night parties in Mykonos and Paros and then discover the hidden beauties of Amorgos.

Mykonos - Sifnos - Milos

In this island tour, discover three amazing islands of the Cyclades: Mykonos, Sifnos, and Milos, each one special in its own way. All these three islands have distinctive Cycladic styles.

Mykonos - Paros - Santorini - Naxos

Discover the most famous and beautiful islands of the Cyclades. An excellent island-hopping package for first-time visitors and people who want to get a deep view of Greek holidays.

Mykonos - Paros - Naxos - Koufonisia

Discover the most characteristic islands of the Cyclades through this amazing island-hopping package: start from Mykonos and visit Paros, Naxos, and Koufonisia.

Mykonos - Santorini - Amorgos - Paros

Depart from Mykonos and discover the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades: Mykonos and Paros are famous for their gorgeous beaches and nightlife, Amorgos for the laid-back style, and Santorini for the impressive caldera.

Mykonos - Santorini - Folegandros - Milos

Depart from Mykonos and explore the most beautiful islands of Greece. Visit Mykonos and Santorini, the top Greek destinations, and then continue to the less-developed islands of Folegandros and Milos.

Biking tour to South Aegean

Discover our 8-day Cycling Cruise to the South Greek Aegean: 8 days/7 nights, approx. 103 mi./165 km by bicycle.

Biking tour to Central Aegean

Discover our 8-day Cycling Cruise to the Central Greek Aegean: 8 days/7 nights, approx. 100 mi. /160km by bicycle, level 2 - 3

Biking tour to Ionian islands

Discover our 8-day Cycling Cruise to the Ionian islands: 8 days/7 nights, approx. 125 mi./200 km by bicycle, level 3

Our packages are ideal for any age, for couples with kids, young people looking to party, etc. We can also make special arrangements for honeymooners. Discover all the answers to your questions! Frequently Asked Questions

• Why book your island hopping package with Greeka? • Greeka is rated 4.8/5 stars based on many reviews . We handle the vacation for thousands of people every year (ferry tickets, hotels, car rentals, etc). Our professional staff & well-chosen associates will make everything to ensure your relaxing & unforgettable holiday experience in Greece. Our guide and services won the Silver Award (2020) of the annual Tourism Awards in Greece . • We are collaborating for the last 20 years with many hotels and agencies around Greece and are able to offer you the best prices and vacations for any budget. • We don't just sell you a package. We offer you a personalized follow-up and assistance during and after your purchase. After your booking, we give you a special number and a specialized team is always available to assist you with any issues that might arise and will help you have the best holiday in Greece.
• Cancellation Guarantee: Book your next trip to Greece with peace of mind! Since last spring, the Greeka team has been in negotiations with hotels and suppliers so that you can continue to travel with peace of mind. Because we want to make you feel comfortable with traveling again, we have decided to extend the "Cancellation Guarantee" program, allowing you to cancel your trip, free of charge, up to 30 days before your departure. Read more .
• What is included in our Greek island hopping tours? Accommodation in lovely hotels + transportation + transfers from/to the ports/airports and also the possibility to organize some tours and activities in Athens and on each destination.
• How does the booking process work? Although we have set the layout for these Greek island hopping packages, we only make the necessary bookings after first fixing the traveling details with you. We provide a large list of hotels to choose from and all the available ferry/air itineraries to travel to the Greek islands. The final package will be created according to your needs and budget. Note : All packages are individual tours and not group tours. Therefore, you can adjust the packages according to your needs.
• Do you need to make changes to a package and create your own island-hopping route? Need some changes? Just inform us when you send your request for a particular package. If you have other destinations in mind, just send us a request for a tailor-made island hopping package and we will answer you in just a few hours along with our offer. Our Greek island vacation packages can be fully adjustable to your personal traveling details and budget. Also, read our Frequently Asked Questions & Terms & Conditions .

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Greek Island Small Ship Cruises 

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Overview | Cruises

Greek Island Hopping Holidays

If you're looking for an unforgettable holiday, consider a Greek island cruise. These island hopping cruises take you to some of the most beautiful and historic islands in the Mediterranean, and they're perfect for tourists and travellers of all ages.  Our Greek Island Hopping Holidays take in famous archaeological sites, enjoy delicious Mediterranean food, take in wonderful scenery, soak up the sun as well as plenty of time for relaxation on beautiful beaches. The great thing about our island hopping cruises is the fact you get to see several beautiful greek islands during your holiday. The Greek Islands, steeped in myth, with their rich history and breath-taking scenery, call to mind the romanticism of Homer and the bravery of the ancient heroes. The only quest which you will be undertaking is the search for absolute relaxation, whether that is reading a book on deck, soaking up the sun, or exploring ancient history on shore.

Our Greek Islands small ship cruises set sail from Athens and include stops on the most famous of the Greek islands including Santorini and Mykonos as well as lesser known small, picturesque islands such as Naxos and Paros. We have an extensive selection of luxury Greek Island Cruises such as Antiquity to Byzantium small ship Cruise, Athens & Greek Islands cruise holidays, Greece & Adriatic small ship cruise, Greek Islands cruise & stay holidays, Luxury Greek Island cruises, variety cruises and much more. On board you will enjoy a high standard of personal service combined with excellent cuisine. A typical small ship cruise in the Greek Islands has around 25 cabins and employs 16 - 20 crew including a professional ship manager, tour guides and service managers. Your itinerary will be planned by your expert tour guide, who will let you know every evening what the programme is for the following day and give you an insight into the culture and history of the places you will be exploring.  Greek Island hopping cruises are brilliant for seeing more of the beautiful islands and packing more into your holiday.  

Why Should I Choose A Small Ship Cruise

Small ship cruises in Greece offer a more intimate and personalised travel experience compared to large cruise ships. Some of the benefits of small ship cruises include:

1.      Flexibility: Small ship cruises can access ports and locations that larger ships cannot, giving passengers the opportunity to visit unique and remote destinations not possible on larger vessels.

2.      Personalised experience: With fewer passengers, small ship cruises offer a more personalised experience. The crew can provide individual attention to each guest, and the itinerary can be customised to suit the group's preferences.

3.      Privacy: Small ship cruises allow for a more private and intimate experience. Passengers can enjoy the ship's amenities without the crowds and queues that are common on larger ships.

4.      Cultural immersion: Small ship cruises often offer opportunities to learn about the local culture and traditions of the destinations visited. This can include onboard lectures, local guides, and authentic cultural experiences.

5.      Eco-friendly: Small ships have a smaller environmental footprint than larger cruise ships. They consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions, making them a more sustainable choice for travellers who are concerned about their impact on the environment.

Our small ship cruises provide a unique and immersive island hopping experience that is well-suited for travellers who value intimacy, flexibility, and cultural immersion. Diamond Star Experience have a fabulous collection of Greek Island cruises with luxury small ship and Gulet cruises ideal for greek island hopping holidays.

Cruise and Stay in Athens / Greek Islands

We are happy to arrange your favourite Athens & Greek Islands cruise holidays. You can choose to stay in Athens before or after your cruise. Please let us know your requirements and we will tailor your Greek Island Cruise & Stay holiday just for you.

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"I wanted to send you an e-mail now that we are back from our wonderful holiday. My wife and I wanted to express our sincere gratitude to you and the team at Diamond Star for arranging a truly unique style of holiday that we are still talking about to friends and family two weeks after we came home. The places we have visited, and the things we have seen were truly amazing, it will take a month or more to sort through our photos"  Andrew and June Welch - 24 Oct 2022

"Back from our holiday to Istanbul/Cappadocia what an awesome holiday. The hot air balloon was out of this world. Thank you Diamond Star for making it all possible special thanks to Nazan. I recommend this company to make your dreams come true."  Mrs Angela Bailey - 6 Oct 2022

"We arrived home from Fethiye on Monday, and would just like to thank you and Akin for planning an amazing trip. The gulet was fantastic and as usual, the Ece Saray Hotel was lovely. The staff there are some of the best we have come across, and the breakfasts were great. We are looking ahead to 2023 and were wondering if you could arrange a quote for a similar trip."  Sue and Mike Fedeczko - 28 September 2022

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Get ready to set sail on a journey of a lifetime! Embark on a cruise that will take you on an unforgettable trip through the beautiful islands of Greece or down the gorgeous Croatian coastline. Throw out your itinerary, simply sit back, swim, and enjoy stunning sights, we have thought of everything for you. 

Tour Greece by boat, with a variety of options such as relaxing island explorations or visiting rich historical landmarks. Start your journey in historical Athens , the lusciously green island of Corfu , or the rocky paradise of Zante . Then sail along, exploring 4-7 destinations (depending on which cruise is right for you) and taste plenty of authentic Greek cuisine, explore famous islands, and get swept away in the magic of ancient Greek mythology. Some of the best storytellers in history have drawn inspiration from many of the locations you will explore, so feel free to immerse yourself and perhaps inspiration will strike you too.

Exclusive offer: 3 Night Celestyal Cruise package starting from £1,355pp (includes 3 nights of accommodation, meals, daily activities, entertainment, and port charges). Book now to avoid disappointment, limited spots available.

Call our specialist team on 020 8492 6868 to secure your spot.

If you want to see a little of everything in Croatia instead of simply staying put in one location, the Adriatic Discovery cruise options will be perfect for you. Start either in Split or Dubrovnik , and prepare to embark on a wonderful journey filled with food, music, and plenty of swim stops in the gorgeous sea with miraculous nature views surrounding you. Enjoy wonderfully fascinating historical guided tours of old iconic towns, visit picturesque locations with fantastic views, and taste fresh Mediterranean dishes while enjoying the sea breeze.

So pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate Mediterranean escape!

If you're looking for more delicious island exploration, check out our island hopping packages as well! Featuring plenty of options with enough locations to ensure you will never get bored (and have plenty to write home about!) Explore Greek islands on your own timeframe, enjoying only your favourite attractions.

Celestyal Cruise, Iconic Aegean - 3 Nights

• Athens - Mykonos - Kusadasi - Patmos - Crete - Santorini - Athens
• Discover the culture and history of iconic landmarks
• Taste authentic Greek cuisine
• Cruise through the emerald waters
• For a limited time, prices starting from £1,355pp

Celestyal Cruise, Iconic Aegean - 4 Nights

• Athens - Mykonos - Kusadasi - Patmos - Rhodes - Crete - Santorini - Athens
• Explore six destinations

Celestyal Cruise, Idyllic Aegean - 7 Nights

• Athens - Thessaloniki - Kusadasi - Crete - Santorini - Mykonos - Milos - Athens
• 7 nights cruise

Sail in Greece: Ionian Cruises - Corfu - 7 Nights

• Corfu - Corfu - Sivota - Parga - Antipaxos - Paxos - Paxos - Corfu - Corfu - Corfu
• 7 day Ionian Cruise
• adventure, exploring heritage and historical sightseeing
• Breathtaking landscapes
• Pristine beaches

Sail in Greece Ionian Cruises - Zante - 7 Nights

• Zante - Zante - Kefalonia - Ithaca - Meganisi - Kefalonia - Poros - Zante - Zante - Zante
• Adventure, exploring heritage and historical sightseeing
• Pristine beaches and swim stops
• Breathtaking scenery

Athens to Santorini, Mykonos & Cesme - 3 Night Cruise

• Athens - Santorini - Mykonos - Cesme - Athens
• Cruise to Greece and Turkey
• Full board accommodation
• History and culture all in one trip
• Breathtaking landscapes and iconic landmarks.

Athens to Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes & Cesme - 4 Night Cruise

• Athens - Mykonos - Santorini - Rhodes - Cesme - Athens

Adriatic Discovery A - Split to Dubrovnik Cruise - 7 Nights

• Split Area - Hvar Island (Hvar) - Vis - Korcula - Mljet - Slano - Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik
• Cruise around the Dalmatian coast of Croatia
• Discover Croatian history and culture
• Picturesque beaches and swim stops
• Breathtaking landscapes and iconic landmarks

Adriatic Discovery B - Dubrovnik to Split Cruise - 7 Nights

• Dubrovnik - Slano - Mljet - Korcula - Vis - Hvar Island (Hvar) - Split - Split

OR, discover island hopping to explore Greek islands on YOUR timeframe! Our most popular three or more island hops

What's Your Cruise Mood?

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Admire Tradition

Admire Monuments

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Taste Pistachios From Aegina

Taste The Traditional Greek Cuisine

Taste The Unique Greek Coffee

One day cruise to three saronic islands. a full day of fun, culture and culinary discovery.

