A GUIDE TO ISLAND HOPPING IN GREECE (SANTORINI/MYKONOS/NAXOS/PAROS/CRETE)

For people who love beaches, you will definitely want to explore the Greek Islands The Greek Islands consist of the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian islands, Crete, North Aegean islands, Sporades, and the islands of the Saronic Gulf. Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Skiathos, Rhodes, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos: from one end of the sea to the other, the Greek islands are the perfect holiday destination. It’s not just the emerald water and the idyllic beaches that make holidays on the Greek islands a world-famous holiday experience. This Blog will highlight some of the destinations to visit in the Greek Islands.

To start the trip off, fly to Athens, where most of the major ferry-hopping itineraries are from. 

Athens

Athens, Greece’s capital city, is often used as a pit stop as travelers make their way to the marvelous Greek Islands and the country’s best beaches, but the sprawling city is packed with fantastic historical sites, marvelous tours, luxury hotels, and great restaurants. Athens is the center of Ancient Greek civilization and the birthplace of democracy. To travelers, Athens is most famous for its archaeological ruins, like the Acropolis complex, the Ancient and Roman Agoras, Hadrian’s Library, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Olympic Stadium. Athens is also known for its excellent museums, restaurants, nightlife, and cultural events, but one of the best things to do in Athens may be to wander the streets and squares, enjoying the city. Athens' main ferry port is well connected by the Greek ferry system to the Greek Islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Crete, and all of the islands of the Aegean Sea. Here are some of the Top Viator Tours to book in Greece.

My most recommended Viator tour in Athens is Skip the Line: Acropolis of Athens Afternoon Walking Tour, which is $35.73 per person; this trip is likely to sell out, so book now! See the landmark monuments of Athens in a new light during a late afternoon tour of the Acropolis, guided by a licensed archaeologist. You’re guaranteed to skip any long wait lines during this walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Avoid the crowds and warmer temperatures while taking a leisurely stroll around the Parthenon, Propylaia gateway, Temple of Athena Nike, and more.

My second recommendation is the Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Half-Day Small-Group Tour from Athens, which is 61.41 per person; since this tour is likely to sell out, so book now! Visit one of Greece’s most picturesque coastal viewpoints on a half-day small-group tour from Athens to Cape Sounion. Travel by minivan along South Attica’s scenic shoreline roads to reach the ancient Temple of Poseidon built atop a towering sea cliff with fantastic views of the Aegean. Explore the ruins of this temple dedicated to the Greek god of the sea, and opt for an afternoon tour to catch a famously beautiful sunset.

Although this tour is a bit pricier the Best of Athens Half Day Private Tour is well worth its price; the tour costs $178.66 per person and shows visitors highlights of all the top sights and hidden gems in the city. Discover the highlights of Athens, along with the city’s best-kept secrets, on a private 5-hour tour. The half-day adventure is perfect for travelers who like the flexibility to customize their sightseeing experience without worrying about the details. Visit the Temple of Zeus, Roman Agora, Acropolis, and much more in private transportation. Along the way, your guide provides immersive commentary and insider tips for the rest of your Athens vacation.

Getting around Greece is very easy, they have convenient public transportation and hop on hop off buses. If you have time to spare, I would suggest using public transport, but if you are going there on a cruise, I suggest using Hop on Hop off.

Greek Islands

From Athens, you can take the ferry to the Greek islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Crete, and all the Islands of the Aegean Sea. One great way to see the Greek Islands is by ferry hopping, and since most of the famous Greek islands are located in the Cyclades, every summer, travelers from all over the world visit the islands to have fun and relax in the Aegean Sea. Some of the most popular ferry routes include Piraeus - Santorini, Piraeus - Mykonos, Piraeus - Paros, Piraeus - Milos, Piraeus - Naxos, and Piraeus to Crete. For more information about Greek Island Hopping, visit Ferryhopper.com, where you can book your ferry tickets. Prebooking ferry tickets is not ALWAYS a "must". Most ships have free tickets even at the last minute. So, many people just buy ferry tickets upon their arrival. However, if you are visiting during peak season (mid-July and the end of August), it is recommended that you book earlier. 