One of the beauties of traveling to Athens is a captivating cruise to the magical islands of the Saronic Gulf. Athens Day Cruises offers you the beauty of a day cruise to three islands, Hydra, Poros and Aegina with the promise of a world of pleasures on board. Your Greek island cruise from Athens begins with the colors of the sea, fresh salt air and the gentle breeze of the Saronic Gulf to heighten your senses. Imagine a day filled with golden moments on a day cruise from Athens, island hopping from Hydra, Poros and Aegina, aboard Athens Day Cruises, spacious, 3-deck cruise ships with every comfort and convenience to meet your expectations.

Our live orchestra welcomes you on board with traditional Greek music and international favourites. You’ll enjoy an optional breakfast on deck and delight in our well-balanced menu with Greek local products, including fresh fruit, yogurt and local honey. Lounging on our decks is an exceptional experience surrounded by the legendary blue waters of the Saronic Gulf. You’ll appreciate many activities on board, such as listening to music while sipping your special cocktail, dancing and the fun of taking a Greek dance lesson. Our lunch buffet offers you an exceptional culinary experience featuring a variety of authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine accompanied by local wines (optional).

You can shop in our Tax Free store with a wide selection of prestigious Greek and international brands. If a day trip from Athens to the Greek islands is top on your wishlist, Athens Day Cruises 3 island tour is the perfect match for your cruising enjoyment.

Our special interest tours led by multilingual guides introduce you to the history and culture of Hydra and Aegina, with all the fun to suit your mood. We welcome you to join us for a unique journey of the senses on Athens Day Cruises one day cruise to three Saronic Islands for a full day of fun, culture and culinary discovery.

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Island-hopping in Greece: everything you need to know

Aug 26, 2021 • 8 min read

Explore the Greek islands by hopping on ferries across the seas © proslgn / Shutterstock

Scattered like pearls across the shimmering Aegean and Ionian seas, the Greek islands have lured in many travelers. From Jason and his adventuring Argonauts to Frankish Crusaders and Mamma Mia film crews, myth and enchantment envelop the islands much like their ribbons of sugar-soft sand.

There’s nothing quite like spotting the shoreline from a sun-drenched ferry deck or sailing into a vibrant port. In Greece , getting there is an essential part of the adventure and, thankfully, island hopping is a breeze.

When is the best time to go to the Greek islands?

While the Greek islands are stunning at any time of year, aim to visit between Orthodox Easter (usually April) and the end of May, or from September to mid-October. During these times, services and amenities are up and running, temperatures are balmy and crowds are thinner. From June until the end of August, you will definitely have warm sea water and hot weather, but you’ll be sharing it with the masses, paying top bill, and the meltemi (dry northerly wind) can play havoc with ferry schedules. In the low winter season, many ferry routes cease to operate, and hotels and restaurants shut up shop.

Depending on which Greek islands you're hoping to visit, it's a good idea to also check the local calendars for  panigyria . These Greek summer festivals  are unique cultural experiences that can be a lot of fun, but they also might affect ferry schedules, opening hours at attractions, and produce crowds and parades that can otherwise complicate the logistics of getting around.  Panigyria on Ikaria , for example, occur all summer long on various saints' days, and some of the festivities run from dusk until dawn.

Should you plan your Greek island-hopping trip in advance?

In reality, it’s best to plan a little and leave a little to chance. A bit of planning can definitely take you a long way. Deciding where you want to go and understanding the ferry schedules before you go will take the work out of your vacation. Having said that, Greece is known for its laid-back attitude, and it’s worth emulating this while island-hopping. Ferry schedules are always subject to change, even pre-booked and pre-paid journeys. Anything from windy weather to worker strikes can mean delay or cancellation at short notice. Building a little flexibility into your schedule is wise.

Best time to go to Greece

What are the best Greek island-hopping routes?

You can definitely pick a few options from various groups of Greek islands and create your own route; however, many ferry lines service specific island groups, so planning can be easier if you stick to a single area. All flights lead to Athens – or so it seems – and arriving in the capital not only gives you the opportunity to take in its jaw-dropping sights, but it also brings you close to the port of Piraeus for boats to the Cyclades, Saronic Gulf islands  and even more remote island groups like the Dodecanese. Athens also neighbors the port of Rafina for routes to the eastern Cyclades and further afield. To visit the Northeastern Aegean islands, land in Thessaloniki , Greece’s second city.

If you’re planning to spend most of your time in a specific island group, it’s worth catching a domestic flight from Athens to get you started – it will save you both time and money. Practicality aside, there’s nothing quite like descending in a twin engine onto a tiny airstrip in the middle of the bright blue sea.  Some island destinations are also served by international flights in high season.

Finding the right Greek island

Which Greek islands are best to visit?

The appeal of the Cyclades is undeniable, and it’s here that you’ll find some of the most popular islands. Be prepared to share, especially in high season. From Piraeus, hop a ferry to Mykonos, the most glamorous of the Greek islands . Overlooked by its iconic windmills, you’ll rub shoulders with the famous as you explore the flower-filled lanes and boutique shops and cafes.

From here, day-trip to the tiny island of Delos with its ancient sun-bleached ruins. Carry on to Naxos , the largest of the Cyclades, with a walled seaside capital surrounding a hilltop castle. Even further south, you’ll reach Santorini with its iconic sunsets, black-sand beaches, vineyards and incredible Minoan site . Complete the loop with a stop in laid-back Milos , with dozens of beaches and charming villages to explore. At the end of the day, hop a ferry back to Piraeus.

12 essential places to visit in Greece

In the Dodecanese , you’ll see and taste the historical influences of the parade of cultures that have passed through, from Romans and crusading medieval knights to Byzantine and Ottoman rulers. Think plenty of pasta, sugary baklava, stunning minarets, walled cities and crumbling mountaintop castles. The catamaran service that regularly connects the islands makes island-hopping simple. Begin by catching a flight to Rhodes , which abounds in sandy beaches, ancient history and a buzzing city life.

Visit volcanic Nisyros to hike through its verdant forests and into its steaming caldera, and Karpathos for its timeless hilltop village of Olymbos . Kalymnos will call climbers and divers with its undersea wrecks and limestone cliffs, while Patmos has an ethereal quality, where life is in tune with the monastery bells and where St. John experienced his revelations. If you’re visiting around Orthodox Easter, Patmos is the place to be. Loop back to popular Kos for an endless strip of brown-sugar sand, nightlife, easily cyclable roads and an airport with regular flights to Athens.

10 incredible hikes in Greece

Ionian Islands

Nestled along the coast of the Peloponnese in the Ionian Sea, the Ionian Islands have a slightly cooler climate, abundantly forested mountains and countless stands of olive and cypress trees. From Athens, you can fly to Corfu where you’ll be wooed by Parisian-style arcades, Venetian alleyways and Italian-inspired delicacies. Corfu is large enough to escape the crowds to cypress-studded hills, lofty villages and sandy coves.

The next island is tiny Paxi, with beautiful harbor villages, rolling hills and ancient olive groves. Visit Lefkada for its sandy beaches and Kefallonia to kayak along the magnificent cobalt-blue bays. Take in time-forgotten Kythira for sugar-cube architecture and unspoiled wilderness. Far flung to the south, you can ferry back to Piraeus from here.

The 12 best beaches in Greece

How to book ferry tickets

With a network covering every inhabited island, the Greek ferry system is vast and varied. The slow rust buckets that once plied the seas are nearly a thing of the past. High-speed ferries are increasingly common and cover most popular routes. Local ferries, excursion boats and tiny private fishing boats (called caiques ) often connect neighboring islands and islets. Meanwhile, plush catamarans can drastically reduce travel time and cope better with poor weather. For long-haul ferry travel, you can travel in serious comfort.

Many ferry companies have online booking services. Not surprisingly, high-speed boats sell out faster than slow chuggers. For overnight ferries, it’s always best to book ahead. These resources are useful for planning and booking:

• Danae Travel   A good site for booking boat tickets.
• Greek Travel Pages  Useful search option and links for ferries.
• Greekferries  Search ferry schedules, including accommodation options and multi-leg journeys.
• Open Seas  Reliable search engine for ferry routes and schedules.

Tips for traveling the Greek islands

• When you book a ticket, you'll find that deck-class is just that: access to the deck and interior but no bunks, berths or cabins. Keep in mind that unless you state otherwise, you will automatically be given deck class when purchasing a ticket. For more luxurious or overnight accommodations, prices climb with airplane-style recliner seats right up to private cabins with bathrooms.
• If you are considering taking a ferry overnight, it's worth remembering that a bed for the night in a cabin from Piraeus to Rhodes can be more expensive than a discounted airline ticket. It’s worth shopping around, depending on where you land in the Venn diagram of considerations like cost, travel time, comfort and a desire to experience of sailing the high seas.
• If you're traveling around  Greece with kids , children under five years of age travel for free on many ferry services, and tickets for those aged between five and 10 are usually half price.
• Food on ferries can be overpriced and underwhelming. Bring your own snacks and water, or save your appetite for the famously robust food scenes in destinations like Rhodes and Symi.
• You might not have much appetite if you veer towards seasickness. The water can be rough, so stare at the horizon, not the sea. Stay on deck for fresh air and don’t be tempted to read or use binoculars.
• If you're hoping to explore the Greek islands by car, note that bringing a car on the ferries is expensive and generally requires advance booking. Car rental on the islands is relatively cheap and possible on almost every island.
• If you've got some energy left, or extra room in your itinerary after returning to the mainland, remember that Piraeus is more than just the gateway to the Greek islands. You can easily spend a whole day in Piraeus  itself, or at the very least check out the city's vibrant nightlife at popular clubs like  Beluga  and  M adama after you disembark the ferry.

This article was originally published in September 2019.

You might also like: What you need to know about traveling to Greece right now Unique flavors to savor when in Greece Dreaming of owning a home in the Mediterranean? Here's all you need to know

This article was first published Sep 19, 2019 and updated Aug 26, 2021.

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10 Day Greek Island Hopping tour of Mykonos and Santorini

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Slow the world right down when you board this Greek island hop and experience how the locals enjoy life on the islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Your journey begins and ends in lively Athens where there’s plenty of time to explore ancient treasures and see all the sights.

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Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Athens

Discover Fira, Oia and Mykonos

Visit the Acropolis in Athens

View the Parthenon, Hadrian's Arch and the 1896 Olympic Stadium in Athens

Sail the Aegean Sea on high speed ferries from Athens to Santorini, Mykonos and returning to Athens

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SantoriniDave.com

Greek island hopping – a guide.

Greece › Island Hopping Updated: April 25, 2023 By Santorini Dave

• Greek Ferry Guide
• Best Greek Islands
• Best Places to Go in Greece

The wonderful beaches of Mykonos are a highlight of Greek island hopping.

Island Hopping Guides Athens Travel Guide Crete Travel Guide Mykonos Travel Guide Naxos Travel Guide Paros Travel Guide Santorini Travel Guide Athens Ferry Port Guide Heraklion Ferry Port Guide Mykonos Ferry Port Guide Santorini Ferry Port Guide The 2023 Guide to Island Hopping in Greece Note: In 2023, Greek ferries, routes and schedules should not be impacted in any significant way by the pandemic or health protocols. Expect a return to pre-pandemic ferry travel. Santorini : The most stunning of the Greek islands. Island Hopping Essentials Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands Best Beaches in Greece Best Greek Islands Best Places To Go in Greece Greek Islands with Kids Flights to Greece Greek Ferries Paros or Naxos? Crete or Santorini? Mykonos or Santorini? Athens Airport Rental Car Greece Travel Agencies Where to Stay in Greece Athens – Best Areas to Stay Crete – Best Areas to Stay Folegandros – Best Areas to Stay Milos – Best Areas to Stay Mykonos – Best Areas to Stay Naxos – Best Areas to Stay Paros – Best Areas to Stay Rhodes – Best Areas to Stay Santorini – Best Areas to Stay

Greek Island Hopping – Tips and Information Getting around by ferry, sea bus, and water taxi is all part of the fun. Greek Island Hopping Cruises Greek cruises suck. Don’t do them. It’s much better to island hop on your own. The best websites for booking a Greek holiday are Booking.com (for hotels) • Kayak.com (for flights) • Ferryhopper.com (for ferries). It’s fun and easy to book your own trip – and much more rewarding. Greek Island Hopping Packages The same applies for package tours. You get better hotels, better choice of flights, better prices, and a better experience by booking hotels, flights, and ferries on your own. There are no ferry passes for Greece (though Eurail does include some ferry passes for some of their European train passes). Ferry tickets need to be booked for each leg of every itinerary and there is no discount for return tickets or multiple-stop tickets. Greek Island Hopping Tours I highly recommend doing one of the wonderful Santorini tours , Crete tours , or Mykonos tours . These are day trips from or around each island. Smaller islands also have their own tours but are typically best booked after arrival. For Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete it’s usually better to book tours in advance. Greek Island Hopping Itinerary Your route is only bound by the ferry schedule. From late May to early October, there are ferry connections between most islands in an island group (the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Sporades, the Saronic islands, the Ionian islands) and from Crete to the Cyclades. But there aren’t ferries between every Greek island. To get from one island group to another requires a bit more planning. For example, to get from Santorini to Rhodes you may need to ferry to Mykonos and then catch a different ferry onwards to Rhodes. Once again, this is half the fun. The Cyclades – a collection of wonderful small islands that are connected by short frequent ferry routes – makes the best island group for first-time island hoppers. Booking Hotels in the Greek Islands The best Santorini hotels , Mykonos hotels , Crete hotels , Paros hotels , and Athens hotels get fully booked 4 to 8 months in advance. For cheaper hotels and other smaller islands you have more flexibility and last-minute bookings are possible. Greek Island Hopping & Honeymooning It doesn’t get much more fun and romantic than bouncing from Mykonos (great nightlife) to Naxos (great beaches) to Santorini (jaw-dropping scenery). The best Greek islands make an awesome honeymoon destination. Greek Island Hopping from Athens Athens makes a natural start or finish to Greek island hopping. The closest Cycladic island (the best island group for island hopping) is 3 or 4 hours from Athens by ferry – and from there the magic begins. If possible try to fly into Greece and out of Greece from different airports to save yourself the time, hassle, and expense of backtracking. For example, fly into Athens, ferry through the Cyclades and onwards to Crete, then fly from Crete to western Europe (and home) – there’s no need to return to Athens to get your return flight. The Greek islands with the most flights are Santorini, Mykonos, Crete (both Heraklion and Chania airports), Rhodes, Kos, and Corfu. Cheap Island Hopping Ferry tickets in Greece are not expensive but not as cheap as they used to be. The best way to save money is to make fewer stops (choose 2 or 3 islands and explore them more thoroughly instead of hitting a half-dozen islands each for a night or two). In high season the owners of small and budget hotels will meet most ferry arrivals with offers of cheap accommodations. These are nearly always legit, decent places to stay. The thing to watch for is location. Hotels will say, “yes, very close, we drive there together” and then once you get there you realize you’re not walking distance to the beach or main villages. Try to walk there with hotel owners, then you know for sure it’s within walking distance (though this isn’t practical on all islands). Greek Islands and Public Transportation Most areas in Greece, including Athens and all major islands, have public transportation strikes throughout the year. These strikes can affect all forms of transit, including, buses, trains, ferries, flights, and taxis. During strikes no buses, no ferries, and only a handful of trains and flights will depart on time (or at all); taxis tend to be the least affected mode of transport. Though strikes can occur any time, there is always a huge strike on May 1. Avoid booking any ferries, flights, or trains that day.

• Greece Travel Guide
• Santorini Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Crete Travel Guide
• Athens Travel Guide

About Santorini Dave

Hi Dave Looking at approximately 17 nights dedicated to the Cyclades for me, my Mum, and 16-year-old twin daughters. What are your thoughts on: Paros/Anitparos 3 / 4 nights Milos 3 / 4 nights Syros 3 nights Santorini 3 nights Crete 4 nights If we fly out from Crete back to Athens for our departure to Australia all on the same day, is that too risky? Would love your advice. Michelle

That sounds like a great itinerary. Check ferry schedules but I would probably make Syros the first stop, otherwise looks great. One night in Athens before the flight home would be what I recommend. Lots to see in central Athens too!

Hi Dave, My wife and I are flying in from London & planning 1 month island hopping from mid August. Which is best island to fly into to start? Which islands do you suggest? We would like to visit one of the smaller remoter islands too while we are there. Hoping to do mix of self catering and hotel. Like to do some mild hiking mixed with beach days and lots of historic sightseeing. Thanks in advance Joe & Kay

I would fly into Mykonos and out of Crete or vice versa. In between there are popular islands like Santorini, Paros, and Naxos and less popular islands like Milos, Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos (most of these in the Western Cyclades). If you wanted a shorter trip you could arrive and depart from Santorini and Mykonos and save Crete for a visit of its own.

I am planning my honeymoon and flying from Los Angeles, CA. We have 14 days and we want to do Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, & Milos. Do you think this is enough time for all 4 islands? What’s the best route/order to do for these?

With 14 days I typically recommend visiting 3 or 4 islands. So, you’ll be moving around a bit but it’s completely doable. There are so many different routes for those 4 islands that there is no “best order”. You’ll just have to do the research on ferry schedules and see what works with your dates.

Hi Dave, Do ferries run from Santorini to Mykonos in November? Couldn’t find one on Ferryhopper. Thanks!

Ferries between Santorini and Mykonos run until the end of October (for sure) and sometimes into the first week of November. After that you’ll need to travel via Naxos, Paros, or Syros.

Hi!!!! This page is AMAZING!!! I have some questions since I’m building my first trip to Greece.

I think I could do 10-12 days last 2 weeks of August and would love to visit Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Naxos and/or Corfu or Milos, not sure if this is possible. From there then fly to Croatia.

My question is what would be the best routes/island for this?

For starters, drop Zakynthos and Corfu as they’re a long way out of the way from Athens and the Cyclades. You’re much better to focus on Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Milos with only 10 to 12 days. Try flying directly into Santorini from a large airport in western Europe, then ferry to Milos or Naxos (you won’t have time to do both), ferry to Mykonos, and ferry to Athens. From Athens, you’ll be able to fly to Croatia.

Hi Dave, we have 9 nights for island hopping and will be leaving from Athens. Can you suggest a good itinerary ending with our last night in Santorini, as we will fly out from there. I have been to Santorini and Ios before and want to steer clear of Mykonos as we are more into the less touristy islands. Thinking of 2 nights per island. Thanks

Paros to Naxos to Santorini would great. Milos if you want to do a boat tour (similar to a Santorini caldera boat tour but with more snorkeling). Or Sifnos if you want something off the beaten track.

Hi Dave. Such a great website, thanks. We’re coming from London I’m looking for two weeks in Greece with kids 6 and 8. I really want to see the white-washed buildings against bright blue seas and skies. We’re thinking of doing an inclusive resort for 1 week so the kids can make friends and have kids club, then looking for hotels/villas for a little island hopping. We’re not really sure where to start. Any recommendations? Is Crete a good base for the resort week?

There are very few all-inclusive resorts on the Greek islands. Crete might have a few, but Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros have none. All the Cycladic islands are great for kids and families. Check out Antiparos if you’re looking for something smaller and quieter where you’ll almost know everyone on the island after a week.

For first-timers, would you recommend Naxos, Paros, Crete, or Corfu? We are definitely flying into Athens to explore and then Mykonos and Santorini.

Paros is the most like Mykonos. Crete really deserves a week or more (and I’m assuming you just have a few more days to fill). Corfu is a long way from Mykonos and Santorini (and would require flying via Athens). So I would go with Naxos. Great beaches, local food, and small traditional villages.

Hello, We are planning an ‘island hopping’ trip next year with our three young (Ranging 2-12) , but well travelled children. We’re after a mix of beaches, nice hotels with pools, and a few days exploring towns. Would you please be able to recommend the islands best suited to this. We’re after a duration of around two weeks, probably staying 3/4 nights most places and would be flying from London. Many thanks 🙏- this site has been such a source of travel inspiration!

Great islands for kids and island hopping: Naxos, Paros, Milos, Sifnos, Serifos. Santorini and Mykonos are also great but busier and more expensive. Both Santorini and Mykonos have direct flights from western Europe which makes them great bookends to your trip. Fly into one. Island hop through a few other islands. Then finish at the other and fly home.

My friend and I would like to do 10 days in Greece on our way to Turkey in May. We will fly into Athens and would like to do Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Sifnos if possible. Which route would you recommend?

Ferry Athens to Sifnos to Mykonos to Santorini to Crete. Could also fly to Crete to start and then ferry back to Athens in reverse order as above. (Most likely you’ll need to fly from Athens to Turkey.)

HELP!!! We are a family of four in need of island transfer from Crete, preferably Chania but at this point any port will do, to Paros on May 2nd. I prefer to ferry rather than fly but am having difficulty finding a company that does this route. Is it too early, perhaps they don’t start until June ?? We’d also be up for going to Santorini, spending the day, and ferry to Paros in the evening. Can you point me in the right direction? Thanks so much for your help.

There should be a daily Heraklion to Paros ferry (with stops in Santorini and Naxos) in early May. Check Ferryhopper.com for details. You would need to spend the night in Santorini to have time to see the island (as there is no evening ferry on this route).

I have found your information so helpful! Starting with 4 days in Athens, and then 10 nights in the Cyclades. Travelling with 2 adults and well traveled 9yo. For the “islands” portion of our trip (10 nights), I am wondering if just Naxos/Santorini will be a little too long at 5 days each. Maybe cut down to 4 nights each with two nights somewhere else. Plan is to fly back to Athens from Santorini. Any insight very much appreciated!

I don’t think that’s too long on Naxos and Santorini. But yes, you could easily add a two-day stop in Paros, Mykonos, or Ios. Or if you’re wanting to do a boat tour then Milos and do the full day boat tour around the island.

We are taking a short trip for my big 4-0 birthday. It is on my bucket list to see the Greek islands. Santorini is too on the list. What itinerary would you recommend from Chicago for 7 days in Greece?

Santorini for 3 days, Naxos (beaches and traditional villages) or Mykonos (beaches and trendy nightlife and restaurants) for 3 days, and 1 day in Athens.

Hi Dave We have set our hearts on Athens to Hydra for 2 days then Spetses for 2 days then back to Athens for our flight home. But can’t find any ferries, is that because its not doable. Karen

The Athens/Hydra/Spetses ferries run year round. If you’re looking too far in advance they might not be listed yet. But there will definitely be ferries running that route. Book tickets about a month in advance just to be safe but there are many daily ferries and they rarely sell out.

We’re planning a honeymoon in Greece through Athens (1-2 Nights), Santorini (3 Nights), Mykonos (3 Nights), and Kreta or Rhodos (3-4 Nights), but we’re not sure which island is better and which island has more beautiful beaches: Kreta or Rhodos? How would you divide and plan the route from Germany ?

Both Rhodes and Crete have great beaches and interesting towns. The biggest difference (for your itinerary) is that Crete is a short daily ferry ride from Santorini and Rhodes is a long 2/weekly ferry ride from Santorini. So I would definitely do Crete (ferry to Heraklion and then spend most of your time in Chania). Then fly home from either Heraklion or Chania airports – hopefully without having to fly via Athens.

Hi Dave, We are a family of 6 going to Greece for the first time. I am flying into Athens. I want to see Santorini and Mykonos. What do you recommend as far as which Island to go first and what means of transportation to use, Ferry or fly. We have 8-9 days to spend in Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. We will be flying back to U.S. after vacation. We have kids as young as 6. Thank you.

I would ferry from Athens to Mykonos, ferry from Mykonos to Santorini, then either fly Santorini to Athens or (even better) fly Santorini to Western Europe (Paris, London, Amsterdam, or Rome) and fly directly home from there.

Hello. We will be visiting Greece in January. We would like to do some Island Hopping from Athens. What Islands do you recommend at this time of year. We would like to see Santorini, do you think we should? If so, what islands should we stop at along the way? We want to visit islands for about 7 days. We have to finish in Athens because we are flying to Morocco next. Thank you very much for your help.

Santorini and Naxos or Paros are best (and best ferry connections) in January.

Hi Dave, We’ve narrowed down our islands to Naxos, Santorini and Milos. We’re able to stay 3-nights on 2 of those islands and 4-nights on 1 off them. Which island would you recommend to spend the 4-nights on? I’m thinking Naxos or Milos. Of those 2, what has more to do where an extra day would be beneficial? Thanks so much.

Of Naxos and Milos, Naxos definitely has more to see and do. Though Milos has more interesting boat tours.

Quick question on how would you divide and route flying to Greece from San Francisco? 14 nights in Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos and would it be sufficient time to see most highlights of Greece. Thanks a bunch. Any info is greatly appreciated.

It of course depends on what flights are available which varies greatly depending on the time of year. But most likely you’ll need to fly via London, Paris, or Amsterdam. From these western European hubs I would recommend flying to Athens but returning from Mykonos or Santorini – or even Heraklion in Crete. For example, fly SFO to London, fly London to Athens, ferry to Mykonos, ferry to Santorini, fly Santorini to London, fly London to SFO. This does require a fair bit of flight searching to see what’s available on each route – but it’s worth the effort so that you don’t have to retrace your steps to Athens and waste time and money. 14 days is enough time to see some of the highlights of Greece – but all of them? Not even close. Focus on 3 or 4 destinations and don’t feel rushed.