There are a few different types of ferries available to book: Ferries, High-speed ferries, Hi-speed catamarans, and Flying dolphins. Ferries are the slowest of the bunch, but they are also the cheapest option for travelers on a budget. High-speed ferries are big vessels that resemble more to cruise ships rather than slow ferries. Quick, comfortable, and newly built are the best overall option for sea travel in Greece. Most often a little more expensive than a slow ferry, do the job quickly and efficiently. Hi-Speed Catamarans do what the name says and are significantly more expensive because of it, and are the best option for long trips. Flying Dolphin is a small vessel, carrying about 150 - 1000 passengers, doing short interisland trips, lasting about 20 mins - 90 mins; they are used on popular busy routes like Piraeus - Saronic islands, North Sporades, and the Dodecanese islands. 

The Piraeus port is located southwest of downtown Athens, it's the busiest port near Athens and the largest port in Greece. Most ferries, all cruise ships, nearly all ships for Crete, and all ferries and dolphins to the Argosaronic islands use this port. You can reach it by the green metro line working from early morning till midnight, the suburban railway and many bus lines, along with direct bus and suburban rail link, (from the old Peloponnese station), and even from the Athens airport. Trip duration to Athens downtown: 30 mins by metro. Trip duration to Athens airport: around 70 mins by metro/subway, 55 minutes by suburban rail. Visit this site for more info about Greek Island Ferries.

Santorini

Regarded as one of the top holiday destinations worldwide, Santorini is simply mesmerizing. Santorini is the perfect starting point for island-hopping, and the Island is connected with the port of Athens (Piraeus & Rafina) but also with many islands of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, and Crete. Ferry connections include Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Crete (Heraklion), Amorgos (Katapola), Anafi, Folegandros, Kimolos, Kos, Koufonissi, Rhodes, and more. The most popular routes are from Athens to Santorini,  Mykonos to Santorini, and Crete Heraklion to Santorini. If you want to travel on a budget, choose the Blue Star Ferries company. Early bird tickets cost approximately as little as 45.5 EUR for a deck seat. Santorini is world-famous for its volcano and the most romantic sunset in the world. Situated on the southern side of the Cyclades, the island is visited by more than 6 million tourists every year, making it the top Greek island and one of the most preferred destinations in the world. Points of interest to visit in Santorini include the Minoan ruins at Akrotiri, the village of Oira, and Fira, and Beach resorts such as Perissa, Kamari, and Perivolos.

You certainly can explore Santorini on your own, but if you are the type that likes to join a guided tour, consider the Santorini in a Day: Best of Santorini Private Tour, which cost $167.49; tours will sell out quickly.  Explore beautiful Santorini the way you wish on this private tour. Traveling by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, make the most of the custom itinerary and let your guide know what you want to see and do. Perhaps visit highlights such as the village of Oia, famous for its stupendous sunsets; the Minoan ruins at Akrotiri, a traditional winery, or simply relax on a black sand beach. Choose from a half-or full-day tour and ask your guide for insider tips on off-the-beaten-track gems.

Mykonos

The fastest way to reach this destination by ferry is to depart from Rafina Port in Athens. The duration of the ferry trip from Rafina is approximately 2 hours. Mykonos, the second top Greek holiday destination after Santorini, is known as the island of extreme nightlife and crowded beaches. Every summer, the island hosts more than 5 million tourists and gets wild with beach parties, loud music, and clubs that stay open 24/7. Mykonos is known for its traditional architecture; Chora (the main settlement) is the most picturesque village on the island. Small white houses, narrow paths, lovely churches with tall bell towers, and tiny gift shops in every corner form a typical Cycladic atmosphere. The most picturesque neighborhood of Chora is Little Venice, which features lovely cafeterias and restaurants and is famous for its colorful houses with balconies right next to the sea. The island of Delos, a holy place in ancient times, can be visited by a tour boat from Chora. On Delos, you will encounter the remains of the ancient temple of Apollo, the Street of the Lions, mosaics with beautiful frescoes and an archaeological museum. Most beaches on the island are well-organized and get very crowded; Super Paradise, Paradise, Platis Gialos, Psarou, and Paranga are surrounded by beach bars and sports clubs.