Hello, I am traveling from New York to Greece for the 2nd time. I traveled to Greece about 5 years ago and split my trip between Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. This year I’m in between Paros, Ios, and Crete and confused if I should all three or which to do and the order. Was hoping you can provide expert travel advice and let me know what would be ideal for us to do. We are looking to relax on the beach, nightlife, party, and restaurants. Have about 10 days. Thank u

I’m thinking you love Greece and will likely make another visit in the coming years. If that’s accurate then visit Paros and Ios on one trip (best for the high season summer months of late May to early September) and Crete on the other trip (great in summer but also fine in the shoulder season of April, early May, late September, October, and early November). Both are good destinations for 10 days but visiting all 3 in ten days would be rushed.

We are planning a honeymoon through the Cyclades. Our plan is to stop in Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Ios. Is there a “best-route” for these 5 islands. We have not booked any flights or ferries yet so are open to any itinerary. We’ll be flying from NYC and visiting London and Paris on the same trip.

My recommended route would be • Paris fly to Athens • Athens ferry to Mykonos • Mykonos ferry to Paros • Paros ferry to Naxos • Naxos ferry to Ios • Ios ferry to Santorini • Santorini fly to London The reverse order is fine too. This has the quickest, most direct ferry routes and the largest choice of flights.

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Real Greek Experiences

Greek Culture, Travel Information, Itineraries, Life in Greece

Island Hopping In Greece On A Budget

Island hopping in Greece is a great way to see some of the most beautiful islands in the world. The best part? Visiting the Greek islands doesn’t need to be expensive. Here are some insider’s travel tips for Greek island hopping on a budget.

What is Greek island hopping?

Let’s start with what it means to island hop in Greece ! With few exceptions, island hopping in Greece involves packing your luggage, and moving on to the next island .

While many Greek islands are close to each other on the map, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can use one as a base and take day trips to others. This might be possible with a chartered boat, or a small local boat, but is rarely feasible on commercial ferries.

Budgeting for the Greek islands, ferries and flights

Not all islands in Greece have international or domestic airports. Even when they do, there are few direct flights from one island to another. So, Greek island hopping will normally involve a ferry .

Overall, hopping around the islands isn’t the most wallet-friendly choice when visiting Greece. Certain ferry tickets to some of the popular islands can cost well over 100 euro.

If you’re taking a ferry every couple of days, the costs soon add up. In addition, accommodation prices on some of the islands can be exorbitant during peak season.

As for direct flights between the islands, these are not only rare, but they also come at a premium price. Here is some more information: Direct flights between the Greek islands . 

However, it is absolutely possible to island hop in Greece on a budget. This article will help you make smart choices, and enjoy your holiday more.

13 Travel tips for Greek island hopping

Here are some tips and ideas which will help you island hop around Greece. They come from decades of my experience travelling around the Greek islands since I was a kid!

For the purposes of this article, “a budget” will be around 50-60 euros per person per day. This might seem like too little for some people, but it’s absolutely doable. All you need is some careful planning!

1. Visit Greek islands in the same island group

Before you plan your island hopping itinerary, my best tip is to study a map of Greece. Many of our islands are grouped together, and the island groups are all at different sides of the Greek mainland. According to the 2011 census, there are 119 inhabited islands in Greece!

There are six main island chains, plus a few standalone islands. Here they are:

• Cyclades islands , e.g. Santorini, Mykonos, Milos
• Ionian islands , e.g. Zakynthos, Corfu
• Saronic islands , e.g. Hydra, Aegina
• Dodecanese islands , e.g. Rhodes, Kos
• Sporades islands , e.g. Skiathos, Skopelos
• North Aegean islands , e.g. Lesvos
• Evia , a large island close to Athens
• Crete , the largest island in Greece.

Most islands will reward you with stunning beaches, traditional villages, fantastic food, and a relaxed, laid-back pace of life. Yet, each island group is different! 

This introduction to the Greek island groups  will give you a better idea on what to expect in each group of islands.

Overall, it’s better to visit islands in one or maybe two island chains. Not only will travelling costs be lower, but you will also save considerable amounts of time by not rushing around the country.

As an example, the combination Santorini – Corfu is not practical or time-efficient in terms of ferry connections. You’d have to take a flight from Santorini to Athens, and a second one to Corfu. This would cost you a lot more than an itinerary including Santorini and 2-3 more islands in the Cyclades.

These days, most ferry tickets are available online a few months in advance. I use Ferryscanner to check itineraries and book my ferry tickets in Greece. 

Tip: Note that ferries are sometimes delayed. I have been on ferries that were delayed by a couple of hours. So if you are planning to take a flight home after your last ferry, allow for plenty of time, or even an extra night.

Further reading: Should I visit the islands or the Greek mainland ?

2. Visit Greek islands on direct ferry routes

Even within the same group of islands, you may find that not all islands are directly connected with each other. It’s more practical to do some advance research, and choose your destinations according to the ferry routes available at the time of your visit.

As an example, let’s say that you want to travel between two Cycladic islands: Andros  and Iraklia . As there is no direct connection, you would first get a ferry from Andros to Naxos, and then take an onward ferry to Iraklia.

If you want to avoid too many ferries, you could either combine Andros with Tinos , or Iraklia with the other Small Cyclades and Naxos.

Photo taken from the castle in Plaka, Milos .

Another idea is to visit islands that are connected by small, inexpensive local ferries. As an example, there are several daily ferry connections between  Milos  and  Kimolos , Paros and Antiparos and the Small Cyclades.

You can compare ferry schedules and book your tickets on Ferryscanner .

3. Cut down on the number of islands

Visitors often try to include several Greek islands in their vacation.

Some of the most popular islands, like Santorini and Mykonos, are easily experienced in 3-4 days. However, some other islands would need more than a week to be properly explored.

If you are thinking to island hop in Greece but are on a tight budget, consider visiting fewer islands. There is a lot to see on the biggest islands, like Crete, Rhodes, Naxos, Lesvos, Chios, Andros and several others. You could easily spend your whole vacation there, and bring transportation costs down.

4. Take the slow ferries

There are a number of different ferries serving the Greek islands. For the Cyclades in particular, there are many different companies, running dozens of ferries.

You will find anything from small, high speed ferries just for passengers, to larger, slower ferries that also transport vehicles, big trucks and goods.

Costs of ferry tickets vary a lot, especially for the Cyclades islands. As an example, passenger tickets from Piraeus or Rafina ports start at 35-40 euro for most slow ferry routes. Prices can reach over 100 euro if you want business class tickets on the high speed ferries, or a cabin.

Unless you are really pushed for time, you can get a deck seat or numbered seat on a slow ferry and keep the costs down. In my opinion, the extra expense of business class or a cabin is not worth it, especially for trips of up to 5-6 hours. Of course everyone is different, and it’s best to decide yourself.

This  ridiculously long article  lists all the different ferries that are running in Greece at the moment, and explains the differences between types of seats, fares and cabins. Have a look!

5. Take the night ferry from Piraeus to the islands

If your itinerary in Greece starts or ends in Athens, you can take a night ferry from Piraeus to get to one of the islands. The ferries to Crete are a good example.

Get a comfortable seat, and you should be able to get a few hours of sleep, arriving at your destination in the early morning, ready to kickstart your holiday.

Even if you go for a cabin, the cost will still be lower than what you would pay for a daytime ferry plus a night’s accommodation in Crete.

The best thing about the night ferry – you’ll get to see the starry sky right in the middle of the Mediterranean!

6. Take advantage of ISIC cards and other special discounts on the ferries

Before you book your ferry tickets, check if you belong to these lucky categories of people who are entitled to discounts. For example, several companies offer a 50% discount for ISIC student card holders.

If you have children travelling with you, make sure that you read each company’s policy before you decide who to travel with. In general, children either get a discount or travel for free, depending on their age.

Sometimes, the ferry companies release promotional tickets that are around 70% or less of the original price. If you find any of those, bear in mind that they are generally not changeable, non-transferable and non-refundable.

7. Check for flights instead of ferries to the Greek islands

If you are thinking to fly between the islands, you should be aware that most of them don’t have airports. You will find airports on some of the popular islands, like Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu or Rhodes.

This article lists all Greek islands with domestic and international airports.

In addition, take into account that, with few exceptions, there are no flights connecting the islands directly. So if you want to fly from one island to another, you’d normally have to go through Athens first.

With that said, if you are planning to spend a few days in Athens, it’s worth checking the prices for domestic flights. In some cases, you might find a cheap flight that will cost less than the high speed ferry.

When booking flights from Athens to the Greek islands, make sure you understand the fare rules. For most airlines, basic fares only include hand luggage, and Ryanair charges an extra fee even for that.

8. Take local buses or walk around the Greek islands

Let’s face it – if you want to have freedom to go wherever you want, the best idea is to rent a car or other vehicle on your island of choice. Read my article on  driving in Greece  to decide whether this is for you!

Depending on where you are and how many days you need the vehicle for, it can cost at least 25-30 euros a day, so costs can add up quickly. However, you can always rent a car for a day or two, and use buses for the rest of your time.

Public transportation on the islands is cheap, and a great way to meet other people. Buses won’t take you everywhere, but they serve the most popular places and you will be able to see the highlights of each island.

When you are waiting for a bus, be prepared for queues, especially in you are in famous islands like Santorini or Rhodes . Once you are on the bus though, relax and enjoy the landscapes!

If you are on a quieter island, you could try hitchhiking. I have hitchhiked (or picked up hitchhikers) in many of the less touristy islands, like Ikaria, Tinos and  Schinoussa , and also in Crete, on several occasions.

Finally, you can always consider going to smaller islands, where you won’t really need a car. Some examples are Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia, Donoussa,  Kimolos and Antiparos. You can walk around pretty much everywhere!

Note: We have a  guidebook to Iraklia and Schinoussa  available on Amazon.

9. Bring your tent and camping equipment

If you are island hopping on a budget in Greece, this is a no-brainer. Campsites are a lot cheaper than rooms or hotels, and they are also a great way to meet people.

While not all of the islands have campsites, many of them do, and most of them also rent tents and equipment. Make sure you do some research on the campsite you are planning to go, as occasionally, campsites close down with no notice.

Although freecamping is technically illegal in Greece, it’s another way to keep your budget down. Popular places to freecamp are generally on faraway islands, and you need to ask for recent information.

If you decide to go freecamping in Greece, please make sure you respect the environment and leave no trash behind.

10. Get a room with a kitchenette

If camping is not your style, you can rent a room with kitchen facilities, instead of staying at a hotel. You will miss out on some of the fantastic Greek cuisine, but it’s always helpful to have a kitchen to prepare a meal or two.

In many of the smaller islands, buying food items from a mini market will be more expensive than you might expect. This is normal, as almost everything has to be brought in from the mainland.

11. Eat at local tavernas instead of expensive restaurants

I doubt that you needed advice for this! Eating at Greek tavernas can be very, very affordable. For two people sharing a couple of dishes, a salad and a starter, your bill can be around 30 euro. You may also be offered a complimentary dessert or some fruit after your meal.

Note: Chances of getting a treat after your meal may actually increase if you try to speak some words in Greek !

If 30 euros is still out of your budget, two people can easily share a meal for less than 20 euros. Just get a Greek salad, some fries, a  souvlaki  or two and a carafe of house wine.  Yiamas !

Here are 50 great dishes to try in Greece !

12. Skip the most expensive destinations like Santorini and Mykonos

Santorini and Mykonos , two of the most popular Greek islands, can actually be very expensive when compared to most other places in Greece.

You can easily island hop on a budget if you decide to go to some of the islands that you hadn’t heard of. Most of them will have plenty of rooms available for a fraction of the prices in Mykonos or Santorini. Also, meals and drinks will be much more wallet-friendly.

Don’t get me wrong – I think these islands are very, very cool. You should visit Santorini once in your life to see the active volcano, the sunset views from the west coast and the famous beaches.

Here is a guide on how to see Santorini on a budget – my best tip is to consider visiting Santorini in winter .

You might also find this guide on  things to avoid in Santorini  useful.

As for Mykonos, only a few islands in the Aegean Sea can boast as many great beaches on such a small area! Here are my impressions on Mykonos without the crowds , which I was lucky to experience. But if your budget is limited, consider another island, like Ios or Naxos, instead.

13. Visit the Greek islands outside peak season

This might be the single most important tip on how to keep costs down when island hopping.

If you have a choice, visit Greece outside the peak season of July and August. This is the most crowded time to travel here, and accommodation prices go up. If that’s the only time you can visit, however, have a look at these  tips for visiting Greece in summer .

In the past five years, we have stayed in several rooms on the Greek islands, which cost us anywhere from 20 (!) to 50 euro. Most of these were in June, early July and September. These are all fantastic months to visit the islands.

Similarly, a car rental will be much cheaper outside the summer months. Check out DiscoverCars , a platform that compares all major car rental companies in Greece, and you will be pleasantly surprised at the low costs during the shoulder seasons.

Here’s a quick introduction on the best time to visit Greece .

FAQs for Greek island hopping

Here are the answers to a few more questions!

What are some Greek islands that won’t break the bank?

One of the best Greek islands for budget-conscious travellers is Crete . It’s an amazing island with exotic beaches, wild beauty, several ancient sites and fantastic food.

Among the Cycladic islands, I’ve found that Naxos is very affordable. It has some truly fantastic sandy beaches, excellent food and plenty of budget accommodation options. In addition, it is well connected to several other Greek islands.

Ios , a short ferry ride from Santorini, combines some amazing beaches with lively nightlife. You will also find plenty of affordable accommodation.

Can you suggest a Greek island hopping itinerary?

There are hundreds of different island hopping scenarios! To a large extent, it depends on how many days you have in Greece and what you are interested in. If, like many people, you have ten vacation days, it would be best to stick to two or max three islands.

Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Naxos and Paros are often combined in Greece itineraries, as it is straightforward to travel between them on the Greek ferry system.

Other popular combinations include Santorini and Crete, Kefallonia and Zakynthos or Rhodes and Kos. As these islands have international airports, you can combine flights and ferries to island hop between them.

If you are looking for lesser known islands, check out Sikinos and Folegandros in the Cyclades, close to Santorini. This article will give you a few ideas.

Finally, if budget is your main concern, most of the Dodecanese and the North Aegean islands will fit the bill.

What are the islands with the most picturesque beaches?

There are very few islands where I can honestly say I was disappointed with the beaches! Most of the Greek islands have great beaches, and quite often they are very diverse.

Among the places I’ve visited, I’d say that Milos island has some of the most beautiful beaches. The combination of sandy beaches, strange landscapes, and limestone cliffs is pretty unique!

Related: How to get around Milos

Do I have to travel through Athens to go island hopping?

No, you don’t. In fact, many foreign visitors prefer to fly into an island with an international airport, and leave from another. There are dozens of direct flights to and from the Greek isles, from many European countries. This article will help.

Are there any Greek island hopping packages?

Plenty of international and local companies organize Greek island hopping tours. Options range from cruises on large cruiseboats to sailing trips for 10-12 people.

Certain Greek island hopping tours cover a few of the Cycladic islands. Other popular packages include some of the Ionian islands. For travellers with limited time, there are tours of three islands in the Argosaronic Bay, close to Athens.

A sailing trip is an excellent way to enjoy some of the most remote beaches on Greece’s beautiful islands, without the hassle of planning ferry routes.

Is it easier to hop around the Ionian islands or the Cyclades?

There are direct ferries between certain islands in the Ionian sea. Yet, the Cyclades are the most popular islands if you want to island hop.

Some of the main islands are only an hour or two away from each other. This makes the Cyclades the perfect islands for an island hopping vacation in Greece.

Are the Eurail ferry passes worth it?

I’ve seen some people swear by the Eurail Greek islands pass . This pass offers a number of ferry trips, run by either Blue Star Ferries or Hellenic Seaways, for a set price.

These ferry passes may sound like a bargain at first. However, if you check fares carefully, you will notice that it depends on the specific islands you are planning to visit, and the cost of the individual fares. You can easily check routes / prices and book your ferry tickets here: Ferryscanner .

If you decide to book the Eurail Ferry pass, make sure that the routes you are interested in are run by either of the two companies mentioned above. If not, you’d need to buy extra tickets for all other routes.

How to island hop in Greece on a budget 

I hope these tips have encouraged you to look further into visiting the Greek islands, even if you think your budget won’t allow it. Here are a few more guides you will find useful:

• A guide on how to plan your Greek island hopping trip – Entirely on your own
• Is Greece expensive? – A breakdown of our costs travelling around the islands for a month
• Hottest Greek islands in October – One of the best months if you are on a budget
• Santorini in winter – How to see a totally different face of the famous island

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments!

29 thoughts on “Island Hopping In Greece On A Budget”

Can I island hop from Athens to Mykonos, Santorini to see the blue dome houses an Crete. Await your advise for my planning.

Thanks Cynthia

Hi, Yes the Athens – Mykonos – Santorini combination is very popular and easy to do on the ferries. We would say only consider adding on Crete if you have longer than a week – maybe 2 weeks.

Me and my wife would like to hop Islands from athens to Santorini and Mykonos for week. Do we need to stay overnnight in any of the Islands. Can you please give some idea how we plan it to save money! We are planning to travel in Oct 2020. Thanks

Thanks for your question! These islands are among the most expensive destinations in Greece, however accommodation prices tend to be lower this year, so it’s a great opportunity to visit. I would personally allow at least 2-3 days on each island in order to explore. If you take a slow (= less expensive) ferry it will take you around 8 hours to get to Santorini, or it’s a short flight away from Athens (and perhaps if you book your tickets now you can get good deals). Mykonos is 4-5 hours away from Athens on the ferry, and a couple of hours away from Santorini. So you will definitely need to spend a few nights if you want to explore. Please read the latest article about 4 days in Santorini to get an idea of what you can do there. As for Mykonos, for me its main attraction are the beaches, Chora and the nearby Delos. I am a beach person and could easily spend a couple of weeks there, but based on our recent trip there it is generally more expensive than anywhere else I’ve been in Greece. It all depends on what you want to do!

Is Mykonos- paros – naxos – milos -santorini a good combination? Me and my friend (18) are hoping to do this in june 2021 as part of our gap year and are trying to find cheap places to stay etc.

Hi Ella, your route is great! Yes, overall it’s a good combination, however it depends on how many days you have in total and what you are generally after (partying? hiking? nature? beaches?). I personally recommend at least 3 days on each island, and those that are bigger definitely deserve longer – e.g. we spent 10 days in each Naxos and Milos in summer 2020 and I could have easily stayed longer as there’s so much to do. Mykonos is definitely not on the cheap side, though in June 2020 it was possible to find accommodation for two people for about 40 euro a night, and depending on how the covid restrictions go it may still be cheaper than other years. There are also campsites on most of these islands, so this should help, and it might even be possible to freecamp in some places if that’s your sort of thing. You are very welcome to get back to me with more questions as you are planning your trip!

Hi there, Myself and husband are looking at possibly island hopping for our 10th wedding anniversary. We are not really interested in santorini ( will be july and feel to touristy and not much to do) Also do not fancy mykonos. We like visiting historical sites, learning local culture. Good food and drink. Genetally things to see and do. Don’t mind walking around. But also somewhere to have some beach relaxation and catch some rays. Any suggestions as I’m just not getting very far, all the islands are starting to jumble into one. I might add that I would imagine we will fly from london Gatwick. Thanks in advance for any reply.

Hello and happy new year! If you like bigger islands, I would totally suggest Crete – the only issue is that there is so much to see and do that you will need to return several times. Also, you should definitely consider Milos as there is a variety of beaches and strange landscapes and a fair amount of ancient sites. Naxos is also one of my favourites, great long sandy beaches and a less touristy feeling than Milos (not that I’ve found Milos to be too touristy all things considered, but in my Greek head Naxos feels more authentic). I’ve had some of the best food in Greece in these three islands. By the way, I’ve had some of the best food of my life in these three islands! You could also consider Rhodes, which is very different from other islands, with a medieval castle in the main town and great beaches all around – though you might find it too warm in July. Finally, Corfu in the Ionian islands has tons of history and culture (but I haven’t been recently so don’t have much of a personal opinion). Now, understandably, it’s hard to predict what flights are going to resume this year, but Naxos and Milos don’t have international airports, so you’d have to go through Athens. There are normally direct flights for the other three. Hope this helps a little, feel free to get back to me with more questions!

Hello! Thanks for this article, I found it so helpful! I am planning to do a yoga course in Amorgos this summer. I have about 8/10 days after that- do you have any advice on which route to take from there- finishing in athens?

thanks so much!

Ah – so many options!!! I love the Small Cyclades islands like Iraklia , Schinoussa and Donoussa, but it depends on how quiet you want your vacation to be! The “easy” option would be to go to Naxos which is the biggest of the Cyclades, you can easily spend your whole 10 days there if you want. Not sure what month you are here, but Naxos will typically be more affordable than the small islands as there is plenty of accommodation. You could also combine it with Paros – we are going next week so will write an article at some point, you are welcome to follow my FB page for updates and photos! And here’s an itinerary for 3 days in Athens (not sure how long you are staying). Enjoy!

Really enjoyed reading this post, Vanessa! I’m trying to plan out a month or two months of Greek island hopping with a friend around May next year, but we’re having a hard time choosing which islands to visit. We’re both huge Mamma Mia fans so Skopelos is a must to visit, but that’s the only island we’ve chosen so far. Would love to hear your input!!

We plan on mostly staying in hostels and other backpack friendly accommodations but probably also airbnbs/hotels once in a while. Do you think 1.000€ a month for everything, would be enough?

Hi! Thanks for your question 🙂 My partner and I typically spend about 40-45 euro per person per day, but this includes our own car which we bring with us on the ferry. Have a look at this article which breaks down our expenses for May – June 2021 (note that accommodation was super cheap because of Covid…) We are also travelling around the Dodecanese this year (you can see photos on my FB page ) and so far we are spending around 40 euro per person per day. If you choose Skopelos, you should definitely visit Skiathos and Alonnisos that are nearby – but note that, the more north you go, the colder the sea will be! Hope this helps!

Hi Vanessa, My wife and I will be travelling to Greece in November. Is there any ferry transport to Rhodes from Athens at this time of year? We don’t need to have a direct route as we have time and would be okay to stay on other islands on the way. Thank you for any advice you can give us.

Hi Chris! Thank you for your message. Last November, there were 4 ferries a week from Piraeus to Rhodes, with the fastest one taking around 16 hours. As an indication, you can use openseas.gr to check out past routes, and you should expect them to be similar this year when they are announced. It’s worth checking flights too (at least for some part of your trip), as they can be much cheaper than ferries at that time of year. So you could fly to Rhodes, and then take ferries back to Athens. Please check out my other guides on Symi and Nisyros , these are two islands you should definitely consider including in your trip! Enjoy your time!

Hi, First of all, your posts are great. Very informative. I love Greece. I have been to Santorini and Mykonos in the Cyclades and Zakynthos and Kefalonia in the Ionics. Now, we want to come back and visit less touristic islands with beautiful beaches and great food in June 2023.

We are thinking in the following two options: 1 – Athens –> Milos –> Paros –> Naxos –> Athens or 2 – Athens –> Milos –> Ios –> Paros –> Athens With just 1 day in Athens (we have been there) and around three days in each island. We are two couples from Brazil (around 50 years old, but who like adventure). Two questions: a) which option (1 or 2) do you think is best? b) We are planning to arrive In Milos by plane and leave Naxos or Paros by ferry? or It should be better to arrive in Milos by ferry and leave Naxos or Paros by ferry?

Thanks in advance.

Oi! Obrigada for your question! Out of the islands you mentioned, Paros is my least favourite as it’s the most organized and “touristy” of the four… but that’s just my personal opinion! I would go to Milos , Naxos and Ios , though three days in each might be cutting it a little too short (Naxos is quite big). Both Naxos and Ios have amazing sandy beaches, Milos is much wilder (especially the western part), but still enough infrastructure. Naxos is among my best places in Greece for food! Paros has more options for nightlife and also many organized beaches with sunbeds etc. Here is our opinion on Paros vs Naxos . I think it’s best to plan your itinerary when the ferry schedules are out, which will probably be around spring 2023. But either of these itineraries work. Now, in terms of plane vs ferry, the plane takes less time – and if you book early it might even be cheaper. If you prefer planes you could even fly to Milos, ferry to the next islands, and then take another flight back to Athens (as you probably know all of these islands apart from Ios have airports). I’m not sure if this helped! Feel free to message me again!

Hi,loved your ‘ pages ‘. My wife and I are putting an Island Hop itinerary together for next year ‘23 starting late April.Our ‘ thoughts ‘ were 3/4 days in Athens,fly to Milos 4/5 days and then ‘ hop ‘ towards Mykonos.Our intention’s would be to hop over a 4 week period,not including Athens stop.Rather surprised when checking accommodation costs on-line at the various islands.We don’t budget accommodation somewhere mid range but even then costs are high.I would recon for a daily costs for two persons would be circa euros 200,I know what you are saying ‘ no way ‘ you check,accommodation + coffees + stopping for lunch including a few drinks + plus dinner and a bottle of wine and I am not including car hire.When I include ferries and flights I don’t imagine my costs would be less than euros 10000.I think that’s expensive or am I not in the “ Real World “What’s your suggested itinerary,I am not interested in Santorini which from all accounts is way too busy and ‘ Rip Off “ territory.What would your suggested itinerary be.On the accommodation issue I find it difficult to view locally owned b/b. I don’t intend to be in the hotel for long each day,breakfast and sleeping so why pay excessive prices for ‘ Vogue ‘ style accommodation.