Most people prefer to explore the island themselves, but you can also Viator tour which hits all the major points of interest. The Small-Group Half-Day Tour in Mykonos is an excellent tour to book with Viator; the tour is $108.75 per person. Get the most out of your time in Mykonos with this small-group tour of island highlights. No need to worry about tired legs—the tour consists of walking segments as well as a comfortable ride between sites in an air-conditioned vehicle. Highlights include Mykonos Town, Kato Milli windmills, Little Venice, Agari Beach, and the Church of Paraportiani.

Naxos

Naxos is very close to Paros and Mykonos, which gives you the perfect chance to island-hop to the islands of the Cyclades. As Naxos lies in the center of the Aegean, it is an ideal starting point for numerous enchanting islands. Naxos is the largest of all the Cycladic islands and a prominent tourist destination. Being home to several traditional villages, historical sites, and charming beaches among others, the island offers a wide range of sights and activities to its visitors. The history of the island is intertwined with mythology. Some believe that Zeus was raised there, while others state that the giant brothers Ephialtes and Otus (Aloadae) lived on the island. The Venetian Castle and elegant mansions dominate Chora and the countryside, evincing how much of an influence the Venetians were. The main tourist spots are Chora (Town), Agios Prokopios, Plaka, Mikri Vigla, and Agia Anna, where you can find many hotels, gift shops, bars, and restaurants. The imposing Portara, the quaint Kastro, and the ancient temple of Demeter are the most impressive sights you shouldn’t skip visiting during your stay! 

While many visitors to Naxos prefer exploring themselves, I would suggest the Naxos: Highlights of Naxos Day Tour Viator tour for those who like guided tours; the tour costs $33.63. The Tour is ideal for travelers short on time, this tour covers the best of the island of Naxos in a full day of sightseeing. Highlights include stopping at the Temple of Demeter, touring a traditional olive press in Damalas,  swimming in the fishing village of Apollonas, and visiting the Panagia Drossiani Monastery, one of the oldest Byzantine churches in the Balkans with notable frescoes and architecture

Paros

Paros is a cheaper alternative to the superstar Cycladic islands of Santorini and Mykonos. If you love super-long beaches, watersports, and a pinch of glamour, Paros is perfect for you! Paros is considered a very picturesque Cycladic island. White and blue dominate, while paved paths cross the villages. Traditional windmills are scattered across the island and romantic spots dot the landscape. Parikia and Naoussa are the most famous villages on the island. Parikia is the capital and main port. It has a lot of beautiful neighborhoods and churches. Panagia Ekatondapiliani Monastery, Lefkes and Marpissa villages, and the Archaeological Museum are among the top places to visit. In addition, the stunning beaches are certainly considered attractions of the island. Long and sandy, pebbled and narrow, popular or isolated, you can find all kinds of beaches on the island. The most famous beaches of Paros are found on the eastern side of the island. Those include Golden Beach, New Golden Beach, Piso Livadi and Logaras.

Crete

Heraklion is the largest city of Crete, in Greece, and serves as the capital of the whole island, as it is the largest entry point to Crete. Apart from being a beautiful and busy town, Heraklion also has nice beaches and villages all along the prefecture. There are many ancient sites to see such as the Minoan town of Knossos which was the most important Cretan town in the Minoan times. Heraklio is the perfect place for sightseeing, thanks to its proximity to the most important archaeological sites in Crete. Heraklio, one of the biggest towns in Crete, combines city vibes with natural beauty and archaeological sites in a unique way. It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers and history buffs! Apart from being a beautiful and busy town, this town also has nice beaches and villages all along the prefecture. The busiest tourist resort in Heraklion is Matala, on the southern side of Crete, which gets particularly popular among English people. Other famous resorts of this prefecture are Agia Pelagia, Amoudara, Malia, Hani Kokkini, and Amnissos. These are the most tourism-developed regions of this city and attract thousands of visitors every year.

Most people prefer to explore Crete/Heraklio on their own but if you want to join a guided tour, consider the Full-Day Small-Group Tour in Crete; this great Viator tour costs $97.54 and is worth  If you’re visiting Crete for the first time, get an engaging introduction to the island’s culture and history on a small-group sightseeing tour that’s limited to only eight travelers. You’ll travel in a 4x4 vehicle, so you can go off-road where traditional tour vehicles can’t—visit the sunken village in Aposelemis Dam, the Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau, and the Cave of Zeus.