Hi John! We rarely pay over 45-50 euros for accommodation for two, even in the mid-season (we never travel during the peak season). However, accommodation prices in the Cyclades increased a lot in summer 2022, and I won’t be surprised if this trend continies. However, many places still haven’t put availability and prices up for next year, and it’s too early to do your research – you will find the same for ferry schedules. I totally enjoyed Mykonos without the crowds , but I wouldn’t really think it’s a must-see island (Santorini is pretty unique, but it does get busy like you say). Milos is great, have a look at Kimolos too, though not everything will be open yet at that time of year. Ios has fab sandy beaches – not just a party island that everyone seems to think it is. Also Serifos is great, though you might find that accommodation prices are higher than the other islands. And check out Naxos and Tinos… both amazing islands with delicious food. Though my favourite island group are the Cyclades, an alternative might be to go to the Dodecanese, which tend to be a little warmer. We found very reasonably priced accommodation on 8 of the Dodecanese islands throughout spring-summer 2022, starting at 30 euro per night believe it or not. We rarely use airbnb as prices always seem to be higher, we stick to booking.com instead. It’s also possible to rent a last-minute place in the the old-fashioned way, just asking around… though it’s not for everyone. Have a look at this article (granted, it’s two years ago and food prices have gone up a little), but it will give you an indication: Is Greece expensive Hope this helps, feel free to get back to me with more questions! Have fun planning!

Hi, we are digital nomads and planning to make a longer island hopping version combining work and travel during the trip. Our journey will start from Crete. And we are planning to stay from 5-14 days on each island travelling during the whole summer 2023. Our plan at the moment combine Naxos, Ios, Tinos, Milos and we want to visit something else. Maybe you could give me some recommendations about where to stay longer or with what group of Islands to combine our trip. After all we want to go back to Crete again. We are travelling also with our car and have a tent with camping stuff. Thanks in advance for your answer! Mila

Hello, thanks for your message 🙂 Since you don’t have to worry about accommodation, you can just play it by ear. Crete is a fantastic place to explore, I’ve been there many times and we are going back this autumn for a couple of months, you could easily spend your whole time there 🙂 Naxos too, we spend 10 days a couple of years ago and we were kind of running around as we wanted to see everything! Just to let you know, Milos has no camping site at the moment, and accommodation tends to be more expensive than on other islands, also some of the roads are not suitable for normal cars (I damaged my own car lol) – but it’s a very special place – and you should absolutely go to Kimolos which is next door. No campsite there either, but you should be able to freecamp. Or, since you are going to Naxos, you can easily go to the Small Cyclades, Schinoussa, Iraklia, Koufonissi and Donoussa which are very close… Tinos is another one of my favourites – you could spend several days as there are so many fantastic villages to explore! Before you plan anything, check the ferry ticket prices… unfortunately, they can pile up quickly since you also have your car. Most ferry companies have a loyalty scheme where you get some discounts, so make sure you join! Ferryscanner is a great website to plan your trip, as it allows up to 10 consecutive routes. Also, have a look at this article I wrote two years ago to get an indication of prices – I’d say things have gone up by about 20% now, but it’s still absolutely doable. Enjoy!

Enjoying reading questions/answers. Been to Greece way back in 1980, Athens 3 days and flew to Rhodes for two and one half weeks then back to Athens one nite then flew home. Want to island hop now. Need to see Santorini 3 days / Crete will add couple less popular u mentioned. We want to go to Cyprus for what? A week or is that too long?

You will find that Athens has changed a lot – yet some things remain the same! You can spend long in Crete, it’s a huge island and getting from the north to the south isn’t always straightforward. Cyprus is another country altogether. I spent a couple of weeks there a few years ago and I would have happily stayed longer, there is lots to see, and I was personally super interested in talking to people who live there – both sides of the border.

Hello! Thank you for all your informations. It is nice to read your texts. I have tried to find information about Amorgos in previous questions before asking you but I did not find anything.

Have you ever been there? I want to visit this island because it is smaller than others and it looks less crowded to. We will not have a car. Do you have suggestions to visit this island?

Thank you very much.

Yes I’ve been there but not written much for my blog yet lol! Have a look at this article for some information. If you aren’t planning to rent your own car / scooter, it’s probably best to stay at one of the two port towns, so you are close to the beach. You could then check the updated bus schedules to see where you can go (they change by the season). As with all islands, try to avoid August if you can. Enjoy!

Hi , Loved reading all your info !!Planning a trip with my daughter [usually she plans but im retired now and shes the busy bee} This is really short notice (July 9 for 10 days ) After reading all your messages Athens..Ionian Islands /Milos&Naoxis sounds like a plan ,we’d be travelling from London,what do you suggest? Thankyou 🙂

Hi Ann, thanks for your message! I would fly to Athens and visit 2 islands max (e.g. Milos + Naxos). The Ionians are on the other side of Greece so getting there from Milos or Naxos would be time-consuming and probably quite expensive. Or you could fly into Corfu or Kefalonia, spend a few days there, then fly to Athens, then fly back to London (or the opposite route). Hope this makes sense!! I’ll send you a pm with more info.

Hello Vanessa! Absolutely love your blog and refer to it all the time. About to go to Greece for the first time for 2 months with my friend from April to June (She is Greek from Chania, Crete!) We are both new to travelling in Greece and were wondering if you have any tips for finding odd jobs/visiting the more rural quiet areas in a way that is safe for two young women, and if you know anything about travelling around Vikos?

Really any travel tips for two young travellers going for such a long time on a budget, much appreciated!!!

Thanks for your awesome blog.

Hi! I’ll send you an email 🙂

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Island hopping Trips

Island hopping is a way of traveling that more and more people opt for every year for as long as they stay on the Greek islands. It allows people to discover different places, traditions, landscapes and flavors, even if the islands lie very close.

Ferries in Greece make island-hopping a breeze, as both the number and frequency of ferry routes increase during the summer. Keep reading to find everything you need about the available ferries and island-hopping between the Greek islands (destinations, routes, tickets, etc.)!

HOW TO GET TO THE GREEK ISLANDS

The ferry Thunder of Fast Ferries getting to Naxos

Visitors can reach the Greek islands either by ferry or by plane. In particular:

The ferry is the most common and preferred mode of travel. In fact, for many islands, it is the only choice, as not every island boasts an airport, but all have at least one port. Ferries to the Greek islands offer numerous seats of different types, the possibility of transporting vehicles and an excellent view of the seascape. Moreover, they are the means for island-hopping, thanks to the several and frequent connections between the Greek islands during the summer. Finally, ferry tickets have fixed prices, while some categories of passengers are entitled to a discount (upon presentation of the relevant documents).

The most popular Greek islands host international airports to serve tourists coming from abroad more efficiently. These include: - Santorini and Mykonos (Cyclades) - Rhodes , Kos and Karpathos (Dodecanese) - Corfu , Zakynthos and Kefalonia (Ionian Islands) - Samos and Lesvos (Eastern Aegean Islands) - Skiathos (Sporades). As a ferry trip to the Greek islands is an unforgettable experience, many visitors choose to fly to Athens and then board a ferry from the port of Piraeus , Rafina , or Lavrion . NOTE : Most Greek airports are not connected by direct flights - a stop at the International Airport of Athens is necessary in order to travel from one island to another.

TYPES OF FERRIES

The types of Greek passenger ships are two: high-speed and conventional.

High-speed Ferries

The high-speed ferry WorldChampion Jet of Seajets

High-speed ferries reach higher velocities and get passengers to their destinations faster. They offer two types of seats - Economy and Business/VIP - both corresponding to numbered seats. In general, their tickets are more expensive compared to those of conventional ferries. Some vessels have garages for vehicle transport, though with limited parking space. Their small size helps them sail at higher speeds but, at the same time, makes them more prone to delays when strong winds blow.

Some leading Greek ferry companies that own such crafts are Seajets , Golden Star Ferries , Minoan Lines and Hellenic Seaways (appertaining to the Blue Star Ferries company).

Conventional Ferries

The conventional ferry Festos Palace of Minoan Lines

Conventional ferries are the most common way to reach the Greek islands. Their large size allows numerous passengers and vehicles to travel; it also helps them not to be affected by strong winds. Apart from the standard air and Business/VIP seats, this kind of ship offers another type of ticket called standard/economy ticket. It is the cheapest ticket on Greek ferries and allows passengers to sit on the deck or in an interior lounge.

Blue Star , K/X ANEK-Superfast , Fast Ferries , Zante , Levante Ferries and Saronic Ferries are the main companies to which conventional ferries belong.

BEST GREEK ISLAND-HOPPING ROUTES

Discover the Greek islands by region.

THE CYCLADES

The village of Klima on Milos island

The Cyclades is the optimal region of Greece when it comes to island hopping! With dozens of islands forming a circle-shaped cluster in the middle of the Aegean Sea and many ferry connections between their ports during the summer, visitors are able to discover the beauty of the Cyclades in different settings effortlessly.

Feel free to include more than one island in your holiday schedule- we are here to guide you to make the most of your vacation on the Greek islands! ➜ Read more about the Cyclades

The Cyclades islands share some characteristics to a large extent, such as the picturesque villages with their cubic whitewashed houses, the clear waters of the enchanting beaches and the traditional tavernas serving delicious dishes made from local products. Despite their commonalities, other points differentiate the islands and help us separate them into groups, making it easier to plan your island-hopping program.

Have a look at some of our suggestions to get inspired about your Greek island-hopping itinerary based on what you hanker for during your holidays!

The list starts with the most preferred island-hopping sequence; that is quite reasonable, considering how it combines the three most renowned Greek destinations. Visiting the monument-filled Athens , then the enchanting little Venice in Mykonos , and finally the world's only inhabited caldera in Santorini , you'll feel free to flaunt how you've visited most of the scenery intertwined with holidays in Greece! Since the two islands host an International Airport each, it is possible to skip the Greek capital and head directly to the gems of the Aegean. Note that there are no flights between the two islands and taking the ferry is the only way to travel from Santorini to Mykonos and vice versa.

It's party time! Another favorite combination is that of the more lively Cycladic islands. Extremely popular among groups of friends and youth, these three destinations are famous for their vivid nightlife in several bars and clubs that welcome millions of people every year. Mykonos is among the world's top destinations for party animals , while Ios is also praised for wild events in its beach clubs and bars. As for Paros , the fun happens in Naoussa , the most picturesque village on the island, which turns into one big party at night!

Q : How do I get to Mykonos? A : By ferry from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina)           By plane from Athens and other cities in Europe and the Middle East

Straight out of the most romantic novel, these islands offer everything a couple could ask for from a holiday - glorious sunsets and breathtaking scenery. There's not much to say about Santorini and its romantic sunset from Oia overlooking the volcano and the deep blue Aegean Sea - there is a reason why most hotels offer wedding rooms and honeymoon suites! Milos , although well-known, has managed to maintain an atmosphere that allows lovers to enjoy tranquility outside of their accommodation. The volcanic landscapes and seaside fishing villages with colorful houses draw the visitors’ attention, with lovers taking gorgeous photos with them as a backdrop. Finally, quiet Folegandros offers couples endless moments of relaxation and privacy thanks to its less cosmopolitan atmosphere, pristine landscape and stunning beaches.

Q : How do I get to Santorini? A : By ferry from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina)           By plane from Athens and other European cities, Turkey (Istanbul) and Israel (Tel Aviv)

For many, holidays are a time to recharge their batteries and, for this reason, they seek off-the-beaten-track destinations away from crowds of people. If you relate to that, this Greek island-hopping itinerary is worth considering! All three islands have a peaceful atmosphere , and the fact that they have remained untouched by tourism is apparent wherever you look. The settlements are traditional and locals follow the time-honored way of life, while hotels, restaurants and shops are far from deluxe. Serifos Town, with its cobbled streets overlooking the Aegean from the top of a hill, the palatable flavors of Sifnos cuisine and the unspoiled and authentic beauty at every corner of Sikinos guarantee the most exhilarating holiday experience!

Q : How do I get to Serifos? A : By ferry from Athens (Piraeus)

Last but not least, these majestic islands allow nature lovers to admire all faces of the Cycladic geomorphology! Andros and Naxos contradict the classic arid landscape of the Cyclades, featuring dense vegetation with waterfalls and rivers in places. Amorgos , on the other hand, showcases the wild landscape throughout it, with the blue of the sea and sky creating a formidable contrast that gives visitors unforgettable sights. All three islands are endowed with captivating beaches and trails that traverse unique landscapes, ideal for those who want to explore the natural beauty of the Cyclades as much as they can!

Q : How do I get to Andros? A : By ferry from Athens (Rafina or Lavrion)

THE DODECANESE

The alley of the Knights in the old Town of Rhodes

The Dodecanese is another cluster of islands where you can perform Greek island-hopping. Although with less frequent connections between their ports, accessing them is possible by conventional ferries to the Dodecanese that operate different routes every day of the week. In addition, on some islands, visitors can travel from one island to another by boarding smaller vessels that sail to neighboring destinations.

➜ Read more about the Dodecanese

Like the Cyclades, the islands of the Dodecanese share several features, such as captivating architecture, delicious cuisine and impressive monuments. A large part of their coastlines is jagged, featuring numerous coves and bays with crystalline waters. On the other hand, the Dodecanese can also be described as a group of contrasts. The authentic white houses of the Aegean coexist with colorful neoclassical houses reminiscent of Italy. At the same time, while some immerse themselves in the peace of the natural landscape, others enjoy the loud music and events in cosmopolitan resorts. These and many more prove that Island hopping in the Dodecanese is well worth it for all types of travelers!

Below are some suggestions for Greek island-hopping in the Dodecanese based on the type of holiday you want to enjoy this year!

Encompassing three places that are permanently at the top of the list of favorite Greek destinations, this route allows you to visit the Greek capital as well as two of the country’s most touristic islands. The three have in common that they combine the cosmopolitan element and vibrancy with a rich historical background and an abundance of points of interest. Rhodes and Kos boast an international airport each, so going directly to one of the two islands without visiting Athens is possible.

This Greek island-hopping proposal includes two of the most preferred destinations among lovers of alternative tourism. Two islands that keep a low profile despite having so many breathtaking places to flaunt! Patmos is intertwined with religion, as it is the island where Saint John wrote the Apocalypse. It hosts countless points of interest, while its Town is an exceptionally well-preserved medieval settlement protected by UNESCO. Beyond its connection to religion, however, the island boasts pristine beaches, rugged peaks and excellent food. Another non-touristy place that certainly cannot be labeled as unknown, Kalymnos is famous for its long tradition of fishing and sponge processing. Its landscape allows visitors to go rock climbing, visit caves and explore the island’s beauties through the regional trails.

Q : How do I get to Patmos? A : By ferry from Athens (Piraeus)

Kasos and Karpathos are two neighboring islands that share their love for authenticity. More specifically, both have natural beauty, enchanting beaches with crystal clear waters, and traditional houses owned by hospitable locals who love to keep the customs. In Karpathos, one can even visit Olympos, the most untouched-by-time settlement in Greece, where people still wear traditional costumes and speak a local dialect only they can understand!

Q : How do I get to Kasos? A : By ferry from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina)           By plane from Athens and other cities in Europe and the Middle East

Our last suggestion features three pristine Greek islands far from the tourist crowds where tranquility prevails. Guests can admire the unique natural landscape of each of them and blend in with the locals and their laid-back attitude. Nisyros , a volcanic island with wild beauty, is an excellent destination for lovers of alternative tourism, as it has many geomorphological, historical and religious points of interest. One of its greatest assets is its colorful seabed, home to plentiful marine fauna and flora species. Tilos , an island unknown to many, is one of the most sustainable destinations in Europe, as it is almost energy-independent thanks to the ecological approach it has adopted. In fact, hundreds of plants (flowers and herbs) as well as rare species of birds, have made Tilos their refuge. In addition to its natural splendors, it also has points of historical interest. Finally, Kastellorizo is the definition of isolation. More than 70 nautical miles from Rhodes, the easternmost tip of Greece will enchant you with its picturesqueness from the moment you lay eyes on it, making you forget about your long crossing.

Q : How do I get to Nisyros? A : By ferry from Athens (Piraeus)

IONIAN ISLANDS

The beach of Myrtos in Kefalonia

Boarding a ferry to one (or more) of the Ionian Islands will gift you unparalleled memories of breathtaking scenery thanks to the verdant vegetation of the islands and the crystal-clear azure and teal waters that surround them! Full of landscapes reminiscent of heaven and with a rich historical background, the Ionian Islands are an equally popular destination for both Greek and foreign tourists. Ferry connections between them are limited, as most are large islands that visitors need days to explore, so people avoid adding extra destinations to their holiday schedules. However, some islands are connected to each other either by ferry or by seasonal boats that run routes to nearby destinations.

➜ Read more about the Ionian Islands

Check out a few recommendations for Greek island-hopping in the Ionian Sea!

The two main ports of Kefalonia are connected to the port of Pisaetos in Ithaca daily during the summer months, with the journey lasting only 20 minutes from the port of Sami and 40 minutes from the port of Poros. Both islands are renowned for their captivating natural beauty and sparkling blue waters, with the most striking example being Myrtos in Kefalonia.

Q : How do I get to Kefalonia? A : By ferry from Western Greece (Kyllini, Patra, or Astakos)           By plane from Athens and other European cities

Combine the multicultural and aristocratic Corfu with the peace and quiet of Paxi . Corfu is a large island with many points of interest of various kinds - what better after exploring them than escaping to a small island with fantastic waters and a relaxed atmosphere?

Q : How do I get to Corfu? A : By ferry from Epirus (Igoumenitsa)           By plane from Athens and other European cities

Meganisi is a relatively unknown place; one may even expect to see a deserted land deprived of life. On the contrary, the island boasts a unique atmosphere, beautiful settlements, dense vegetation and crystal-clear waters. It is located only four nautical miles from Nydri, with ferry boats to Meganisi departing daily in summer. After visiting the wonders of Lefkada , such as the revered Porto Katsiki Beach and the Castle of Agia Mavra, don't hesitate to board one!

Q : How do I get to Lefkada? A : By plane from Athens and other European cities (Aktio Airport in Preveza - a 20-minute drive from the island)           By car from the Greek mainland

SARONIC ISLANDS

The town of Aegina

The Saronic Islands are the island group closest to Attica. Conveniently located in the Argosaronic Gulf, they are the most preferred islands to visit from Athens for day trips, weekends and holidays. Taking a Greek ferry to the Saronic Islands is simple, as ferry departures from Piraeus are frequent, with more than ten itineraries scheduled daily during the high season. No route connects all the islands, but you can combine 2 or 3 destinations on your island-hopping itinerary! Vacationers can start or end their Greek island-hopping journey from one of the Peloponnese’s coastal areas that are connected by ferry to the islands of the Saronic Gulf - particularly Ermioni, Porto Heli, or Methana.

➜ Read more about the Saronic Islands

Have a look at our Greek island-hopping recommendations featuring the Saronic Islands!

After boarding a ferry from Athens, the first stop is Aegina , the native soil of thousands of pistachio trees with many points of interest, for which most ferries depart from Piraeus. Next is Agistri , the smallest of the Saronic Gulf islands with a tranquil atmosphere and untouched natural beauty, which is a meeting point for nature lovers and fans of alternative tourism. The picturesque Poros , with its lovely mansions and clean beaches, is considered a romantic Greek island suitable for people looking for a place to relax. Those who want to continue exploring can add a visit to Methana to their Greek island-hopping itinerary. It is a seaside town known for its thermal baths and historical sites.

Q : How do I get to Aegina? A : By ferry from Piraeus

Taking the ferry to those Greek islands is like time-traveling in the past! Poros is quaint, yet Hydra is perhaps the most picturesque place in Greece, as it has left its neoclassical architecture untouched, and a car ban is in effect on the island. In cosmopolitan Spetses , you will find a similar situation, with carriages still roaming the pebbled streets. Finally, the charming areas of Porto Heli and Ermioni in the Peloponnese are close to these islands and rated as two of the top destinations of the cream of the crop.

Q : How do I get to Poros? A : By ferry from Piraeus

The town of Skopelos

The last group of islands suitable for Greek island-hopping is the Sporades. They stand out for their dense, lush green vegetation and stunning, clear waters that are among the cleanest in Greece. No ferries depart for them from any of Athens’ ports. Instead, ferries to the Sporades depart from Thessaloniki, Volos, Evia (Mantoudi) and Agios Konstantinos (Fthiotida).

➜ Read more about the Sporades

Our Greek island-hopping proposal regarding the Sporades is visiting Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos. Skiathos is the closest island to mainland Greece and the liveliest in the archipelago, with thousands of visitors every year visiting for a swim at Koukounaries beach, watersports, hiking and dancing in the bars of Chora. Next in line is Skopelos , world-famous for the hit movie "Mamma Mia!". The landscape and turquoise waters of the island's beaches are reminiscent of the Ionian Sea. Finally, the heavenly Alonissos , apart from boasting beguiling greenery and crystal clear waters, is a safe haven for the Monachus Monachus seal. The island is also home to a national marine park.

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17 Reasons Why Cruising The Greek Islands Is My Favorite Way To Island Hop

• Destinations
• Greek Islands

Seeing Greece, the “Cradle of Civilization,” is an inspiring, bucket-list experience, taking you back centuries to walk in the sands of time. Greece has over 2,000 islands, but only 200 are inhabited. While you can visit Greece via a land tour, island hopping aboard a cruise ship lets you relax and make the most of your valuable travel time and dollars. 

Here are some of the reasons I think visiting the Greek Islands on a cruise is the best choice.

Note: I was hosted by Celestyal Cruises , but all opinions are my own. 

1. Unpack Once

When you cruise, you board the boat and only unpack once, not in a different hotel on each island. Everything is in one place, and you just sail away. Imagine having to carry your bags up the steep cobbled streets of Santorini ?

If you’re island hopping but not cruising, you have to plan ahead for a hotel on each island, unpacking over and over again. In the high summer season, the room rates are higher and there’s less flexibility.

2. Experience Islands Accessible Only By Boat

Many of the smaller, “hidden gem” islands are only accessible by boat, and many of the larger vessels are too big to dock there. That means you may miss spectacular scenery, beaches, and shopping. You could cruise on a private yacht charter, but that’s extremely costly.

3. Fewer Flights

Flying between the other islands is possible, but those charges mount up quickly, especially when you add in the price of taking a taxi back and forth. 

4. No Need To Navigate The Ferry System

Trying to navigate an irregular ferry schedule is challenging, and in most cases, a direct route isn’t available. The ferry you want might not run every day, or it could make multiple stops before you get to your destination. A friend spent 8 hours on a ferry to Santorini recently. That means you spend more time on the ferry than you do on the island!

5. Heavenly Ports O’ Call

My seven-night Cruise began and ended in Piraeus (Athens), followed by port stops in Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, and Milos. For even greater flexibility, Celestyal allows you to board in Thessaloniki or Kusadasi. More on my favorites below.

6. Beautiful Staterooms And Suites

My first impression was my good fortune in having been assigned one of Celestyal’s suites, which gave us lots of extra room for relaxing and more than enough drawers and closets, something usually in short supply in other cruise cabins. The suite also entitled us to enjoy their private dining room for breakfast and lunch as well as fresh fruit, appetizers, and desserts delivered to our stateroom throughout the day. 

What’s more, I found this smaller ship easy to navigate. With only nine decks, everything was easy to find without getting lost.

Pro Tip: I was told before I cruised that each of the islands is different, with its own history, identity, product, and handicrafts. If you see something you like on a Greek island, buy it. Chances are you won’t find it anywhere else. I saw beautiful lace in the windows in Mykonos, but nowhere else.

7. Thessaloniki

Greece’s second largest city.

Our first stop was Thessaloniki, filled with Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman relics. We chose a Panoramic Tour of the port, and our expert guide took us by the White Tower on the Aegean Sea, the iconic symbol of the island. The Tower served as a fortification, and prison in later years. Near it is a statue of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian leader who ruled in 336 B.C.

We loved the hustle and bustle of Aristotle Square with its open-air cafes, lovely boutiques, and grand hotels, highlighted by exquisite views of the sea. We drove through the mountains to the walled Upper Town for a sweeping panorama with Mount Olympus looming in the background. 

8. Kusadasi

The jewel of turkey.

Kusadasi, a Turkish resort town on the country’s western Aegean coast, was the next port, and the excursion included with our cruise highlighted the ruins of Ancient Ephesus, spanning the third century B.C. Walking through the Hellenistic, Roman, and early Christian relics, we marveled at the amazing structures and marbled streets. Our guide told us the multi-story Library of Celsus stored 12,000 scrolls made with calfskin.

Also impressive was the Great Theatre, which held 24,000 spectators. As a part of our tour, we had a chance to watch a carpet weaving demonstration, starting with the silkworms that created the silk and were woven into gorgeous, intricate patterns. 

9. Santorini

Where whitewashed, sky-blue domes will enchant you .

You’ve probably seen pictures of Santorini, with its whitewashed houses contrasted by sky blue doors and domes. Those are typically from Oia, the city of buildings carved into lava rock, which is known for its splendid captain’s homes and magnificent sunsets.

A remnant from a caldera and volcanic ash, this island is a joy to explore with its marble stairs and hidden alleyways, all set against the turquoise waters.

We also visited Fira, the capital city, perched high on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea, and took the cable car back to the tender. For those with more time, there are wine tours, catamaran cruises to catch the sunset, great museums, and outstanding beaches.

10. Mykonos

And its iconic statues at the terrace of the lions.

The excursion to the sacred island of Delos is an archeological site not to be missed. Starting with a delightful 30-minute boat ride, we could see the island come into view. Known as one of the most important mythological and historical sites in Greece — and they’re still digging — this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts Doric temples, houses with mosaics, and an open-air museum.

Delos was considered a holy sanctuary as the birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister, Artemis, during the first millennium. Discover the Temple of Apollo, the House of Dionysus, the Colossus of the Naxians, and the Terrace of the Lions. Mykonos is known as the “Island of the Winds,” which actually feel great on a hot day. It’s also recognized as a party city where the nightlife goes to the wee hours of the morn.

Pro Tip: Delos is open and without shade or amenities. Bring plenty of water , sunscreen, and a hat.

Where Venus De Milo Was Discovered 

This was my favorite island for several reasons. We walked down to Sarakiniko Beach to see the pure white stone sculpted by volcanic eruptions. This impressive natural wonder has an almost other-worldly sense to it, like hiking on the moon.

Go down the inlet to see sunbathers and swimmers snorkeling in the sea caves. Take in the dramatic lunar landscape and snap tons of pictures.

We also stopped at a local bakery to sample their sweets and visited the Mining Museum to trace the island’s famous history of mining obsidian.

But the piece de resistance was seeing the ancient Roman amphitheater where the armless wonder, Venus de Milos, was discovered in 1820. She now resides in the Louvre in Paris.

Experts believe this ancient Greek sculpture was created during the Hellenistic period, between 150 and 125 B.C., and depicts Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love. She is made of Parian marble and stands slightly taller than life-size. Where her arms are is one of the world’s greatest mysteries. 

Home To The Acropolis Overlooking The City 

Perched high, almost above the clouds, stands the Acropolis, a symbol of the once-mighty Greek Empire, built around the fifth century B.C. Imagine living among all of this splendor in your daily life.

On this historical hill stands the renowned Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the city’s protector. Walk through the well-preserved ruins and see the Temple of Athena Nike, gorgeous iconic columns, and splendid temples. Be sure to check out the Acropolis Museum next door with its see-through glass floors that let you stand in awe of the structures below. 

Pro Tip: Head to the Acropolis and Parthenon early in the morning when the lines aren’t as long and it isn’t as hot. Wheelchair access is available via an elevator. 

Our tour also included a stop at the Greek Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. One can only imagine the thrilling glory of victory.

We walked through the main plaza, Syntagma Square, with its five-star hotels, central fountain, statues, and the Parliament building. Surrounding us were restaurants, bars, and plenty of souvenir shops, meaning I could bring back loads of baklava, halva, and olive oil. 

Beyond these fabulous destinations, after spending a week aboard the Celestyal Crystal , I came to appreciate the following Celestyal cruise-specific Greek island hopping benefits:

13. Don’t Pay Tips Or Gratuities

A Celestyal cruise offers an outstanding value because it’s all-inclusive, meaning it includes your deluxe accommodations, onboard dining, live entertainment, and several shore excursions. Even tips and gratuities are included.

Compare the costs of a cruise to a land tour, and you’ll see why a cruise is much more cost-effective, stress-free, and enjoyable. 

14. Celestyal Is An Authentically Greek Outfitter

Celestyal does all the planning for you. With so many islands to choose from, how do you decide where to go? Celestyal is authentically Greek and offers a range of destinations to maximize your experience. Visit the most popular islands without having to worry about how you’ll get there. 

15. Greek Culture’s On Board

Celestyal Cruises takes it one step further by offering authentic Greek culture, Greek music, and Greek cuisine to enrich your experience. On-board activities celebrate Greek civilization with Greek folk dancing, Greek language, crafts, and other activities. Cruisers can even enjoy enrichment programs on subjects like Greek mythology.

16. The Best (And Freshest) Greek Food

Celestyal has just partnered with Greek culinary expert Diana Kochilas, author of 18 cookbooks and creator/host of the My Greek Table TV show. Her spectacular onboard restaurant serves a six-course feast featuring the most authentic Greek cuisine and ingredients straight from the islands: homemade bread, the freshest vegetables, succulent seafood, and a Greek Village Cheese Platter to die for. 

17. See The Most Greek Islands

On a Celestyal Seven-Night Cruise, you’re in a new port every day — some days even two. There’s no way you could replicate visiting so many islands in such a short space of time. 

Upon returning home, our Celestyal cruise and exploration of ancient Greece seemed like a dream. It made me yearn to see more of this exquisite destination. 

For more stories about Greece, consider:

• 7 Gorgeous Greek Villages To Add To Your Travel Bucket List
• 9 Best Beaches In Greece
• 5 Incredible Volcanoes To Visit In Greece

Her stories have appeared in UrbanMatter, Orbitz, Travelocity, Red Tricycle, Tinybeans, and Splash Magazines Worldwide. She is a proud member of Society of American Travel Writers and a former member of International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association. Sporting plenty of bling with notebook in hand, she is always ready for her next adventure. You can further follow her travels on her website, Mira Temkin Travel .

Small but nimble, these cruise vessels offer a journey that's anything but scaled down

Donna and Gordon Vaskey think small when they want a big time during their cruise vacations. Since 2006, the Denver, Colorado, couple has traveled the world with cruise ship line Windstar, visiting tucked-away small ports in Europe, the Caribbean, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

“At this point, we are typically doing two or three cruises with them a year,” said Donna Vaskey.

In two recent back-to-back cruises aboard Windstar’s Star Pride, the couple explored both Canary Islands, such as volcanic Lanzarote, before shifting gears and heading into Casablanca, Tangier and the Mediterranean beyond. They were not alone. Eighty of the 312 passengers on the ship remained for the second cruise.  

As major cruise lines continue to outdo each other with gargantuan ships, a section of the industry has built a strong niche market in small, nimble vessels that attract a clientele who believe small is better; that a ship like Star Pride can deliver more value than marine juggernauts the size of cities cannot. Small ships, categorized as carrying from 100 to 500 guests, position themselves more as large yachts than as cruise ships. The market encompasses everything from expedition cruise lines such as Hurtigruten and river lines like Viking to the more traditional cruising experience of Windstar, billed as most popular of the small ship cruise lines.

“We love the product,” added Vaskey, who has already booked a stateroom on Windstar’s Istanbul to Athens cruise this fall and Rome to Rome and Reykjavik to Montreal cruises next year

It may seem counterintuitive, but many small ships, Star Pride included, seem to offer passengers more elbow room than the big boys. Staterooms aboard Windstar’s motor yachts, for example, are configured entirely with suites, each at least 277 square feet, and all with ocean view. Common areas are rarely crowded.  

Boarding is a breeze, given the small number of passengers. As for shore excursions, while the options remain varied, small ship companies tend to overcompensate on total tour buses needed to avoid crowding and long lines at excursion destinations. In the President’s Cruise to the Canary Islands, the abundant supply of tour buses provided plenty of elbow room, and guests did not have to jostle their way at port destinations with thousands of other passengers.

Passenger-to-crew ratio is typically higher in the small ships, enabling a more personalized service. The crew of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the current largest of the marine juggernauts, totals 2,350, but the ship carries 7,600 at full capacity. Star Pride, on the other hand, has 204 staff members to care for 312 passengers, making for a personalized service that cruise fans such as the Vaskeys appreciate. It takes only hours for the crew to know each guest’s name and their particular preferences in libations and food.

“It’s a combination of the small ship size and fantastic crews,” Vaskey said. “It’s comforting when you get treated like family.”

While it is unlikely that small cruise ships will ever dominate the $25.4 billion global cruise market, they have nonetheless amassed a loyal following that generates healthy growth.

Windstar, part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, is embarking on a multi-million-dollar initiative to redesign its line of classic sailing yachts and will increase its current fleet of six ships by 33 percent in the next couple of years with the addition of Star Seeker and Star Explorer, two all-suite motor yachts. The first of the two to launch, the Star Seeker is expected to be delivered by the end of 2025, followed by the Star Explorer at the end of 2026.

“We are building on the success of our game-changing Star Class in small-ship cruising,” said Windstar Cruises’ president Christopher Prelog.

“The small ship market has a lot of growth capacity. We’re challenging traditional cruise ship mentality.”

Each ship will have 112 suites, featuring full-private verandas and infinity windows for optimum views. With a capacity for 224 guests, the ships will maintain an informal yet upscale atmosphere and personalized service. Both ships will boast ice-strengthened hulls to unlock access to new destinations.

The company, known for its sailing ship cruises to Tahiti and the South Seas, is also expanding its global reach to better tempt guests who are already well-traveled with bucket list destinations such as Machu Picchu in Peru and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. Guests who crave the unexpected can book the President’s Mystery Cruise, aimed at repeat guests, who will know only that the Star Legend will sail from and return to Athens. Destinations in between will be kept secret until 24 hours of arrival at each port, but once these are revealed, travelers will be able to choose from a variety of shore excursions. 

More: Utopia of the Seas makes big waves at Port Canaveral (and Meghan Trainor is its godmother)

Small ships cannot compete with the glitz and glamor of onboard casinos and Broadway quality shows, but they excel on laidback, intimate cruising experiences, particularly in dining. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of being the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation®, Windstar is hosting a series of culinary sailings featuring “All-Star” chefs such as Larry Forgione, hailed as “the Godfather of American Cuisine” for his role in changing the way Americans eat today. Forgione, credited for beginning the farm-to-table movement, cofounded and developed the Conservatory for American Food Studies at the Culinary Institute of America.

James Beard Foundation sailings are reflective of how small ships can offer guests intimate, unique experiences. These sailings include personal interaction with the chefs through a chef-hosted dinner and wine pairing, on-board cooking demos and a shoreside market tour led by the chef. On regular sailings, the foodie culture continues with menus that include recipes from James Beard Foundation chefs.  

Still, small ship cruising is not for everyone. Many lines tailor cruises to adults, and some, like Viking, discourage guests younger than 18. Even small ships that welcome youngsters are hard-pressed to entertain them.

Passengers who crave formal nights and the opportunity to get their photos taken at various locations throughout a ship will also be disappointed with the casual atmosphere of small ships.

While navigating the small ships is easy, unlike larger vessels, where getting from Point A to Point B can prove a long-range adventure and where getting lost among decks is often part of the routine, the options for entertainment are limited, often to a couple of performers in a couple of smallish venues. For some passengers, this is a plus, and they soon become fast friends with the singers, activity director and lounge staff. Windstar also subscribes to an open bridge policy, so guests can pop in to chat with the captain and his crew whenever, with the exception of port arrivals and departures.

Sea days can be, well, dull, since activities are limited, but Windstar, like most small ship lines, minimize these by nimbly hopping from port to port in tightly focused itineraries to less-traveled corners of the globe.   

Small ships can also make it a habit to host local enrichment programs and welcome local entertainment on board. During the Canary Islands cruise, guests were treated to a program on Silbo Gomero, an unusual whistled dialect used in tiny La Gomera, one of the ports a small ship can navigate with ease.

It is the ability to access these nooks and crannies of the globe, destinations such as the ultra-romantic Monemvasia in Greece or Mayreau -- with 271 residents, the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines -- that distinguish the small ships from their bigger siblings. Guests savor the opportunity to explore ports, so few of them remain on board when the ship is docked.

Because of their size, small ships can be kinder on ports of call, even if the ports are deep enough to accept larger vessels. For guests, that fact translates into less hectic ports of call crowded with annoying people.

“Some islands just cannot handle the big ships and influx of guests from larger ships,” Prelog said.

If cruising is indeed about exploring the world rather than catching a Queen tribute show, standing in line for the endless buffet or racing on go-karts on deck, then small ships have got the right priorities.

Maria Sonnenberg is a Brevard-based freelance travel and lifestyles writer.